Unit 2: Religions and Philosophies By Connor Theisen P.1 Terms 1.

Religion- a practice and belief in the supernatural whether believing in one god, many gods, the natural spirits, or ancestral guidance. 2. Polytheism- the belief in many gods 3. Atheism- the rejection in believing in a god, gods, or supernatural 4. Secularism- a principle or view of separation between government institutions and its representatives from religious institutions or dignitaries. The state has no religion and theres no state religion. Extreme separation of church and state. 5. Sect.- a religious denomination, a body of people practicing a religious faith. 6. Tenet- ant opinion, principle, doctrine, or theory thats held as true by members of a profession, group, or movement. 7. Animism- the belief that non-human entitles is spiritual beings or they have some life-principle. There is no separation from the spiritual and physical (material) world. 8. Diviners- people who believe they have the power to foretell events, usually working with supernatural forces. Theyre the ones who carry out the rituals in order to talk with the gods. 9. Judaism- monotheistic faith, belief in one God, who is the creator of the world and everything in it. God rules the world and all peoples are his servants, whether they know it or not. God is not removed from the life he created. Hes just and good, and accepts goodness from people. Dont believe that Jesus Christ is the messiah in the Old Testament, or that Satan created evil in the world, so Hell doesnt exist. 10. United Kingdom- The kingdom which the Jews of Israel were united under kings. The Kings were Saul, David, and Solomon, the period lasted 1020 BCE- 930 BCE. 11. Divided Kingdom- After King Solomons death, Israel splits into two. The North is Israel who struggled with identity, were defeated by the Assyrians in 723 BCE, and had 10 Lost Tribes. The South was Judah containing 2 Tribes, the capital was Jerusalem, were stable since they recognized Davids Linage as king, were defeated by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BCE, and became Babylonian captivity later. 12. Covenant- Promises between God and the faithful. The promises of a kingdom if Abraham left Babylon, went to Canaan, and remained faithful. Gods revelation of the Torah to Moses and the promise of Israel after Moses and the Israelites fled Egypt. 13. Torah- The five books of Moses. The Law; Judaisms foundational set of precepts that if Jews followed them, God would protect them. Contains the Ten Commandments and 613 other laws to follow. 14. Diaspora- the exile of the people of Judah from their homeland, Israel. Happening in 6th century BCE during the conquest of the Kingdom of Judah, destruction of the First Temple. Also in the Second Temple around 1st and 2nd century CE. 15. Abraham- told by God to create a kingdom of the chosen people. Told by the Angel Gabriel that if he loves God so much, hell sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham was about to but the Angel Gabriel stopped him because he has proven his faithfulness. 16. Monotheism- the belief in one God 17. Sadducees- 2nd faction emerging from Hasmonean rule. They were elitists who wanted to maintain the priestly caste, but were liberal in their willingness accept Hellenism into their lives. Rejected the Oral Law and accepted the Written Law. Didnt believe in an afterlife since the Torah doesnt mention it. Opposed the Pharisees. Disappeared after the 2nd Temple fell.

18. Pharisees- the most important factions that emerged under Hasmonean rule. They were the spiritual fathers of Modern Judaism. Believe God gave Moses Oral Law along with the Torah and God punished the wickedness and rewarded the righteous. Help preserve the individual prayer and synagogues after temples fell. 19. Essenes- a 3rd faction emerged out of the other two factions. Believed the two parties corrupted the city and the Temple so they leave Jerusalem to live in the desert with strict Diet laws and celibacy. Lived near the Dead Sea and are believed to be the ones who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls. 20. Zealots- Jews that were members of a radical, warlike, and patriotic group in Judea from 69 CE81CE that advocated the violent overthrow of Roman rule and violently resisted the efforts of the Romans of heathenize Jews, and the Romans polytheism religion. 21. Bible- The Holy Book of Christianity, containing the Old and New Testament. 22. Jesus- The Son of God, in Christianity, who preached Gods word and was crucified to die for our sins. The teachings began a new movement within Judaism. The messiah savior spoken in the Old Testament 23. Christianity- The belief in one God, his son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Believed Jesus Christ is the son of God, the messiah in the scriptures, spoke Gods word to others, and died for our sins on the Cross. Follow the Old and New Testament within the Bible. 24. Simon Peter- a Jewish fisherman who became a follower of Jesus Christ, was recognized as the leader of the apostles. In Catholicism, Peter is the first Pope of the Church. 25. Paul- a highly educated Jewish Roman citizen who joined Jesus and took his message to the Gentiles (Non-Jews) and Jews as well. He founded Christian communities in Asia Minor and the Aegean Sea Shores. 26. Gnostics- People who held religious beliefs and spiritual practices common to early Christianity. Taught the realization of Gnosis (esoteric knowledge), is the way to salvation of the soul from the material world. Denied that Jesus was a supreme being in flesh, but rather a human who attained divinity through gnosis and taught his disciples to do the same. 27. Coptics- the native Egyptian Christians 28. Nicene Creed- The creed or profession of faith that is most widely used in Christian liturgy. It was adopted by the city of Nicaea by the first ecumenical council in 325 CE, but the creed would be written differently or added in later years whether denomination reason or increasing faith acceptance. 29. New Testament- the 2nd part of the Christian Bible containing the Gospel writings of Jesus life and teachings. 30. Gospels- the good news concerning Jesus. Accounts and writings preached by disciples and followers of Jesus. 31. Constantine- the first Christian emperor of the Roman Empire, creating prosperity and tolerance towards Christians in the Empire. 32. Nero- The emperor of the Roman Empire who persecuted Christians and blamed them for the fire that destroyed most of Rome. 33. Rome- The Capital of the Roman Empire and home to many Christians 34. Caliph- Its a spiritual leader of Islam, claiming succession from Muhammad. Abolished in 1924. 35. Islam- word means peace through submission to the will of Allah, created by the prophet Muhammad. Monotheistic faith, only one god, Allah meaning God, and Muhammad is Gods prophet. Emphasizes salvation and offers the hope of an afterlife. Muhammad is the final revelation of Allah. The 5 pillars are the religious livings for Muslims. 36. Allah- One and only god Muslims believe in, Allah means God in Arabic. Created the universe and everything in it.

