Lesson 2

Compare the three major world religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

Explain how geography contributed to the birth of Islam.

Discuss connection of Islam and fundamentalism

Identify the different fundamentalist groups

To what religious affiliation do most Middle Eastern groups belong?

Islam- Muslims All but Israelis

and Armenians

~1800 BCE, Hebrews flee Canaan, migrate to Egypt (enslaved). Moses takes to Sinai

Peninsula. 1 God, 10

Commandments,

~1025 BCE form kingdom of Israel in Fertile Crescent.

~500 BCE Persians take over, Return to Israel & rebuild temple in Jerusalem.

~70 CE, Romans expel Jews from Israel/Palestine – diaspora… Won’t return until late

1800s

Jesus born in Roman ruled Palestine (Bethlehem)

Some believed he was the messiah – Savior from foreign rule, restore kingdom

Roman’s, scared of popularity & refusal to accept emperor as a god, crucified him in 33 CE.

Followers, Christians, spread word Everyone equal, salvation

& eternal life Persecuted by Romans,

became martyrs 313 CE, Emperor

Constantine converts 395 CE, official religion

Roman Empire

What was life like in the Middle East in early centuries?

Desert Bedouins Oasis towns Feuds, rivalry,

lawless

~610 CE Angel Gabriel tells Mohammed he is to be the messenger of God/Allah Merchant in Mecca

~622 flee to Medina, build 1st mosque Hejira – Yr 1 of

Muslim Calendar Prophet

Expansion of Islam Uses war & political

maneuvering to spread ideas 632 control Peninsula 732 Atlantic to Indus

In small groups you will create a graphic representation of content

related to one of the following:

Five Pillars Jihad

Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia) Women

Muslim Attire

What is meant by the term “People of the Book”?

All 3 monotheistic Abrahamic religions Allah is same God as God of Jews/Christians Follow God’s teachings in the Bible Believe in final day of judgment (heaven/hell) Protected/treat all with tolerance

In small groups you will create a graphic representation of content

related to one of the following:

Five Pillars Jihad

Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia) Women

Muslim Attire

Political & social movement promoting a return to traditional, or fundamental, interpretation of any religion.

Islamic Fundamentalism or “Political Islam” Est. Shari’a law as foundation of

government Rid society of non-Islamic influence

Islamic empire eclipsed, dominated, and exploited by West. Frustrated w/politics.

Frustration with rapid social & economic changes.

Western presence in Holy Lands, ME politics, perceived attack on Islam

World Gone Wrong Religion to cope &

guide Tool for social

activism & poly change

Motivate & justify purpose

Cosmic War Against Enemy Good vs Evil

(God/Devil) Stakes so high,

cause so virtuous = any means justify ends

From “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy” www.choices.edu

No Other Option Tried traditional

channels for change, failed

Lack power, voice Hopeless &

frustrated

Symbolism & Violence Value to target &

timing

“Four Cases” Read

From “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy” www.choices.edu

Most DO NOT ADVOCATE violence!

Terrorism as form of jihad

Seek to overthrow secular regimes & rulers they regard as un-Islamic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJI0HrhUl9w

What terror groups can you identify by name?

Chart

Commonalities? Differences? Role in government?

US Concerns Poly & econ

stability

Terror attacks against Western Interests

“Islamaphobia”- Anti-Arab Anti-Muslim, sentiment born out of fear and ignorance

Do you consider Muslim Fundamentalism a threat to US security? Why or why not?