INTRODUCTION TOWORLD RELIGION AND BELIEF SYSTEMS.pptx

Introduction to World Religion, and Belief Systems.

1. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

2. DEEFINITION OF TERMS LEARNING COPETENCY 1.1. Give ab example of a belief system or a worldwide 1.2. Differentiate religion from: Spirituality Theology Philosophy of Religion 1.3. Infer that: A belief system or worldview is a particular way of ordering the realities of one’s world. Religion is the pursuit of transformation guided by a sacred belief system Spirituality is one’s integrative view of life. It involves a quest for the meaning and ultimate value of life as opposed to an instrumentalist or materialistic attitude to life

3. Religion as a phenomenon is a complex reality. In many of the religion classes you may have attended before, religious ideas and practices were taught as doctrines, creeds and rituals that a believer of a particular faith such as Roman Catholicism needs to abide by. This is why for many, any discussion of religion is a personal matter and therefore could be very emotional.

4. Religion as a phenomenon is a complex reality. In many of the religion classes you may have attended before, religious ideas and practices were taught as doctrines, creeds and rituals that a believer of a particular faith such as Roman Catholicism needs to abide by. This is why for many, any discussion of religion is a personal matter and therefore could be very emotional. Can you think of any instance when you saw one person turn emotional because of religion?

5. Definition and Nature of Religion -Etymology: came the Latin verb, Religare , which means in English, to bind. religion means binding of oneself with the absolute being. Religion is a belief in a supernatural power, or it refers to the performance of practices which binds together or links human beings with the hidden superpower. It comprises of systems of attitudes, beliefs, symbols and a structure of activities governed by these systems. Religion

6. The first is substantive , which is concerned with what constitutes religion. In this sense, religion involves beliefs and practices “which assume the existence of supernatural beings” (Davie 2007). The second is, functional definition of religion which is more concerned with the social consequences of religion.

7. Religion as human’s way to God

8. Religion vs. Spirituality Religion Etymology : came the Latin verb, Religare , which means in English, to bind. religion means binding of oneself with the absolute being. Belief in Gods or gods to be worshipped, usually expressed in conducts and rituals or any specific belief system, worship, etc. often involving code of ethics. Spirituality The quality or fact of being spiritual, non-physical or predominantly spiritual character as shown in thought, life, etc.

9. Religion is a set of beliefs and rituals that put a person in a right relationship with God or gods, while S pirituality is more of a character focused on spiritual things and the spiritual worlds instead of focusing on physical or earthly things.

10. Elements of Spirituality Holistic- fully integrated view to life. Quest for meaning- including the purpose of life. Quest for sacred- beliefs about God. Suggests a self-reflective existence.

11. Religion vs. Theology Religion Theology A discipline that has a systematic way of studying the divine, its attributes, activities, and involvement in human affairs and nature as a whole. Theology involves the systematic study of the existence and nature of the divine. It deals with the study of the nature and purpose of god that may be undertaken using a particular perspective. Theology is a study, not a formulation of religious beliefs. The study of the nature of God and religious beliefs. - MWD Etymology: came the Latin verb, Religare , which means in English, to bind. religion means binding of oneself with the absolute being. Belief in Gods or gods to be worshipped, usually expressed in conducts and rituals or any specific belief system, worship, etc. often involving code of ethics.

12. Religion vs. Philosophy of Religion Religion Etymology : came the Latin verb, Religare , which means in English, to bind. religion means binding of oneself with the absolute being. Belief in Gods or gods to be worshipped, usually expressed in conducts and rituals or any specific belief system, worship, etc. often involving code of ethics. Philosophy of Religion Philosophy on the other hand, is a pursuit of wisdom by intellectual search and logical reasoning. Philosophy of religion questions the very existence of the supreme power or on sacred texts. It seeks to analyze various concepts such as god, spirit, karma, creation, immortality, heaven, hell, and purgatory among others.

13. We need to infer that… A belief system or worldview is a particular way of ordering the realities of one’s world. Religion is the pursuit of transformation guided by a sacred belief system Spirituality is one’s integrative view of life. It involves a quest for the meaning and ultimate value of life as opposed to an instrumentalist or materialistic attitude to life

14. Elements of Religion To fully understand what religion is, it is important to know its different elements. These are the following: An effort to elevate the whole self to a higher dimension of existence; A framework of transcendent beliefs; Texts or scriptures; Rituals; and Sacred spaces

15. Worldview of Major World’s Religion Kinds Description Monism A belief that all is One. There is no real distinction between god and the universe. Polytheism The belief and worship of many gods. Monotheism The doctrine or belief in one supreme god. Atheism Disbelief in or denial of the existence of a personal god Agnosticism God cannot be known.

