During this unit we will – Further your understanding of the major belief systems that have dominated civilization for thousands of yeas.

Engage in a variety of group activities

Successfully complete several Graphic Organizers

Successfully complete a unit notes packet

Examine several primary source documents

Successfully complete several DBQ assignment

Successfully complete one Unit exam, which will include one thematic essay

Have fun and share a few laughs

Do Now!!!What is a belief system?

Do Now, Now!!!

How many belief systems can you name?

TTYN

Animis

m

Hinduism

Christianity

Judaism

Islam

Buddhism

Confuciani

sm

Taoism

Animism

Animism is a superstitious way of life that believes in spirit worship, fetishism and the worship of nature. Although manifesting itself in different ways, animism believes that everything in nature has a soul and that there is a spirit or force residing in every living and inanimate object, including animals, rocks, trees, mountains, rivers, volcanoes, heavenly bodies or other created objects. In light of the recent events in Japan, is it too far-fetched to believe that nature has a soul and that there is a spirit or force residing in everything?

Animism

Animism is characteristic of primitive social structures in tribal, often nomadic communities. It is typically associated with the early Bronze Age (3000 – 2000 BC) cultures of the pre-Christian era.

Followers of Animism - The number is unknown. Almost all practicing Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu and Christian devotees of present day SE Asian societies also include in their belief systems elements of animism

Timeline

HinduismTimeline

Geography

Founder

Widely considered the world’s oldest religion. Many people suggest that Hinduism in not a religion, much like Christianity or Judaism, but more of a way of life. Hinduism evolved around 1500 BCE

None. Hinduism derives from the word "India” and refers to traditions and philosophies that have evolved over thousands of years

Sacred Text

Vedas and Upinshads

HinduismBasic Tenants of Hinduism

Universal Spirit or Brahman

Hindu thinkers came to believe that everything in the universe was part of the unchanging, all-powerful spiritual force called brahman.

In other words, brahman is too complex an idea for most people to comprehend, so they worships gods that give a concrete form to brahman.

“Brahman or the Supreme Self is beyond time and space, causation. He is limitless. He is tranquil. He shines with equal effulgence in all bodies. He cannot be any particular thing. He is Chaitanya or pure consciousness. He is Vastu, Atman or Brahman or the Supreme Self is the hidden treasure. It is the jewel of jewels. It is gem of gems. It is the imperishable, inexhaustible supreme wealth, which no dacoit can rob. It is Chintamani of Chintamanis that will give man whatever he wishes.”

According to Swami Sivananda, one of the great Yoga masters of the 20th century

Hinduism

To Hindus, every person has an essential self, or atman. Atman is just another name for brahman. For Hindus, the ultimate goal of existence is to achieve moksha (MAHK SHUH), or union with brahman. To accomplish this – you must free yourself from selfish desires. Because Hindus believe that this goal cannot be completed in just one lifetime, they believe in reincarnation. Thus, through reincarnation, you are able to continue working towards moksha. Karma

All actions of a person’s life that affect their next life Dharma

Religious and moral duties. These duties vary according to class, occupation, gender, or age. By obeying one’s dharma, a person acquires merit for the next life.

Basic Tenants of Hinduism

Hinduism provides direction to the daily lives of Hindus. It teaches that people should remain in their social group or caste

Caste System

Hinduism

The Caste System is a rigid class structure based on Hinduism which is found in India. It is believed that if one leads a good life, following good karma and dharma, then they will be rewarded by being reincarnated as a person belonging to the next highest level in the Caste System. However, if one is wicked during their life, they will be demoted, and possibly even removed from the Caste System altogether. Outcasts, or Untouchables, are members of Hindu society thought to have been removed from the Caste System, with no hope of returning to it, due to their misdeeds in previous lives. Work that is deemed unclean for all other Hindus is reserved for these Outcasts.

Caste System

Hinduism Complete on page 9 of Notes Packet

Hinduism

Caste SystemThe caste system is an important part of Hinduism. Caste are social groups into which people are born and out of which they cannot move during a lifetime.

In Next LifeIn This Life

A PersonIs born into

a caste

If good and obeys caste rules

If bad and breaks caste rules

Higher Caste

Lower Caste

Complete on page 10 of Notes Packet

Hinduism

Hinduism

TTYN – complete the graphic organizer with important facts about Hinduism

Sacred Texts Vedas and Upinshads

Timeline

Geography

Founder

Siaddhartha Gautama or Buddha

Sacred Text

Tripitaka or “Three Baskets of Wisdom”

Buddhism

Buddhism currently has about 376 million followers and is generally listed as the world's fourth largest religion. Buddhism shares many of the core concepts of Hinduism. Buddha or the “Enlightened One” was born a Hindu in 500 B.C.

