Sponge What does monotheism mean If theism means

Sponge What does monotheism mean? (If theism means belief in a god, what do you think monotheism means? )

Land of Three Faiths Notes

Judaism: Founder/Central Figure Began in present day Israel Founded by Abraham (a key figure in ALL 3 of these religions) Moses led Israelites from Egypt out of slavery. David: 2 nd King of Israel, the young boy who defeated Goliath, eventually succeeds Saul as King of Israel and Judah.

Judaism: Holy Book Torah First 5 books that contain teachings of Moses IS the first five books of the Bible Is accepted as a Holy Book in Islam as well Written in Hebrew Read right to left, instead of left to right

Dead Sea Scrolls Found in present-day West Bank Are the oldest surviving copies of Biblical documents, dating back over 2100 years.

Judaism: Followers are the Hebrews (culturally) and Jews (religious term) Hebrew is the language they spoke

Judaism: Place of Worship They worship in synagogue or temple Temple – the original place of worship, Solomon’s “temple” Synagogue – modern buildings used for worship. Many referred to as temples as a tribute to the original one.

Modern Divisions within Judaism Orthodox (very religious) Conservative (traditional, but less rigid than Orthodox) Reform (the most liberal of the three)

Judaism: Name of God Yahweh Judaism: Teacher/Religious Leader • Rabbi

Judaism: Characteristics 10 Commandments given to Moses by God Kosher—strict dietary laws (“free of contamination”) Shabbat (Sabbath)-Holy Day—Sundown on Friday to Sundown Saturday – Spent in prayer, resting, family feasting. Calendar includes five major festivals (including Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur) and two minor ones – Hanukkah, Purim (Pa-celebrates Exodus from Egypt. R. H. -Jewish New Year, YK – Day of Atonement/pray forgiveness, H – celebrates religious freedom/victory over Maccabees)

The Beginnings of Christianity Present day Israel in Bethlehem

Christianity: Founder/Central Figures Jesus: Son of God, born in Nazareth Messiah (the anticipated savior) Disciples: Followers/students of Jesus Apostles: the “chosen” teachers of Jesus’ message Paul: Continued to spread Christianity and wrote a good portion of the New Testament

Christianity: Holy Book Bible (originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic/Greek, translated/updated countless times since) 1382 English Old Testament: the foundation of the Biblical story, the history/customs of the Jews, written hundreds of years before the life of Jesus. New Testament: written after the birth of Jesus Christ, about his life, teachings, death.

Christianity: Followers Christians Place of Worship Church Cathedral (largest church in a diocese) (Basilica – a church blessed by the Pope, 33 in the U. S)

Divisions within Christianity Reformation led by Martin Luther in 16 th Century, resulted in formation of many different “branches” of Christianity: Catholic and Protestants - Protestants, Baptists, Orthodox, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Pentecostals, Methodists………. .

Christianity: Name of God “Holy Trinity”: God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit Teacher/Religious Leader Pastor, Priest, Reverend, Preacher

Christianity: Characteristics Gospels: First 4 books of New Testament Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Tells story of Jesus’ message of love/forgiveness Drew large crowds Resurrection: Jesus died on the cross, rose 3 days later and ascended to Heaven 40 days later (Easter) Sunday is Holy Day

Islam: Where it began Mecca, Saudi Arabia Birthplace of Muhammad, most sacred city in Islam. Muslims around world face Mecca 5 times daily for prayer.

Islam: Founder/Central Figures Muhammad: Last and greatest prophet What is a prophet? Someone sent by Allah (God, to bring people to believe in and worship Him alone. The Prophetic Tradition of Islam 1. Adam 2. Noah 3. Abraham 4. Moses 5. Jesus 6. Mohammad (the last and greatest)

Divisions within Islam Sunni - believed there was no successor appointed by Muhammad, recognize 4 post-Muhammad caliphs, do not recognize any caliphs alive today; since the 1920 s (Most Muslims are Sunni) Shi’ite (pronounce She-Ite) – believe there were 12 Imams (followers of Muhammad), one in hiding because of sins of Islamic Communnity, but will return before “the end times. ”

Islam: Holy Book Qur’an/Koran: exact words revealed to Muhammad by God. Recorded by scribes during Muhammad’s lifetime. The primary source of every Muslim’s faith/practice. Deals with wisdom, beliefs, worship and the law. Focuses on the relationship between God and His creatures.

Islam: Followers Muslims Place of Worship Mosque

Islam: Name of God Allah (Arabic for “God”) Central Theme/Belief: Monotheism – belief in one allpowerful God. Purpose of humanity is to serve Allah, worship him alone, and lead a moral life. Teacher/Religious Leader Imam

The Five Pillars of Faith (Five Essential Duties each Muslim must carry out. )

1. The Shahada The declaration of faith: "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his Prophet" 1

2. The Salat Z The mandatory prayers performed 5 times a day: * dawn * noon * late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed Z Wash before praying. Z Face Mecca and use a prayer rug. 2

3. The Zagat Z Almsgiving (charitable donations). Z Muslims believe that all things belong to God. Z Zagat means both “purification” and “growth. ” Z About 2. 5% of your income. 3

4. The Sawm Z Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Z Z Considered a method of selfpurification. No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. 4

5. The Hajj Z The pilgrimage to Mecca. Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime by all that are physically/financially able. Z Z 2 -3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year. 5

5. The Hajj Z Those who complete the pilgrimage can add the title hajji to their name. 5

Other Islamic Religious Practices Z Up to four wives allowed at once. Z No alcohol or pork. Z No gambling. Z Sharia body of Islamic law to regulate daily living. Z Three holiest cities in Islam: * Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem.