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By Mrs. Agosta and Mrs. Page. RELIGION. Top 5 World Religions. DON’T WRITE. Definition. A set of beliefs about the nature of the universe, the existence of one or more gods, and the meaning of life. A set of customs related to the worship of god(s) and rules for proper conduct.
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By Mrs. Agosta and Mrs. Page RELIGION
Top 5 World Religions DON’T WRITE
Definition • A set of beliefs about the nature of the universe, the existence of one or more gods, and the meaning of life. • A set of customs related to the worship of god(s) and rules for proper conduct.
Religious Concepts: • Creation • Salvation
I. Polytheism Belief in many gods Oldest form of religion
A. Animism • Animism categorizes a plethora of traditional religions in the world. • worship nature & believe all living things have spirits/ souls.
No sacred text • Strong oral traditions • Ceremonies conducted by Shaman An early 20th century Igbo 'medicine man' in Nigeria, West Africa. Igbo people, also referred to as the Ibo(e) are an ethnic group living chiefly in southeastern Nigeria.
Examples: • Native Americans • African tribes • Voodoo in the Carribean
DON’T WRITE Animists believe in a world of spiritual powers- gods (creators), demons (destroyers), the forces of nature, the deceased (ancestors), and the living (healers or witches). Through rituals, sacrifices and trance, these powers can be influenced.
B. Shintoism Traditional religion in Japan. • focuses on nature and ancestor worship. • EVERYTHING has a spirit called Kami
Shintos worship at shrines or places of natural beauty (like waterfalls or mtns). • The entrance to shrines is a torii gate. Mr. and Mrs. Page at Disney World
C. Other Polytheistic Religions • Riv Civs • Ancient Greek gods • Ancient Roman Pantheon
Religions of India DON’T WRITE
A. FACTS • About 80% India is Hindu. • There’s no founder and no formal religious leaders.
Hindus may worship at a temple • The Ganges River is considered sacred.
B. BELIEFS 1. Brahman • The all-powerful, spiritual force in everything. • It’s like the world’s soul. • Hindus worship many gods that represent the many forms of Brahman:
Brahma –the Creator • Vishnu- the Preserver • Shiva- the Destroyer
2. Reincarnation • Rebirth of the soul in another form • A person’s soul never dies. It reappears after death in another person or animal. • Symbol: wheel of life
3. Moksha • The end of the reincarnation cycle • The soul is free of pain and merges with Brahman. • It’s like heaven and is the goal of Hindus. • It cannot be achieved in one lifetime. One must go through reincarnation.
4. Karma • Actions in this life that determine your status in the next life. GOOD deeds = HIGHER status in next life BAD “ “ = LOWER “ “ “ “
5. Dharma • Religious and moral duties done in this life to acquire merit for the next life. • These vary based on class (caste), gender, job and age • You must overcome your own desires to do your duty.
Karma = Actions Dharma = Duties
6. The Caste System • It’ s a rigid social class system in Hindu society. You are born into your caste and cannot change it until you are reincarnated!
UN Declares Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary As “International Non-Violence Day” The United Nations General Assembly has decided to declare October 2 - the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi—as ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ in recognition of his role in promoting the message of peace around the world. 6. Ahimsa • Non-violence • All people and things are aspects (parts) of Brahman and should be respected
Scene from the Ramayana. Prince Rama wins the heart of Princess Sita and obtains her hand in marriage after stringing and breaking the mighty bow belonging to Shiva, which no other man could even lift. 7. Sacred Texts • The Vedas • The Upanishads • The Mahabharata (the Bhagavad Gita) • The Ramayana