Transcript Religion in the Middle East

Lesson 2
RELIGION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
OBJECTIVES
Compare the three major world religions: Islam,
Judaism, and Christianity.
 Analyze the Islamic religion to dispel
preconceived notions.
 Explore the causes behind fundamentalism
and its impact on US foreign policy.

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 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

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
 Uses war & political maneuvering to
spread ideas
 632 control Peninsula
 732 Atlantic to India
COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS - HANDOUT

People of the Book –
 Monotheistic,
Tolerance
Allah same God, Judgment Day,
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
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

ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM & VIOLENCE

Most DO NOT
ADVOCATE violence!

Terrorism as form of
jihad

Seek to overthrow
secular regimes &
rulers they regard as
un-Islamic
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

Do you consider Islamic Fundamentalism a
threat to US security? Why or why not?
HOMEWORK

Wiki Post Middle East tab “Islam and
Fundamentalism”

Why is it important to study Islam and
fundamentalism and its many meaning?