Regents ReviewRegents Review

Religions and Philosophies

ShintoShintoBeliefs- worship of nature. Worship Kami-

spirits found in nature (plants, animals, rocks). Spirits control natural forces like earthquakes and typhoons.

Impact- shared beliefs in gods helped unite the people of Japan. Didn’t answer questions about life and death- many turn to Buddhism. Influences landscape gardening, flower arranging and the tea ceremony. Haiku poems.

Animism- AfricaAnimism- AfricaBeliefs- all things in nature have a spirit.

Your ancestors watch over you from the spirit world. Can help or harm you. Polytheistic.

Impact- Respect for nature. Music- “talking drums”- a way to communicate with gods. Themes in literature (griot)- respect nature to prosper. Masks- represent spirits in religious ceremonies.

Confucius- ChinaConfucius- China

Beliefs- philosophy. 5 relationships- everybody has a specific role and responsibility. Mandate of Heaven. Respect elders.

Impact- Patriarchal society. Large families- prefer sons. Combine with Buddhism.

BuddhismBuddhism

Beliefs- began in Nepal with Prince Siddhartha Gautama. 4 Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, meditation and self-denial, nirvana.

Impact- cultural diffusion. Began in Nepal, India, China, Korea and Japan.

IslamIslam Beliefs- 5 Pillars- fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage

to Mecca, faith in Allah, pray 5 times a day. Impact- India- Partitioning of India and creation of

Pakistan. Crusades- holy wars to gain Jerusalem from

Muslims. Mali- Mansa Musa converts. Afrghanistan- Taliban Iranian Revolution- Islamic fundamentalists

disagree with modernization.

HinduismHinduism

Beliefs- Karma, dharma and reincarnation.Impact- Caste system (determines

occupation, marriage etc.)Partitioning of India

ChristianityChristianity Beliefs- based on life and beliefs of Jesus Christ. Apostles spread Christian religion after his death. Jesus was the son of God. After his death he was

resurrected. Believe in the bible (Old and New Testament). Impact- 4th century A.D. Emperor Constantine

converts- Christianity official religion of Roman Empire.

Unifying force during Middle Ages. Crusades

JudaismJudaism Beliefs- Hebrews believed in one God-

monotheism Believe in the Old Testament (Torah). Ten Commandments- moral code for conduct. Impact- became basis for Christianity and Islam. The Exodus The diaspora Holocaust, creation of Israel, Arab-Israeli Conflict

ProtestantismProtestantismBeliefs- Led by people like Martin Luther

and John Calvin.Priests and Popes cannot grant salvation.Faith alone would bring you to heaven.Read and interpret Bible for yourself.Impact- Protestant Reformation gave rise to

Lutheranism, Calvinism etc. Decreased power of the Catholic Church.Caused them to reform themselves

(Catholic Counter Reformation).

Other religions/ philosophies Other religions/ philosophies

Janism- extreme non-violence (India).Sikhs- Blend Islam and Hinduism (India).Legalism- People act out of self-interest and

need harsh rules imposed by a strong ruler (China).

Taoism- The natural way. Study nature. No need for a ruler. Yin and Yang (China).