16. How World Religions Began LEARNING COPETENCY 2.1. Cite regions or places where specific religions evolve 2.2. Analyze the culture of the region that give rise to specific religions 2.3. Explain how geography influences religion and religion affects culture

17. The world’s great religions can be classified according to their places of origin. This refers to the geographical location from which these major religions were founded. The nine major religions of the world to be discussed in this 1 st semester are classified into three: Abrahamic (religions originated in the Near East) Vedic (religions influenced by the Indian culture) East Asian Religion (religions founded in East Asia and were strongly influenced by Asian culture) Introduction

18. Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion Religion had its origin in the belief in immaterial souls that might inhabit objects like stones, trees, animals, or human bodies, but which also could exist independently from them Edward Taylor (1832-1917), Anthropologist

19. Animism Etymology: From Greek word ‘anima’ which means ‘soul”. Religion is equated to animism and this can be traced from ancient customs and traditions of different ancient societies. Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion Edward Taylor (1832-1917), Anthropologist

20. Ancestor worship The origin of religion lies in the respect given to the ancestors combined with the belief in ghosts caused by dream experiences. Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion Herbert Spencer

21. Ancestor worship Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion Herbert Spencer Associated with this theory is the fear of mighty things or forces of nature that some people equate to be acts of supernatural beings. Acknowledgement of the existence of spirits (ghosts) and supernatural beings support the formation of certain belief systems and religions.

22. Ancestor worship Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion Based on these two concepts, it can be deduced that the origin of religion came through the acknowledgement of the presence of spirits and supernatural beings, and the respect for ancestors that evolved into certain form of worship. Animism

23. Revelation Religion spawned from a primitive divine revelation. This means that religion is conceived from an assumption that in the beginning, there is a god who reveled His being to man in different manners the essential truths of religion, such as the existence of God, the obligation to obey Him, and the hope of immortality Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion

24. The table shows the approximate date when each of the nine major world religions began, along with the traditional dates for the birth and death of each founder (if applicable). Places of origin is also indicated for each religion. (C.E. – Common Era, A.D. – Anno Domini or Year of the Lord, B.C.E. – Before Common Era, BC – Before Christ) Origin of Major Religion DATE NEAR EAST INDIA EAST ASIA 1,000 + BCE Judaism Moses : 1500-1350 Hinduism 2000 BCE 600 BCE Buddhism Buddha: 653-483 BCE Taoism Lao Tzu: 380-500 BCE Confucianism Confucius: 551-479 BCE 100 CE Christianity Jesus: 1-33 CE Shinto 100 CE 600 CE Islam Muhammad : 570-632 CE

25. The Near East The history of Near East begins with the rise of Sumer in the 4 th millennium B.C. The term covered the Bronze Age and the Iron Age in the region until either the conquest by the Persian Empire in the 6 th Century B.C. or that by Alexander the Great in the 4 th century B.C. Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion

26. East Asia East Asia is the Eastern sub-region of the Asian continent, which can be defined in either geographical or ethno-cultural terms. Geographically and geopolitically, it includes China, Hong Kong, and Macao; Mongolia and Taiwan; North and South Korea; Japan. Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion One fifth of all people in the world lives in East Asia. This is approximately 38% of the total population of Asia. Major Religions include Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and some of the indigenous populations embrace Shamanism.

27. India India’s astounding diversity of religions, languages and culture are unique and unparalleled. The society of vast continent, varied and complex in its rich heritage is among the oldest in the world. Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion

28. India Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion Six Major Religions Hinduism Islam Sikhism Christianity Buddhism Zoroastrianism

29. 2 Major Language Families 1. Aryan and Dravidians; with 18 official languages and innumerable dialects and tribal languages; three racial standard 2. Aryan, Dravidian and proto- Australoids ; and over 4000 castes Basic Concepts on the Origin of Religion

30. Civilizations typically develop in and around river systems where easy access to water and irrigation systems become possible which allows them to grow crops and move from hunter gatherer lifestyle to farmers. How Does Geography Influence Religion Mountains became focal points for certain religions as people scaled their heights which gave them the higher and wider view of the surrounding lands. The ascent to certain peaks became a symbol for the way people those days perceived reality. People look towards nature as giving them a purpose and meaning to life

31. Because the physical geography of the land determined how and when people would live in certain places due to accessibility, resources and climate, it would seem reasonable to conclude that these people would regard these aspects of nature as having God-like immortality. But because anthropomorphism ruled the day, these places became the home of the Gods, rather than the earliest deities that preceded them - - during the times of paganism How Does Geography Influence Religion

32. In conclusion, the physical geography of a place affects the formation of the belief system and religious behavior of people living such place. How Does Geography Influence Religion

33. Some cultures identified themselves by their religion. All common events in cultures like home, farming, relationships, marriage, birth and death are influenced by their religious beliefs. Religion is the epicenter that binds culture altogether. Relationship between Religion and Culture Religion often gives codes of behavior for society and culture, such as “The Ten Commandments.” All religion have the Five Basic Human Values; Truth, Right, Love, Peace and Non-Violence at their core. In conclusion, religious practices are shaped by the culture around them

34. Positive and Negative Effects of Religion LEARNING COPETENCY 3.1. Identify the positive and negative effects of religion 3.2. Provide evidence that religion brought about an event in history 3.3. Justify that religion can have positive or negative effects on society 3.4. Gather print or web-based articles, photos, editorials, etc. showing the positive or negative effects of religion.

