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a worldview which assigns some degree of conscious life to a variety of nonliving
entities. |
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| the sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism |
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| belief in a God who guides humanity through ethical principles. |
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Some consider this a sixth pillar of Islamic practice. It is struggle
in the way of Allah – and can include armed struggle against the enemies of Allah. |
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| acting in a prescribed manner |
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believing the prescribed doctrines (for instance, as contained in sacred writings or
taught by those in authority) |
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an intervening with unseen powers (for instance, by a spirit medium, medicine
man, witch doctor or folk healer). |
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| “faith alone” – Salvation is only received by faith |
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| 'grace alone' - Salvation is only recieved by grace |
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| “Scripture alone” – It alone is the authoritative guide for faith and practice. |
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| “Christ alone” - Salvation is only through Christ. |
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| “to God's glory alone” – We should give glory to God alone. |
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God Focused
If one wants to understand life and one’s relationship to the rest of reality,
one must speak of God. The problem is sin. God defines what is right and
wrong, just and unjust, holy and unholy, etc. Thus, the word of God (and
other guidance by the Holy Spirit) are of supreme importance. |
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Self Focused
If one wants to understand life and one’s relationship to the rest of reality,
one must speak of the “True Self.” The problem is ignorance of the true
self. God may or may not exist. If so, God is the highest instance of self,
the Universal Self. Liberation, moksha, is achieved when the layers of
the “empirical self” are peeled away to reveal the True Self, atman, which
is a fragment of the Eternal Self, Brahman. Thus, the purpose of yoga
and other such religious practices is to reveal atman. Buddhism differs
in significant ways but retains the same focus on self (specifically, with
respect to suffering). As the layers of the empirical self are peeled away
one find that nothing remains because there is no Real Self. |
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World focused
One’s relationship with the world is the focus. Confucianism is concerned
mostly with the social world; Daoism deals more with the natural world.
These “worldviews” are very philosophical and ethical in their emphases. |
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Humans seen as part of a larger cosmos filled with life. Animism (everything has a soul or life
- even rocks, etc). High God (if there is one) is out of reach – so work with intermediary
spirits (angels, lesser gods, spirits, etc). Certain items may have magical power (mana).
Often concerned with health, wealth, fertility, protection more than ethics or morality.
Ritual behavior imparts supernatural help at times of crises and during rites of passage.
May focus more on the community’s well-being than that of individuals. |
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They may attain the trance state by:
Drumming/singing – usually fast-paced and monotonous (may include singing/chanting), fasting,
psychoactive herbs (mushrooms, etc), incense or snuffs, other potions or methods.
These methods produce a state characterized by protruding eyes, loud breathing, insensitivity to
temperature or pain, convulsions or trembling.
At shaman's initiation, he connects with tutelary (protective) spirit who helps him with his “soul
journeys”/“spirit flights.” They also may have human helpers to protect them during trances.
Connecting with sacred power is easier near sacred places (axis mundi)
The shaman cooperates with the spirit beings/gods to bring healing or remove curses, etc. By
contrast, a sorcerer manipulates these forces (perhaps, against their will). Where sickness is
attributed to the loss of an individual's soul, the shaman may search for it during his “spirit
flight” and retrieve it. |
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| Characteristics of Ethical Monotheism |
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Definition
God is One (may include idea of Trinity), a moral universe, a historical linear view of time, the
belief that God has a will, also in reward/punishment, judgment, eternal destiny. |
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1.
Animism – physical objects are magical, jinn
2.
Names of God or gods – Elohim, Adoni, Moloch, Baal, Ab
3.
Abraham – wandering, El Shaddai, covenant
4.
Egypt – famine, Abraham, Joseph, Ramses II
=> development of monotheism or monolatry |
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Definition
1.
Creator God, chosen-ness, covenant, reward/punishment
2.
Story of Moses – baby, murder, Midian, bush
3.
Exodus – plagues, Passover, Mt. Sinai, Tabernacle
4.
Mosaic religion – Passover, Sabbath, monotheism, Torah |
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1.
Promised land – entry and long process , Hebrews (Habiru)
2.
Nationhood – King Saul & King David
3.
Alliances – nomads and farmers, Elohim supreme over El and Baal
=> Jewish nationalism & monarchy |
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1.
Nabi – anointing, call for faithfulness, marks (truth, selflessness)
2.
Amos (righteousness), Hosea (love), Isaiah (faith), Micah (social justice)
3.
Deuteronomic reform – discovery of old documents
4.
Age of conflict – Assyria, Egypt, Babylon
=> prophets often acted as a check against evil kings |
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Definition
1.
Babylon - Nebuchadnezzar
2.
Synagogues – They read Torah and prophets, a sermon explained texts
3.
Temple worship ceases
4.
