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Religion of The World Final Study Guide

Religion of the World (Dr. Awass)


80 multiple-choice question (what is the best choice?), 2 matching sets On Computer!!!! (Just like the chapter tests)

Vocab
Ahimsa- Teaching of Gandhi from Jainism that meant Non-injury to all life (human and animal/insects).

Analects- The reputed sayings and conversation of Chinese philosopher Confucius. Written by his followers after his death.

Anatta (Anatman)- Literally no atman or eternal soul; a Buddhist teaching that humans have no permanent self or soul

Arahat- A perfected person, one who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and has achieved nirvana (Buddhism)

Arjuna- The most important of the five princes in the Mahabharata, Krishna served as his charioteer

Ashe- West African (Nigerian) tradition word meaning Force

Atman- Sanskrit word for eternal soul (what drive ones heart); Hindu teaching our true nature is the eternal, unchanging, pure, powerful soul, it is one with Brahman. It remains trapped in the cycle of rebirth (samsara) until it reaches liberation (moksha)

Bhagavad-Gita- Sanskrit word for Song of the Lord; and a section (the sixth book) of the Mahabharata. It inspired many Indian religious and political leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru (first prime minister of independent India)

Bhakti- Hindu concept of devotional services to a personal God (Often called bhakti yoga)

Bodhisattva- Sanskrit word for a being intended for enlightenment (Buddha in the making); one who has delayed his or her own nirvana in order to aid others in their spiritual quest

Brahma- The creator god in puranas (stories and teachings of Hinduism) whos principal consort is Sarasvati (goddess of wisdom and learning)

Brahman- In Hinduism, the supreme spiritual oneness of all reality. A mysterious being, but occupies the highest place of all creation.

Brahmin- The highest of the four traditional classes in Hindu caste system; the priestly class

Caste- Means pure; used to designate the elaborate, social class system in traditional Hindu society [Braman Priest - Kshatriya warrior Vaishya merchants- Shudra artisan- Harijan untouchables]

Charter of Medina- was drafted by Muhammad himself and in the year of his migration to Medina (called the hegira or hijra) From Mecca to Medina in 622C.E.

Confucius [Master Qiu Kong]- Emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, and sincerity. Confucius's thoughts received official sanction and were further developed into a system known as Confucianism. Also championed strong family loyalty, ancestor worship, respect of elders by their children (and in traditional interpretations of husbands by their wives)

Council of Nicaea- Affirmed the deity of Jesus Christ and established an official definition of the Trinity [Father Son and Holy Spirit] as equal.

Cultural Revolution- A social-political movement that took place in China from 1966 through 1976. After the death of Mao Zedong, religious groups were allowed more freedom; they were controlled again by the government, but further political reform had been thwarted.

Dao (Tao)- The mysterious, unnameable cosmic power that is the source and end of all reality, according to philosophical Daoism

DaoDeJing- The Classic of the Way and Its Power; A collection of eighty-one enigmatic poems traditionally ascribed to the legendary figure Laozi [Founder of Daoism]. The basic text of Daoist philosophy

Dependent Origination- The Buddhist principle of dependent origination reflects a cosmology in which all human and natural phenomena come into existence within a matrix of interrelatedness. Thus we are urged to respect the uniqueness of each existence, which supports and nourishes all within the larger, living whole

Dharma- Sanskrit word for duty or the way things are intended to be; also translated as law. In traditional Hindu society, social dharma is determined by caste, whereas eternal dharma refers to the duty to pursue a path leading to liberation from the cycle of rebirth

Divination- The practice of foretelling future events or discovering the nature, knowledge, and significance of events by supernatural means; or reading the world of the spirits and the dead

Dogan- The Dogan tribe lived in a region known as the "end of the world", in the Hombori Mountain. With no
paved roads, electricity, and hardly any water, the Dogan tribe barely communicated with the outside world. Most amazing is the Dogan knowledge of astronomy, specifically their understanding of the star. They even knew about a small star near Sirius (Sirius B) that modern astronomers did not see until 1970, a star not visible to the naked eye. They also know that the little star orbits Sirius every fifty years, an event that they commemorate. It has been argued that the only way such primitive people could have had such knowledge was to have learned it from extraterrestrials who piloted their UFO's for a visit many generations ago and told them a story so important that it has been passed on, uncorrupted, in oral tradition.

Dukkha- Pali [Theravada Buddhist scripture] for suffering. Also, Buddhas teaching that suffering in life is unavoidable. According to Buddhist belief, suffering caused by craving is the condition from which humans need to be liberated.

Gemara- extensive collection of both halakah and haggadah : (Talmud)- Hebrew word for learning; in Judaism, the collection composed of the Mishnah (teaching and tradition) and further interpretation. Constitutes the fullest expression of the oral Torah.

Golden Rule- Same for all religion, Do onto others what you would have done to yourself.

Guru- A spiritual teacher; in Sikhism, a leader of the religion

Hadith- Arabic for speech, news, or event; refers to the narratives (or traditions) of what the Prophet Muhammad said, did, or was like when he established the first Muslim community in Medina. After the Quran, the major source for determining Sharia (Muslim law) Haggadah- Hebrew for telling; referring to an interpretation of the Tanak (3 sections of the Hebrew bible: Torah, Prophets, and writings), which was intended to inspire readers with stories and sayings [non-legal]

Halakha- Hebrew for the path to walk, go, or follow; a term used in Judaism to designate an authoritative instruction on the way a Jew seeking to be obedient to God should act. [legal]

Hijra- Arabic for emigration; the emigration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 C.E. Muslims date their calendar from this event.

Hinayana- small (lesser) vehicle; Goal is to end attachment to self and, thereby, becoming an Arhat, who undergoes no further rebirth

Indus- A sophisticated urban culture that flourished along the banks of the Indus River in South Asia from about 2500 to 1500 B.C.R. Also known as the Sindhu Sarasvati Civilization.

John Calvin- Reemphasized the Augustinian doctrines of the sovereignty of God and depravity of humanity. "Five Points of Calvinism": Total Depravity- man in his fallen nature is wholly fallen; Unconditional
Election- man's salvation flows completely from God's grace; Limited Atonement- Christ has died for all those who have been elected to Eternal Life in Christ Jesus and that all those for whom Christ has died have been perfectly atoned for, ransom is complete; Irresistible Grace- the powerful working of his Spirit in your salvation; Perseverance of the Saints- God changes a man's soul in His effectual calling

Jun-zi- An aristocrat or a person of noble birth; The gentleman that Confucius envisioned would remain committed to virtue through all of lifes hardships.

Ka'aba- Arabic for cube; the central shrine of Islam, located in the Grand Mosque of Mecca. It symbolizes the center of the world and is visited by Muslims on the hajj

Kami- Japanese word for the sacred; anything that inspires awe or reverence. Kami-no-michi (The Way of the Kami) is the Japanese phrase used to describe Japanese indigenous religion (Shinto)

Karma- Sanskrit word for action; the law that explains human behavior as the chain of causes and effects resulting from desire. According to the religions that originated in South Asia, karma binds us to the cycle of rebirth. In Pali, written as Kamma

Khalsa- The members of the Sikh military fraternity, distinguished by the wearing of the five Ks; kesh- uncut hair; kangha- comb; kach- short pants; kara- steel bracelet; and kirpan- sword

Krishna- Hindu god prominent in the Bhagavad Gita. Devotees of Vishnu consider Krishna to be an avatar of Vishnu

Kshatriyas- Warriors in the Hindu caste system

Lao Tzu (Laozi or Lao Tzi)- Chinese philosopher and the author of the Tao Te Ching

Li- The Confucian virtue of propriety, right form, It is a right and proper order to be followed in any worship, It manifests itself in the five basic relationships of: father and son, husband and wife, elder to younger brother, ruler and subject, and elder and junior male friends.

Mahabharata- composed by Sri Vyasa, it is the longer one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Rmyana

Mahavira- (otherwise known as Nataputta Vardhamana) is the founder of Jainism.

Mahayana- great vehicle; Does not treat Arhatship as an ultimate goal, and is on the Path of the Bodhisattva, which leads to becoming a Buddha

Mecca- The Arabian city at the center of the Muslim world. When Muslim pray, they prostrate themselves in the direction of Mecca

Meji Restoration- A chain of events that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868. The Restoration led to enormous changes in Japan's political and social structure. The military of Japan was also strengthened, and rapid industrialization and modernization of Japan took place

Midrash- Hebrew for search and interpret.; Interpretation of the Tanak in a verse-by-verse commentary from the first five centuries. The legal interpretations were haggadah and halakhah

Mishnah- Hebrew for teaching, tradition, study; Rabbi Judahs collection of about four thousand legal instructions. It carried the same authority as Tanak

Moksha- Sanskrit word for liberation; refers to the South Asian teaching of liberation from the cycle of rebirth

Nanak- Hindu reformer under the influence of the strict monotheism and anti-ceremonialism of the Muslim faith. Was influenced by Kabir who combined Hindu bhakti devotionalism with Muslim Sufi mysticism.

Nirvana- The state of bliss that comes when desire and attachment are overcome. Particularly associated with Buddhism.

Orisha- The Yoruba name for spirits. [Yoruba has three levels of cosmos view: Orun- heaven or sky, Aiye- place where creation live including omoraiye (children of the world), and Ile- the underworld for the dead] List of Orisha: Eleggu is the owner of the roads and doors in this world; Ogn is the god of iron, war and labor; Oshosi is the Guerrero or Warrior; Obatal is the creator of the world and humanity; Oy is the ruler of the winds; Oshn rules over the waters and river; Yemay rules over the seas and lakes; Shang rules over lightning, thunder, fire; Orunmila is the orisha of wisdom, knowledge and divination

Orthodox Church- The Eastern Orthodox branch of Christianity does not recognize the central authority of any one leader, believing that the decisions should be made collectively. Refers to authoritative, right beliefs in a religious community

People of the Book- In Islam, designates religions that have sacred texts, especially Judaism and Christianity; the Muslim army respected the people of the book and their places of worship in time of war.

Pharisees- A party within Judaism, active in the last centuries B.C.E. and first century C.E., composed of lay people dedicated to keeping the commandments of the written and oral Torahs; opposed by the Sadducees. Contemporary Judaism descends from Judaism as understood by the Pharisees

Protestant Reformation- The major branches of Christianity that began as a result of the reformation: Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Anglican Communion, Methodist, and Pentecostal.

Puranas- stories and teachings primarily concerned with the personalities of three gods (called trimurti as a group): Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva

Rabbi- Hebrew for my master; a Jewish teacher who interprets the Torah for others and serves as a leader of a Jewish community

Ramayana- the story of Rama, exploits on the earth of the god-king Rama and his wife Sita. One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Mahabaharata

Ren (Jen)- The primary inner virtue meaning humaneness, thoughtfulness, empathy, and kindness.

Samsara- continuously flowing; Sanskrit word meaning the cycle of rebirth

Sangha- The formation of the Order of Buddhist monks and nuns. community, assembly; came from all the social classes of India

Sannyasin- The highest stage of the varna system. Its requirements are living alone, without possessions, seeking a state of being without desires.

Sanskrit- An ancient language of India, the language of the Vedas, of Hinduism, and of an extensive philosophical and scientific literature dating from the beginning of the first millennium B.C. It is the oldest recorded member of the Indic branch of the Indo-European family of languages

Santeria- A new religious movement with roots in Yoruba religion, which combines Orisa with Catholic saints. Developed in Cuba and spread throughout the Caribbean and into the United States

Shaman- In an indigenous religion, a holy person who, having been possessed or taken over by spiritual powers, becomes an intermediary between the spirit world and the people

Shiva- The god of destruction and rejuvenation in puranas whos principal consort is Parvati (daughter of the mountain Himalaya)