35. Religion provides belief and solace to people when they are down and hopeless . It is the binding fabric the fabric for the society. It provides objectives to people for work or for their life. there are some pieces of evidence that these religions became sources of conflicts around the world. In fact, they have become the proverbial “sweet and bitter pills” necessary for human life. Hence, it is important for a learners to look at the advantages and disadvantages of religion, or the positive and negative impacts of religion on individual and society. Introduction

36. Positive effects of Religion on Individual and Society

37. 1. As a way of devotion Religion is an individual’s way of devotion and process of connecting with whom he/she believes as “divine”

38. 2. As resource to have mental peace Many believe that the realization of the Supreme Power above the human ego is only possible by following the path of religion. In this fast paced world when everything is one click away, all we need is mental peace. Religion can be a way in helping us attain peace.

39. 3. Religion encourages social worl Many religious organizations engage in social work that contributes to the welfare of society. They provide the alms to the poor, conduct Medical missions to the underprivileged, and also set up educational institutions for the youth so that they can have access to formal education.

40. 4. Religion teaches men to be compassionate Religious people are compassionate towards others as religion teaches its followers to be benevolent and sympathetic to other human beings.

41. 5. Religion provides wisdom Holy Books like The Bible and The Vedas impart wisdom to the people which benefits humanity as a whole. Religion teach people to differentiate between what is right and wrong.

42. Negative effects of Religion on Individual and Society

43. 1. Religion as an expansionist toll Since time immemorial, religion was used by groups and empires to fight wars with other groups or kingdoms to advance their ideals and expand their territories. Followers of a particular religion believe that their teachings are superior to other religions and this usually breed conflicts.

44. The Battle of Tours in 732 A.D.

45. Battle of Hattin, 1187

46. 2. Religion tends to have conflict with science One of the major drawbacks of religion, as far as science is concerned, is the belief that the world originated from supernatural power. Scientific rational thinking is discouraged and people asking questions based on reasons are hounded and some were even killed.

47. The Trial of Galileo

48. 3. Religion tends to discriminate A religious state rarely respects the rights of minority religion and even some social groups. Forced conversations are rampant with regular diatribes launched against gay and other racial communities.

49. The Trial of Joan of Arc Joan of Arc is interrogated by The Cardinal of Winchester in her prison1431. painting by Paul Delaroche (1797-1858)

50. 4. Religion can be an antidote to progress Overtly, some scholars say, religious societies cannot progress as they do not allow free thinking innovation and scientific inventions. Progress is only possible when people are encouraged to think out of the box and religion is not adopted as a way of life.

51. 5. Religion can be used as a political tool Political parties around the world exploit the general discontentment among people to whip up religious passion and capture power. This is a dangerous trend leading to a war that might cause large scale casualties in terms of human life and property.

52. JUDAISM LEARNING COPETENCY 4.1. Recite the Ten Commandments as stated in the Old Testament (Exodus 20) 4.2. Identify a Jewish custom or tradition demonstrated in a movie 4.3. Justify the core teaching of Judaism about the covenant of One God with a chosen people vs. other people with many Gods 4.4. Identify a story from the Old Testament that demonstrates the Jewish belief in One God

53. The oldest among the Abrahamic religion is Judaism, the religion of the Jews. It traces its origin with the Hebrew people in the Middle East way back 2,000 years ago. Abraham, a Hebrew man, is considered the father of Jewish faith because he promoted the central idea of Jewish faith – that there is only one God. Introduction

54. Judaism is also considered a cultural and religious identity associated with Jewish people. The cultural aspects of Judaism include food, holidays, rituals, customs and other traditions. The religious aspects refers to the tenets of Jewish religion. A person is considered Jewish by being born into a Jewish family, or by practicing and converting to the Jewish religion. So being Jewish is not exclusive to one’s nationality or race. Introduction

55. The Star of David – intended to represent the shape of King David’s shield, is a symbol of Judaism and the Jewish community. There are several interpretations for its symbolic significance. One such view is that it represents an inner spiritual center supported by six universal sides. ( www.reference.com ) Introduction Founders Abraham (2,000 B.B.) and/or Moses (1391 – 1271 B.C.) Sacred Texts Torah, Pentateuch, Poetry, Talmud, Misnah Doctrines Ten Commandments, 618 Rules God Yaweh /Jehovah Sacred Space Temples and Synagogue Sects Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Liberal Issues Anti-Semitism, Zionism, Holocaust Basic Facts

56. Beginnings The tradition of Judaism arose around 2000 B.C., but it was not until 1 A.D. that the rabbinic religion was established. The faith was historically centered in Canaan (Modern day Israel and Palestine.) According to the Jewish tradition itself, whose history is told in the Old Testament of the Bible, Rabbinic Judaism began when Moses and his receipt of God’s Ten Commandments. At the height of Jewish people’s power, their religion was centered in King Solomon’s Temple and more specifically, the Ark of Covenant, that is housed. This mighty Kingdom collapsed in c. 920 B.C. which brought the Jewish Diaspora and the rise of the Prophets.

