WORLD RELIGIONS – REL 212 World Religions | WEEK 1INDIGENOUS | The term indigenous is a generalized reference to the thousands of small scale societies who have distinct languages, kinship systems, mythologies, ancestral memories and homelands. These societies comprise more than 200 million people throughout the planet today. | Origin of All Things | Most indigenous peoples have creation stories where they believe the Creator or Great Father in the Sky made the earth, the animals and all humans. | Nature of God/Creator | Many believe that they have lost touch or even forgotten about a Creator that their ancestors knew, but disobeyed. They believe the dark gods of the spirit world are the ones to be afraid of or to placate. Thus they believe that the Creator God, if there is one, is distant, removed and angry with them. | View of Human Nature | Humans are often seen as lost or wandering from a true path that was lost to the ancestors long ago. Humans are seen as capable of good or bad and under the influence of curses, vows, incantations, or evil spirits. In this sense, they may be animistic. Many have a special shaman or witch doctor who is supposed to help them connect to the spirit world. | View of Good & Evil | Good and evil are seen as forces that compete for dominance in a person and in the world. Sometimes there is an ethnocentric idea that ‘our’ group is the good one and all outsiders are ‘bad’. This idea can lead to wars and conflicts. | View of Salvation | The idea of the path or the way or a lifeway is their main idea of salvation. It is the path to the good. This idea is closely aligned with a responsibility for nature and this world. Oneness with nature is for some seen as a goal of life. Others see ‘salvation’ as surviving and not being defeated by the dark spirits, thus having a long life. | View of After Life | Some groups have a notion of an afterlife, but others do not. For example, some Native American groups believe in a “Happy Hunting Ground’ or that one goes to be with the ancestors and/or the Great Spirit. Many indigenous peoples are terrified of death and use their rituals to ward it off. | Practices and Rituals | Varies by country or group. Some have animal sacrifices or smoke various substances in a ritualistic manner. Dance is often used to express stories and tales of the tribe or group or the gods. Body decoration, paint, garments and drums are often used in the ritual dances. To placate the spirits, they may also cut themselves or in some cases engage in cannibalism or headhunting. An example: the Sawi people of New Guinea make peace with an enemy by swapping infants between the tribes. As long as the children live there will be peace between the two tribes. One family per tribe agrees to take in the other child and give up their own. | Celebrations & Festivals | Varies by country or group. Some have celebrations tied to the seasons of the year. Others have celebrations of victory in war or at weddings. The birth of children is often a time of great celebration. Death is universally observed in various ways depending on the culture and local beliefs. The finding of good prey when hunting would be a cause for celebration as well. Communal meals are common. For example: the Native Americans shared food with the Pilgrims who came to America. | Week 1 - Sources | www.godonthe.net/evidence/atribute.htm | www.britannica.com/indigenous-religion | WEEK 2HINDUISM | Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. The word "Hindu" comes from the name "India," and in modern usage, it refers to a number of religious expressions. The most well-known Hindu saying about religion is: "Truth is one; sages call it by different names." | Origin of All Things | Indigenous religion of India as developed to present day. | Nature of God/Creator | One Supreme Reality (Brahman) manifested in many gods and goddesses | View of Human Nature | Humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion, but are able to escape. Purpose is to gain release from rebirth, or at least a better rebirth. | View of Good & Evil | * The law of karma says that every action has consequences. * Pain, suffering and any kind of misfortune have not been imposed on people by God. Nor are these things due to the actions of anyone else. It is the same for good things that happen. Things happen because of the law of karma. * Reward and punishment do not always come in this life. They might come in a future * Evil and suffering should not be seen as unfair. Suffering in this life is because of behavior in a previous life. * Every living being has an inner spirit – the atman. The atman is eternal, perfect and indestructible. The Atman is born into one physical body, and when that body dies it is reborn into another body. This endless cycle of life, death and rebirth is called samsara. * It is possible to be released from samsara and to reach moksha, which is union with Brahman (God). | View of Salvation | Salvation for a Hindu is called Moksha. Moksha is when an enlightened human being is freed from