WORLD RELIGIONSName World Religions Vocab terms (Define the terms and identify which religion connects to the concept, All pertinent vocab should be in your presentation) Moses Four Noble Truths Muhammad Karma Siddhartha Gautama Koran (Qur'an) India Monotheistic Jerusalem cos Polytheistic Middle East Reincamation Mecca Ten Commandments Torah Caste system Sunni dharma New Testament Eightfold PathTHE STORY OF BUDDHA Buddha, Born c. 563 B.C., Died c. 483 B.C. EARLY LIFE fr the 500s, the Gautama family reigned over a kingdom in Northern India, which is present-day Nepal. The king and queen at that time had a son named Siddhartha. According to Buddhist history, Siddhartha was conceived under extraordinary means. in a dream, a white elephant visited his mother and touched her side with a lotus tree blossom, Soon after, she became pregnant. Siddhartha was born out of his mother's side. His mother felt no pain during the delivery. According to legend, Siddhartha told his mother after his birth, "This is my last rebirth — henceforth there is no more birth for me." Everywhere he walked, lotus blossoms grew beneath his feet. Shortly after Siddharthe's birth, his mother died. His father, Suddhodana, went to a fortune-teller to find ‘out Siddhartha’ s future. The fortune-teller presented two futures for his son. The first prediction was that Siddhartha would be a world conqueror if he chose to be 2 ruler. If he chose a life cof wisdom, rather than power, he would bring religious salvation to the world. The father chose the path of power for his son. During Siddhartha's lifetime, as today, Hinduism was the prominent religion of india. Hinduism teaches: about the cycle of reincarnation. Although itis believed that a person's future is largely predetermined, people have some control over their future lives. In addition, people believed in a strict caste system, which is a social order. The people at the highest levels of the __ system were said to be the most spiritual. Their place in the caste system was a reward for their spiritual enlightenment. Siddhartha's family was part of the high caste. As a child, Siddhartha was sheltered from poverty and sickness of others. AS a curious young man, he explored the city around his home. The suffering that he saw during this time led him to give up his ‘marriage and son in order to pursue spiritual wisdom. ENLIGHTERMENT As a 30 year-old single man, Siddhartha practiced meditation as part of the Jains sect. He agreed to live without such basic necessities as food and shelter in order to pursue his spiritual path. After five years of struggle, Siddhartha left the sect to recover and meditate on his own. One night he sat under a fig tree in northwest india. Mecitating under this tree opened his awareness, leading him to an enlightened, peaceful state of being. At this point, he became Buddha, Buddha and Buddhist’s around the world believe that people are reincarnated (re-born on earth} back to earth until they have reached inner peace. The Four Noble Truths are central to Buddhism: that life is painful Copyright © 2017 Instructomaniaand full of suffering; that desire is the cause of pain; Although India would later reject Buddhism, many holy that a person can overcome desire; and that sites of Buddhism are located in India. These holy sites following the Eightfold Path will end suffering caused include the places where Buddha presented his by desire. According to Buddha, following an sermons, where he meditated, and where his ashes Eightfold Path by conducting a life of discipline, were spread after his death. The special sites where mindfulness and meditation will lead a person toa Buddha's ashes were divided were celled the eight state void of desire. This path is a process of facing stupas, or temples. reality and leads to enlightenment, a state of inner peace, Buddhist’s believe that nirvana is the highest. BUDDHALAND JESUS state that someone can attain, meaning 2 person's Many comparisons have been made between Buddha individual desires and suffering go away. At this and Jesus. Both men were believed to have had oint, they will no longer be reincarnated to earthly miraculous births. They both set out on their life's work suffering, as spiritual leaders in around the age of thirty, winich Jed to the establishment of new faiths. For Buddha it 8 FOW PATH was Buddhism, and for Jesus it was Christianity, which is the belief in one God. Just as they had several parallels in their lives, they _ were also different. As a child and young man, Buddha lived a life of wealth and privilege, while Jesus lived 2 ‘fe of poverty. As adults, their lives differed as well Buddha was a seeker of spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. Jesus wasa teacher. According to Christian faith, Jesus was murdered and rose from the dead. According to Buddhism, Buddha attained enlightenment, which led to his life-long ministry. 