Religions of the Middle East
Religions of the Middle East. Lesson 2. Objectives. Compare the three major world religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Explain how geography contributed to the birth of Islam. Analyze the Islamic religion. Warm Up. To what religious affiliation do most Middle Eastern groups belong?
Religions of the Middle East
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Religions of the Middle East Lesson 2
Objectives • Compare the three major world religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. • Explain how geography contributed to the birth of Islam. • Analyze the Islamic religion.
Warm Up • To what religious affiliation do most Middle Eastern groups belong? • Islam- Muslims • All but Israelis and Armenians
Judaism • ~1800 BCE, Hebrews flee Canaan, migrate to Egypt (enslaved). • Lead by Moses to Sinai Peninsula. Covenant w/God. • 1 God, 10 Commandments, Chosen People • ~1025 BCE form kingdom of Israel in Fertile Crescent. • Kings David & Solomon help reach greatest glory • ~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
Christianity • Jesus born in Roman ruled Palestine (Bethlehem) • Carpenter’s apprentice • Studied w/ rabbis - Preacher 30 yrs old • 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
Birthplace of Islam • What was life like in the Middle East in early centuries? • Desert • Bedouins • Oasis towns • Feuds, rivalry, lawless
Islam • ~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
Activity- In groups of 3, analyze various elements of the Islamic faith. • Ideas of Islam • Five Pillars • Jihad • Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia) • Women
Closure • What is meant by the term “People of the Book”? • All 3 monotheistic • Allah is same God and God of Jews/Christians • Follow God’s teachings in the Bible • Believe in final day of judgment (heaven/hell) • Protected/treat all with tolerance