Sudras- Also known as Shudra which is the lowest class of the Hindu caste system; the artisans Syncretism- The combining of different religious beliefs; union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties in philosophy

Talmud- Hebrew for learning; in Judaism, the collection composed of the Mishnah and further interpretation (Gemara). Constitutes the fullest expressing of the oral Torah

Te (De)- Chinese for power and virtue

Theravada Buddhism- Pali for way of the elders; the surviving school of the more conservative movements in the early history of Buddhism, found primarily in Southeast Asia

Torah- Hebrew for instruction, law; Gods revelation of instructions to the Jewish people. Often used to refer to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible

Totem- An animal, a plant, or an object is thought to be the special protector of a religious group

Upanishads- Sanskrit word for to sit nearby; philosophical utterances, collected in a section of the Vedas, that are the basis of later philosophical reflection in Hinduism

Vaisyas- The ritual a boy takes at the age of 12 for the highest three classes in the varna system. The four states of life (asramas) that the Law of Manu (ethical religious guideline) prescribes are as a student (brahamacarin) [which a young man after the initiation, upanayana, is to study Veda], and at ages 8 (Brahmin), 11 (kshatirya), and 12 (vaisya)

Vatican Council I (1896)- promulgated the doctrine of papal infallibility, which said that under certain conditions, the utterances of a pope are without error.

Vedas- Sanskrit word for knowledge; the sacred writing of the Aryans, and later Hinduism. [RigVeda(1st)- verses and praises for the gods; Yajur-Veda(2nd)- consists of sacrificial formulas; SamaVeda(3rd)- melodies for the praise; Atharva-Veda(4th)- consists of spells for black and white magic]

Vishnu- The god of preservation and love in puranas whos principal consort is Lakshmi (goddess of fortune); appears on earth in various forms (avatars) in times of crisis

Wu Wei- The Daoist concept of actionless action; going with the flow, without even trying

Yin and Yang- The complementary, opposite forces present in all reality, according to the traditional Chinese worldview. The yin force is dark, mysterious, wet, and female; the yang force is bright, clear, dry, and male.

Yoga- Sanskrit for to yoke or join; refers to a variety of methods that seek to join the individual soul (atman) to the ultimate and thus achieve liberation from rebirth 1. Yamas (Restraints)- consists of: Ahimsa (nonviolence); Satya (truthfulness); Asteya (non-stealing); Brahmacharya (continence, resisting sexual desire); Aparigraha (non-hoarding, giving) 2. Niyamas (Observances)- Saucha (purity); Santosha (contentment); Tapas (burning of all desires); Svadhyaya
(scriptural study); Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to God)

3. Asana (Posture, Seat)- referring particularly to meditation postures, which promote concentration of the mind. 4. Pranayama (Breath Control)- expands life-supporting energy 5. Pratyahara (Withdrawing the Mind from Sense Perception)- rejecting temptation 6. Dharana (Concentration)- "to hold, carry, support" 7. Dhyana (Meditation)- channeling of intellect, or mind, to one point

Yoma- The firth tractate of Seder Moed (Order of Festivals) of the Mishnah and of the Talmud.

Yoruba religion- Believe in a supreme being, and spirits that have been deified. God is known as Olodumare (the one who has the fullness of everything) and Olorun (the owner of heaven, the Lord whose abode is in the heaven above). As the Supreme Being created heaven and earth, he also brought into existence hundreds of divinities, and the spirits (Orisa, Imole, and Ebora).