1. Right View 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech 4, Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness ‘8. Right Concentration | Aerie CONHECTIONS TO TODAY ‘Today there are approximately 360 million Buddhists in the world. This makes Buddhism the fourth largest religion in globally (in terms of number of adherents). China holds the largest Buddhist population at 108 million, fallowed by Thailand at 55 million. Buddha spent most of his time traveling after his enlightenment. His travels were in Magadha, which later became the largest Buddhist Empire. For the ighted from a single : Se etree candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Buddha | ‘Thal next 45 years, Buddha established monasteries, etary which are places for monks, nuns, and others to have [Myanmar 4610000 peace and focus on their spiritual growth. iis pem000 Buddha spread the belief that faith should fulfill South Kora 020 000 | one's needs. Therefore, there was no need for the yo ; caste system. Once he renounces the social order, he | Tanan 150000 | became increasingly more popular with the citizens. | Cambodia 9 190000 le He remained a preacher up untit his death, when he [ingig Toto | told his followers to continue to seek salvation a a Copyright @ 2017 InstructomaniaTHE STORY OF BUDDHA: COMMON CORE QUESTIONS 1. Where is Nepat geographically located? 2. What does "Buddha" mean? 3. Justify why Siddhartha deserves the title "Buddha." Use an excerpt from the text to support your answer. 4, Summarize the story of Buddha's birth, 5, Trace Buddha's path to enlightenment. 6. Describe the Four Noble Truths. 7. Differentiate between Buddhism and Hinduism. What is @ major difference between these two retigions? 8. Think about it! Discuss the similarities and differences between lives of Buddha and Jesus. 9. Use evidence to support a claim: Prove why Buddha was a successful spiritual leader. Use evidence from the text to support your answer. Explain the significance of the passage you choose. This quote demonstrates 10. Given what you have learned about Buddhist teachings, how do you think Buddhism has most likely affected the cultures of China and Thailand. Copyright © 2617 InstructomeniaMes. Page Name: areddhism mrashaat 3” Briefly explain the early history of Siddartha Guatama. Siddartha became or List the 4 Noble Truths: What is the name of the sacred text? What is the goal of Buddhism? Label the path below with the steps of the Eightfold Path. Similarities between Buddhism and ee Differences: I 2. > 2. 5. 4,induism today is the third largest world religion behind Christianity and Islam. It is practiced by an estimated 15% of the world population; which amounts to over 1 billion Hindus across the globe. In south Asian countries like India and Nepal, 80% of citizens follow Hinduism, However, in most western countries, populations are smaller. For example, .5% of Americans and 1.5% of Canadians are Hindu, Hinduism is a religion with a rich history closely tied to the story and people of modern-day India. ROOTS OF HIRDUISAN Hinduism traces to the ancient civilization of the indus River Valley, where archeologists have discovered nearly 4,000 year-old evidence of Hindu religious practice. Around 1500 B.C.E., a warrior culture from the west, the Aryans, conquered this ancient civilization, which began the area's Vedic Age. During this time, the Aryan and Indus cultures began to combine, as evidenced in the Hindu haly books known as the Vedas, Written in Sanskrit, the language of the Aryans, the Vedas are thought to point ta beliefs from both before and after their arrival. Aryan priests collected hymns, epics {long poems), religious rituals, and legends orally passed down for hundreds of years. The four Vedas, or “books of knowledge,” are believed by many to be the work of the Deity (non-human, higher being). The Aryans left no artifacts, but the Vedas offer important information about the daily lives, values, and rituals of the Vedic Age. Additionally, later writings, such as the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads, include important discussions and interpretations of the Vedas. : Soo Tiger \CMebraarh ‘At the foundation of Hinduism is the divinity (holiness) of the Vedas. Eventually, multiple deities were also introduced. The three most important include Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. Although there are three, all are considered part of a single, universal spirit or supreme being. These three deities also illustrate the belief that the universe is in a constant cycle of