World Belief Systems What you need to

World Belief Systems

What you need to know § Compare and contrast how all societies have sought answers to life’s mysteries – – – how the world originated how we should live what happens after we die. § Analyze the similarities, and differences in belief systems § Explain how geography can influence the development and spread of belief systems

No Brain-er Stuff § When belief systems first develop they are LOCALIZED (can only be found in a small area) § How do belief systems spread? CULTURAL DIFFUSION spreads ideas from one culture to another. – This can happen in many ways including TRADE between cultures, WORD OF MOUTH (Spread of Ideas), and MISSIONARIES (People whose job it is to spread their faith).

Religions in Early Civilizations § As civilizations develop, POLYTHEISM (worship of many gods) becomes more common. § This is the beginning of the development of PATRON GODS…gods that protect cities, trades (god of blacksmiths, etc. ) or groups of people. § Why? Because this is what people deal with…Nature is a scary and dangerous force and people sought ways to understand it. § Also, people wanted to feel like they had a personal connection with the gods so they depended on patron saints…Blacksmiths need protect, travelers (pilgrims) need protection, etc.

Polytheistic gods

Animism and Shinto § Earliest gods usually represent FORCES OF NATURE (River and Tree spirits). People have nature gods because nature is UNPREDICTABLE. They depend on enough rain, sun, etc. so they can raise their crops…so pray to that Rain god so your crops grow and you can eat!!!!

Animism § Probably the world’s OLDEST belief system and it’s STILL PRACTICED TODAY around the world (especially in Africa and in the Americas). § NATURE and ANCESTOR WORSHIP are important parts of the religion. § SHAMANS or MEDICINE MEN/WOMEN tell stories (ORAL TRADION) to explain faith.

Shinto § § § means “Way of the gods”. This faith is native to JAPAN. NATURE AND ANCESTOR (HERO) WORSHIP are key components of the faith. They often refer to the spirits as KAMI. Shinto is SIMILAR to ANIMISM. The EMPEROR is considered to be a direct, DIVINE, descendant of the SUN GODDESS (Amaterasu).

Chinese Belief Systems § In Asia, many philosophies were developed to establish a way of life for people. These are not religions but they are considered BELIEF SYSTEMS. Some examples are Confucianism, Taoism and Legalism. § Main difference between a belief system and a religion? – No god

Confucianism §A belief system practiced in CHINA during ZHOU DYNASTY. § It was developed because China was in a state of mass disorder, confusion and declining moral standards. § Confucius stressed that a society based on SOCIAL ORDER and MUTUAL RESPECT would create a state of harmony.

Five Relationships Emperor Subject Husband Wife Parent Child Older Sibling. Younger Sibling Friend

Confucianism § He believed that everyone had a place in society which was called the FIVE RELATIONSHIPS. § He also stressed kindness and etiquette (proper behavior) and FILIAL PIETY (respect your elders). § Believed that people need structure and rules (laws) in order to be good. § Probably the MOST INFLUENTIAL belief system in China

Taoism /Daoism § § § A belief system practiced in CHINA during ZHOU DYNASTY. Teaches people to follow THE WAY (Dao). People should live a SIMPLE LIFE in HARMONY with NATURE moves in a particular way and people are expected to passively ACCEPT “THE WAY. ” People who follow “THE WAY” don’t need rules but live in HARMONY and understand the world. Believes that people by nature are good. YIN AND YANG symbolizes balance in NATURE – GOOD vs. BAD

Legalism § Believes that humans are EVIL AND BAD. § STRICT CONTROL was needed to control humans. § STRICT LAWS AND HARSH PUNISHMENT were the key to an orderly society. § PERSONAL FREEDOM WAS NOT IMPORTANT. § Need to have a strong state under a RULER with ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY. § Creates a powerful, totalitarian military state. § Believed in RIGID THOUGHT CONTROL (book burning).

Hinduism § a MONOTHESTIC religion (though NYS sometimes thinks they are polytheistic) practiced especially in INDIA.

Hinduism § Salvation is attained through SPIRITUAL ONENESS OF SOUL with ULTIMATE REALITY. § To achieve this, the SOUL must be LIBERATED (MOKSHA) from endless cycle of Birth, Death and Rebirth (REINCARNATION). LIFE DEATH REBIRTH

Hinduism § The consequences of your previous life’s actions (KARMA), good or bad, determine your position in the next life. If you fulfill your life’s duty (Dharma), you will have good Karma.