Concepts
The Vedas and the Upanishads Veda: the oldest literature of India : a collection of religious and philosophical poems and hymns Four types of Veda: Rig-, Sama- Yajur- and AtharvaUpanishads: upa-near ni-down sad-sit : Originally called Vedanta which meant conclusion of the Vedas : It elaborates on how the soul (Atman) can be united with the ultimate truth (Brahman) through contemplation and mediation, as well as the doctrine of Karma Relationship between karma and reincarnation (Hindu) Karma: "deed or act"; cause and effect Reincarnation: rebirth To be re-incarnated as a higher caste a Hindu believes they must gain good karma Caste system (History) Aryans migrated from Central Europe and settled in the Indus Valley. They selected individuals as the protectors of society and the labor workers. Because they wanted to keep the people doing what they had been doing, they developed the Caste System which distinguished people by their class. Today, the caste system still exists, however, laws were pass to make discrimination illegal to those in the untouchable class. Four stages of life (Hindu) The First Ashrama - "Brahmacharya" or the Student Stage (education period; lasts until the age of 25) The Second Ashrama - "Grihastha" or the Householder Stage (when a man gets married, and undertakes the responsibility for earning a living and supporting his family) The Third Ashrama - "Vanaprastha" or the Hermit Stage (duty as a householder ends; children are grown up, established lives of their own) The Fourth Ashrama - "Sannyasa" or the Wandering Ascetic Stage (supposed to be totally devoted to God; no other attachment) Four Paths of Yoga (Hindu) Karma-yoga (selfless action) Jnana-yoga (philosophical research and wisdom) Astanga/Raja-yoga (physical exercises and meditation Bhakti-yoga (the path of devotional service)

Bhagava-Gita (general plot) A sacred Hindu scripture, though its philosophies and insights are intended to reach beyond the scope of religion and to humanity as a whole. The Bhagavad-Gita comprises exactly 700 verses, and is a part of the Mahabharata. The teacher of the Bhagavad-Gita is Lord Krishna, who is revered by Hindus as a manifestation of God (Parabrahman) itself, and is referred to within as Bhagavan, the Divine One.

Two Epics (Mahabharata and Ramayana) Mahabharata: contains much philosophical and devotional material, such as a discussion of the four "goals of life" enumerated as dharma (right action), artha (purpose), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation) Ramayana: depicts the duties of relationships, portraying ideal characters like the ideal father, ideal servant, the ideal brother, the ideal wife and the ideal king

Basic tenants and main personalities (Jainism) The fundamental principles of Jainism: 1.Man's personality is dual, both material and spiritual; 2.Man is not perfect; 3.Spiritual nature of man can and must control his material nature; 4.Each individual that can separate his own soul and the matter combined within. Basic tenants and main personalities (Sikhism) The fundamental principles of Sikhism: 1.Kirat Karo - Work hard and honestly; 2.Wand Ke Chhako Share what you have with the needy; 3.Naam Jappo - Always remember God throughout the day. Sikhs believe in one God and teaches equality of all people. It emphasizes daily devotion to the remembrance of God and the morals and ethics of life, but also teaches religious freedom. It rejects forms of rituals

Difference of Reincarnation in Buddhism and Hinduism Hinduism teaches that you have an internal soul that continues in a process of reincarnation while inheriting the karma of your past life. In Buddhism, there is no eternal soul to be reborn. Modern Hindu reforms Defines the fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions, and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens Fostered notion of Indian nationhood Hindu Indian National Congress (1885) Muslim League (1906) In 1912, Gandhi became the leader of the Indian National Congress and skillfully orchestrated the movement of civil disobedience that ultimately convinced British to allow India to become independent in 1947 Historical Hindu nationalism and group movements+objectives Brahmo Samaj (society of god): The founder, Ram Mohan Roy, accepted monotheism and the ethical teachings and congregational worship of Christianity, but not Jesus) and sought to purge polytheism Arya Samaj: The leader, Swami Dayanand Scraswati, taught his followers to be thoughtful and charitable. Ramakrishna: Sri Ramakrishna was a Brahmin and priest for the goddess Kali. His teachings were that all religions were simply different paths to all same summit Aurobindo Ghose: Sri Aurobindo Ghose, after a period of political activity in support of Indian nationalism, withdrew to form an ashram (spiritual center) that practiced Integral Yoga.

