Transcript Religions and Fundamentalism of the Middle East

RELIGIONS AND FUNDAMENTALISM
Lesson 2
OBJECTIVES
Compare the three major world religions: Islam,
Judaism, and Christianity.
 Explain how geography contributed to the birth
of Islam.
 Discuss connection of Islam and
fundamentalism
 Identify the different fundamentalist groups

WARM UP

To what religious
affiliation do most
Middle Eastern groups
belong?
 IslamAll
Muslims
but Israelis
and Armenians
JUDAISM

~1800 BCE, Hebrews flee
Canaan, migrate to Egypt
(enslaved).




Moses takes to Sinai
Peninsula.
1 God, 10 Commandments,
~1025 BCE form kingdom of
Israel in Fertile Crescent.
~500 BCE Persians take over,
Return to Israel & rebuild
temple in Jerusalem.

~70 CE, Romans expel
Jews from Israel/Palestine
– diaspora…

Won’t return until late 1800s
CHRISTIANITY

Jesus born in Roman
ruled Palestine
(Bethlehem)

Some believed he was
the messiah – Savior
from foreign rule, restore
kingdom
CHRISTIANITY

Roman’s, scared of popularity
& refusal to accept emperor
as a god, crucified him in 33
CE.

Followers, Christians, spread
word




Everyone equal, salvation &
eternal life
Persecuted by Romans, became
martyrs
313 CE, Emperor Constantine
converts
395 CE, official religion Roman
Empire
BIRTHPLACE OF ISLAM

What was life like in
the Middle East in
early centuries?
 Desert
 Bedouins
 Oasis
towns
 Feuds, rivalry,
lawless
ISLAM

~610 CE Angel
Gabriel tells
Mohammed he is to
be the messenger of
God/Allah


Merchant in Mecca
~622 flee to Medina,
build 1st mosque
Hejira – Yr 1 of Muslim
Calendar
 Prophet

Expansion of Islam
 Uses war & political
maneuvering to
spread ideas
 632 control Peninsula
 732 Atlantic to Indus

COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS - HANDOUT
ACTIVITY-
In small groups you will create a graphic
representation of content related to one of
the following:
Five Pillars
 Jihad
 Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia)
 Women
 Muslim Attire

WARM UP: DAY 2

What is meant by the term “People of the
Book”?
All 3 monotheistic
 Abrahamic religions
 Allah is same God as God of Jews/Christians
 Follow God’s teachings in the Bible
 Believe in final day of judgment (heaven/hell)
 Protected/treat all with tolerance

WARM UP: ACTIVITY REVIEW
Five Pillars
 Jihad
 Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia)
 Women
 Muslim Attire

FUNDAMENTALISM

Political & social movement promoting a return
to traditional, or fundamental, interpretation of
any religion.

Islamic Fundamentalism or “Political Islam”
 Est.
Shari’a law as foundation of government
 Rid society of non-Islamic influence
ORIGINS
Islamic empire
eclipsed, dominated,
and exploited by West.
Frustrated w/politics.
 Frustration with rapid
social & economic
changes.
 Western presence in
Holy Lands, ME
politics, perceived
attack on Islam

RELIGIOUSLY MOTIVATED TERRORISM
 World
Gone Wrong
 Religion
to cope &
guide
 Tool for social
activism & poly
change
 Motivate & justify
purpose
 Cosmic
War Against
Enemy
 Good
vs Evil
(God/Devil)
 Stakes so high, cause
so virtuous = any
means justify ends
From “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy”
www.choices.edu
RELIGIOUSLY MOTIVATED TERRORISM
 No
Other Option
 Tried
traditional
channels for change,
failed
 Lack power, voice
 Hopeless &
frustrated
 Symbolism
&
Violence
 Value
to target &
timing
 “Four
Cases” Read
From “Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy”
www.choices.edu
ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM & VIOLENCE

Most DO NOT
ADVOCATE violence!

Terrorism as form of
jihad

Seek to overthrow
secular regimes &
rulers they regard as
un-Islamic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJI
0HrhUl9w
KEY FUNDAMENTALIST GROUPS


What terror groups
can you identify by
name?
Chart



Commonalities?
Differences?
Role in government?
IMPACT ON FOREIGN POLICY

US Concerns
 Poly & econ stability

Terror attacks against
Western Interests

“Islamaphobia”- AntiArab Anti-Muslim,
sentiment born out of
fear and ignorance
CLOSURE

Do you consider Muslim Fundamentalism a
threat to US security? Why or why not?