Intro to Religions What is religion NOTES The
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Intro to Religions
What is religion - NOTES The word "religion" can be defined in many ways but usually it involves one or more of the following three things: �the worship of a God or gods �guidelines about how to behave �answers to life's biggest questions
Why do YOU think people practice religion? Brainstorm some ideas…
Origins - NOTES �The origin of religious beliefs can be classified in three basic categories: Polytheistic Pantheistic Monotheistic
Polytheism - NOTES �Polytheism: a belief in multiple gods �Originated with Hinduism in about 2500 BC. �Hindu beliefs were recorded in the Bhagavad Gita Many gods were subject to a supreme Brahman god �Polytheism was also the religion of many other ancient cultures Egypt, Greece and Rome
Polytheism - NOTES � Ancient polytheistic belief systems Gods in control of all natural events such as rainfall, harvests and fertility � In general, polytheistic cultures believed in sacrifices to appease their gods. � The Greeks and Romans developed polytheism into a highly structured pantheon of gods and goddesses.
Pantheism - NOTES • Pantheism: the belief God and the universe can be equated; God is everything & everything is God. • Many ancient cultures practiced pantheism • The universe itself was divine • Pantheists do not believe in a distinct personal or anthropomorphic god.
Pantheism - NOTES • There is no divinity other than the universe and nature. • Reveres and cares for nature • All things are interconnected and interdependent. • In life and in death humans are an inseparable part of this unity.
Monotheism - NOTES • Monotheism: a belief in one God • The foundation of the Judeo-Christian-Muslim line of religions • began with a man named Abraham in about 2000 BC.
Two main categories of religion
5 main world religions �Can you name all 5? �Watch the clip and pay attention to some key details about each religion �Video clip � Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism
Textbook Resources �Buddhism: pp. 79 -82 �Christianity: pp. 167 -170 �Hinduism: pp. 76 -78 �Islam: pp. 366 -368 �Judaism: pp. 57 -60