beginning, continuing, and ending. Karma is a law of Copyright © 2015 instructomania Pavloviccause and effect central to Hinduism. Through karma, people create their own destiny through everyday actions, words, and thoughts that help or hurt them in the future, Reincarnation is the idea that after death, the souls of humans and animals alike can be re-born into a lower caste, or social class. The cycle of death and rebirth can be broken when all of a person’s karmas have been purified or resolved through conduct, meditation, do not believe that any single world religion is the true and single path above the others. All are seen as valid paths to salvation from our higher power. RELIGIOUS PRACTICE Hindus have many practices in common with other faiths, but also some that are unique. Upsana, or worship, includes rituals, chants, and other study performed most often at a shrine within their home. Hindus participate in holy festivals or days known as utsava. Often involving a community temple, followers may celebrate, fast, or worship. In addition to celebrating holy days, Hindus also observe samskara, or rites of passage, which include events like birth, naming, marriage, and death. Asindicated earlier, dharma is the act of living a life of selflessness, respect, and good conduct. Clearing karmas is achieved through these actions and a commitment to never injuring other beings physically or mentally. In addition, Hindus are encouraged to perform a yearly pilgrimage, tirthayatra, to places, temples, or holy people. Pilgrims disconnect from the world and focus on God and important religious teachings. INFLUENCE ON WESTERN CULTURE Hinduism continues to spread throughout the world. ‘The 1870s mark the modern resurgence (return) of its popularity in India, Ramakrishna’s teachings helped followers see that Hinduism and western culture/religions could compliment each other. Numerous political movements used the Hindu nonviolent protest teachings of Mohandas Gandhi to effect societal change, including the Civil Rights campaigns of Martin Luther King, Jr. Hinduism later was planted firmly in global popular culture when the transcendental meditation movement of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi found a well-known group of followers; the British pop band known as The Beatles. Today, elements of Hinduism ranging from medit yoga permeate culture and religion outside of traditional Hinduism. nto TASHA Copyright © 2018 Instructomania PavlovichHINDUISIN: COMMON CORE QUESTIONS 1. Identify how many Hindus there are in the world, 2, List two countries that are heavily Hindu and infer why you think that is. 3. Explain how historians have proven that the Aryans and Indus River Valley civilization began to combine. 4, Define what the Vedas are and evaluate their importance in Hinduism. 5. Name writings that came after the Vedas and explain why they are equally important. 6. Connect and describe how the 3 deities “illustrate the belief that the universe is in a constant cycle of beginning, continuing, and ending.” 7. Summarize the concept of Karma and connect how it’s related to reincarnation. 8. Differentiate upsana from tirthayatra. 9. Use evidence to support a claim: Is it possible that “elements of Hinduism {actually} permeate (influence) culture and religion outside of traditional Hinduism” in the U.S. if only .5% of Americans are Hindu? Use evidence from the text to support your answer. Explain the significance of the passage you choose. ‘This quote demonstrates 10. Explain in your own words how Hinduism made an impact on western countries. Copyright © 205 Instructomania PavlovichMos. Page Name: Hinduism Jnfosheet How did Hinduism begin? This religion is polytheistic, which means: Brahman is: Three important Hindu gods are: A Hindu's goal is to achieve which is How do they achieve this? Reincarnation helps by: Three major beliefs are: ps The sacred texts are: How does the Caste System fit into Hinduism? What is the difference between Brahman, Brahma, and Brahmins?‘udaism began with Abraham, aman who lived more than 4000 years ago. When Abraham and his wife were very old and childless, God ‘established a covenant or contract with Abrahatn to make him the "Father of the Jewish Faith”, This covenant promised to make the descendants of Abraham as plentiful as the stars in the sky. Abraham believed God and had a son named Isaac. ‘THE EXODUS In 1250 BCE, the Israelites found themselves in Egypt serving as slaves. Moses, an Israelite, is adopted by the Pharaoh's, or king's, sister. Raised in the royal household, Moses is given much authority. God tells Moses to ask the Pharaoh to release the Israelites. When Pharaoh refuses, God sent a series of ten plagues, or times of difficulty. These included