Four Noble Truths 1. Life means suffering: To live means to suffer, because the human nature is not perfect and neither is the world we live in 2. The origin of suffering is attachment (desires): The origin of suffering is attachment to transient things and the ignorance thereof 3. The cessation of suffering is attainable: The cessation of suffering can be attained through nirodha (the unmaking of sensual craving and conceptual attachment) 4. The eight paths to the cessation of suffering: The middle way between the two extremes of excessive self-indulgence (hedonism) and excessive self-mortification (asceticism); and it leads to the end of the cycle of rebirth Eight-fold Path 1. Right View: The beginning and the end of the path, it simply means to see and to understand things as they really are and to 13ealize the Four Noble Truth. 2. Right Intention: The cognitive aspect of wisdom; commitment to ethical and mental selfimprovement 3. Right Speech: The first principle of ethical conduct in the eightfold path 4. Right Action: The body as natural means of expression, as it refers to deeds that involve bodily actions 5. Right Livelihood: One should earn ones living in a righteous way and that wealth should be gained legally and peacefully 6. Right Effort: A prerequisite for the other principles of the path 7. Right Mindfulness: The mental ability to see things as they are 8. Right Concentration: Development of a mental force that occurs in natural consciousness Buddhas attitude towards theology The Buddha dismisses all claims of god due to his own delusions. He argues that Brahman is simply another deva, perhaps with greater karmic force. Hinayana and Mahayana forms of Buddhism Both Hinayana and Mahayana agree that the course of progressing through the five pathway minds entails practicing the thirty-seven factors leading to a purified state. However, Hinayana says that the historical Buddha achieved enlightenment in his lifetime and, like an arhat, when he died, his mental continuum came to an end. Mahayana on the other hand asserts that the historical Buddha became enlightened in a previous lifetime many eons ago, by studying with Buddhist teachers. Chan(zen) and Pure Land (Mahayana Buddhism schools) Chan emerged as a reaction against the increasing scholastic complexities of the Tiantai and Huayan schools and their voluminous, which, some Chan practitioners believed, could be more of an obstacle than an aid to enlightenment. Pure land Buddhism is a devotional or faith-oriented branch of Buddhism focused on Amitbha Buddha.

Vajrayna School of Buddhism The original teaching of the Buddha. Derives its term from Vajra which originated in Hindu mythology; it was the diamond hard thunderbolt used as a weapon by the gods. Vajrayana is thus translated as The Diamond Vehicle. Often described as the completed Dharma because it incorporated the doctrines of both Theravada and Mahayana alone with Tantra

Transformation of concept+practice of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and the Middle Way. He ultimately became the first member of the Sangha (the Buddhist order of the monks). They followed the Wheel of the law (dharma) Relationship between REN and LI Ren: humaneness, thoughtfulness, empathy, kindness. Li: human interaction, treating others with reverence and respect Three levels of Dao Highest branch of Daoism is the unmanifest Dao, next the primordial chao or breath (qi), followed by the Three Officials (or Three Heavenly Worthies). These were the Jade Emperor, who rules over heaven and earth and judges each persons deeds before the New Year; Laozi; and the marshal of supernatural beings. Further down are the various divine ministries, inhabiting nine heavens. Three ways of Dao practice -Alchemy: the search for some elixir that could be taken to preserve the vital force - Hygienic and dietary regime: five basic elements were eaten, and food that caused vital essence to dissipate was avoided. Breath control exercises and sexual practices as suppression of orgasms were also balanced. -Living a life of virtue was thought to be essential to becoming an immortal Characteristics of Yin-Yang Yin: passive, soft, wet, dark, negative, contracting, feminine Yang: active, hard, warm, dry, bright, positive, expansive, procreative, masculine Implications of Wu Wei Wu Wei means to have no ambitions, no desires for fame and power. No need to influence or dominate others. It is to be not what others think you should be, but to simply be yourself Confucian philosophical movements The New Life Movement attempted to counter Communism ideology with a mix of traditional Confucianism, Western Christianity, nationalism and authoritarianism that have some similarities to fascism. It rejected individualism and Western democratic values and opposed socialism and communism. It also aimed to build up morale in a nation that was besieged with corruption, factionalism, and opium addiction. Some goals included courtesy to neighbors, following rules set by the government, keeping streets clean, conserving energy, and so forth. Similarity and differences in Confucius, Menicius, and Hsun Tze The dominant strain of Confucian thought stressed the perfectibility of man. Confucius (a political philosopher who lived c. 551-479 B.C.) expressed a belief in the fundamental similarity of all persons and in the perfectibility and educability of each individual. Mencius and Hsun Tzu, two of his prominent successors, held different views on human nature, Mencius arguing that it contained the seeds of goodness, and Hsun Tzu that, in its uncultivated state, human nature tended to evil. Both, however, believed that human beings were perfectible through self-cultivation and the practice of ritual. From the 11th century onward, Neo-Confucian philosophers, engaged in the renewal and elaboration of Confucian thought, subscribed to the Mencian line, stressing the potential goodness of human nature and the importance of developing that goodness through education.

