Judaism and Christianity

Cornerstones of Western Development and Thought

Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism In small groups of 3-4 discuss the following questions

and prepare answers to share with the class.

Is Buddhism a distinct religion, or is it just a form of the knowledge yoga. If it is a form of Hinduism, explain what characteristics it shares, if it is not, explain what differences make it a unique religion.

Cycles are a major part of both of these religions. How are their cycles similar? How are they different?

Identify AT LEAST 5 common themes that you see developing in these religions that you believe will be present in the other religions we investigate.

Judaism Judaism is a very pervasive influence

in Western thought and development.

So how is it that this people has left a profound mark on Western society if there were other “more impressive” possibilities such as the Egyptians or Phoenicians?

Judaism’s Breakthrough Special because of the depth of their

pursuit for meaning Changed the idea of what a god was

and what his/her characteristics should be Moral Caring

Humans are both dust and divinity

Judaism’s Breakthrough No longer focused on the IS but the WHAT

SHOULD BE Not willing to accept a mix of good and evil as

unavoidable Not willing to accept nature as is Leads to the desire to change the world for

the better and to act communally • This contrasts with the desire to maintain the status

quo present in religions focused on placating the gods

Laid the groundwork for social protest

Finding Meaning Morality

Necessary for society to function “those wise restraints that make men

free” 613 commandments that regulate

human behavior in the Hebrew Bible • Most important and influential of these on

the world today being the Ten Commandments

Finding Meaning Justice

“The future of any people depends in large part on the justice of its social order”

“Individuals are responsible for the social structures of their societies as well as for their direct personal dealings”

Finding Meaning Suffering

Trials and hardship necessary because of the need for Israel to accept the teachings and live accordingly

Some defeats necessary to teach valuable lessons

Finding Meaning Messianism

Hope for a better future National Restitution World upgrade

Jewish Holidays Jewish day begins and ends at

sunset Holidays are celebrated one more

day than the bible says

Rosh Hashanah “First of the Year” 1st and 2nd day of Tishri Not like the American Holiday Most of the day is spent in

Synagogue for an extended liturgy Customs

Apples dipped in Honey Emptying pockets into a stream

Days of Awe- Days of Repentance Serious introspection and a time to

reflect Opportunity to change what God has

written in the books about you through prayer, good works, and repentance

Reconciliation with people you have wronged

Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement Most important holiday 10th day of Tishri Covers sins against God Strict 25 hour fast

Christianity Based on the teachings of Jesus of

Nazareth Believed to be the Messiah fulfilling the

prophecies of Judaism Born to Mary through immaculate

conception Grows up in the house of Joseph who

was a carpenter Is a descendant of David

Christianity Believe that salvation comes

through faith that Jesus is the Son of God sent to atone for all sins Incorporates the old testament and

Judaism into the religion New Testament explains the teachings

of Christ

Christianity- Seven Sacraments Baptism Participate in the Eucharist

Transubstantiation Reconciliation Confirmation Marriage Holy Orders Anointing of the Sick

Christianity – Tenants of Faith Holy Trinity

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Sharing the Word with others Awaiting the second coming of

Christ

Christianity- Traditions Catholicism

Led by the Pope in Rome Allows for celebration of saints and praying

through saints Focus on the Virgin Mary

Greek Orthodox Has different traditions unique to their church Formed after the Great Schism Allows Icons to be used as conduits of prayer

Christianity- Traditions Russian Orthodox

Unique traditions Iconography

Protestantism Started with Martin Luther and his 95 these Does not believe in transubstantiation or

follow the Pope Emphasizes a personal relationship with God

as the key to true faith and salvation

Christianity- Fundamentalism vs Liberalism

Fundamentalism Believe the Bible is to be read literally The work of God written through people

Liberalism Bible is to be read as metaphor with the

meaning contemplated and discovered Does not believe the Bible is the exact word of

God but was instead written by humans with Divine inspiration guiding them

Themes in Religion In groups of 3 or 4 discuss the following

questions and prepare a response to discuss with the class

What are some reoccurring themes or ideas that exist in the first four major religions we have discussed?

What are the major differences between the religions of the East and the Religions of the West?

Religion Is there a fundamental question that

all religions seek to answer? If so what is this question. If not, how do the fundamental questions differ between religions?

What does this say about humanity in general?