BuddhismTeachings ,Beliefs, and Origins

Siddhartha was born into the Brahmin caste, and by all accounts, led a luxurious lifestyle. However, he was troubled by the human misery that he saw around him everyday. While meditating under a sacred tree, he found the answer to his question, and he was thereafter referred to as Buddha. Upon reflection, he deduced that desire was the root cause of all suffering. This idea has been recorded as the Four Noble Truths

Four Noble Truths

Siddhartha's philosophy of the nature of human suffering and its relation to desire is articulated by these four statements:

Life is full of pain and suffering. Human desire causes this suffering. By putting an end to desire, humans can end suffering. Humans can end desire by following the Eightfold Path

Eightfold Path

The Wheel of Life is one of the most important symbols of Buddhism, as it represents the endless cycle of life through reincarnation and because each of its eight spokes represents one of the teachings of the Eightfold Path.

Buddhism

1. Know that suffering is caused by desire.

2. Be selfless and love all life. 3. Do not lie, or speak without cause. 4. Do not kill, steal, or commit other

unrighteous acts. 5. Do not do things which promote evil. 6. Take effort to promote righteousness. 7. Be aware of your physical actions,

state of mind, and emotions. 8. Learn to meditate.

Reincarnation

Buddhists believe in an endless cycle of reincarnation, or samsara, which is similar to beliefs of Hinduism. However, Buddhists do not believe that deities are responsible for the phenomenon. In addition, the Caste System is rejected by Buddhists who believe instead that one is reincarnated until they can achieve nirvana, best described as spiritual enlightenment.

The concept of reincarnation can best be illustrated using an infinity symbol:

Buddhism

Nirvana

spiritual enlightenment

What Does Nirvana mean to you?

1. “It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.”

Buddhism

2. “All that man experiences springs out of his thoughts. If his thoughts are good, the words and deeds will also be good. The result of good thoughts, words and deeds will be happiness. This happiness never leaves the person whose thoughts are good. Happiness will always follow him like his shadow that never leaves him.”

3. “Those who attempt to conquer hatred by hatred are like warriors who take weapons to overcome others who bear arms. This does not end hatred, but gives it room to grow. But, ancient wisdom has advocated a different timeless strategy to overcome hatred. This eternal wisdom is to meet hatred with non-hatred. The method of trying to conquer hatred through hatred never succeeds in overcoming hatred. But, the method of overcoming hatred through non-hatred is eternally effective. That is why that method is described as eternal wisdom.”

Do Now and then “Pair and Share”

In complete sentences, describe what Buddha might be suggesting with each of the following quite.

Buddhism

Buddhism

TTYN – complete the graphic organizer with some of the important facts regarding Buddhism

FounderSiddharth Gautama

AKA Buddha

JudaismDo Now (TTYN)

Describe monotheistic and polytheistic

Judaism is the oldest known monotheistic religion still practiced in the world today. Its fundamental teachings have been influential and are the basis for more recently developed religions such as Christianity and Islam

Geography

FounderAbraham is generally recognized as the founder of  Judaism due to his covenant with God. However, Moses is also considered a founder due to his role in the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt, and his delivery of the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai sometime around 2000 BCE.

Sacred Text

The Tanakh – The 1st 5 books comprise the Torah

Vocab: Define Covenant

JudaismThe World of Hebrews

The Hebrews were among the many people who occupied the Fertile Crescent. As a consequence of this contact, they slowly developed their own ideas and beliefs.

One of those beliefs was the belief in one God and that God was taking a hand in their development, which was subsequently recorded in what is known as the Torah – their most sacred text. The Jews were a nomadic people who originally settled in Mesopotamia. Eventually, they would migrate to what is present-day Palestine. By 1000 B.C. the Hebrews had established the kingdom of Israel.

Judaism

1200 BC Moses leads the Hebrews out of Egypt (slavery) where they wander for forty years in the wilderness of the Sinai. After receiving the Ten Commandments (from God) on Mount Sinai, Moses leads his people back to "the promised land" of Canaan where the Hebrews gain their independence, reestablish Jerusalem as their capital and rebuild their temple.

