Religions and Their Origins

1. Religions and Their Origins The Brief Version

2. Two Households� The Western (Monotheistic) Tradition Monotheism: One God, a Creator, who is separate and distinct from His creation. Self is ultimately distinct from God. The Eastern (Monistic) Tradition Monism: One Ultimate Reality, which is not separate and distinct from Itself. Self is ultimately God.

3. Religion Before East and West Case Study: Sumerian Polytheism How can we ascertain the importance of religion to the Sumerians? Texts The Epic of Gilgamesh Artifacts Ziggurats: What did these symbolize? Politics Role of Priests Source of physical power? Of spiritual power? Divine Kingship Source of physical/spiritual power?

4. Sumerian Theology According to Sumerian theology How do the gods behave? Why were humans created? What is the nature of after-life? What was purpose of priests and worship? In what ways might Mesopotamian religious views be influenced by their geographic environment? Other polytheisms remarkably similar in most of these regards.

5. �Western� Religions Judaism and the Israelites Israelites emerged as a distinctive nation between 1200 and 1000 B.C. Politically minor Location strategically important Religiously major What is significantly different about Judaism and its God? Monotheism Old Testament account of history of Hebrews

6. Influence and Development of Judaism What is the likely effect of this unique religion� On surrounding peoples? On the Israelites? Solutions? Theological Debate: YHWH (Jehovah) as chief god or only God? Torah�s viewpoint How does YHWH came to be seen by the surviving majority as the only God -- pure monotheism Core beliefs of Hebrews?

7. Yahwistic Theology According to the Hebrews� How does God behave? Why were humans created? What is the nature of the after-life? What was purpose of priests and worship? In what way might Hebrew religious views be influenced by their geopolitical environment?

8. Tenets of Judaism Three aspects of the Jewish religious tradition have special significance The Covenant Pact between God and Hebrews The Law Rules of behavior from God The Prophets Called upon to be God�s spokesmen to people.

9. �Eastern� Religions Hinduism and the Aryans Aryans: Conquerors who move into the Indus and Ganges river valleys around 1500 BC. Caste System: founded upon the superiority of conquering Aryans over subject Dravidians. Economic function defined each caste (varna =�color�) Caste determines Occupation Social status and marriage prospects Hope for salvation based on Dharma and Karma

10. Dharma and Karma Aryan chieftains became kings (maharajas) Even rulers were required to follow the dharma What is the dharma? How do you know what your dharma is? How does this relate to karma?

11. Caste System Ancient times - five major classes Brahmin � Ruling/Priestly Caste Kshatriya � Warrior Caste Vaisya � Skilled Labor Caste Sudras � Largest; Unskilled Labor Caste. Non-Aryan. Pariahs or Untouchables Outside the social system. So why are they useful? Top three considered �twice-born� (reincarnated)

12. Influence and Development of Hinduism Sacred Text: Vedas Gods Dyaus (sky-father) Replaced by warrior-god Indra Replaced by Varuna, eventually evolved into modern Hindu deity Vishnu. Sacrifice Asceticism Yoga

13. Hindu Theology Single monistic force in the universe, a form of ultimate reality: Brahman (or sometimes Atman=self). Brahman vs. Atman Duty of Atman? Idea of Brahman shifted between �ultimate reality� and more concrete ultimate creator, Vishnu. Both no gods and many gods. Reasons for this apparent inconsistency?

14. Hindu Theology According to the Hindus� How does God (Brahman) behave? Why were humans created? What is the nature of the after-life? What was purpose of priests and worship? In what way might Hindu religious views be influenced by their geopolitical environment?

15. Buddhism: The Middle Path 6th Century BC Siddhartha Gautama History of Siddhartha

16. Tenets of Buddhism Similarities to Hinduism Reincarnation and karma. Advocated non-violence Borrowed life of simplicity and chastity from the ascetics. Nirvana, the ultimate goal of all souls. (Thus, similar to Brahman/Great World Soul)

17. Buddhist Theology According to the Buddhists� What is the individual soul and how does one achieve Nirvana? What is the material world? What is the cause of pain and suffering? What is the purpose of priests and worship? In what way might Buddhist religious views be influenced by their geopolitical environment? How is Buddhism simpler and more egalitarian than Hinduism? What classes does it appeal to?