the cycle of life-and-death (the endless cycle of death and reincarnation) and comes into a state of completeness. He then becomes one with God. There are four ways to Moksha:1. The Way of Action: This involves carrying out certain religious ceremonies, duties and rites. The objective is to perform works without regard for personal gain.2. The Way of Knowledge: This requires using your mind and philosophy to come to a complete comprehension of the universe.3. The Way of Devotion: Salvation is reached through acts of worship, based upon the love for a God (there are thousands of gods in Hinduism).4.The Royal Road: The use of meditation and yoga techniques. This method of reaching salvation is typically only used by wandering monks. | View of After Life | If karma unresolved, soul is born into a new body; if karma resolved, attain moksa (liberation) | Practices and Rituals | AyurvedaAyurveda is an ancient Hindu system of medicine and healing that has found new popularity in the west today.Hatha YogaOutside of Hindu culture, the word "yoga" is usually understood to refer to the practice of meditative movement, or Hatha Yoga. However, Hatha Yoga is only one part of the Hindu traditions of Yoga and Tantra. It is one of the paths leading to the ultimate goal of Raja Yoga, or contemplation of the One Reality.Kundalini YogaKundalini yoga is a tantric form of yoga focused on awakening the kundalini, the latent psychic energy that lies at the base of the spine, and making it rise through the seven chakras to the top of the spine.Namaste GreetingThe gesture (or mudra) of namaste is a simple act made by bringing together both palms of the hands before the heart, and lightly bowing the head. In the simplest of terms it is accepted as a humble greeting straight from the heart and reciprocated accordingly.Puja (Pooja)Puja is a religious ritual which some Hindus perform every morning after bathing and dressing but prior to taking any food or drink. Puja is seen as a way of relating humans to the domain and actions of the divine, and can be performed for anything considered divine, from Vishnu to a holy tree.The Sadhu (Holy Man)Some Hindus choose to leave their homes and dedicate their lives to spiritual disciplines. They renounce their possessions and devote themselves to a particular god and/or meditation, yoga and spiritual discussion. These are called sadhus, or holy men.Temples and Temple RitualsA guide to Hindu temples: how they are designed and built and the rituals and ceremonies that take place there. | Celebrations & Festivals | Mahashivarati (mid-February) Holi (Spring) Diwali (mid-November) | JAINISM | Jainism is an Indian religion that emphasizes complete non-violence and asceticism. Followers of Jainism are called Jains. Jainism has historical roots in Hinduism. It is believed that both realities are eternal and that human beings can, and do, engage in both, which affects not only this life, but the next one as well. Jains also have distinct beliefs about karma. | Origin of All Things | name means | Religion of the jinas, spiritual conquerors who have achieved liberation & perfection | place founded | Eastern India | founder(s) | Mahavira (c. 599-527 BCE) | adherents | 4 million | major branches | Digambaras ("sky-clad"); Shvetambaras ("white-clad") | original language | Sanskrit | | Nature of God/Creator | The universe is eternal; many gods exist. Gods, humans and all living things are classified in a complex hierarchy. | View of Human Nature | The soul is uncreated and eternal and can attain perfect divinity. Purpose is to gain liberation from cycle of rebirth, by avoiding all bad karma, especially by causing no harm to any sentient being. | View of Good & Evil | | View of Salvation | The three-fold path: right belief, right Knowledge, right Conduct | View of After Life | Reincarnation until liberation is attained | Practices and Rituals | Monasticism under the Five Great Vows (Non-Violence, Truth, Celibacy, Non-Stealing, Non-Possessiveness); worship at temples and at home. Meditation and mantras. | Celebrations & Festivals | | Week 2 - Sources | http://www.evangelical.us/hinduism.html | http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/god/higoodandevil | http://www.religionfacts.com | | http://www.jainworld.com | | | WEEK 3BUDDHISM | The Buddha himself was called the "Enlightened One." After he became enlightened, he taught that the way to eliminate suffering begins with understanding the true nature of the world. | Origin of All Things | Meaning of name "Buddhism":System taught by the Buddha Date founded:c. 520 BCE Place founded:Northeastern India Founder:Siddharta Gautama ("the Buddha"), an Indian princeAdherents:360 millionMain locations:China, Japan, Korea, Southeast AsiaSacred texts:Pali Canon (Tripitaka), numerous Mahayana sutrasOriginal language:Pali | Nature of God/Creator | Theravada atheistic; Mahayana more polytheistic. Buddha taught nothing is permanent. | View of Human Nature | Purpose is to avoid suffering and gain enlightenment and release from cycle of rebirth, or at least attain a better rebirth by gaining merit. | View of Good & Evil | The Buddhist understanding is that good and evil is innate, inseparable aspects of life. Every single human being is capable of acts of the noblest good, or the basest evil. | View of Salvation | For a Buddhist salvation is reaching Nirvana. Nirvana is a transcendental, blissful, spiritual state of nothingness--you become a Buddha. To reach Nirvana you must follow the Noble Eightfold Path. The Noble Eightfold Path is: 1. Right Understanding: accepting the Four Noble Truths. 