1. Agenda – 10/22 Share about our weeks off! 4 weeks until Thanksgiving!
9 weeks until Winter Break!
Talk about this quarter

2. UNIT THREE: The Postclassical World (600-1450)
Unifying Forces and Cultural Renaissances
Judaism, Christianity, Islam
“Golden Ages” of empires
Islamic Empires
Tang/Song China
Renaissance  Scientific Revolution (we will do as y’all read Macbeth)
I haven’t figured out your reading for this unit yet – be patient! It will come!
Generally speaking:

3. MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

4. 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)

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 21st Century Judaism map: Israel & diaspora
The majority of Diaspora Jews live in the US today

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

10. CHRISTIANITY

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

12. History of Christianity
Roman Empire thoroughly in control of Mediterranean world
Practiced rationalism, polytheism – but, people were supposed to worship Roman Emperor as a god
What problems might this cause for Christianity?

14. History of Christianity
But, the Empire also helps!
Roads assist spread of religious thought
Roads, safety, common language (common Greek in east)

15. 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

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

17. 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)

18. 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 (Torah) + New Testament (writings about Jesus’ life)
Written by Jesus’ apostles after his death
Predicted second-coming of Christ

19. CHRISTIANITY Big missionary pull – Paul and other apostles
What about its beliefs would Christianity be attractive to people?

20. CHRISTIANITY
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”