Major Belief Systems & Religions

1. Major Belief Systems & Religions Comparison and influences on the ancient world By Kailey Ruiz

2. Confucianism in China400 b.c.e • Confucianism focused on an ethical instead of a religious system. • Confucianism formed the basis for Chinese philosophical and religious beliefs for over 2000 years. • Government leaders embraced it; it was intended to create orderly society. • Created tight-knit communities where members had responsibilities • The technological advancements, scholar-gentry bureaucracy, and agrarian state motivated many great American and European thinkers. • Was the main religion of the Zhou, Qing, Han, Tang, and Song dynasties of China. • RESTRICTED TO CHINA

3. Buddhism Spread Throughout Asia483 b.c.e • Buddhists did not believe at all in the caste system but more in dharma • Promoted equality of believers, no social discrimination • Appealed to lower classes • No social structure meant it could apply to anyone - spread to China, Japan, and southeast Asia via trade routes • Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism in 260 B.C.E. • Brought about one of the first centers of learning – universities • Stirred strong opposition by Brahmans in India • Anti- Buddhist backlash by Confucian and Dao supporters under emperor Wuzong in 9th century. • Destroyed shrines and monks were forced to abandon religion

4. Hinduism in India • Powerful local leaders promoted arts & education • Major Hindu philosophies like Vedanta emerged • Caste system became more enforced • You were born into a caste level and you could not switch levels or intermarry – strictly patriarchal • Brought about social divisions and discrimination between classes • Indian rulers supported the caste system – more power • Medical advancements and improvements to the numerical/decimal system • Social restrictions stirred negative response with the globe • Not accepted by many western nations

5. Spread of Hinduism

6. Islam in the Middle East622 c.e. • Egalitarianism for all believers • 5 pillars of faith – concept of jihad • Founded by prophet Muhammad • Later caused tension between Sunnis and Shia: led to Umayyad decline • Gathered large following – leaders converted • Later alarmed Christian leaders – power threat • During Umayyad dynasty the capital was moved to Damascus (Mecca remained spiritual center) • Patriarchal society, but women were respected under the Qu’ran • Veiling • Harem

7. Catholicism in Europe15th century c.e. • Roused religious rivals • Jean Calvin – calvinism, predestination • Martin Luther – Lutheran, disagreed w/ chastity • Protestantism – revolt against Catholic church • Catholic Reformation: major church council to revive Catholic doctrines – response to Protestantism • Catholicism spread with explorers to Philippines, and South America • Calvinists vs Catholics = Treaty of Nantes • Catholicism stirred tensions w/ everyone • Christian unity could not be restored

8. Eastern Orthodox Christianity:Russia & Byzantine • Hagia Sophia • Emperor Justinian – supported church • Secular rulers headed the church • Disagreed with Catholics on sacrament of communion, priests not marrying and local languages of the church • Leaders excommunicated each other • Religion was localized • Emperors had power over church and state • More secular than the West

10. Spread of Christianity

11. Christianity • Christian missionaries traveled to Americas and tried to convert Indians • Built churches & missions, taught the Bible • Emphasis on compassion, eternal life • Appealed to lower class and women • By 3rd century c.e. became the most influential religion in the Mediterranean • Official religion of the Roman Empire • The West centralized power in the Church • Power came from Rome

13. Polytheism 600 c.e. - 1450 • Latin America, Greece, and Egypt all had religions with numerous gods who were higher than humans • Mesoamerica: • Gods of rain, agriculture, fire, water, war • Greece: • Gods of the universe, the sea, the underworld, love, wisdom, harvest, battle, music, poetry • Egypt: • Gods of the sun, harvest, death • Was the center of art & architecture • Filled w/ rituals  led to rise of priestly class who controlled interaction between people & gods • Priestly class rose to the top of society

14. Christians and Muslims in Africa600 c.e. • Islam entered north Africa in 640 c.e. • Islam’s egalitarianism help African people with the acceptance of new rulers • African kings liked the idea of uniting state and church powers under one ruler • Social stratifications still remained important in African societies • Christian kingdoms: • Nubia • Ethiopia • Translated the Gospels • Strongly resisted Muslim forces/ influence • Attempts by the Portuguese to bring Ethiopian Christianity into the roman Catholic church failed • Ethiopia remained isolated and independent

15. Judaism1200 b.c.e. • Became one of the first monotheistic faiths • Promoted ethics • Maintained identity of the people • Both a religious practice and societal custom - a way of life • Gave birth to Islam and Christianity • All 3 believed to be ancestors of Moses, followed the Laws of Moses • No premium placed on converting non-Jews • Kept them in minority position in middle east • Changed the way humankind viewed God: • He was powerful, just, orderly, and linked to proper moral behavior