Transcript Religion in the Middle East

Lesson 2
RELIGION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
OBJECTIVES
Compare the three major religions: Islam,
Judaism, and Christianity.
 Analyze the Islamic religion to dispel any
preconceived notions.
 Explore the causes behind fundamentalism
and its impact on US foreign policy.

WARM UP

Why is the Middle East an area of US interest?
Strategic Location – Economic, Military
 Oil
 Religious Significance

REVIEW

To what religious
affiliation do most
Middle Eastern groups
belong?
 Islam-
Muslims
All but Israelis
and Armenians
JUDAISM

~1800 BCE, Hebrews flee
Canaan, migrate to Egypt
(enslaved).




Moses, Mt Sinai.
1 God, 10 Commandments
~1025 BCE: Kingdom of Israel
in Fertile Crescent.
~500 BCE :Persians take over,  ~70 CE: Romans expel
Jews from Israel/Palestine
Return to Israel & rebuild
“diaspora”
temple in Jerusalem.

Won’t return until late 1800s
CHRISTIANITY

Jesus born in Roman
ruled Palestine
(Bethlehem)

Some believed he was
the messiah
- savior from foreign rule

Romans, scared of popularity
& angry over refusal to accept
emperor as a god, crucified
him 33CE

Followers, Christians, spread
“word”




Everyone equal, eternal life
Became martyrs
313CE, Constantine converts
395CE, official religion 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

~622 flee from Mecca to Medina, build
1st mosque
 Hejira – Yr 1 of Muslim Calendar
 Prophet

Expansion of Islam
 Use war & political maneuvering to
spread ideas
 632 control Peninsula
 732 empire Atlantic to India
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS - HANDOUT

People of the Book –
 Monotheistic,
Allah same God, Judgment Day, &
Afterlife, Tolerance, Sons of Abraham
UNDERSTANDING ISLAM ACTIVITYIn small groups, create a graphic representation of
content related to one of the following :
Five Pillars
 Jihad
 Sunni v. Shi’ite (Shia)
 Women
 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
Decline Islamic
empire, exploited by
West, frustrated
w/domestic politics.
 Frustration with rapid
social & economic
changes.
 Western presence in
Holy Lands & ME
policies; perceived
attack on Islam

RADICALS & VIOLENCE

MOST Muslims DO NOT
ADVOCATE violence!

Terrorism as form of
jihad

Seek to overthrow
secular regimes &
rulers they regard as
un-Islamic

Saudi Arabia, Egypt,
Jordan, and Kuwait as
well as US
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
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
KEY FUNDAMENTALIST GROUPS

What terror groups
can you identify by
name?



Chart

Similarities?
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

Why do you think so many people
misunderstand the Islamic religion?
HOMEWORK

Wiki Post Middle East tab “Islamic
Fundamentalism”