Early Religions:Hebrew Monotheism, Zoroastrianism, Vedic

Objective: SWBAT compare and contrast the three early religions.

E.Q. – What are the similarities and differences between the three early religions?

Hebrew Monotheism

• Ancient roots of Judaism• Judaism originated in the Middle East over 3500 years ago

• Hebrew monotheism was the first major religion to believe in one god.  • Monotheism expanded and adapted over the next millennia,

and is now the dominant type of religion across the world.

• Moses = religious leader, most important prophet in Judaism.• Channel between Hebrews and God

Zoroastrianism

• Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions.

• It was founded by the Prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago.

• For 1000 years Zoroastrianism was one of the most powerful religions in the world.

• Zoroaster placed less emphasis on ritual worship, instead focusing on the central ethics of 'Good Words, Good Thoughts and Good Deeds'.

Basic Beliefs:• Zoroastrians believe there is

one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world.

• Ahura Mazda revealed the truth through the Prophet, Zoroaster.

• Zoroastrians traditionally pray several times a day.

• Zoroastrians worship communally in a Fire Temple or Agiary.

• Dualism:• Good v. Evil

Misconceptions:

• Zoroastrians are not fire-worshippers, as some Westerners wrongly believe. Zoroastrians believe that the elements are pure and that fire represents God's light or wisdom.

Spread of Zoroastrianism

Vedic

• Historical predecessor of modern Hinduism, though significantly different from it.

• Sacred texts are the Vedas• Written Sanskrit• Earliests known Veda is the

Rigveda• Sacred collection of hymns