floods, frog infestations, and hail. The last plague hapoened cone night when all the first-born Egyptian sons died while all of the Israeli first-born sons were spared. With the death of his own son, Pharaoh agreed to let Moses and the Israelites leave Egypt. However, Pharaoh changed his mind once the people had left. When the Israelites reached the Red Sea, the Egyptians were close at hand. God allowed 2ll of the Israelites to cross safely, but closed the Red Sea upon the Egyptians. This miracle of the escape of the Israelites and the parting of the Red Sea ls known as the Exodus. ‘THE TEN COMMANDMENTS For forty years after crossing the Red Sea, Moses and his people roamed the desert. During this time, God provided for their needs. One day, God called Moses into the mountains. Here Moses received the first ten of God's laws or ‘commandments, : : e Ten Commandments. Eihiese laws are Jg/seen as the “foundation of Judaism and have long been regarded as moral codes for jestern culture. he first commandment: History, BeieFS aNd Practices states that the followers of God will only worship hirn ‘This makes Judaism a monotheistic religion, worship of one god. Later, Christians and Muslims would also follow the ten commandments, as they are written in the Old ‘Testament of the Bible, Muslims accept the Old Testament as revelations of God. For this reason, Muslims, Christians and Jews are referred to as “people ‘of the book" that believe in one god. ‘THE PROMISED LAND After receiving the Ten Commandments, God allowed his, people to move into Canaan, the Promised Land. Itis here that the Israelites successfully fought for control and establish their nation. King David, the son of the first king, Saul, makes the city of Jerusalem the capital of Israel King Solomon, the son of King David, builds the first temple of worship in Jerusalem. DIRSPORA God sent prophets, inspired teachers or prociaimers to remind the people of his laws. The prophets were often faced with criticism, but held fast to thelr teaching: becoming the conscience, or moral guide, of Israel However, after many years of continuing to be disobedient, God allowed Judah, the region in which Jerusalem was located, to be overtaken by the Babylonians. Thus, in $86 BCE, Solomon’s temple was destroyed and thousands of israelites were taken to Babylonia as slaves. Once again, God allowed the Jews to, roam or scatter outside of their homeland. This dispersion throughout the Mediterranean, Spain, Portugal, and beyond is known as the Diaspora, Copyright® 2016 Instructomania‘SBCRED WRITING ‘The Tenakh, is the collection of holy words held sacred by Jews. As mentioned before, these works are also held sacred by Christians who call them the Old Testament. The first five books are known to Jews as the Torah and contain the writings and teachings of Moses. The Talmud is also held sacred by Jews and contains the writings, thoughts, and discussions of first, century Jews, JEWISH PRACTICES Jews worship in synagogues where the Torah is read. In, the synagogue, worship is led by @ rabbi, or teacher. ‘The Jewish faith has many types of followers. Some, kriown as Orthodox, do not allow musical instruments during worship, Progressive Jews allow women rabbis. KE Hebrew, the language of Judaism, died as a living language. However, in the 20" century, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, restored 4 the language, known today as Modern Hebrew. Yiddish is another language spoken by Jews, This language is the mixture of German and Hebrew. Besides the synagogue, the home is very important to, Jews. tis here that the faith is shared, traditions important to Jewish life. Meais are required to be Hanukkah, or festival of lights, takes place in November or December and is. a time of thanksgiving PERSECUTION & THE HOLOCAUST For centuries, the people of the Jewish faith were persecuted for their faith. ‘This persecution came from not only their religious practices, but also for economic reasons. Because Jews do not recognize Jesus as the son of God, throughout history Christians have shunned or oppressed them. Faced with limited resources and occupations Jews often took jobs seen as distasteful or offensive to others; such as moneylenders. Christians, according to their faith, were not allowed to lend money and charge usury, interest. Therefore, many Jews made their living this way. However, this work often allowed them to become more wealthy than their Christian neighbors which only added to the hard feelings and persecution Israelites faced. Perhaps the worst persecution faced by Jews took place during World War Il when Adolf Hitler, the leader in Germany, killed six million Jews, many in concentration camps. Known as the Holocaust, this, horrific