37. Kaaba- a shrine having a massive black meteorite, The Black Stone, in its center, the sacred stone symbolizes Allah. 38. Makkah (Mecca)- the city that contains the Kabba. All Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca, the hajj. Its also the city Muhammad was born in. 39. Muhammad- Founding prophet of the Islamic faith. Was told by the Angel Gabriel that he was the final revelation of Allah, Moses and Jesus were revelations, because humans rejected Allahs early messengers. 40. Quran- the holy book of Islam, written by Mohammad with the revelations he heard from Allah. 41. Muslims- people who practice the Islamic faith 42. Madinah (Medina)- city of the prophet, Muhammad came here and got support from people about Islam, it became the first community of practicing Muslims. 43. Hijrah- Muhammads journey to Madinah to convert people to Islam 44. 5 pillars of Islam- Belief, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage. 45. Shariah- a law code that provides believers with a set of practical laws to regulate their daily lives. Its based on the Quran and how Muhammad lived his life. It doesnt separate religious matters from civil or political law. Focus Questions: 1. Explain the 8 characteristics of religion and provide an example of each. 1) Belief in supernatural beings, whether monotheism, belief in one God, or polytheism, belief in many Gods. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam all believe in one God, while the Indigenous, Greeks/Romans, and Olmec/Mayan believe in many gods, though they do have a supreme god. 2) Sacred objects, times, and places- Christianity: The Shroud of Turin, the Cross, the Communion Cup, Holy Week (Easter), Christmas, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. 3) Ritual acts- In African Indigenous tribes, they do ritual acts to communicate with the gods, ancestors, or descendents. Mayans would perform human or other sacrifices to appease the gods. 4) Religious Feelings, people having a sense of awe, mystery, guilt, or adoration. Indigenous believe religion is central to life. The Greek and Roman boys would try to build their image in the shadow of Zeus and gods, while the girls tried to look as beautiful as the goddesses. 5) Moral Code is directions of how people will behave and treat each other and outsiders; usually comes from God or the gods. Christians have the Ten Commandments along with the Bible. Jews follow the Ten Commandments and the Torah. Islam has the 5 pillars and the Sharia Law. 6) Prayer, where believers seek interaction and communication with their deities; theres no single prayer. Salah is a daily prayer for Muslims and they pray 5 times a day. Judaism has 3 daily prayers. Indigenous pray to lesser gods, and dont directly communicate to gods. 7) World View, an overall purpose of the world, place of the individual of the world. Muslims believe the meaning of life is to worship and serve Allah. Greeks and Romans believe man was put on Earth to serve the Gods. 8) Social Group is bounded together by the other 7 characteristics. Jews were the chosen people who mostly came from Israel and spread out. Olmec/Mayans had classes of people based on role in faith, so the priests and rulers were always the highest level. Muslims from all over gather at Mecca and Medina. 2. Compare (show similarities and differences) the characteristics of animistic/polytheistic religions to those of western religions (Islam, Judaism, and Christianity). The animistic and polytheistic religions believed in many gods, though they did have a supreme god above the others. Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are both monotheistic, belief in one God, though they have different prophets and readings too. The A/P religions would pray to lesser gods, for mercy on

