Introductory Unit Flashcards
Animism
Religious belief in which everything - animals/objects have an “anima” - Latin word for “soul” and “spirit”. Developed before 10,000 B.C.E.
Animism is polytheistic and is practiced almost everywhere.
Shamanism
The belief system that’s centered on shaman, a religious figure who has the ability to heal the sick and has direct communication with the spirit world.
Originated in hunter-gatherer societies.
Ethnic religions
Do not convert people.
Judaism, Daoism, Confucianism, Hinduism are ethnic.
Universalizing religions
Trys to gain converts - initially spread by missionaries and merchants along trade routes.
Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Zoroastrianism are universalizing
Zoroastrianism
Was founded by Zoroaster in Persia during 2000 B.C.E. Universal religion.
Symbol was a man on wings.
Their deity was Ahuramazda (brought things to being)
Studied the scripture Zend Avesta
Zoroastrianism are monotheists (believed in one god), and had priests called Magi.
They believed people had a free will to decide right and wrong, that good prevails and world returns to pure state, rewarded or punished in afterlife.
This also influenced Judaism/Christianity.
Hinduism
Their is no founder - but blends with Dravidians in India - founded in South Asia (India) during 1500 - 500 B.C.E. Vedic Age. Polytheistic religion.
Symbol is was the Aum or Om, a three with a period.
Studied the scripture Rig Vede.
Hinduism’s foundational document was the Bhagavad - Gita.
Believed in reincarnation, rebirth of soul - Karma, actions decide fate in future - Dharma, duties, rights, laws, are “way of life” .
Had a caste system, one of four varnas hereditary. Brahmins, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra.
Buddhism
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama in South Asia (India) during 500 - 400 B.C.E. Universal religion.
Symbol was the Wheel of Dharma.
Buddhism had no deity but studied the scriptures Tripitaka, Sutras.
Believed in Nirvana which was reached through understanding the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
Lived a monastic life for men and women.
Four Noble Truths
- All life is suffering
- Suffering is desire for things
- Suffering is ended by ending all desires
- Desire is ended by following the Eightfold Path which is master one at a time
Daoism
Founded by Laozi in China during 500 B.C.E. Ethnic religion.
Symbol is the Ying and Yag.
Daoism had no deity but studied the scripture Tao Te Ching.
Believed in clergy - monks and clerics - and lived in simply.
Dao - the path/the way
Balance - harmony with nature
Three treasures: compassion, moderation, humility.
Culture effects - Chinese medicine (restore balance) and art and poetry had nature emphasis, lastly did metallurgy.
Confucianism
Founded by Confucius (Kung Fu-Tzu) in China during 700 B.C.E. Ethnic religion.
Had two symbols, the watet (K) and Yin/Yang.
Had no deities but was built off the Mandate of Heaven, and studied the scripture the Analects.
Confucianism believed clerics were disciples .
Social harmony - showing respect
In filial piety, husband was head of house, wife respected husband, and children respected their parents.
Confucianism had an orderly society, with education being important.
Judaism
Founded by Abraham in Mesopotamia (Israel) during 1800 B.C.E. Ethnic religion.
Had the Star of David as symbol
Followed the deity of God (Yahweh) and studied the scripture Torah.
Judaism was monotheism.
Had a Rabbi who was a “teacher”, and a moses who a Prophet.
Also ten commandments that are God’s laws. God loves people, but punished sin. And people served god by studying teachings.
Christianity
Founded by Jesus of Nazareth (Messiah who is the savior) in Judea - the Roman Province during 4 B.C.E. to 30/33 C.E. Universal religion.
Had a fish and cross symbol.
Followed the deities of god and studied the scriptures of the Bible.
Believed that all were welcome and that their was life after death with reward and punishment. Lived by a moral code of love, charity, and humility.
Also in crucifixion and resurrection.
Islam
Founded by Muhammad in Mecca, Saudi Arabia during 620 C.E.
The symbol was a moon with star.
Followed the deities of Allah and studied the scripture Qur’an (Koran).
Islam had no official clergy.
Offered salvation by following the 5 pillars of Islam.