event saw more than one third of the world’s Jews eliminated. EN learned, and family is celebrated. Food is very Es prepared in a kosher, or fit manner, in accordance with | Jewish law. This often refers to the cleanliness of where | the food is prepared or the way meat is rendered, Throughout the year Jews observe many holy days and - festivals. The Sabbath, or last day of the week, is celebrated because it commemorates God's day of rest after six days of creation, Starting a sundown on Friday ‘and lasting until sunset on Saturday, this time Is one of family and celebration with readings, prayer and a special meal. Hashanah, is the Jewish New Year, and ‘occurs during September or October. Passover, a celebration of God's sparing the children of Egypt by “passing over” them takes place in March or April In 1948, following World War Il, the Jewish people were given a homeland inside the borders of Palestine. Modern Israel faces many hostilities from its neighbors, many Arab Muslims, who not only reject the Jews ownership of the land but, also the faith they worship. Hostilities throughout the region continue in the 21” century. Copyright © 2016 InsttuctomaniaName, Period JUDBIGM: COMMON CORE QUESTIONS 1. Identify the “Father of the Jewish Faith”, 2. How many plagues did God send against Egypt and infer why you think he did so. 3. Explain why the Exodus is seen as a miracle of God, 4. Explain why the Promised Land was so important to the Israeli people. 5. Define Dispora and explain its meaning in regards to Judaism. 6, Give two reasons Jews have not been accepted by Christians throughout history. 7. Explain how the Tenakh and Torah relate to the Christian Bible, 8. Give a reason for why you think the Jewish faith puts so much emphasis on the home and family. 9. Use the map provided in reading. Why was the nation of Israel placed within the border of Palestine in 1948, following the end of World War I? This quote demonstrates 10. Write three words that you believe summarize Judaism, Explain why you chose these words. Copyright © 2016 InstructomaniaMos. Page Important Dates: Founder: Where it began: Name of Holy Book: Where do followers of Judaism worship? Define the following terms. Monotheism: Covenant: Ten Commandments: Prophet: What was the Diaspora and how did it effect Jews? (Define the term and list at least TWO effects!) identify the following people and their importance to the history of Judaism. Abraham: Moses: Davick Solomon:‘Comman Core Wing 8.1, Common Core Lteracy6-82.4 8 10 HNIDERSTANDING [GLA THE ARABIM PENINSULA BEFORE MUHANURAD he majority of Arabs living on the Arabian Peninsula at the beginning of the first century were nomads, people who traveled from place to place with no permanent home, These people worshipped many gods and developed into various competing tribes. Many families within these tribes created caravans, traveling across the desert carrying their wares on camels, as well as herding sheep, Scarce resources, such as water and grazing land, developed a warlike culture on the Arabian Peninsula, and caravan raiding became as common as the caravans themselves. THE HOLY CITY OF ECC AND mummamnNN SES, In 570 CE the wealthy caravan city of Mecca acquired a reputation as sacred because it housed idols, statues of many gods in the Kaaba, a cube-like black shrine for prayer. Furthermore, the wealthy. merchant class sold idols to pilgrims visiting the holy city, Muhammad, the founder of the Islamic faith, was born in Mecca. As he grew, the inequity he witnessed between the poor and ‘wealthy merchant class troubled him. At the age of forty Muhammad was meditating in a local cave when his life forever changed. The angel Gabriel appeared and told him to recite the word of God. The ability to quote the word of God made him a prophet, or messenger of God. He believed that by worshipping one god, Allah, it would unite his people. Mercy and kindness would be at the center of his new religion that he would call Islam which means “submission.” Muhammad ‘would call his followers Muslims which means “followers of Islam." MUIPSURISAD'S TEBCHIRGS ‘The word of God, as interpreted by Muhammad was written down in Arabic and recorded in the Quy’an ot Koran, the holy book of Islam. tn addition to the Qui’an, the hadith, a collection of records of Muhammad's words and daily actions (referred to as Sunnah, or habits) also provides Muslims with a guideline from which to live. This critical part of a Muslim's life defines how one should live a life that best follows that of the founder, Muhammad THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM The Islamic faith stands on five principles or pillars, written in the hadith. The first, Shahadah, states that all believers will only worship one god, Allah. The second, Salat, dictates that all Muslims will worship five times a day. At sunrise, noon, midafternoon, twilight and night facing in the Copyright © 2018, 2017 InstructomaniaCommon Gore Wiking 68.1, Common Core Literacy 63.2.4 8 10 direction of Mecca, Muslims will bow in prayer. The third pillar is Zakat or the giving of alms. All Muslims are expected to contribute a portion of there earnings to the helping of others: the poor, the widows, and the orphans. Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar and is known as Sawm, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and during the entire month Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to dusk. They may eat only during the night, and at the end of the month, they celebrate with a feast with their family and friends. The fifth and final pillar of the Islamic faith is Haj. At least once in a Muslims lifetime, they are to visit the city of Mecca and pay respect to the Kaaba LEADERSHIP APTER MURLNURAD After the death of Muhammad in 632 CE, there was some controversy as to who should become the new leader of the Islamic people. Some believed that the new leader should be elected from among Muhammad's worthy companions. People who had studied under the great leader. The first elected caliph or highest leader was Abu Bakr a close friend and advisor of Muhammad Today, the people who still support the idea that devout Muslims like Abu Bakr can lead, are known as Sunnis. However, there were those who believed that the new leader should be a blood relative, like monarchs. They named. % of population Masim Muhammad's cousin/brother-in-law, Ali bin ADU Talib the new leader. These believers became known as Shiites or Shia, These two groups still exist today. Out of the approximately 14 million Muslims globally, 90% of Muslims are Sunni. ISUUHIC La During the third century, Muslim scholars developed the Shariah or Islamic law. In Arabic, this word means “path” or “way" and is 2 detailed system of religious law based on Muhammad's teachings and example. Shariah law contains two main sections. The first deals with the different aspects of worship including how to pray and fast. The second section deals with the various types of human interaction. This section includes such topics as food and drink {Muslims are not allowed to eat pork}, warfare, marriage, and divorce. Modern legislation (laws), along with Muslim legal scholars who are attempting to relate the will of Allah to the 20th century, have reopened the door to interpreting the Sharia as Muhammad intended. This happened even in highly traditional Saudi Arabia, where Islam began. While most Muslim countries have adopted Islamic law to relate to modern Western culture, some countries like Iran, adhere to strict classical Shariah. In these cases, Shariah from the time of Muhammad is mandated and often offer harsh punishments to Western standards. As with most early law, early Shariah has a controversial “eye for an eye” penaity for misconduct. Copyright © 2015, 2017 Instructomania‘Comman Core Weng 68., Common Core Utesey 662.88 10 UNDERSTANDING (GLAM: THE BEGINNING TO TODAY Complete the following questions by using the reading, Understanding Islam: The Beginning to Today. 1. Describe the Arabian Peninsula before Muhammad. 2. Economy: Write an excerpt from the reading that best supports the idea that merchants benefited from pilgrims who visited Mecca 3. Religion: Describe the Five Pillars of Islam, 4, Leadership: Where would you find dietary restrictions for followers of Islam? 5. Religion: What was the main reason for Muhammad creating the Islamic faith? 6. Leadership: How did the selection of the leader after Muhammad's death lead to two different branches of Islam? 7. Religion: Why is the Koran and hadith important to Muslims? 8. Religion: Give two reasons why you think it is important for Muslims to pray five times a day. 9. Leadership: According to the reading, how is Shariah in modlern tran and modern Saudi Arabia different? 10. What is a synonym for caravan? Copyright © 2016 Instruciomania PavlovichName: ISLAM INFOSWEET ‘ vee Important Dates: Founder: Where it began: Narne of Holy Book: What are followers of Islam called? Where do followers of Islam worship? What are the 5 Pillars of Islam (list end describe them): I. All three major monotheistic religions have Messiah beliefs, describe them below. Islam: Judaism: Christianity: ttcommen Core Writing 6 8.1, Common Core Ltereey 682.4 & 10 GELLEE A Brief History of the Worlds Most Practiced Religion arly Christians were Jews looking for a messiah, or savior and believed that they found him in the person of the Jewish Jesus of Nazareth. Proclaiming that his mother, Mary, was a