World Religions
Unit 2: Organization and
Reorganization of Human Societies
600 BCE-600 CE
Key Concept 2.1

The Development and Codification of
Religious and Cultural Traditions
Judaism
World’s oldest monotheistic religion
 Founder: Abraham and followers

– Originally lived in Mesopotamia before migrating to
Palestine

Based on belief that Hebrews are God’s chosen
people
– Formed a covenant with Yahweh, agree to worship
only him
– In return, they are granted a homeland in
Isreal/Palestine
Judaism

Hebrews create a kingdom in 1000 BCE
– Eventually, their land will be conquered by
various empires
 Ex: Assyrian Empire
Hebrews forced to flee from homeland
(Diaspora)
 Attempts to preserve cultural identity

Judaism

Other key points to know:
– Torah: holy scripture
– Synagogue: house of worship
– Many ceremonies and rituals for behavior
 Ex: Dietary restrictions, circumcision
– Not a missionary religion
Hinduism
Originated in India in the years following
the Aryan invasion (1500 BCE)
 No single founder
 Polytheistic
 Important texts:

– Vedas: poems, hymns, prayers, etc
– Upanishads: important religious text
Hinduism

Main Beliefs:
– Brahma(n): divine source of all things
– Atman: human soul, believed to be part of
Brahma(n)
– Samsara: reincarnation
– Karma: reward or punishment for past deeds
 Influences one’s reincarnation
– Dharma: life’s duties and/or responsibilities
 Closely tied to one’s social position
Hinduism

Reinforces the caste system
Shiva, the Destroyer
Buddhism

Emerged in India as a challenge to
Hinduism
– Will eventually spread to other parts of Asia
 China, Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka

Founded by Siddhartha Gautama
– (563-483 BCE)
– “Enlightened One”

Developed a religion centered on teaching
people to eliminate desire and suffering
Buddhism

Buddhism encouraged followers to
– Minimize their worldly desires and focus on achieving
spiritual truth
– Self-discipline and meditation would eventually result
in Nirvana release from desire and suffering
 Release from cycle of reincarnation; a state of tranquility

Initially, Buddhism centered on the individual,
not on gods
 Goal is to achieve enlightenment and Nirvana and gods were
seen as useless in fulfilling such a goal
– Over time, the Buddha himself was regarded as a god
Buddhism

Important Concepts:
– Four Noble Truths
– Eightfold Path
– Nirvana
– Stupa
– Monasteries
Confucianism

Based on the teachings of Confucius
– Lived in the latter part of the Zhou Dynasty in
China (551- 478 BCE)
Developed during the Warring States
Period
 First becomes influential in the Han
Dynasty

– Continues to be influential throughout China’s
dynastic history
Confucius
Confucianism

Basic teachings:
– Morality and ethical behavior
– Education very important
– Obedience and respect
– Good government & proper behavior of rulers
– Respect for superiors (leaders, men, elders,
ancestors)
– Filial Piety (dedication to the family)
– Social Stratification
Daoism

Based upon teachings of Lao-tzu (Laozi)
– Origins during Warring States Period
– Popular among common people

Basic teachings:
– Humans should withdraw from demands of society
and contemplate the “way”
– Solitary contemplation is key to harmony
– Nature directs life
– Education and politics are irrelevant
– Frugal living= harmony
Legalism
Became popular during the Qin Dynasty
 Important writers and philosophers
include Han Fei
 Main Beliefs:

– Strong, authoritative government
– Strict laws and harsh penalties
– Rewards for good behavior
Christianity
Developed out of Judaism
 Jesus of Nazareth

– Claims to be the Messiah, Son of God
– Charismatic leader and teacher

Disliked by the Roman government and
leadership within Jewish community
– Crucified in 30 CE
Christianity

Main Teachings:
– Old and New Testaments of Bible
– Christ as Son of God
– Forgiveness of sins, salvation achieved
through faith and service to God
– Christ as link between God and humans
– Love and service to others
– Strong Missionary emphasis