Hinduism § All forms of animal life have souls and all life is sacred. § COWS are especially sacred and so is the GANGES RIVER. § They develop the CASTE SYSTEM (Rigid class structure) with the UNTOUCHABLES EXISTING OUTSIDE THE CASTE SYSTEM. – Caste system is finally abolished in 1947.

Buddhism § Developed in India. § Currently practiced in southeast Asia and Japan. § Core belief is that DESIRE IS THE ROOT OF ALL SUFFERING. § Buddhist monks often wear orange.

Buddhism § The FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS are a core part of the faith. – They state LIFE IS FULL OF PAIN AND SUFFERING and that to END SUFFERING YOU MUST END DESIRE (this is accomplished by following the EIGHTFOLD PATH). § REINCARNATION is part of the faith but they REJECT THE CASTE SYSTEM. § The WHEEL OF LIFE represents the ENDLESS CYCLE OF LIFE. § To escape reincarnation you must reach NIRVANA (release from cycle).

Not this Nirvana…

This Nirvana…

Sikhism and Jainism § Developed and practiced in India. § Believe that there is ONE GOD and that he is the God of all religions. § The soul goes through REINCARNATION until it joins with GOD. § All people are equal in the eyes of God. § Guru Nanak was the founder and the Golden Temple in Amritsar is their holiest temple. § Developed and practiced in India. § Believe that EVERYTHING HAS A SOUL AND NOTHING SHOULD BE HARMED. § They preach toleration of all religions and they do not pursue converts.

Sikhism and Jainism § Statues at a Jain temple §Golden Temple – Sikh holy place

Judaism § Oldest known MONTHEISTIC religion that is still practiced today § Developed in the ARABIAN PENNINSULA. ABRAHAM is considered the founder due to his COVENANT with GOD. § Moses received the 10 commandments (Second Covenant) § It is currently practiced WORLDWIDE, especially in the US, former USSR and ISRAEL. § The holy teaching are found in the TORAH AND TALMUD.

Judaism Images Western (Wailing) Wall – Temple of Solomon Sacrifice of Issac

Christianity Currently the most popular religion in the world. MONOTHEISTIC faith that developed from Judaism. Developed in the Arabian Peninsula. Founded by JESUS OF NAZARETH. Teachings are found in the OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT, especially the GOSPELS. § Christians believe in the HOLY TRINITY and the 10 COMMANDMENTS. § This faith is practiced worldwide. § §

Christianity Images Vatican City, Italy Jesus Christ

Islam § Second most practiced faith in the world – fastest growing faith too! § MONOTHESTIC faith that is derived from Judaism and Christianity. § Founded by MUHAMMED. § Developed in Arabian Peninsula and dominant in the MIDDLE EAST, SW ASIA and NORTH AFRICA. § Teachings are contained the QURAN. § The FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM are a key component of the faith.

FIVE PILLARS FAITH PRAYER FASTING ALMSGIVING CHARITY PILGRIMAGE Hajj

Muslim Images Muhammad - Caligraphy Kaba – End of the Hajj Dome of the Rock

How Belief Systems Spread § Why do some belief systems remain in an isolated area? § Why do some belief systems spread over a wide geographic area? § There is no single answer though there a number of reasons. The process by which these ideas spread though is called Cultural Diffusion

Spread of Buddhism § Over time, Buddha’s teaching won widespread acceptance § Asoka (Mauryan rule) converted to Buddhism and sent missionaries to spread Buddhist ideas. § Traders and missionaries (people dedicated to spreading a faith) spread Buddhism from India to many parts of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea and SE Asia. § Buddhism would eventually decline in India

Spread of Judaism § The Romans expelled the Jews from Palestine in A. D. 135. § This event was known as the diaspora, or scattering of people § Wherever Jews settled they established tight knit communities, pulling together to survive.

Spread of Christianity § Spread through the work of missionaries like Paul. § The Roman Empire persecuted Christians but this failed to stop the spread of the faith. § Christianity appealed to the poor and many educated Romans as well § Emperor Constantine allowed freedom of worship throughout the Roman Empire (Edict of Milan) § Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the empire § Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, missionaries continued to spread the faith. § Europeans would spread Christianity to the New World and other places in the world during the Age of Exploration

Spread of Islam § Arab warriors spread Islam through military conquest § Arabs treated conquered people in a fair way, many people converted to Islam willingly. § Islam was appealing because it emphasized honesty, generosity, and social justice § Merchants would continue to spread Islam along trade routes in Africa, China and India. § Islam would also spread to Spain though it was prevented from spreading to the rest of Europe at the Battle of Tours.