Role of Buddhism and Daoism in Confucianism For Confucians, the way to the Dao was to seek virtue actively. They taught the idea that the humane person instinctively recognized the inherent worth and value of every person, from the highest in society to the lowest. For rulers this meant a concern for the needs of every person. Taoism mixed with Buddhism and Confucianism in what was called Dark Learning (Xuan Xie). Neo-Confucianism Movement called to return to the basic principles of Confucianism in response to the growing influences in Buddhism and Daoism Consists of 2 branches: Zhu Xi and Wang Yangming Neo-Confucianism concept of Li Zho Xi transformed the principle of Li into a cosmic force. That each person has Li in themselves to do goodness Philosophies of Maoism A political theory derived from the teachings of the Chinese political leader Mao Zedong (1893 1976). Its followers, known as Maoists, consider it as an anti-Revisionist form of Marxism. Developed during the 1950s and 1960s, it was widely applied as the political and military guiding ideology of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Idealism: Mao believed that human consciousness is the key factor in human history. In other words, Mao can be seen as an idealist and as such, directly contravenes the deterministic tenets of orthodox Marxism. Populism: Mao also believed strongly in the concept of a unified "people". These notions were what prompted him to investigate the peasant uprisings in Hunan while the rest of the China's communists were in the cities and focused on the orthodox Marxist proletariat. Nationalism: Also crucially important to the adaption of Marxism to the Chinese model and the formation of Maoism were Mao's nationalist impulses. Mao truly believed that China was to play a crucial preliminary role in the socialist revolution internationally. Difference in Historical and New Testament portrayal of Jesus The earliest records of Jesus are probably right in portraying him as an apocalyptic prophet who anticipated God would soon intervene in the course of history to overthrow the forces of evil and establish his good kingdom on Earth, and that people needed to repent in preparation for it. In the New Testament, Jesus conducted a miraculous ministry, leads a circle of disciples, draws the ire of religious authorities, is crucified, and rises from the dead. Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the Synoptic Gospels, portray Jesus as the Son of God, a healer andexorcist who told parables about the Kingdom of God and coming Judgment. The identity of Jesus as the Messiah is kept secret, except to chosen disciples. Two major Sacraments in Christianity Baptism is a Christian rite of admission (or adoption), almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also a particular church tradition Communion is a Christian practice of taking bread and wine as a remembrance of Christs death on the cross