57. Core Beliefs of Judaism Core beliefs of Judaism include the belief in God as the one and only God; that the Torah is the most important Jewish Text, and that established a covenant with Abraham to be passed on to the future generations. Judaism believes that God gave the Torah and the oral Torah to Moses that his promise must ne true.

58. Basic Teachings of Judaism 1. Belief in a single, incorporeal and eternal God who created the entire universe, 2. A set of moral principles that require people to treat one another with dignity and love, and ensure justice and equality, and the worship of a single God in prayer, 3. Study and adherence to the commandments set out in the Torah

59. The great codifier of Torah Law and Jewish philosophy, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (“Maimonides” also known as “The Ramban ”) compiled what he refers to as Shloshah-Asar Ikkarim , The Thirteen Fundamental Principles of Jweish Faith as described from Torah. Maimonides refers to this thirteen principles of faith as “the fundamental truths of oyr religion and its very foundations” Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon The Thirteen Principles of Jewish Faith

60. Shloshah-Asar Ikkarim God alone is the Creator God is unique and one God is incorporeal and incomparable God is First and Last We are to Pray to God Alone The Words of the (Hebrew) Prophets are true 7. Moses is the Chief Prophet 8. The Torah has been Dively Preserved 9. Torah cannot be changed 10. God knows All Things 11. God reward the Righteous 12. The Messiah will come 13. The dead will be Resurrected It is the custom of many congregation to recite the thirteen principles in a slightly more poetic form, beginning with the words Ani Maamin , which means “I Believe” – every day after the morning prayers in the synagogue

61. Sacred Writings The sacred writings of Judaism are found in the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, known as “ Tanakh ”. The Jews believe the writings were first given to Moses by God roughly 3000 years ago and commonly refer to them as The Five Books of Moses. Source: www.religionfacts.com/Judaism/texts

62. Sacred Writings The books of the Torah include the biblical books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Jewish Virtual Library explains that, in addition to an account of the creation of the world and complete history of the early Hebrews, the Torah lists 613 laws about how to worship God and lead a moral life. Source: www.reference.com

63. Jewish Tradition: Sabbath, Festivals and Holy Day The Sabbath - A weekly day devoted to God through religious activities and it is considered to be the most important Jewish holiday.

64. Jewish Tradition: Sabbath, Festivals and Holy Day Rosh Hashanah -The two-day Jewish New Year is a period of self-examination and resolution. A ram’s horn (Shofar) is blown as a call to look into one’s soul and improve one’s way. Yom Kippur -Day of Atonement. It is considered to be the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar as it is believed that this is when God decree’s each Jewish’s fate for the remainder of the year.

65. Yom Kippur -Day of Atonement. It is considered to be the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar as it is believed that this is when God decree’s each Jewish’s fate for the remainder of the year.

66. Jewish Tradition: Sabbath, Festivals and Holy Day Succoth/Sukkot/ Sukkos Is an eight-day period of rejoicing on which temporary booths covered with branches are built. Sukkot commemorates the years that Jews spent in the dessert on their way to the Promised Land. It is also known as the Feast of Tabernacle or feast of Booths dsg

67. Jewish Tradition: Sabbath, Festivals and Holy Day Shemeni Atzaret A holiday corresponds to the final day of “Succoth,” but is a separate and complete holiday in itself that is usually marked by a festival meal. dsg

68. Jewish Tradition: Sabbath, Festivals and Holy Day Pirim This commemorates the saving from the massacre of the Jewish community under Persian rule in 150 B.C., as recalled in the Book of Esther that is publicly read. dsg

69. Jewish Tradition: Sabbath, Festivals and Holy Day dsg Pesach (Passover) It recalls the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt during biblical times. It last for eight days

70. Jewish Tradition: Sabbath, Festivals and Holy Day Shavuot The two-day festival that commemorates God's gift of Torah to the Jews at Mt. Sinai, at which time they formally became a nation. It is customary for adult males (those over 13 of age) to stay up all night and study the Torah. Consuming a dairy product is also traditional during this festival

71. Jewish Tradition: Sabbath, Festivals and Holy Day Tisha B’Av The ninth day of the month of Av is the final day of the three weeks of mourning the destruction of the Holy Temple on the same date in 587 B.C.E., and 70 C.E.. Though it is not a biblically mandated festival, works is discouraged during 25-hour fast day

72. CHRISTIANITY LEARNING COPETENCY 5.1. Recite the Apostle’s Creed, The Lords Prayer from the Beatitudes 5.2. Interpret the Parable of the Prodigal Son 5.3. Explain: The core teaching of Christianity is the message that a loving God sent His begotten Son in order to redeem humankind from eternal damnation 5.4. Interview a Christian parent…

73. Christianity is the largest among the world’s major religions at the moment. It has over 2 billion followers, who classify themselves under 34,000 different denominations. Initially, Christianity is believed to be rooted in Judaism, as Jesus Christ was a Jew, as were His twelve disciples (the Apostles) Introduction

74. Christianity is based mainly around the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is monotheistic in its worldview. Christians believe in the Bible being the Word of God, and although some choose to take it more literally than others, it is generally considered to be inspired by the Holy Spirit. Introduction

75. Cross is the principal symbol of Christian religion, recalling the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of His passion and death. The Cross is thus a sign both of Jesus Himself and the faith of Christians. Introduction Founders Jesus Christ (c. 7 B.C. – 30 A.D>) Sacred Texts Bible (Old and New Testament) Doctrines Trinity, Virgin birth, Deity of Christ, Resurrection, Last Judgement God Trinity or Triune God (Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit) Sacred Space Church/House of Worship Sects Roman Catholic, Great/Eastern Orthodox, Propestantinism , Philippine Independent Churh , Iglesia Ni Cristo and other denominations Issues Ecumenism, Sexuality issues, (e.g. contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, clerical issues) Basic Facts

76. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the well-known parable of the prodigal son.   A son asks his father for his inheritance, then squanders it recklessly as he lives a life of indulgence . With nothing left of his fortune, he is forced to work as a hired hand for a pig farmer.

77. Christian Major Beliefs and Principles Jesus Christ as the Messiah Jesus Christ is the founder of the original form of Christianity. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Anointed Savior of the World and that His presence on earth was the fulfillment of the prophecies made in the Old Testament about the Messiah who was to come and save humanity from their sins.

78. Virgin Birth of Jesus According to the Gospel, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. This Christian Belief has later catapulted Virgin Mary to a unique status of being the Mother of God, and ha she is being honored by the Catholic Christians.

79. Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ This is the anchor of Christian faith. Christians consider Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven to be the most important doctrine of the Christian faith. This is because Jesus shows His omnipotence over death and ultimately is the most convincing evidence for Christians that He is truly God.

80. Salvation Salvation for the Christians is the freedom from eternal damnation and receiving eternal life in the new heaven and new earth. This can only be attained through Jesus Christians by accepting Him as Savior and be baptized in His name.

81. For Catholic Christians however, it is not enough tom believe. Faith must be coupled with good words and deeds. Who among Christians believe that faith alone can save man? What about the Catholic Christians? How can man be saved?

82. Trinitarian Doctrine Although Christianity is generally considered a monotheistic religion, Christians also believe that Jesus was God’s Son, and that He and the Holy Spirit are both also fully God, as well as being separate entities entirely. They believe in one God in three persons, the Trinitarian God

83. Trinitarian Doctrine This is a concept many find hard to accept, and some Christians (i.e. the Iglesia Ni Cristo or Church of Christ) choose not to accept, but the majority of Christians see it as an essential part of their faith. the Bible does not specifically refer to the Trinity, but is a common doctrine (shrouded in mystery) and is included in the Nicene Creed which serves to outline the core beliefs of Christianity.

84. Christian Worship Christian worship involves praising God in music and speech, readings from the Scripture (Bible), prayers of various sorts, a homily/sermon, and various holy ceremonies (called sacraments by Catholic Christians) such as the Eucharist.

85. Different Churches, All Christians The following are pictures of famous churches of different branches of Christianity:

86. Different Churches, All Christians The following are pictures of famous churches of different branches of Christianity:

87. Roman Catholic Church – St. Peter Basilica, Rome

88. Greek Orthodox Church – St. Andrew Cathedral, Greece

89. ISLAM LEARNING COPETENCY 6.1. Read the opening lines of Qur’an preferably from an English version 6.2. Retell the life and times of Prophet Muhammad 6.3. Explain: The core teaching of Islam is there is only one God and Muhammad is His final and greatest mess enger 6.4. Conduct a panel discussion on Muslim beliefs and practices

90. The Arabic word “Islam” means peace, submission and obedience. The religion of Islam is the complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God as revealed to his Prophet, Muhammad. A Muslim is defined by Islamic scholars as one who believes in God and strive for the complete transformation of his life according to God’s revealed guidance and the teachings of His Prophet. Introduction

91. The Crescent Moon and Star symbol actually predates Islam by several thousand years. Origins of the symbol are difficult to confirm but most sources agree that these ancient symbols were use by the peoples of Central Asia and Siberia in their worship of sun, moon, and sky gods. ( www.about.com.islam ) Introduction Founders Prophet Muhammad (570–632 A.D.) Sacred Texts Qur’an, Hadith Doctrines Five Pillars of Islam, Shahadah , Salat , Sawn, Zakat, Hadj God Allah Sacred Space Mosque Sects Sunni, Shi’ite, and Sufi Issues Gender inequality, Militant Islam, Migration Basic Facts

92. The Qur’an The Qur’an is believed as the last revealed word of God. it is the primary source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concerns human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, laws, etc., but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creation.

93. The Qur’an Muslims also believe that the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in Arabic only. Based on this belief, any Quranic translation, either in English or any other language, is neither a Qur’an, nor a version of the Qur’an.

94. Sura Al- Fatiha – “The Opening” In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the  ' Alamin   (mankind, jinns and all that exists).     The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)   You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).   Guide us to the Straight Way  The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians). 

95. The Life of Muhammad Muhammad is the founder and the chief prophet of Islam and the source of Qur’an. Muhammad, whose name means “highly praised,” was born in Meccas in 570 A.D. His father died shortly before his birth, and he lost his mother at the age of six. Muhammad was then raised primarily by his uncle, (Abu Talib ) for whom he worked as a shepherd. At the age of nine (some source say 12), he joined his uncle on a caravan to Syria. As a young man , Muhammad worked as a camel driver between Syria and Arabia.

96. The Life of Muhammad Established a career managing caravans on behalf of merchants At 25, he was employed by Khadihja , a wealthy Meccan widow 15 years his senior. Early records state that: “Allah comforted him through her, for she made his burden light.”

97. The Ancient Mecca

98. The Modern Mecca

99. The Ka’bah also reffered as Al Kaaba Al Musharrafah , is a building at the center of the Islam’s most sacred mosque, Al-Majid al Haram, in Meccas, al-Hejaz, Audi Arabia. It is the sacred site in Islam. The Ka’bah or Kaaba in Meccas (The Center of Muslim Pilgrimage)

100. The Five Pillars of Islamic Faith ( www.bbc.co.uk ) There   are five duties that every Muslim must follow in order to live a good and responsible life according to Islam. For  Muslims, these five duties are seen as pillars holding up the religion.                                                                Shahadah  is the Muslim declaration of faith. The words of the Shahadah are repeated multiple times during the day. Salah  is prayer. It is  for Muslims to pray five times a day if they are eligible to do so, e.g. they have reached the age of puberty and are mentally and physically able. Zakah , or charitable giving, encourages generosity and compassion. Sawm  is the obligation to fast during Ramadan. It teaches Muslims self-discipline, bringing them closer to Allah. Hajj  is the pilgrimage to Makkah. The trip is compulsory at least once in a lifetime for Muslims as long as they are fit and healthy and can afford to make the trip.

101. Concept of Worshi p Islam does not teach or accept mere ritualism. It emphasizes intention and action. To worship God, according to Islam is to know Him and love Him; to act upon His law in every aspects of life; to enjoin goodness and forbid wrongdoings and oppression; to practice charity and justice and to serve God by serving mankind. Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem

102. 1. Sunni Muslims – include 84%-90% of all Muslims. Sunni means “tradition,” and Sunni regard themselves as those who emphasize following the traditions of Muhammad and of the first two generations of community of Muslims that followed Muhammad. Different Islamic Sects Islam appeared to be solid religion based on the simplicity of its doctrine and tradition. However, like other religions, it was also attacked by the worms of division, as it grew and developed. A Muslim’s Islamic belief may take one of the following forms of Islam; 2. Shi’ite Muslims – comprise 10%-16% of all Muslims. Shi’ites are the “party of Ali,” who believe that Muhammad’s son-in-law was designated successor (Imam) and that the Muslim community should be headed by a designated descendant of Muhammad.

103. 4. Baha’is and Ahmadiyyas – are 19 th century offshoots of Shi’ite and Sunni respectively. 3. Sufis or Islamic Mystics – Sufis go beyond external requirements of Islamic religion to seek a personal experience of God though forms of meditation and spiritual growth.

104. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS RELIGION JUDAISM CHRISTIANITY ISLAM Origin of the Universe and mankind The universe and mankind are all creations of God. For Judaism, the stories of creation are found in the first two chapters of the Book of Genesis in the Torah. These chapters discuss how God created the universe in six days and rested in the 7 th day The universe and mankind are all creations of God. in Christianity, the creation accounts are found in the first two chapters of the Book of Genesis in the Bible. These accounts tell how God created the world in six days and rested on the 7 th days. The first man (Adam), was created on the sixth day. In the Qur’an there are details of the creation. It was stated that the Lord Allah create the heavens and the earth in six periods. It is also stated that it was Allah who created men, high and low that they may worship him.

