1

Judaism, Christianity, &

IslamA Quick Review to Make you

Smarter about the Medieval World

MAP TAP 2003-04 2

What is Religion? Difficult concept to define – in general an

expression of human belief in a power greater than humanity.

Responsibilities of humans towards the divine

Most religions have rules Most religions were founded by unique

individuals who wanted to shed light on our purpose on earth as well as our ultimate destination after death.

MAP TAP 2003-04 3

Judaism Number of followers: no number Main Location: Israel, worldwide Name for God: G-d Place of worship: Synagogue Holy Books: Torah Jerusalem Symbol: Star of David 1st oldest of these religions

MAP TAP 2003-04 4

Judaism…cont. Jews were first people to practice

monotheism – worship of one God as opposed to many

Abraham is considered the founder of Judaism

Jews have often been the object of persecution

MAP TAP 2003-04 5

CHRISTIANITY # of Followers:1 Billion + Name for God: God , Jesus (God’s

Son) Place of Worship: Church Holy Book: Bible (Old & New

Testaments Important Cities:

Jerusalem/Bethlehem Symbol: Cross *largest of the religions

MAP TAP 2003-04 6

Christianity…cont… Began as a movement of Jews in

ancient Israel over 300 denominations

Catholic – oldest Christian religion – based in Rome Protestant – includes almost all non-Catholic

Christians – example – Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, etc. The first of these churches were founded by Martin Luther and King Henry VIII – word Protestant comes from the facts they protested against the church of Rome.

MAP TAP 2003-04 7

ISLAM

Number of followers: 1 billion Main Location : The Middle east Name for God: Allah Founder: Mohammed Place of Worship: Mosque Holy Book: Koran Important Cities: Mecca/Jerusalem Practices: Pray 5X a day, No Pork, Wash

before prayer Youngest of the three religions

MAP TAP 2003-04 8

Islam…cont. “Islam” literally means

“submission”. Related to Judaism and

Christianity, claiming to be their fulfillment.

Muslims (Islamic followers) reject materialism in favor of uplifting the poor and oppressed.

MAP TAP 2003-04 9

Religions….cont. Jerusalem is a holy city to 3 of these

religions

Some primary parts to culture: religion, language, fine arts (music, art), clothing, housing (location), government, and economy

MAP TAP 2003-04 10

Religion Discussion questions:

What do these have in common? How does religion fit into a country or region’s

culture? Why is religion so important in the areas

throughout the Middle East?