virgin, and that he was the son of God, Jesus is called the Christ, which in Hebrew means messiah, or deliverer. Born during the time of Roman occupation in what is today Israel, Jesus was seen as the fulfillment of the promise of a heavenly deliverer found in the Jewish Torah. BIRTH OF CHRIST AND BAPTISM Jesus's immaculate conception and birth signifies to Christians that while divine by nature, God’s son, took on an earthly form in order to save his followers from sin, or wrongdoing, The story of Jesus’s birth relates that shepherds from nearby fields came to Bethlehem to pay homage to the young savior. This reminds Christians that Christ is like a shepherd constantly tending and caring for his flock of sheep or believers. This event is celebrated by Christians each December and is called Christmas. As a young adult, Jesus asked his cousin, John, to baptism himtin the River Jordan. Baptism, or washing away of sin, is done in the Christian church today with either a small sprinkle of water or total immersion. (CRUCIFOXGON HIND RESURRECTION. As Jesus's popularity grew the Jewish leadership became more hostile to him and his followers ‘They believed that Jesus may have come to overthrow the Roman government, threatening their power. ‘One Passover (Jewish holiday that commemorates the exodus of the Jews from Egypt), when Jesus and his followers arrived in the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the feast, a very large crowd gathered around Jesus, The crowd waved palm branches at his feet as Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, Christians believe that by doing so, Jesus was fulfilling his role as Testament. Unable to tolerate such a blatant show of heresy, opinion or statement at odds with religious teachings, the Jewish leadership had Jesus charged with blasphemy, profaning the name of God. Unable to calm the crowd or satisfy the accusers Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, sentenced Jesus to death on a cross. He was crucified with two criminals, as crucifixion was a common form of punishment at the time. However, Christians believe that this death was necessary for Jesus to suffer in order that he may experience and take on the sins of mankind and experience the consequences of such a life. After his death, Jesus's followers were allowed to take his body to an empty tomb. There they lay his body and sealed the tomb. Because it was Passover, they are unable to return to the tomb for three days. At that time, they find that the Copyright® 2018 InstructomaniaCommon Care Writing 8.1, Common Core tracy 6-824 10 tomb is empty and that Jesus, the Christ, has risen. Christians believe Jesus made several appearances to different individuals after his death. Following these he ascended, or rose, to heaven where Christians believe he sits at the right hand of God. Christians also believe that they too will rise, ike Christ, and live eternatly in heaven, ot paradise. TEACHINGS After his death, four of Jesus's followers wrote about the life of Christ and his teachings. Known, as the Gospels, or good news, the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are the first four books of the New Testament. In addition, epistles, letters, written by early Christian church leaders, and two other books complete the New ‘Testament, or covenant. This New Testament combined with the Old Testament, the Jewish Torah, becomes the Christian Bible. “SPREADING OF THE CHURCH Not long after the death of Christ, the Romans destroyed the city of Jerusalem and scattered its people. This event helped to spread Christianity throughout the Mediterranean including the Roman and the Byzantium empires. Wherever they went they not only evangelized, or spread the “good news” of Christ, but also, were persecuted. Along with the Jews, Christians were seen as the cause of harm and misfortune and suffered the consequences of ignorance. Despite persecution, Christianity slowly gained popularity over the next hundreds of years. By 313 CE, in a political move to win the favor of Christians, Constantine, the Roman emperor converted to Christianity. He declared the faith to be a legal religion. Wanting to insure that the faith was consistent in its teachings, he assembled a council to write a statement of faith. Known as the Nicene Creed, it says that God is three persons or holy trinity. There is the creator, Father, the son, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that continues to be the conscious of God in the world, SPLITTING OF THE CHURCH The church will follow the history of Roman Empire. When the Roman Empire split in the 5” and 6" centuries, so would the church. Known as the Great Schism, two branches of the church emerged. The Eastern Church will become the