2. Right Resolve: renounce the pleasures of the body. Change your lifestyle so that you harm no living creatures and have kind thoughts for everyone. 3. Right Speech: do not gossip, lie or slander anyone. 4. Right Action: do not kill, steal or engage in an unlawful sexual act. 5. Right Occupation: avoid working at any job that could harm someone. 6. Right Effort: heroically work to eliminate evil from your life. Through your own effort develop good conduct and a clean mind. 7. Right Contemplation: make yourself aware of your deeds, words and thoughts so that you can be free of desire and sorrow. 8. Right Meditation: train your mind to focus on a single object without wavering so as to develop a calm mind capable of concentration. | View of After Life | Rebirth or nirvana. Nirvana is seen simply as the cessation of suffering by some and as a heavenly paradise by others. | Practices and Rituals | Temple, meditation hall | Celebrations & Festivals | Buddhist New Year, Vesak (Buddha Day), Sangha Day (Magha Puja Day or Fourfold Assembly Day), Dhamma Day (Asalha Puja Day), Observance Day (Uposatha), Kathina Ceremony (Robe Offering Ceremony), Festival of Floating Bowls (Loy Krathong), Elephant Festival, The Festival of the Tooth,Ancestor Day (Ulambana) | Week 3 - Sources | http://www.religionfacts.com | http://www.evangelical.us/buddhism.html | http://www.sgi.org/buddhism | | | | | WEEK 4DAOISM | Daoism (also spelled Taoism) is based on the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, a short tract written in the 6th century BC in China. Its emphasis on spiritual harmony within the individual complements Confucianism's focus on social duty. The two great Chinese belief systems were founded at about the same time and continue to exist side-by-side in today's China. | Origin of All Things | Other name: Taoismdate founded:c. 550 BCEplace founded:Chinafounder:Lao-Tzeadherents:20 million specifically Taoist 225 million adherents of Chinese religionmain location:Chinasacred texts:Tao Te Ching, Chuang-Tzuoriginal language:Chinese | Nature of God/Creator | Pantheism - the Tao pervades all. Yin-yang - opposites make up a unity. | View of Human Nature | Purpose is inner harmony, peace, and longevity. Achieved by living in accordance with the Tao. | View of Good & Evil | | View of Salvation | Taoism believes salvation is not necessary. There is nothing one needs to be saved from. Belief in salvation leads to belief in damnation and since Taoists don’t believe in damnation either why would they need salvation? Instead their goal in life is to “Live simply in harmony with the Tao and not excessively pursue material wealth, stature, or prestige, and it will lead to a joyful life.” “Even death has no particular meaning to Taoists.” Life and death are merely two aspects of a single reality. Ones life comes from the oneness (Tao) and goes back into it. One finds answers to life’s problems by inner meditation and outer observation rather than praying to a god who can hear and act, like some other religions | View of After Life | Revert back to state of non-being, which is simply the other side of being. | Practices and Rituals | General attitude of detachment and non-struggle, "go with the flow" of the Tao. Tai-chi, acupuncture, and alchemy to help longevity. (Temple) | Celebrations & Festivals | The Lantern Festival, Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon Boat Festival, The Chinese New Year, Hungry Ghost Festival | Week 4 - Sources | http://www.religionfacts.com/taoism/facts | http://taoismfacts.weebly.com/holidays-and-festivals.html | | | | | | WEEK 5SHINTO | Shinto ("the way of the Kami") is the name of the formal state religion of Japan that was first used in the 6th century C.E., although the roots of the religion go back to at least the 6th century B.C.E. Shinto has no founder, no official sacred texts, and no formalized system of doctrine. | Origin of All Things | Formed | 500 BCE | Origin | Japan | Followers | 3,000,000 | Deity | Polytheistic | Sacred Texts | The Kojiki, The Nihongi | Headquarters | None | | Nature of God/Creator | kami: ancient gods or spirits | View of Human Nature | Humans are pure by nature and can keep away evil through purification rituals and attain good things by calling on the kami. | View of Good & Evil | Shinto has no interest in 'good' or 'evil'. These are not cosmic forces, and have no place in Shinto philosophy. Instead, Shinto concentrates on spiritual harmony, and spiritual pollution. | View of