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Polytheism Polytheism = belief in many gods Most early religions were polytheistic The remains of polytheistic religious practices have been found on cave paintings from prehistoric times. Animism The oldest belief system still practiced around the world today Developed in many areas independently Examples of Animists: • Native North Americans • African tribes Animists worship nature. They believe all living things have spirits. They believe their ancestors watch over them from the spirit world There is no sacred text/most cultures have strong storytelling traditions Religious ceremonies are conducted by a Shaman Shinto Like Animism, Shintoism focuses on nature and ancestor worship Shinto is the traditional religion in Japan Believe all living things have spirits, called Kami, inside them. Everything from landforms to people have Kami. Shinto worship takes place in shrines which are dedicated to sites of impressive natural beauty (like waterfalls or mountains). The entrance to these shrines is a red gateway called a torii. Ancient Greece Ancient Greeks worshipped the many gods they believed lives on Mount Olympus Honored their gods with temples and festivals Believed the gods spoke through certain people: priests, priestesses, and oracles Ancient Rome Rome followed in the traditions of many other ancient civilizations Gods shared similar traits to many of the Greek gods There was also influence from civilizations as far as Egypt Hinduism Based on the belief that everything in the universe is part of the unchanging, allpowerful force called Brahman Hindus worship many gods which represent the many forms of Brahman 3 main Hindu gods are: • Brahma – The Creator • Vishnu – The Preserver • Shiva – The Destroyer The goal of the life of a Hindu is moksha, or union with Brahman. Hindus can achieve moksha by following certain principles: • Dharma = moral and religious duties • Ahimsa = non-violence • Karma = actions a person takes in one life will affect their status in the next life Since it may take several lifetimes to reach moksha, Hindus believe in reincarnation, or the rebirth of the soul. Hindus also believe that all existence is ranked The Caste System is a rigid social class system in Hindu society. You are born into your caste and it can not change again until you are reincarnated!