105. RELIGION JUDAISM CHRISTIANITY ISLAM Morality Ethics and morality play a central role in Judaism. Acc. to the Torah, Jews made a covenant with God that established them as God’s chosen people. God requires the Jews to uphold this covenant by adhering to the moral guidelines such as the ten Commandments found in Torah Morality for a Christian is the application of God’s law regarding person’s private and public behavior. In seeking to live a moral life, a Christian tries to obey the rules that have been decreed by God and recorded in the Bible. Morality in Islam is a comprehensive term that serves to include the concept of righteousness, good character and the body of moral qualities and virtues prescribe in Islamic religious texts, like the Qur’an. The underlying idea of Islamic morality is that of love: love for God and love for God’s creature.

106. RELIGION JUDAISM CHRISTIANITY ISLAM Purpose of Life The general purpose of Judaism is to bring man to completeness and to a close relationship with God. this is by serving God with all your heart, mind and complete being. God created human beings in the divine image enabling human to have some understanding of God, and His vast and complex design. The purpose of life is to love and serve God in order to help bring about God’s glorious plan for creation. The Islamic worldview instate a complete lifestyle of servitude and faith into its followers, thus granting both purpose and meaning of life. A Muslim's entire life is lived with the mission to submit to Allah’s divine intendment thereof providing such regulation and guidance.

107. RELIGION JUDAISM CHRISTIANITY ISLAM Destiny Judaism holds a little interest in the doctrine of life after death, but Jewish philosophers Maimo-nides has included in his list of basic beliefs important to Judaism a belief in the resurrection of the dead. For Judaism the destiny of man is based on how he conducts his life before God while in this present life. Christians believe in life after death, and they took Jesus Christ as concrete proof that there is resurrection of the dead. Christians also believe that God is in charge of human affairs, but at the same time He has given man the freedom to obey or disobey. A Christian’s destiny is a result of how he /she chose between obedience and disobedience of God’s laws. Belief in destiny and fate is one of the basic belief of Islam. Predestination is the concept of divine destiny in Islamic faith. It means Allah is the knower of all things; nothing exists outside of His will and decree. Whatever He wills happens and whatever He does not will does not happen.

108. RELIGION JUDAISM CHRISTIANITY ISLAM Views on Women Though Judaism tends to be patriarchal in nature, traditionally, women have a sacred role – they bear children, run the home, and take responsibility for Jewish upbringing. The women passes on Jewish values and it is because of mother’s Jewish faith (not the father’s faith) that a child is born Jewish. Historically, the church’s position on this matter followed the biblical text such as Genesis 3:16, ‘ where God tells Eve that her husband Adam will rule over her. In the New Testament this view is comprehensively confirmed by the apostles by emphasizing that the man is the head of his wife. Islam teaches that both men and women are equal in the sight of God. however, it does recognize that they are not identical. God created men and women with unique physiological and psychological attributes. In Islam, these differences are embraced as vital components to a healthy family and community structure.

109. HINDUISM LEARNING COPETENCY 8.1. Recite the creation story in Rig Veda 8.2. Identify the names of the major Hindu deities as well as their corresponding functions or powers 8.3. Explain: The core teaching of Hinduism is the attainment of liberation in the identification of Atman and Brahman through the Four Yogas 8.4. Simulate a particular yoga and write a reflection paper on your insights on Hinduism

110. Hinduism is the religion of the majority of people in India and Nepal. It also exists among significant populations outside of the sub-continent and has over 900 million adherents. In some ways, Hinduism is the oldest living religion in the world, and it is closely associated with other Indian religions, such as Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Introduction

111. Unlike most other religions, Hinduism has no founder, no single scripture, and no commonly agreed set of teachings. Throughout its extensive history, there have been many key figures teaching different philosophies and writing numerous holy books. For these reasons, writers and religious scholars often refer to Hinduism as a ‘way of life’ or a ‘family of religions’ rather than a single religion Introduction

112. This symbol is sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal absolute of Hinduism – omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. (Hinduism.about.com) Introduction Founders Aryans (1500B.C.) Sacred Texts Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad-Gita Doctrines Dharma, Karma, Artha , Moksha, Brahman, Atman, the Four Yogas God Sacred Space Sects Issues Basic Facts Aum or Om

113. The Vedas These are the most ancient religious texts which define truth for Hindus. They got their present form between 1200-200 B.C.E. and were introduced to India by the Aryans – early settlers of India. Hindus believe that the text were receive by scholars direct from God and passed on to the next generations by word of mouth. Vedic texts are sometimes called ‘ shruti ’, which means ‘hearing’, for hundreds, or maybe even thousands of years, the text were passed on orally. Hindu Scriptures