Development of Protestantism Different denominations of Protestantism began during the Protestant Reformation. There are five major branches: Lutheran, Baptist, Anglican Communion, Methodist, and Pentecostal. Catholics Salvation Received at baptism; may be lost by mortal sin; regained by penance. Those who have never heard of Christ may be saved Protestants Salvation Result of divine grace; unconditional. Cannot be taken away Changes of Second Vatican Council 1) The Mass (and all the sacraments) are now spoken and celebrated in the Vernacular (the language of the country) instead of Latin. 2) The priest now stands facing the people, with the Altar between them, during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 3) The Mass and the other sacraments have been simplified for easier understanding. 4) Lay people now have a greater role in the celebration of the sacraments. 5) Parish Advisory Councils and Finance Committees were to be established in each parish. 6) The rules and regulations of Religious Life and Priesthood were up-dated. Nuns and monks modified their religious garments (clothing) and lifestyle. 7) Catholic laity is encourage to read and study the bible Similarity and differences in Lutheran, Calvinist, Anglican Churches All three the denominations have many similarities between the creeds and confession, sacred text, the trinity, nature of Christ, resurrection of God etc. - Lutheranism was the brainchild of Martin Luther (1483-1546). Lutheranism believes any one can attain salvation through faith as well as freewill. Lutherans doctrine is based upon the Bible and stresses that salvation is independent of merit and worthiness, arguing that it is a gift of Gods sovereign grace. - Calvinism was started by John Calvin (1509-1564). Calvinisms core doctrine of predestination affirms that God extends grace and gives salvation only to the chosen. It emphasizes the Bibles literal truth and takes the church as a Christian community headed by Christ with all members under him equal. - Anglicanism was founded by King Henry. Anglicans doctrine basis is the church father, the gospel and the scriptures. Story of Exodus and meaning for Jewish people In the Book of Exodus, the Lord instructed Moses, a descendant of Abraham, to confront the Egyptian Pharaoh and demand that he set the Hebrew people free. During the exile, the Lord provide food and water, and also guided and protected the Hebrew. At the Mt. Sainai, the Lord appeared in a burning bush to Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments as their laws. Second destruction of the Temple In the year 70 C.E. marked the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple after a Jewish revolt. Jesus prophesized the destruction of the Temple while he was on Mt. Olives with his disciples during his last days.

Five Pillars of Islam 1. Repetition of La ilaha illa Allah; wa-Muhammadan rasulu Allah (There is no God but Allah; and Muhammad is His messenger). This practice is called shahadah (bearing witness) 2. The daily prayer Salat which Muslims are required to perform five times a day. (dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and evening) 3. The almsgiving Zakat (meaning purity, or integrity). This is a tax on certain kinds of property, including both money and goods, which is paid at the end of each year. 4. Fasting, sawn, during the entire month of Ramadan. All Muslims who are sane and in good health are expected to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse during daylight hours of each day during the holy month. 5. The pilgrimage to Mecca, hajj, which is required by every Muslim man and woman. Significance of Quran The Quran includes 144 chapters known as surahs and the message is very simple: worship God alone and completely submit to His will. The Quran does not condone killing or many of the other stereotypical and unlearned views of the religion of Islam, but it's full of peace, love for others, and using one's reason to interpret the world around the believer. Difference of Quran and Hadith The Hadiths are mainly a collection of rituals, sayings, and rulings by scholars claimed to be from the Prophet Mohammed that was recorded hundreds of years after his death. However, their text the Quran is explicit in the fact that it was to be the final and complete text of God. Muslim religious movements in 20th century After September 11, 2001, an ongoing backlash in the non-Muslim world has affected the Islam and Muslims status. Christians leaders, who influenced the view of millions, speak of Islam as religion of violence and hate and perpetuate stereotypes of Islam as old as the Christian Crusades. Expressions of hate are directed against Muslims, ranging from insults shouted at Muslim women wearing head scarves to random killings of Muslims. Difference between Sunni and Shiite Both Sunni and Shiites Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Sunni believe that if one follows the traditions of the Prophet, he is accepted. Shiites share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself Madhabs Madhhab is "way of thinking, persuasion", "a method". The four Muslim parties who practice madhabs is Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali. There are two categories in madhabs: the muttabi (follower), who follows his madhhab while being aware of the Quranic and hadithtexts and the reasoning, underlying its positions,[49] and secondly the muqallid (emulator), who simply conforms to the madhhab because of his confidence in its scholars, and without necessarily knowing the detailed reasoning behind all its thousands of rulings. Sufism Sufis traced the origin of their movement to Muhammad and the Quran especially to stories such as the account of Muhammads ascension to heaven. Mansur al-Hallaj was the most prominent and controversial of the early Sufis. He is most famous for declaring in a state of mystical union with Allah. The Sufis contention that true religion consists of inward experience of holiness rather than external forms has served as a balanced to the more legalistic and ritualistic aspects of Muslim life.

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