930 BC The Hebrews split into the "ten Tribes" in the North controlling Israel and the the two tribes in the south controlling Judah (hence the term Jew). The division weakens the Hebrews who are later conquered by different peoples

JudaismBelief in one

GodBelief in only one God we know as?

According to the sacred scripture of the Hebrews (the Torah), God made a covenant to be the God of the Hebrews. The Hebrews were one of the nomadic groups who lived in the Fertile Crescent. According to tradition, the Hebrews became in enslaved in Egypt, and God helped them escape this slavery.

Around 1000 B.C., the Hebrews had developed the kingdom of Israel. They believed that God had promised them this land.

According to Jewish belief, Jews are the “Chosen People because they were chosen to make the idea of one God known to the world.

Judaism

66 AD the Romans conquer Canaan (now called Palestine) and destroy the temple in Jerusalem (now the Wailing Wall). Jews begin migrating throughout the Roman empire in the Jewish Diaspora, although there have been some Jews living in Palestine since the time of Moses. The Diaspora spreads Jews throughout the Mediterranean World but they maintain their cohesion as an exclusive people through a common language (Hebrew), the teachings of Jewish scholars (Rabbis), a common set of written laws (in the Talmud), and a clear set of Jewish traditions (kosher food, religious observances, circumcision, etc.). Vocab: Define

DiasporaIn this context, it refers to the 'exile’ that encompassed several forced expulsions of Israelites from what is now the states of Israel

First Monotheistic religion (1900 BCE) People of “the book” 11thLargest religion in the world Patriarch Abraham connects the major monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Redefined conventional practices of morality and law, which provided a foundation for Western development in these areas. System became known as “ethical monotheism” –the belief in “one God who demands righteous behavior from His human creations”

Judaism

What are the Jewish Holy Books?

The Torah(Law/teaching) is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh)

The most sacred text in the Jewish religious tradition. Torah scroll

Judaism—basic facts/history

JudaismJudaism—basic facts/history

What is the role of a Rabbi?They do not have specific powers in the Torah, but the Talmud gives them the authority to interpret it. He is someone who has learned the Torah, a teacher and a leader in ceremonies held in Jewish synagogues.

TalmudThe Talmud is viewed as an “Oral Torah” written in the early first century. It is a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history.

What does “kosher” mean?Kosher foods are “fit” according to Jewish law, meaning the way in which an animal is slaughtered. Other examples include vegetables being inspected for insects, and carefully separating meat and dairy products from one another.

Judaism

Judaism

TTYN – complete the graphic organizer with important facts about Judaism

Secred TextThe Torah

Islam

Complete on page 13 in Notes Packet

Timeline and Founder

Geography

Founded by Muhammad, he was troubled with the greed of wealthy citizens. In 610 he experienced a revelation. He heard a voice proclaiming one true god, Allah.

Sacred Text

The Koran or Quran

Islam

IslamMuhammad preached there was only ONE god, named ALLAH, and that all people were equal.Rich people should share their wealth with the poor. According to Muhammad, Allah measures the worth of a person by their devotion and good deeds

Beliefs and Tenants of Islam

•The Quran (holy book) are the

revelations Muhammad experienced

and wrote down

•Quran presents basic moral values of

Islam

•Very similar to Judaism and

Christianity

•Lays down specific rules for daily

activities

•Forbids eating pork, drinking or

gambling

•Also contains rules governing

marriage, divorce, family life, property

and business practices

•Shari’ah: law of code, cannot be

separated from religion in Islamic

society

Five Pillars of Islam•Five essential duties all Muslims must fulfill•Confession of faith•Prayer

•Charity •Fasting•Pilgrimage to Mecca

Islam “Campfire”

Working within your designated groups - your task is to make an educated guess as to what the Five Pillars of Islam mean. In other words, you need to identify what each Pillar requires of a “good” Muslim.

