2.  An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods.  Characteristics of Religions: Establish basic ethical principles Sacred Texts Message reaches a diverse group of people  Religions attempt to answer complex questions of human life. Why do we suffer? Why is there evil in the world? What happens to us when we die?

6.  The Diaspora helped spread the ideas of Judaism.  Synagogues (holy building) helped maintain the Jewish culture with Rabbis leading the services on Friday night and Saturday mornings.  The principle of monotheism influenced Christianity and Islam.  The emphasis on ethical conduct influenced the development of law in many lands.

10.  Currently largest religion in the world  Spread due to missionaries, wars, and imperialism  Christian churches very powerful in World History and politics Crusades Renaissance Europe Social Issues (Poverty, Human Rights, Abortion)

11.  610 AD -Muhammad – Angel told him he was the prophet of Allah (God), and he must spread the word  Mecca – Holy Shrine to Allah and Muhammad  After much struggle, Islam became the dominant religion in the Middle East Islam – “to submit” Muslims – “those who submit to God”

12.  Qur'an – Holy Text: contains word of God as revealed to Muhammad  Recognize Christian & Jewish prophets: Abraham, Moses, and Jesus  Monotheistic  Holy Day – Friday  Worship in a mosque

14.  1 Billion Followers – 2 nd most practiced  Generally respectful of Christianity & Judaism  Very influential in Middle Eastern Culture Shari’ah Law – Islamic Law adapted in many Muslim countries

16.  Defines social classes (India’s Caste System)  Mahabharata and Ramayana stories about Hindu gods, kings, and heroes conveyed religious and philosophical ideas and provided a model for Hindu life

17.  Polytheistic  Reincarnation  Dharma (law, duty, and obligation) – reflects one’s social position  Karma – consequences of one’s actions on reincarnation (reborn in lower caste)

18.  Hindu beliefs are deeply woven into Indian society.  Ganges River  Hindu ideas and practices are followed around the world. Yoga – Hindu tradition adopted around the world

19.  Based on teachings of Siddhartha Gautama  Embraced ideas of karma and reincarnation Didn’t emphasize complex rituals, caste system, or polytheism Focused on search for enlightenment (pure wisdom)  Nirvana – a state of happiness and peace

20.  Four Noble Truths  Eightfold Path - set of guidelines to achieve enlightenment  Reincarnation  1. Right understanding: Deeply understand the Four Noble Truths. 2. Right purpose: Live a life of selflessness, love, and nonviolence. 3. Right speech: Be careful and truthful in what you say. 4. Right action: Do not kill, steal, lie, or hurt others. 5. Right livelihood: Earn a living in ways that do no harm. 6. Right effort: Promote good actions and prevent evil actions. 7. Right mindfulness: Be aware of but not attached to your emotions, thoughts, or feelings. 8. Right concentration: Focus your mind with practices such as meditation.

21.  Became leading religion in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, China, Korea, and Japan.  Elements such as nirvana and meditation have spread across the world

23.  How many ways has religion impacted the world? Art Music Politics Gender Roles Human Rights Wars Peacemaking Economy Charity Literature Education