1. Agenda – 10/23 Student shout outs! Monotheistic religions:
Judaism, Christianity, Islam
HW: reading! As always. Remember, quiz is THURSDAY next week instead of FRIDAY.

2. RECAP
Universalizing religions: religions with a core of beliefs that transcend cultures and actively recruit new adherents (anyone can convert)
Examples??
Ethnic religions: religions that create strong social bonds between people but mainly are restricted to one ethnic group (people can’t always readily convert; not a strong missionary aspect)

3. JUDAISM One God – merciful, just, all-powerful, all-knowing
Created all things
Chosen people: Hebrews
Hebrews – Semitic people living in Ancient Mesopotamia
Hebrews/Semites/Semitic people/Jewish people

4. JUDAISM: HOLY TEXT Hebrew holy text – all together, called the Tanakh
“Old Testament”
“Hebrew Bible”

5. JUDAISM: CONFLICT AND DIASPORA
Israel (nation) splits into two: Judah and Israel
Conflict and wars; in Mesopotamia… what do you remember?
History of diaspora – being forcefully dispersed from your original homeland

6. Current variations in Judaism
Around million Jews worldwide
Spectrum of observance ranges from Orthodox-Conservative-Reform
Many secular Jews as well

7. CHRISTIANITY

8. Christianity: intro
More than 2.2 billion adherents worldwide (about 30% of world)
Vast array of beliefs and denominations
Jesus’s role always central

10. History of Christianity
Jesus was born into a Jewish family
Immaculate conception: Mary was born sinless
Incarnation: Virgin Mary conceives and gives birth to Jesus
Jesus as “son of God” – the long-awaited Jewish Messiah

11. Life and Teachings of Jesus
Jesus as Son of God and savior of the world
Part of the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit
People are born into sin, and cannot work their way up to salvation by being good

12. Life and Teachings of Jesus
Lived a sinless life, was crucified, and was resurrected
“After making purification for  sins, he sat down at the right hand of the  Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3)

13. Life and Teachings of Jesus
Preached love, mercy, compassion, equality among believers
Can only go to Heaven through believing in Christ as Savior
Christian Bible = Old Testament (Tanakh) + New Testament (writings about Jesus’ life)
Written by Jesus’ apostles after his death

14. CHRISTIANITY Big missionary pull – Paul and other apostles
Says that Gentiles (non-Jewish people) can have a relationship with God through Christ
Jewish law less relevant
Humans can’t keep the law, but Jesus did on humanity’s behalf
Equality amongst believers – all “brothers and sisters” and “adopted children of God”

15. Crash course: Christianity