Orthodox Church and the Western Church remained the Roman Catholic Church. While steeped in the same philosophies the traditions and manner of worship will distinguish these two churches. The church will further split when the Reformation arrived in Europe. As man began to think about his place in the universe, he also started to question his place and role in the church. Martin Luther, a German priest, was particularly outspoken about the church's practice of collecting indulgencies, money given by people to pay for their sins and the sins of the departed loved ones. Luther was also in favor of people being able to read for themselves the scriptures, so he translated the Bible into German, Another church reformer was Frenchman, John Calvin. Calvin believed that the scriptures taught predestination, the idea that God predetermined a man’s salvation. The church would further split when King Henry VII! of England would establish himself as head of the Copyright © 2016,2018 Instructomania{Common Core writng 68.1, Common Core Literacy 682/48 10, church in England after the pope refused to allow him to divorce his wife. His granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth |, would establish the Church of England also known as the Anglican or Episcopat Church, Christians wanting to flee the influences of the Catholic church and wishing for a more simple religion, free of harsh rules and laws found a ‘new home in America as Puritans and Pilgrims. CHURCHES AND RITES There are many types of churches. The church denomination or sect often dictates the type of church building. Many Roman Catholic Churches are built with elaborate decorations inside and out. Protestant, or non-Catholic churches tend to be more functional. Inside the church you will find pews, or long. benches for worshipers to sit upon. There is an altar at the front of the church from which the sermon, of lesson is given. There may also be a baptism font, a receptacle for holding water that is used during the rite, religious ceremony, of JMULIOR BRANCHES OF CHRISTIANITY Reformation (26th century) Great Schism, 21th century Council of Epnesps (431), Council of Chatcedon (452) baptism. The church is also the place where other rites, take place. Christians remember the last supper of Christ before his crucifixion and celebrate it as a time of thanksgiving. At this time, they say prayers and partaking of the Eucharist, a representation of the body and blood of Christ, by the drinking of wine and eating of bread. FESTUS Besides Christmas, Christians celebrate other festivals throughout the year. Some churches celebrate the birth or death of brave Christians martyrs, people killed because of their faith. Easter, which is celebrated each spring, commemorates the death and resurrection of Christ from the cross, This time of year is seen as a time of renewal of one's faith, DID YOU KNOW? 31.5 percent of the world population is Christian. There are over 2.2 billion Christians in the world. Islam is the second largest religion, with 1.6 billion adherents, or 23 percent of the global population. Restorationisny, Anabaptism 2 g Bg Lutheranism © (yessem Rites) Roman Cathoticism (easeem ites) "y, {Union® Eastem Orthodoxy Oriental Oxthodox haphystes) Copyright © 2016,2016 nstructomaniaCommon Cre Writing 68.1, Common Core Lteraey 5:82, & 10 UNDERSTANDING CHRISTIANITY Complete the following questions by using the reading, Understanding Christianity. 1. Why is the place of Jesus's birth important to his becoming the Messiah? 2. Analyze why shepherds are important to the story of Christ's birth. 3. Describe three Christian rites or celebrations and recall why they are important to the faith. 4, Analyze why Jews today would be unable to accept Christianity. 5. Why do you think it was important to the Christian faith for Jesus to be seen after his death? 6. Provide Evidence in the form of a direct excerpt that supports the idea that some Christians like Martin Luther disagreed with the Catholic Church. Place your selection in quotation marks. 7. Explain what Pilgrims and Puritans were looking for in the New World. 8. What is the function of a church? 9. Why is the Eucharist so important to Christian believers? 10. Analyze why the celebration of Easter in the Spring is significant with the idea of renewal, Copyright © 2018 InstructomaniaNome: Mrs. Page CHRISTIANITY INFOSHEET Dates of Christianity: Founder: Where did it begin? Where do Christians worship? How were Christian beliefs influenced by Judaism? I 2. 3. What new beliefs did Christianity add? PERS Define: Messiah Why was Jesus considered a threat to Judaism and the Romans? How do Christians believe that Jesus died? Which aposile was primarily responsible for spreading Christianity?