Salvation | There is an old saying in Japan: "born Shinto, die Buddhist." Before Buddhism, it was believed that all who died went to a vast hellish underworld from which there is no escape. Buddhism introduced the idea of rewards and punishments in the afterlife, and death and salvation in the afterlife came to be regarded as Buddhist matters. | View of After Life | Death is bad and impure. Some humans become kami after death. | Practices and Rituals | Worship and offerings to kami at shrines and at home. Purification rituals. | Celebrations & Festivals | * Spring Festival (Haru Matsuri or Toshigoi-no-Matsuri) * Autumn or Harvest Festival (Aki Matsuri, or Niiname-sai) * Annual Festival (Rei-sai), and the Divine Procession (Shinko-sai). | Week 5 - Sources | http://www.religionfacts.com/compare/religions | http://www.patheos.com/Library/Shinto/Beliefs/Afterlife-and-Salvation.html | | | | | | WEEK 6 JUDAISM | Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Their sacred text, the Hebrew Bible, teaches several doctrines - such as those about God, the Messiah, human beings, and the universe making beliefs very important to Jews. Judaism has no official creed. Judaism shares some beliefs with other world religions, like monotheism with Christianity and Islam, but in other respects there are sharp differences between the faiths. It is important to understand that the term "Jewish" can be used to describe a race and a culture, rather than a religion, so some who identify themselves as Jewish may have little interest in the beliefs of Judaism. | Origin of All Things | adherents | 14 million | adherents are called | Jews | size rank | 12th | clergy | rabbis | original language | Hebrew | sacred text | Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) | texts | Hebrew Bible (Tanakh); Talmud | date founded | c. 7th century BCE | early expansion | little expansion; mostly confined to Palestine area throughout history | founder(s) | no one founder | origins | The religion of the Hebrews (c. 1300 BC), especially after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. | place founded | ancient Palestine | | Nature of God/Creator | One God: Yahweh (YHVH) | View of Human Nature | two equal impulses, one good and one bad | View of Good & Evil | | View of Salvation | divine revelation and forgiveness | View of After Life | Not historically emphasized. Beliefs vary from no afterlife to shadowy existence to the World to Come (similar to heaven). Bad afterlife eternal Gehenna or none. Good afterlife generally no afterlife; some believe in heaven. | Practices and Rituals | Circumcision at birth, bar/bat mitzvah at adulthood. Synagogue services on Saturdays. No pork or other non-kosher foods. Holidays related to historical events. Place of worship synagogue or temple. Main day of worship is on Saturday. | Celebrations & Festivals | Days of Awe, Sabbath, Feast of Weeks, Festivals of Booths, Hanukkah, Pesach (Passover), Purim, Rosh Hashanah, Tu B'Shevat, Yom Kippur | Week 6 - Sources | http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/beliefs | | | | | | | WEEK 7CHRISTIANITY | Based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ approximately 2,000 years ago, Christianity is one of the most influential religions in history. Although it began as a small sect of Judaism during the first century in ancient Israel, the Christian religion has nearly 2 billion followers at the beginning of the 21st century and can be found in virtually every corner of the globe. | Origin of All Things | adherents | 2 billion | size rank | 1st | UK adherents | 1.6 million | clergy | priests, ministers, pastors, bishops | place founded | ancient Palestine under Roman rule | sacred text | Bible (Hebrew Bible + New Testament) | texts | Bible (Hebrew Bible + New Testament) | date founded | 1st century CE | early expansion | within 60 years, churches in major cities in Palestine, Turkey, Greece and Rome; entire Roman Empire by end of 4th cent. | founder(s) | Jesus of Nazareth | original language | Aramaic and Greek | | Nature of God/Creator | Holy Trinity = God the Father + God the Son + God the Holy Spirit | View of Human Nature | All have sinned and are thereby separated from God. Salvation is through faith in Christ and, for some, sacraments and good works. Human created good but all inherit "original sin" from Adam, causing a tendency to evil | View of Good & Evil | God has not yet intervened to put an end to evil once and for all, as the Bible declares that one day he will. In his mercy he gives us the opportunity to change our ways and turn to him. | View of Salvation | Salvation is through faith in Christ and, for some, sacraments and good works. Depending on denomination, one or more of: belief in Christ, baptism, and good deeds. predestination; various forms of grace; sometimes special revelation | View of After Life | Eternal heaven or hell | Practices and Rituals | Prayer, Bible study, baptism, Eucharist (Communion), church on Sundays, church or chapel. | Celebrations & Festivals | Advent, All Saints Day, Ash Wednesday, Assumption Day, Boxing Day, Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, Good Friday, Lent, Mardi Gras, Palm Sunday, Reformation Day, St. Andrew's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Sunday, Thanksgiving, Twelfth Night, Valentine's Day | Week 7 - Sources | http://www.christianity.co.nz/suffer6.htm | http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity | | | | | | WEEK 8ISIAM | Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, with over 1 billion followers. It is a monotheistic faith based on revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad in 7th-century Saudi Arabia. The Arabic word Islam means “submission,” reflecting the faith's central tenet of submitting to the will of God. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. | Origin of All Things | adherents | 1.3 billion | adherents are called | Muslims | size rank | 2nd | original language | Arabic | religious law | Sharia | name means | submission | sacred text | Qur'an (Koran) | other texts | Hadith | texts | Qur'an (Scripture); Hadith (tradition) | date founded | 622 CE | early expansion | within 12 years, entire Arabian peninsula; within 100 years, Muslim world stretched from the Atlantic to China | founder(s) | Muhammad (born c.570), a trade merchant from Arabia | origins | Based on teachings of the Prophet Muhammad; founded 622 CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. | | Nature of God/Creator | One God Allah in Arabic; the same God revealed imperfectly in the Jewish and Christian Bibles | View of Human Nature | Humans must submit (Islam) to the will of God to gain Paradise after death. Born with equal ability to do good or evil. | View of Good & Evil | "Good" and "bad" are two adjectives qualifying human deeds or acts. They transcend religious rituals such as praying and fasting, to extend to acts related to all aspects of life, such as politics, economics, legal system, warfare, and social conduct, according to fixed criteria. | View of Salvation | Correct belief, good deeds, Five Pillars of Islam. God's role in salvation is predestination. | View of After Life | Resurrection of body and soul followed by Paradise or Hell | Practices and Rituals | Five Pillars: Faith, Prayer, Alms, Pilgrimage, Fasting. Mosque services on Fridays. Ablutions before prayer. No alcohol or pork. Holidays related to the pilgrimage and fast of Ramadan. The main day to worship is on Friday at a Mosque. | Celebrations & Festivals | Islamic Calendar, Al-Hijra: Islamic New Year, Ramadan: Month of Fasting, 'Id Al-Fitr: Festival of Breaking the Fast, 'Id Al-Adha: Festival of the Sacrifice, Ashura: Remembering Shiite Martyr Husayn | Week 8 - Sources | http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/holidays | | | | | | | WEEK 9SIKHISM | The word "Sikhism" derives from "Sikh," which means a strong and able disciple. Sikhism as a religion has one very special aspect that the preaching of its founder are only the most holy scripture of Sikhs. These are songs and verses sung by Guru Nanak Dev ji that were recorded and complied in the form of Guru Granth Sahib ji. | Origin of All Things | NameFrom Punjabi sikh, "learner" or "disciple"Foundedc. 1500 in India (also see Sikh history)FounderShri Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469-1538)Adherents23 million (see more religion statisticsMain locationPunjab region of India (also see religion in India)Original languagePunjabiSacred textAdi Granth (Sri Guru Granth Sahib) | Nature of God/Creator | one God: Ik Onkar | View of Human Nature | Overcome the self, align life with will of God, and become a "saint soldier," fighting for good. | View of Good & Evil | Sikhs believe in Karma and in reincarnation, people are rewarded when they do good things, and when they do terrible things, they suffer the consequences. | View of Salvation | In order to attain salvation one must live a honest life and meditate on God. Sikhism shows the way to attain salvation and become One with God. Sikhism instructs that you do not have to fast, abstain, go on renunciation or enter a monastery in order to meet God. All you have to do is have faith, recite the Name of God and remember Him for each possible moment. | View of After Life | Reincarnation until resolve karma and merge with God. | Practices and Rituals | Prayer and meditation on God's name, services at temple (gurdwara), turban and five Ks. Balance work, worship, and charity. No monasticism or asceticism. | Celebrations & Festivals | Vaisakhi Day Birthday of Guru Nanak Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh | Week 9 - Sources | http://www.indiaonlinepages.com/religions/sikhism/sikhism-facts.html | http://www.religionfacts.com/sikhism/facts | http://sikhismfacts.weebly.com/good-and-evil.html | | | | | WEEK 10MODERN REGIONS | | Origin of All Things | | Nature of God/Creator | | View of Human Nature | | View of Good & Evil | | View of Salvation | | View of After Life | | Practices and Rituals | | Celebrations & Festivals | | Week 10 - Sources | | | | | | | |