1. Unit 3 World Religions Lesson #1 Intro to Religion

2. Aim: What is religion and what does it have to do with history?
Do Now: What does the word “religion” mean to you? Reflect, Write, Turn & Talk
NY State Learning Standards 2
Common Core RS 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and WS 1, 2

3. What is religion?
A) A religion is a system of beliefs, practices, and worship of a supernatural force (such as god). B) A belief system is similar to a religion, but it does not have to include a belief in the supernatural.
Atheists do not believe in a god.
Agnostics are unsure if a god exists.
Discussion Question: Based on these definitions, what is the difference in your opinion between a religion and a belief system?

4. What does religion have to do with history?
A) Religion is a characteristic of culture. B) Every civilization has adopted either a religion or a set of beliefs.
Discussion Question: Can you imagine a world without religion?

5. Religion - Polytheism
A) Polytheism is the belief in many gods. B) Many polytheistic religions had a pantheon/hierarchy (order of importance) of gods and goddesses.
Zeus was the most powerful god in the ancient Greek pantheon. Below him were other gods such as Apollo (god of the sun), and Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty).
Discussion Question: Do you think there are disadvantages to praying to too many gods?

6. is a holy city for all 3 religions!
Religion - Monotheism
A) Monotheism is the belief in one god. B) Judaism was the first monotheistic religion. From Judaism came two other monotheistic religions; Christianity and Islam!
Jerusalem
is a holy city for all 3 religions!

7. Belief System - Animism
Animism is the belief that spirits exist in objects found in nature. It is the earliest form of religion.
Shamans are spiritual leaders and healers.
This is a Shinto shrine in Japan. A shrine is a sacred space.

8. Shaman Rituals in Ecuador & Finland
Discussion Question: Do you think a belief system can evolve into a religion?
Right: Soyot people from 1898 

9. Activity
Students complete the Find Someone Who activity: – To complete this activity students circulate around the room, asking classmates to complete any of the statements. If a student can complete one of the statements, they initial the appropriate box.

10. Closing
Exit Question: What is religion and what does it have to do with history? Homework: How important do you think religion was to Ancient Civilization?