​introduction to world religions and belief systems

JUDAISM, CHRISTIANITY, ​ISLAM, HINDUISM, THERAVADA, BUDDHISM, MAHAYANA BUDDHISM, CONFUCIANISM, TAOISM, AND SHINTOISM.

​This subject aims to help us understand the historical contexts of nine Religions

​Definition of Terms

​1. Give an example of a belief system or a worldview

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2. Communicate your understanding of your religion

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​3. Differentiate religion from:

​a. Spirituality b. Theology c. Philosophy of Religion

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How World Religions Began​

2.1. Cite regions or places where specific religions evolved​

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​2.2. Analyze the culture of the region that gave rise to specific religions

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​2.3. Explain how geography influences religion and religion affects culture

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​2.4. Conduct a group activity that demonstrates the influence of a religion in a certain culture

​Positive and Negative Effect of Religions

3.1. Identify the positive and negative effects of religions​

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​3.2. Provide evidence that religion brought about an event in history

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​3.3. Justify that religion can have positive or negative effects on society

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​3.4. Gather print or web-based articles, photos, editorials, etc. showing the positive or negative effects of religion

​Judaism

4.1. Recite the Ten Commandments as stated in the Old Testament (Exodus 20)​

​4.2. Identify a Jewish custom or tradition demonstrated in a movie (e.g. Fiddler in the Roof, Ten Commandments, Ben Hur)

4.3. Justify: The core teaching of Judaism is the covenant of one God with a chosen people vs. other people with many gods.

​4.4. Identify a story from the Old Testament that demonstrates the Jewish belief in one God (e.g. Story of Samson)

Christianity​

5.1. Recite the Apostle’s Creed, The Lord’s Prayer or the Beatitudes​

​5.2. Interpret the Parable of the Prodigal Son

​5.3. Explain: The core teaching of Christianity is the message that a loving God sent His begotten Son in order to redeem humankind from eternal damnation.

​5.4. Interview a Christian parent or couple on why they are Christians and what beliefs and practices they adhere to

​Islam

6.1. Read the opening lines of Qur’an preferably from an English version

​6.2. Retell the life and times of Prophet Muhammad

​6.3. Explain: The core teaching of Islam is there is only one God and Muhammad is His final and greatest messenger.

​6.4. Conduct a panel discussion on Muslim beliefs and practices (when possible invite a Muslim)

Comparative Analysis​

7.1. Identify the uniqueness and similarities of Judaism, Christianity and Islam​

7​.2. Provide evidence that Judaism, Christianity and Islam share common roots from Patriarch Abraham

​7.3. Justify that Judaism, Christianity and Islam, as monotheistic religions, have largely influenced the world today.

​7.4. Conduct a group research on the doctrines of each of the three religions and compare them in the aspects of origin, morality, p

​Hinduism

8.1. Recite the creation story in Rig Veda

​Identify the names of the major Hindu deities as well as their corresponding functions or powers

​8.2. Identify the names of the major Hindu deities as well as their corresponding functions or powers

​8.3. Explain: The core teaching of Hinduism is the attainment of liberation in the identification of Atman and Brahman through the Four Yogas.

​8.4. Simulate a particular yoga and write a reflection paper on your insights on Hinduism