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Explore the rich histories and teachings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in this comprehensive guide. From the ancient Israelites to the foundational figures like Jesus and Muhammad, delve into the monotheistic beliefs, sacred texts, and societal impacts of these faiths. Discover the enduring legacies of these religions and their significance in shaping the world.
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The Great Religions 3 Western, 3 Eastern
The Israelites • Old Testament tells their story (The Bible) • David vs. Goliath • Next Solomon makes Israel regional power • Divides country between sons & Israel gone until 1948!!! Newman renders decision on Seinfeld
So Why is it a “Great Faith”? • Monotheism • Yahweh • 10 Commandments • From God to Moses • Makes them hard to assimilate • Grandfather of “Western” Religions
Jesus of Nazareth • Born a Jew in the Roman Empire under Augustus. • Historically proven by other sources. • His Teachings: • Monotheistic Trinity, Separate Church & State, New Testament
Why Problematic? • Caesars claimed to be of divine origin • Economic loss as much trade centered around old temple gods • Threat to the culture & society if people not united • CRUCIFIXION
The Catholic Church • Peter builds Church as first Pope (not divine). • ALL Christians were Catholic (universal) • Hunted down by Rome • Constantine at Milvian Bridge • Chiros - IHSV • Edict of Milan converts Europe
Arab Polytheist Animists • Found gods in nature & chief god was Allah • The Ka’aba • Story of Muhammad (not divine), Gabriel & the Koran (part 3 of the Bible)
What Gabriel Said • The Five Pillars of Islam • Pledge to Allah “There is no god but Allah & Muhammad is His messenger.” • Pray 5 times per day • Give alms to poor • Fast in Ramadan • Pilgrimage to Mecca • SHARI’AH LAW
The Message & The Reaction • Allah isn’t chief god, he is the ONLY god • The Ka’aba was his gift • Politics & religion are the same, NO separation • Polytheist Animists HATE Mohammed • He flees to Medina, build army, conquers Mid East
The Aryans • Conquered India in c 1500 BC • Had a Monotheistic “Force” called Brahman • Our souls (atman) seek to join with Brahman in death • Religious practices kept in the holy Vedas
A Change in Theology • c 600 BC – Couldn’t perfect atman in one life = REINCARNATION • KARMA – invisible scoreboard of life • DHARMA – universal (unseen) rule book • YOGA – spiritual exercises
CastePolytheism • Explains past sins or piety in terms of birth • One god couldn’t do everything… • Brahma - Creates • Vishnu - Preserves • Shiva – Destroys • 33K +!!! Top three are Aryans, bottom two not
Prince SiddharthaGautama563-483 BC • Born a Hindu in Nepal • King Suddhodana protected life of happiness until 29 • A shocking discovery, life as a hermit and the Middle Path The Truman Show Movie Trailer
The Prince Returns • Problems with Hinduism- • Reincarnation & Wheel of Life • No escaping the “stacked pancakes” • Buddhism and Nirvana (by eliminating evil in the world)
Buddhist Temple & Holy Book • The Tripitaka is the Buddhist Holy Book (40 Volumes)
A “Religion” from Chaos • China in horrible civil war. • K’ung Fu-tzu (551-471 BC) worked for city-state of Lu. • Asked why things so bad? • King Wu & the Duke of Zhou • 5 Key Relationships RIGID social hierarchy to guide society = PEACE & STABILITY
The Cement that Holds Society Together • Face • You must appear to be that which you are. If not, you have broken the relationship & no obligations exist.
The Emperor’s Role • Mandate of Heaven • Emperor rules because god chose him to be born • If he loses face, citizens don’t have to treat him as emperor… • REVOLUTION!!!
The Analects of Confucius • Confucian “Bible” • Book of Quotations • Tells how to live by avoiding excess in all of its forms.