Five Pillars of Islam•Five essential duties all Muslims must

fulfill•Confession of faith

•Prayer•Charity •Fasting

•Pilgrimage to Mecca

Islam

Five Pillars of

Islam

•Five essential duties all

Muslims must fulfill

•Confession of faith

•Prayer

•Charity

•Fasting

•Pilgrimage to Mecca

Pillar One•All Muslims must confess their faith•It affirms oneness to an all powerful God •(only believe in Allah)•Respect Christians and JewsSecond Pillar•Muslims must pray five time’s a day•Must be facing Mecca, using the same set of words and motionsThird Pillar•giving to charity•It reflects Islamic view that wealthy people should assist the poor and weekFourth Pillar•Fasting or giving up food occurs in the ninth month of the Muslim calendar during Ramadan•No eating or drinking sun up till sun down during this monthFifth Pillar•Pilgrimage to Mecca, once in a lifetime

IslamDivided!•Sunnis: 90%•Believed caliph was a

leader not a religious

authority•Any Muslim could serve in

office with acceptance of

the people•Shiities (Shia)•Believed caliph should be

only descendents of

Muhammad and his family

•Stress spirituality rather

than political leaderships

Spread of Islam•Saw conquest as jihad•Jihad- holy struggle to bring Islam to new land•The Quran permitted fair,

defensive warfare•Muslim warriors were assured a place in paradise if they died in battle•Christians and Jews were allowed to practice their religions but must be loyal to Muslim rule and pay taxes

Family Life

•Islam set the guidelines for the way people

lived•It laid the rules for family, business and

religious practices

•Early Islam stressed the equality of all

believers before God, however men and

women had distinct roles and rights

•Quran told Muslims the men were

responsible for women

•A women’s social position was defined by

her relationship as a wife, mother, sister or

daughter

•Women had to complete control over her

own property

•Education was important, all boys attended

school

IslamFamily Life

•Islam set the guidelines for the

way people lived

•It laid the rules for family,

business and religious practices

•Early Islam stressed the equality

of all believers before God,

however men and women had

distinct roles and rights

•Quran told Muslims the men were

responsible for women

•A women’s social position was

defined by her relationship as a

wife, mother, sister or daughter

•Women had complete control

over her own property

•Education was important, all boys

attended school

Islamic Achievements•Used Arabic not only to promote trade

but to communicate with other people

•During 800’s Islamic world experienced a scientific awakening

•Developed trigonometry•Adopted Arabic concept of numerals

and used them in a place value system

(one used today)•Accurately described solar eclipse and

proved the moon affected the ocean

•By the 1100’s Muslims determined the

basic outline of Asia, Europe and North

Africa and produced the first accurate

map of the eastern hemisphere•Astrolabe- instrument used by sailors

to determine their location by observing the position of the stars

•A doctor describes the circulation of

blood and the functions of heart and

kidney

Islam

Islam

TTYN – complete the graphic organizer with important facts about Islam

Sacred TextThe Quran

Islam

Finish up on page 13 in Notes Packet

Lets finish up on Page 13 of our

Notes Packet

DBQ

Christianity

Geography

Developed in Judea (now Israel), located in the Middle East bordering the Mediterranean Sea sometime around the year 30 CE (common era).

Jesus of Nazareth and his disciples who helped spread his teachings

Founder

Sacred Text

ChristianityTeachings and Beliefs

Because Christianity evolved from Judaism, there are certain concepts that these two religions share. For example, both Jews and Christians subscribe to the Ten Commandments found in the Book of Exodus. In addition, prophecies of Jewish prophets contained in several books of the Old Testament stated that God would send a savior, or messiah, to the people of Israel. While Judaism clearly states that this event has not yet occurred, Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God, sent to redeem the world of sin. This has led the Christian faith to proclaim that there is a Holy Trinity, formed by the Creator (Father), Redeemer (Son), and Sustainer (Holy Spirit). Christians believe that these three entities are all part of a single higher power.

Christianity: The world's largest religion

Christianity

Writing Exercises: Belief Systems

Complete on page 16 of Notes Packet

Compare and contrast Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. How was religious expansion a part of wider cultural diffusion? Explain how conquerors, missionaries, and traders contributed to the spread of religions.

ConfucianismConfucius lived in China during the Chou Dynasty (500BC), when there was mass disorder and confusion and degrading moral standards. Confucius was appalled by what appeared to be the fracturing of Chinese society. He believed that the only cure was to stress a sense of social order and mutual respect, a philosophy that later became known as Confucianism.

Kong Fu Zi, which was translated as Confucius by Europeans

Founder

Significant Writings-The Analects.

Sacred Text

Confucianism

Concerned primarily with restoring social stability and order

What is the basis of a stable, unified, and enduring social order?

A system of social and ethical philosophy

“only when character is cultivated are our families regulated; only when families are regulated are states well governed.”

