Transcript Major Religions

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Sacred texts – the Vedas
Brahma- Indian God
Atman- essence of an individual
Monism- Hindu belief that Brahma
and Atman are one
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Caste system- social order
of India
Individuals can only work
and marry within class
Birth only way to be
reborn into a higher caste
Way of life and religion
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1. Brahmins (priests and scholars)
2. Kshatriyas (rulers, warriors)
3. Vaisyas (merchants, traders,
farmers)
4. Sudras (peasants)
5. Pariahs (“Untouchables” –
perform unpleasant tasks)
Reincarnation-rebirth of the soul
 Dharma- fulfillment of one’s
duty
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 Help
caste
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the soul be reborn to a higher
Karma- positive or negative force
generated by a person’s actions
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Siddhartha Gautama (aka Buddha)(1) Why does suffering exist
(2) What is the value of life and death?
“The Enlightened One”
1 - All human life involves suffering and sorrow
2 - Desiring only pleasure and material goods
leads to suffering and sorrow
3 - Giving up desires and material goods help
achieve nirvana
4 - Eightfold path leads to denial of desire and
achievement of nirvana
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Nirvana- perfect peace; soul released from
selfishness and pain - Reincarnation
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Loyalty, humanity,
integrity, tradition, family
and social relationships
Focus on your actions on
earth
Do what’s expected
Filial Piety – respect for
parents and elders
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Five Relationships
1. Father to son
2. Elder bro. to younger
bro.
3. Husband to wife
4. Ruler to subject
5. Friend to Friend
Except for 5 no relationship
is equal. Always a
superior.
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Founder-Laozi
Live in harmony with nature
Understanding the way things
are
Flow with natural order
accepting success and
misfortune equally.
Yin/Yang
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Founder- Hanfeizi and Li
Si
Believed people to be
naturally evil and bad
Motivated by greed and
self interest
Strict laws and harsh
punishments
Strength made great ruler
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Torah – first five books of the Hebrew Bible
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stories told to teach lessons
Abraham - “father” of Hebrew people
Covenant – God’s promise to protect Abraham
and his descendants
Monotheistic
Moses – led Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt
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Thou shalt have no others gods before me
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven
image
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy
God in vain
Remember the Sabbath Day and make it holy
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Honor thy Father and thy Mother
Thou shalt not kill
Thou shalt not commit adultery
Thou shalt not steal
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
neighbor
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife
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Fastest growing religion in world
Muhammad – founder
Qur'an - holy book
Five Pillars of Islam –rites of passage
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Confession of faith
Pray 5 times daily, very formal
Ramadan – no eat or drink during sun-up
Charity to poor
Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca