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

2. I What is religion? A) A religion is a system of beliefs, practices, and rules of behavior, values, and morals, that is used to worship a supernatural force (such as god). B) A belief system is similar to a religion, but it does not necessarily include a belief in the supernatural. C) Atheists do not believe in a god. D) Agnostics are unsure if a god exists. Is it okay to question or change your religion or belief system?

3. II Animism A)Animism is the belief that spirits exist in objects found in nature (trees, rocks…). Animism is most likely the earliest form of religion. B)Shamans are spiritual leaders and healers of animist religions. This is a Shinto shrine in Japan. Shinto is a form of animism that is still practiced in Japan today. A shrine is a sacred space, often marked by a building or statue.

4. Shaman Ritual, Ecuador Most people in Ecuador are Catholic. However, some Ecuadoreans still seek medical help from shamans. In the photo above, the shaman rubs the patient with the guinea pig to absorb the vibes of the patient. He will then dissect the guinea pig. By examining its organs, the shaman believes he can determine the cause of the patient’s illness. Is this practice based on science or faith/belief?

5. III 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).

6. IV 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!

7. Summary Questions 1.What is the difference between a religion and a belief system? 2.What do animists believe? Who practiced animism? 3.What do polytheists believe? Who practiced polytheism? 4.What do monotheists believe? Who practices monotheism?

8. Key Vocabulary Agnostic Animism Atheist Belief System Hierarchy Monotheism Moral Pantheon Polytheism Religion Shaman Shrine Supernatural