1. The Spread of World Religions Foundations Lesson 6

2. Main Ideas: The Axial Age: era from 500 BCE-500 CE in which major world religious & philosophical movements spread across the E HemisphereThe Axial Age: era from 500 BCE-500 CE in which major world religious & philosophical movements spread across the E Hemisphere Religions spread based on ease of conversion and economic conditionsReligions spread based on ease of conversion and economic conditions Some religions fail to spread due to cultural restrictionsSome religions fail to spread due to cultural restrictions

3. Why Religions Spread Have universal appealHave universal appeal Conversion relatively easyConversion relatively easy Culture or location promotes exchange (via trade)Culture or location promotes exchange (via trade)

4. Why Religions Spread BuddhismBuddhism – 4 Noble Truths reflect human problems – New Buddhists must simply follow teachings – Spreads from India via Silk Roads & Indian Ocean

5. Why Religions Spread ChristianityChristianity – Focus on brotherhood of all men – Baptism = Christian – Spreads quickly through Roman world, then beyond via trade routes (St. Paul)

6. Why Religions Spread IslamIslam – Emphasis on people as children of Allah – Conversion = affirmation of faith – Spread by caravan and war across Asia & Africa

7. Why Religions Don’t Spread Tend to be exclusive of new believersTend to be exclusive of new believers Rites of conversion difficultRites of conversion difficult Interwoven into culture/societyInterwoven into culture/society

8. Why Religions Don’t Spread JudaismJudaism – Concept of the “Chosen People” – Conversion requires years of intensive study

9. Why Religions Don’t Spread HinduismHinduism – Religion closely linked to social castes – Ancient, complex faith hard to master if an outsider to Hindu culture

10. Why Religions Don’t Spread ConfucianismConfucianism – Deification of a Chinese philosopher – Principles intended to apply to Chinese society & culture

11. Impacts of the Spread Regional commonalities provide some unity during interaction (trade, war)Regional commonalities provide some unity during interaction (trade, war) Reflects a degree of openness in adoptive societies Reflects a degree of openness in adoptive societies Becomes a conduit for cultural exchange, migration, etc.Becomes a conduit for cultural exchange, migration, etc.