family and house, and/or ancestors for guidance, they didnt commonly believe they were directly communicating with gods. In the western religions, they pray to one god and its to communicate and worship God, though each one prays differently whether the type or timing of them. All the religions had a world view of a heaven and underworld (Hell or Hades) in their faith. The Olmec/Mayans would practice human sacrifices to appease the gods, but even if the western religions didnt practice human sacrifice, some early forms of them did animal and food sacrifices. 3. What were the main problems faced by the Hebrews between 2000BCE and 700BCE? Were used as slaves in Egypt until Moses help lead them to freedom and into Israel. During the reign of David, there was 7 years of civil war between the north and south. After King Solomon, the Divided kingdom began and tribes were separate, causing wars at times. North Israel lost to the Assyrians during their conquest. 4. How would you evaluate King Solomons reign? Was he a good king? Explain using evidence in the chapter. His reign was the Golden Age of Israel. He was a good king, probably the best in United Kingdom era, because he expanded the government and the army, built the Temple in Jerusalem and other huge projects, expanded trade, honored the Ark of Covenant, and had religious and political resentment. His knowledge and wisdom was like a gift from God in order to administer justice. 5. What caused the division of Solomons kingdom? Explain. The Divided Kingdom was caused by tensions between Israels tribes whether it was identity or following a type of king. 6. Who do you think did more to spread Christianity-Paul or Constantine? Paul because he was an apostle of Jesus Christ would took his message to Gentiles (non-Jews) and Jews alike through preaching or writing letters to them. He founded many Christian communities in Asia Minor and the shores of the Aegean Sea. Paul created all these long before the reign of Constantine who was the first Christian emperor and gave tolerance for Christians because of what Paul spread out. 7. Outline the origins and background of Christianity and explain how Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean. It all started when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, his preaching throughout Judea and Galilee, and his death on the cross and how he risen up from the grave. When news spread about Jesus rising from the dead, supported gained throughout Judea and Galilee which lead to the faith of Christianity. Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean by many things such as Pauls preaching and writings of Jesus to Gentiles and Jews and creating Christian communities in Asia Minor and the Aegean Sea shores. Writings from other followers of Jesus were used to spread Christianity, along with the sayings of Jesus. The writings would be called the Gospels in 40 CE and the New Testament was created too. After persecution by Romans, Christianity was tolerated and became the religion of the Roman Empire too. 8. In what ways is Jesus Christ central to the Christian religion? Christianity believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the messiah promised in the scriptures of the Old Testament. Jesus spread Gods word to all people, and his sinless life and teachings are what make up the New Testament area of the Bible. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, which is a main belief for all Christians. Baptism, communion, and preaching were all actions Jesus had performed in his life that Christians practice and teach others.

9. Why did Roman emperors persecute the Christians? Christians refused to worship the state gods and emperors, which the Romans saw as treason, so punishment is death. Romans believed they were threatening the public order and morals. 10. Examine Muhammads early life and discuss how his revelations led to the creation of Islam. Muhammad was born in Makkah into a merchant family, but an orphan at 5 years old. He married a rich widow named Khadija. He was troubled by the growing gap between the generosity of most Makkans and the greediness of the wealthy elite, so he went to hills to mediate. He saw revelations from God on the hills that were given by the Angel Gabriel. He believed he was given Allahs final revelations, which he turned into the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Islam means peace through submission to the will of Allah. 11. Regarding Islam, discuss how a small community of believers grew into a major world religion. Muhammad became a political leader too, creating a military force to defend himself and his followers. In 630 CE, he returned to Makkah with 10,000 men and when the city surrendered, most people converted to Islam. The Kabba was declared a sacred shrine and Makkah would become a pilgrimage for Muslims, the hajj. It began to spread across the Arabian Peninsula by preaching, force, and trade merchants. 12. Trace the rise of Islam through geographic, and cultural and religious environments. Muhammad received his revelations in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. When Muhammad failed to gain followers in Makkah, he moved north to Yathrib (Madinah), this journey was called the Hijrah. He gained support from the city and Bedouins in the dessert, thus creating the first community of practicing Muslims. He would return to Makkah with an army to convert people, which he succeeded. After Makkah, Islam started to spread throughout Saudi Arabia and the across the Arabian Peninsula into Africa. Muslim conquest with armies did a huge part it converting Indigenous tribes, but there were Muslim trade merchants that became part of the states, and preaching was a part of gradually converting the areas. From North Africa, they went into Europe through Spain, which was a far as Islam went. They were pushed out of Europe during Crusades and holy wars. 13. How did Christianity and Islam change the societies they dominated and, in turn, how was each changed because of these societies?

14. Discuss how it is important to respect others beliefs. We must respect others beliefs because its the humane thing to do, itll create peace throughout the world, and hatred goes against any faith. Throughout history, there have those who have defended their beliefs by violence, but violence and hatred is going against their own faith because most faiths preach peace and love given by their god or many gods. Its what Martin Luther King Jr. wants, its what Human and Civil rights are all about, its what freedom of religion stands for, and its what most faiths wish to promote to the world. Killing, violence, judging, and hatred will not promote peace or bring good to your

faith, so we must look towards reason, peace, love, and treating others equally in order to faithful, peaceful, and human beings all at once.