During the Chou Dynasty, warfare had become a very gruesome affair, whole populations were put to death. Anywhere from 60,000 to 400,000 people slaughtered

People have to warrant the respect and power that comes with their positions in life. Power and respect are not a given, they must be earned.

He believed that if everyone followed the five ideals, even just one person the effect would be wide spread. Through that person’s family, community, nation, and the world.

Confucianism

Confucianism teaches that there is a natural social order to society which can best be explained through the Five Relationships

1. Ruler to ruled.2. Father to son.

3. Older brother to younger brother.4. Husband to wife.5. Friend to friend

In these relationships, the second role is considered subordinate to the first. It was taught that if everyone knew their place in society, then order would prevail. There are several concepts which needed to be practiced in order to achieve an ordered society

Teachings and Beliefs

Jen-Human kindness should be shown towards one another.

Li-Proper etiquette should always be used, and one should strive to achieve perfect virtue.

Filial Piety-One should respect their elders

The institution of the family is the foundation of a well-ordered & civilized society (grounded mainly on respect of children for parents)Respect for age (experience & wisdom)

Confucianism

Confucianism

TTYN – complete the graphic organizer with important facts about Confucianism

SacredTextThe Analects

Taoism

Taoism

Lao Tzu: Was born around 640 B.C. No one is really sure about any dates or places.

Founder

Tao Te Ching

Sacred Text

The Tao Te Ching is in effect the Taoist bible.

It centers around the concept of Tao. Or the “path”

TaoismThere are three meanings of “Tao”

Tao- The way to ultimate reality. This Tao is way to vast for a person to comprehend or fathom.

Tao- The way of the universe. The norm, the rhythm, and the driving power in all of nature. Deals more with the spiritual side then the Physical side of things.

Tao- The way of human life. It refers to the way that we mesh with the Tao of the universe.

The Chinese term Tao can be translated into English, meaning "the way." It is a philosophy which teaches that nature has a "way" in which it moves, and that people should passively accept the "way" of nature, rather than resist it. One concept related to this is that of wu-wei, which means "not doing." This means that people should not act unnaturally by doing things, but rather should openly accept the natural way. An emphasis is placed on the link between people and nature.  Taoism teaches that this link lessened the need for rules and order, and leads one to a better understanding of the world.

The Taoist believe in opposites, and that things in nature have a way of working themselves out.

The Taoist believe

that people should

be spontaneous and

life their lives by

someone else’s

thoughts.

Lao Tzu connects the human to what transcends it.

Taoism

DBQ Document 2: FROM THE BOOK OF LAO ZI, A DAOIST PHILOSOPHER

The best rulers are those that people do not even know exist.The next best are those who people love and praise.The next are those who people fear,The next are those who people despise.The best rulers seldom issue any orders.

1. What are two characteristics Lao Zi considered “best” for a ruler?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. What was the purpose of this little speech?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Document 1: A CONFUCIAN SAYING

The Master said. “Rule over them with dignity and they will be respectful; treat them withkindness and they will do their best; raise the good and instruct those who are backward and they willbe filled with happiness.”-Confucius

1. List three characteristics Confucius thought a good ruler should possess.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Belief System

s

Belief Systems

“Campfire”

Major Religion Review - WebQuestName_____________________________________ Date________

Conducted by ________________________ and ___________________________

Our assigned religion is ________________________________________________

When was this religion first founded? _____________________________________

By whom? __________________________________________________________

It is associated with these other religions:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

It was first founded in the ____________________ region of Asia. Today, more

than _________________ people practice this religion in Asia. The countries where

it is most prevalent are ________________________________________________.

Some fundamental beliefs of people who practice this religion are

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________.

Some notable dates and events in the history of this religion are

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________.

When was the height of the presence of this religion in Asia? __________________.

What are some factors that may have impacted its presence in Asia over the years?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________.

Directions: Work with your partner to answer the following questions.

Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs addressing the task below, and a conclusion.

Theme: Belief Systems

Task:

There are a variety of belief systems practiced throughout the world today. Many of these beliefs have developed massive followings, and as a result, have had a considerable amount of influence on culture in the areas where they are practiced.

Choose two belief systems from your study of global history, and for each one: •Identify the nation or region where it was founded. •Describe two basic teachings of the belief system.•Discuss how the belief system has influenced the culture of the areas in which it is currently practiced

You may use any example from your study of global history. Do not use the United States in your answer. Some suggestions that you may wish to consider include: Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam Buddhism, Shinto, Animism, Confucianism, and Taoism.

Thematic Essay