Introduction to the Study of World Religions
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In todays world peoples lives are affected by religion
In order to understand the world around us we must understand religion not only ours but
others as well
A lot of people already know people of other religious backgrounds
The point of this coarse is to understand values, beliefs, practices and history of the major world
religions from a Christian stand point
Being humans causes us to ask big question such as Why are we here?
We are different from every other creature on the earth
We are self-conscious beings
The religions of the world are evidence that proves the fact that human beings feel lost and are
in constant search for answers and meaning
Judaism
Judaism is the world’s oldest monotheistic religion
Monotheism: the doctrine or belief that there is only ONE God
God promised Abraham to make a nation out of his descendants
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt after being enslaved for hundreds of years
God revealed His laws, known as the Ten Commandments, to Moses at Mt. Sinai
The Ten Commandments: The instructions of God told to Moses
Around 1000 B.C., King David ruled the Jewish people
The kingdom fell apart around 931 B.C
A second Temple was built in about 516 B.C. but was eventually destroyed by the Romans in 70
A.D.
The destruction of the second Temple was significant because Jewish people no longer had a
primary place to gather
Throughout history, Jewish people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs
After World War II, many Jews returned to their homeland
In 1948, Israel officially became an independent nation
This event was considered a success for the Jewish people who had tirelessly petitioned for an
independent state in their homeland
Jewish people believe there’s only one God who has established a covenant
Jews believe that their Messiah hasn’t yet come—but will one day.
The word Shema defines a Jew’s relationship with God. It means listen
Shema Yisra’el Eloheinu Adonai Echad. This phrase is used to affirms ones faith
The Jewish sacred text is called the Tanakh
The Torah—It is the compilation of the first five books of the Tanakh
Shabbat is recognized as a day of rest and prayer for Jews
Observing Shabbat can take many forms, depending on the type of Judaism that a Jewish family
may follow
Passover: This holiday lasts seven or eight days and celebrates Jewish freedom from slavery in
Egypt
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Yom Kippur: This “Day of Atonement” is considered the holiest day of the year for Jews who
typically spend it fasting and praying.
Hanukkah: This Jewish celebration, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” lasts eight days.
Purim: This is a joyous holiday that celebrates a time when the Jewish people in Persia were
saved from extermination in the 5th century BC
Orthodox Judaism: Orthodox Jews are typically known for their strict observance of traditional
Jewish law and rituals. For instance, most believe Shabbat shouldn’t involve working, driving or
handling money.
Reform Judaism: Reform Judaism is considered a liberal category of the religion that values
ethical traditions over strict observance of Jewish laws. Followers promote progressive ideas
and adaptation. Most of the Jews living in the United States follow Reform Judaic traditions.
Conservative Judaism: Many people consider this form of Judaism somewhere in between
Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Typically, conservative Jews honor the traditions of Judaism
while allowing for some modernization.
Both Christianity and Judaism believe in the Old Testament, the ethical teachings of the Torah,
and a hope in the coming of the Kingdom of God
Jews do not feel they need “salvation” but assume a standing with God through their heritage
and obedience to the Law
A key dividing point between Judaism and Christianity, of course, is their views of Jesus
The New Testament teaches that without accepting Christ, even the sons and daughters of
Abraham cannot inherit eternal life.
Video
The Jews started their religion around and focusing the one true God
They also believed in the Covenant of God
The Covenant was God would make a nation out of Abraham if they were circumcised.
The Jews fail God which started the Judges cycle
Hellraisers is when they force other cultures onto the Jews
Jesus spread the word of Peace Love and Justice
Jesus said stuff that made the romans angry, and they prosecuted him for this
Jews believed that the Messiah would come and when Jesus came, they were in trouble
The Prophets made prophecies and most match up with Jesus’s life which is why he gained so
much popularity
Christianity spread because of its willing