114. The Vedas are made up of four compositions, and each Veda in Turn has four parts which are arranged chronologically. The Samhitas are the most ancient parts of the Vedas, consisting of hymns or praise to God. The Rig-Veda Samhita (c. 1200 B.C.E.) is the oldest of the four Vedas and consists of 1028 hymns praising the ancient gods. Yajur -Veda Samhita is used as a handbook by priests performing the Vedic scriptures Sama -Veda Samhita consists of hymns and tunes for singing at the sacrifices Athva -Veda Samhita ( c. 900 B.C.E.) preserves many traditions which predate the Aryan influence and consists of spells, cha rms and magical formulae. Contents of the Vedas

115. 2. The Brahmanas are the rituals and prayers to guide the priests in their duties. 3. The Aranyakas contains worship and meditation. 4. The Upanishads consists of the mystical and philosophical teachings of Hinduism. Contents of the Vedas

116. The Bhagavad-Gita and Mahabharat The Bhagavad-Gita takes the form of a dialogue between Arjuna (the warrior prince) and Krishna, his charioteer. Arjuna was about to join his brothers in a war between two branches of the royal family which would involve killing many of his friend and relative. This made Arjuna quite reluctant to join the war and he planned to withdraw from battle. But Krishna, reminded him that he must fulfill his duty in accordance with his class, arguing that death does not destroy soul.

117. Bhagavad-Gita or “Songs of the Lord” is part of the sixth book of Mahabharata – the world’s longest poem. Composed between 500 to 100 B.C.E., the Mahabharata is an account of the house of Bharata . It is one of the most popular Hindu texts and is known as ‘ smriti .’

118. The Ramayana Composed in the same period, the Ramayana is one of India’s best known tales. It tells a story of Prince Rama who was sent into exile into the forest with his wife, Sita , and his brother Lakshamana . Sita wa abducted by the demon Ravan but ultimately rescued by Prince Rama with the help ofmonkey god, Hanuman. The story is written in 24,000 couplets. The symbolism of the story has been widely interpreted but basically it is the story of good overcoming evil. Many Hindus believe that Ramayana is a story about dharma or duty.

119. T here is no single Hindu creation story. Numerous cosmogonies can be found in almost all of the important Hindu scriptures. One of the most sublime accounts of creation occurs in the Rig Veda 10:129. It ponders on the mystery of origins and offers more questions than answers. The Story of Creation based on Hindu Tradition “Who really knows, and who can swear, How creation came, when or where! Even gods came after creation’s day, Who really knows, who can truly say; When and how did creation start? Did He do it? Or Did He not? Only He put there, knows maybe; Or perhaps not even He.” (Rig Veda 10:129)

120. However, there is a common creation story known among the Hindus. Cosmogonists termed it as “The Cosmic egg Theory” of creation.

121. The Creation Story in the Upanishads The Chandogya Upanishad 3:19:14 realtes how the world which was the non-existent became existent and then became an egg. After a year the egg broke open and silver part and a gold part emerged. The silver part became the earth and the golden part became the sky. The various parts of the egg became the features of the heavens and the earth. The sun, which in this myth is equated with Brahmin, was born from the egg along with all beings who arose.

122. TERMS TO REMEMBER Deities Images Sacred images Sacred statues DO NOT USE The Gods Gods and Goddesses Mythology Hinduism is a pantheistic religion: It equates God with the universe. Yet Hindu religion is also polytheistic : populated with myriad gods and goddesses who personify aspects of the one true God, allowing individuals an infinite number of ways to Major Hindu Deities

123. Although Hinduism believes in only one Supreme Being, it is considered polytheistic because of its concept of god : the one Supreme God manifest Himself in different beings (human, animal and non-material) which are also gods themselves. In fact on their records, Hinduism has a total of 33 million deities. However, among these gods, there are only four considered by Hindus as major gods. Major Hindu Deities

124. Brahman Brahman is Hinduism’s concept of Supreme God. It is a Sanskrit word which refers to a transcendent power beyond the univers . Brahman

125. Brahma, the Creator – Brahma is the first member of the Hindu Trinity and is “the Creator” because he periodically creates everything in the universe. (The word periodically here refers to the Hindu belief that time is cyclical; everything in the universe — except for Brahman and certain Hindu scriptures — is created, maintained for a certain amount of time, and then destroyed in order to be renewed in ideal form again.)

126. Vishnu, the Preserver - Vishnu is the second member of the Hindu Trinity. He maintains the order and harmony of the universe, which is periodically created by Brahma and periodically destroyed by Shiva to prepare for the next creation. Vishnu is worshipped in many forms and in several avatars (incarnations).

127. Shiva, the Destroyer - Shiva is the third member of the Hindu Trinity, tasked with destroying the universe in order to prepare for its renewal at the end of each cycle of time. Shiva’s destructive power is regenerative: It’s the necessary step that makes renewal possible.

128. Lakshmi - Lakshmi is the goddess of good fortune, wealth, and well-being. As the consort of Vishnu, she plays a role in every incarnation.