1. Place of Origin/ Holy Text
Global Name__________________
Unit 3 Notes
World Belief Systems
Belief System/ Symbol
Place of Origin/ Holy Text
Main Beliefs
Essential Elements
India
Reincarnation: Belief that the soul comes back in another form after the body’s death
Dharma: the overall values and rules of Hinduism
Karma: The behavior of a Hindu (thoughts and actions)
Caste System: Social order of separate castes (classes) through Karma – people move up or down the caste system
Vedas
India (then moved out)
Began in India but was not accepted (Hindu social order was too strong)
Missionaries spread Buddha’s teachings through Asia
Four Noble Truths
Everyone Suffers
Suffering caused by desires
To end suffering – end desires
To end desires – follow the Eight-Fold Path
Right: Views, Resolve, Speech, Conduct, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, Concentration
----
China/ Tao Te Ching
Founded by Laozi
Live in harmony with nature
Yin and Yang create balance
Follow Dao (The Way) of nature (accept the things that you cannot change)
China/
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Founded by Han Feizi
People are basically evil
Harsh laws and strict punishment
Force and power are necessary
Be true to government, not family
China
Founded by Confucius
People are basically good
Good conduct and being moral = good government and social harmony
Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do to you
Filial Piety – Respect your elders
Five Relationships:
Ruler → Subject
Father → Son
Husband → Wife
Older brother → Younger brother
Friend = Friend
Analects
Hinduism
Brahmins
Kshatriyas
Vaishyas
Shudras
untouchables
Buddhism
Korea
China
Japan
India
Southeast Asia
Taoism
Legalism
Confucianism

2. Place of Origin/ Holy Text
Religion: Organized and beliefs and rituals of a culture; usually associated with a “god” or “spiritual force”
Social Philosophy: A set of guiding principles that a community follows and has a great influence on that community
Belief System/ Symbol
Place of Origin/ Holy Text
Main Beliefs
Essential Elements
Middle East
Monotheism: belief in one God
Kicked out of Palestine by the Romans during Diaspora, and scattered throughout Europe
God will send a Messiah (savior) to them someday
Ten Commandments: Guidelines for Behavior – follow God’s laws for the Messiah to come
Torah (first 5 books of Old Test)
Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Messiah
Jesus’ death provided salvation for those who believe
Roman Empire initially persecuted Christians, then converted to it
Ten Commandments: Guidelines for Behavior
Belief in Christ brings salvation and heaven after death
Simple rules brought many converts to Christianity
Bible
Follow Allah in all things above everything else
Mohammed is the Messiah who spread the word of God
Religious laws of Islam are so important that they often become the political laws of the nation
Five Pillars of Faith
Faith: Shahada “there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his profit
Prayer: Five times/day facing Mecca
Charity: Zakat, give alms to the poor
Fasting: no food or drink while sun is up during Ramadan
Pilgrimage: Hajj, journey to Mecca once in your life
Qur’an (Koran)
Africa/
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Worship spirits of nature (trees, animals, etc.)
Worship their ancestors
Great respect for the natural world
Japan/
Spirits of “Kami” exist in all things, including their emperor
Shrines built at places of beauty in nature (Torii Gates)
Judaism
Christianity
Islam
Animism
Shintoism

3. Place of Origin/ Holy Text
Global Name__________________
Mr. Krueger Unit 3 Notes
World Belief Systems
Belief System/ Symbol
Place of Origin/ Holy Text
Main Beliefs
Essential Elements
Reincarnation:
Dharma:
Karma:
Caste System:
Four Noble Truths
Right:
Founded by _____________
Live in harmony with
__________ create balance
People are basically ______
Founded by ______________
Good conduct and being moral =
Golden Rule –
Filial Piety –
Five Relationships:
Ruler →
Father →
Husband →
Older brother →
Friend =
Hinduism
Brahmins
Kshatriyas
Vaishyas
Shudras
untouchables
Buddhism
Taoism
Legalism
Confucianism

4. Place of Origin/ Holy Text
Religion:
Social Philosophy:
Belief System/ Symbol
Place of Origin/ Holy Text
Main Beliefs
Essential Elements
Monotheism:
Ten Commandments:
Five Pillars of Faith
Faith:
Prayer:
Charity:
Fasting:
Pilgrimage:
Judaism
Christianity
Islam
Animism
Shintoism