Rise of Monotheistic Religions Monotheistic Believing in one

Rise of Monotheistic Religions

Monotheistic • Believing in one god • The 3 monotheistic religions are – Judaism – Christianity – Islam

Judaism • Practicing person is called a Jew • Founder was Abraham

Abraham • Abraham was a Hebrew (the ancient name given to the Jewish people) • Abraham believed that God made a Covenant with the Hebrew people-A binding agreement • This covenant said that the Hebrews were the chosen people

Holy Book • The Torah – The Old Testament • God’s revealed instructions to the Hebrews/Jews • 10 commandments – Code of Conduct

Diaspora • The scattering of the Hebrew/Jewish people from their homeland in Palestine • Migrate to Egypt where they were enslaved by the Egyptians • After the Diaspora the Hebrews are referred to as Jews.

Prophet • Moses led the Hebrews out of enslavement in Egypt (This is called the exodus) • Received the 10 Commandments from God

Other Beliefs and Practices of the Hebrews/Jews • Belief in one true god • Chosen people • Women subordinate • • • because of their covenant Ten Commandments given to Moses Other laws concerning cleanliness, food, criminal behavior • to men Prophets emerged to interpret God’s will Ethics taught – moral standards of behavior

Development of other monotheistic religions • Christianity and Islam both stem from Judaism

Creation of Christianity • Practicing person is called a Christian • Develops during the rule of the Roman Empire • Began in Palestine, modern day Israel • Founded by Followers of Jesus

Roots of Christianity

Jews and Roman Empire • Rome tolerated different religions; the Jews were allowed to practice their religion without persecution. • Some Jews believed a Messiah was coming • The Messiah is a leader chosen by God to lead the people to salvation.

The Rise of Christianity • Jesus was born about 4 BC • Knowledge about him comes from Gospels • Was Jewish • Began preaching at 30

Later years of his life • Declares himself the Messiah • Mission was to bring salvation to those who believed • Preached forgiveness

Jesus and the Crucifixion • Some believed Jesus was a • • • troublemaker Jesus was Betrayed by one of his disciples, followers Arrested by the Romans Put on trial and found guilty by the Jews for challenging the Jewish leadership. Was crucified on the cross Rose from dead Told disciples to spread his teachings

Beliefs and Practices of Christians • Christianity traces its roots back to Judaism • They follow a lot of the same practices as the Jews

Holy Book • The Bible –the new and the old Testament combined –Follow the 10 Commandments • Code of conduct

Prophet • Also believe that Moses was a prophet

Creation of Islam • Practicing person is called a Muslim • Began in 632 A. D. • Develops in the Middle East, in Mecca (modern day Saudi Arabia) • Founder is Muhammed

The Prophet Mohammad • “The Messenger of God” • Born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 570 AD • Fled to Medina to escape persecution • Established political power and returned to Mecca with an army • Founded Islamic religion which taught and practiced the Five Pillars

The Five Pillars of Islam 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Profession of Faith Prayer 5 times daily Alms to the poor Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan Pilgrimage to Mecca(Hajj)

1. Profession of Faith • “THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH AND MUHHAMAD IS HIS PROPHET. ”

2. Pray 5 Times Daily • You must face the Kaaba in Mecca. • A Muslim prays once at sunrise, early afternoon, late afternoon, after sunset and nightfall. • Prayer position

3. Alms to the Poor • Started as a tax levied by Mohammed to help the poor • Also used for: – Pay people to convert – Pay for captives of war – Help people in debt – For Jihad – Today it is voluntary

4. Fasting During the Whole Month of Ramadan • A Muslim fasts from sunrise to sunset • You do not eat pork, drink alcohol, smoke, and you refrain from impure thoughts and actions.

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca(Hajj) • Once in your lifetime a Muslim must visit Mecca if they are physically and financially able. – Last month of lunar year is best time – Everyone wears white tunics – Visit great mosque in Mecca

Other Practices of Islam • Four wives at a time • Sharia – body of law • • • to regulate daily living No alcohol, pork, gambling Cannot use name of Allah in vain Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem holy land

Other practices • Harem is separate • • • quarters for women Women do not go to mosques - protected Imams lead prayers Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem was where Muhammad ascended to heaven

Bismillah – in the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful

Islamic Art