Rabbinic Judaism appears |
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Cyrus the Great – rebuilt Israel as a strong buffer state between his empire and Egypt
Ezra and Nehemiah – priest and administrator, they persuaded people to return to Jerusalem. |
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| Principles of Jewish faith |
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Definition
1. G-d exists.
2. G-d is one and unique.
3. G-d is incorporeal.
4. G-d is eternal.
5. Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and to no other.
6. The words of the prophets are true.
7. Moses'' prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets.
8. The written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral Torah (teachings now contained in the
Talmud and other writings) were given to Moses.
9. There will be no other Torah.
10. G-d knows the thoughts and deeds of men.
11. G-d will reward the good and punish the wicked.
12. The Messiah will come.
13. The dead will be resurrected. |
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Definition
circumcision, sabbath-keeping, prayer, dietary restrictions, sacrificial system,
keeping the Law, celebrating holidays such as Yom Kippur, Hannukkah, Rosh Hashannah, et al.
Prayer includes the Shema (Sh’ma) “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” |
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Sephardic Jews (Sephardim) traditionally settled in Spain and surrounding areas while the
Ashkenazi Jews settled in other parts of Europe.
Reform Jews believe that the Talmud evolves over time, thus they are less strict in their
observance. Orthodox Jews arose in reaction to the reform movement, thus they are stricter
observance. Conservative Jews practice a middle way (even allowing some female rabbis).
“Cultural” Jews do not practice at all but are proud of their Jewish heritage. |
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Matt. 2:1 says Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the “days of Herod” (who died
about 4 BC). Little is known but he was raised by devout Jewish parents and learned the Torah
well enough at a young age to live as a devout Jew and to quote it freely. At age 12, he is
found in the Jerusalem temple discussing the law and the prophets - and amazing the priests
and scribes. Likely trained as a carpenter. The family included at least 6 other children: James,
Joses, Jude and Simon plus “sisters.” |
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at about age 30, he was baptized by an itinerant prophet (John the Baptist) and began
teaching Various miracles were attributed to him including water to wine, feeding thousands,
healings, exorcisms of demons, and raising the dead. Taught that the Kingdom of God is near
(coming judgment), He was sent from God as the Messiah, that God is sovereign, moral,
transcendent, righteous, holy, just – but also loving. He also taught that morality was more
important than legalism and that we should practice forgiveness and love. Most importantly, he
taught that we can be forgiven of sin because of his atoning death on the cross. |
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In later years, he faced serious opposition both from Jewish leaders and from Roman
authorities who likely felt their power-base threatened. After eating final Passover with His
disciples, He was taken by Jewish authorities and tried (illegally) but finally turned over to the
Romans who executed Him for treason against Caesar. He rose from the grave on third day
afterwards and was seen of many witnesses before His ascension to heaven. At Pentecost the
Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples: tongues, healings and other miracles occur. Now
has grown to the largest religion in the world (about 2.3 billion people). |
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Definition
The Deity and humanity of Christ.
The Trinity – 3 Persons in 1 Being
Vicarious death of Jesus for humaity’s sin. This based on the atonement principle in Judaism.
Resurrection proves that the atonement was effective.
Coming return of Christ followed by final judgment. |
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Roman Catholic Churches, Eastern Orthodox Churches (includes Greek and Russian Orthodox
Churches), Protestant Churches. |
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At the time of his birth, there were mostly polytheists in the area (about 360 local/tribal deities
were in the Ka’aba). But some Jews; some indigenous monotheists. There were also a very
few Christians. Muhammad’s lived from 570-632 A.D. Though poor, his family was well-
respected. He regularly went to a cave outside of Mecca for prayer and meditation. Praying in a
cave, he is visited by the angel Gabriel who proclaims him a prophet and brings him a revelation.
He preaches that there is only one God but his views on social justice bring him trouble with
local leaders in Mecca. He leaves or is forced to leave. Arriving in nearby Medina, he
consolidates some contentious groups and begins to build a following, ultimately controlling the
city. He made early attempts to attract both Christians and Jews. But when they began to reject
his teachings, he turned against them. He begins raiding Meccan caravans and warring against
Mecca. Mecca surrenders to him in 630 AD. Eventually, many tribes in Arabia begin converting
to Islam. Muhammad dies at age 62. Islam has already covered much of the Arabian Peninsula. |
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Definition
the authoritative text of Islam. It reveals Allah’s will for
all humanity and supercedes all previous scriptures (including the New Testament). It is only
authoritative in Arabic. It is considered eternal & uncreated but revealed to Muhammed. |
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narratives written by Muhammed’s close disciples
(companions who knew him personally). It is authoritative - but less so than the Qur’an. |
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Law which is derived from the Qur’an and the Hadith as interpreted by “scholars.”
Considered the supreme law for all of humanity. |
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