Compilation world-belief
- 1. Brief overview ➢ One of the oldestreligioninthe worldtoday,butitis relativelyunknowninthe Philippines. ➢ Rich inhistoryand a varietyof practices, ❖ school of thoughts ❖ Style of worship ➢ Had directlyinfluencedotherreligionssuchas;Buddhism, andJanismwhichhasalsooriginatedinIndia. Didyou knowthat? The colorful,messyandextremelyhappyHoli festival isbecomingstronglypopularamongFilipinos,startedin2012 by the AsiaSocietyandthe embassyof Indiainthe Philippines.A yearlyeventthatcommemoratesthe Hindufestival colors.Duringthisfestival,peoplewouldtossandthrow colorful powdertootherparticipants,tobe followedby generousdrenchingof water.The mood isfestiveandeveryoneenjoysthrowingcolorful powderstocelebratethe returnthe colors of spring. Beginnings of Hinduism Datedas far back as 1500 B. C. E., among the IndoEuropeanspeakingpeople of SouthAsia.(presentdayIndia) Since that time,significantlytransformedintothe religioussystemcompletewiththeology,philosophical schools,anddevotional practicesthat we knowtoday.The name “Hinduism”isitself relativelyrecent.The termwasintroducedbyPersiansin the 9th CenturyB.C. E. to referto the people residingnearandbeyondeasternsideof the Sindhu(forIndus) River. Britishcolonial rulerscontinuedusingthe term“Hindu”toreferto the populationinIndiawhowere neither ChristianorMuslim.Inessence,Hinduismisareligionof the Dharma,whichisa timelessorderof all life.Dharma, accordingto Hindubelief andpractice is,whatholdsthe universe together,andmeans“duty”,“correctpractice,”and “truth”. HindusconsiderDharmato be the central,that theyconsiderita privilegetobe able toupholdit’steachingsand applythemintheireverydaylife.The Dharmaisencompassing;Itcoversthe cosmic,personal,andsocial orderof one’s life.Adherence tothe Dharmameansthat one recognizesdifferentaptitudes, capabilities,androlesthatpeople playin maintainingthe social andcosmicbalance of the universe. Emphasis of the Dharma. Make Hinduismmore areligionof action Vedas A Hinduscripture thatemphasizesthe cultivationof virtuesaccordingtothe personsstandingorstatusinthe society. There’sa lotemphasisoncompassion,non-violence,purity,restraintandself-control inone’sdealingwithothers. Followingthe Dharma,thatissuitedtoone’sstate of life isthe epitome of the religiouspractice asaHindus.It issaid that Philosophical andtheological principlesare importantinassistingthe persontofulfillone’sdutiestothe Divineand otherlivingbeingsbutthe mostimportantthingisaadherence torightconductandpractice at all times. Hinduismas a “VedicReligion” Like any religioussystem,Hinduismwasable topreserve the importantteachingsinsacredwritingsthatcontains foundational elementsof the of doctrine,moralityandworship.VedaassacredwritingsforHinduismisalsoreferredas VaidikaDharmaor Religionof the Vedas.VedainSanskritmeans“knowledge”andhasbeencommittedtomemoryby the sagesand passedonto disciplesbefore itwasrecordedinwriting. Veda is a diverse collectionof writingsthat spansfrom centuriesandunlike the Torah(Judaism),Bible(Christianity), and Qur’an(Islam) the Vedasare notcontainedinasingle volume.The earliestVedicliteratureisacollectionof hymnsto the gods while the laterchapterandvolumesinclude dialogues,storiesandsagelyadvicefromasceticsandreligious masters.
- 2. Two Typesof Scripture inHinduTradition Shruti Scripture (meaning,“thatwhichisheard”) Containsfundamental elementsof Hinduphilosophyandmorality. Shruti scripturesare primarilythe “FourVedas”. Consideredtobe of divine originasrevealedtosages(calledrishis)whoreceivedthese truthsthroughdeep meditations. Each Four Vedasare furthersubdividedintofourtypesof literatures. (a) Samhitas, hymnsdedicatedtogodsandgoddesses. (b) Brahmanas,explicationsof the samhitasandotherritual actsperformedbythe priests. (c) Aranyakas, philosophical interpretationsof ritual acts (d) Upanishads, explanationsof general philosophical knowledge Smriti (meaning“thatwhichis remembered”) Considered“secondaryscripture”andmostlycontainsstoriesandadvice fromsages.Unlike Shruti scriptures,Smriti are of humanorigin.Althoughtheyare important,theyexpoundonthe Vedas(Pandit2001). It givesordinarypeople accessto the teachingsof the Vedas,asthe latterare onlyaccessible to malesof highercastesandthe Brahmins. Smriti scripturesincludesthe following; Mahabharata, an epicpoemthatis 15 timeslongerthanthe Bible,narratesthe storyof ongoingwaramong family members.Highlightsthe importanceof virtuesanddevotiontothe gods,particularlythe Krishna Ramayana, a shorterepicpoemabout kingshipandroyal virtues,talksaboutthe storyof battlesthatRama hadto fight inorder to save hiswife Sita fromthe demonRavana.It isone of the epicsthatdepictsthe battle betweengoodand evil.Krishna Dharma Shastras,legal treatise thatemphasize the importanceof practicingvirtue. BhagavadGita, meaning“Songof the Lord”, is actuallyone of the booksinMahabharata. It is consideredbymany Hindusas an importantreligioustextthatextolsthe powerandbenevolence of Krishnaandhis’instructiontoArjuna. Puranas, these are storiesthatdepictthe sectariandivisionswithinHinduism.Thereare multiple creationstories, legendsandwarstoriesbythe differentHindusects. Major Scriptural Text in Hinduism The Sruti Scriptures(thatwhichisheard) The Smriti Scriptures(thatwhichisremembered. Vedas Mahabharata 1. Rig Veda Mahabharata 2. Sama Veda Ramayana 3. YajurVeda Sharma shastras a. SuklaYajurVeda BhagavadGita b.KrishnaYajurVeda Puranas 4. Atharva Veda Upanishads Many Gods,One Divine Principle In HinduTemples,youwillamaze atthe differentnamesof godsandgoddessesandthe differentformstheyare depicted.Beloware examples. GoddessGanesha, whoisportrayedas an elephant Shiva,portrayedwithmore thantwoarms GoddessKali,whoholdaheadseveredfromitsbodywhile standingoncorpses VishnuorShiva,amongthe deities,are the mostcommonones. Whenworshipping,aHinduwouldusuallypayhis/herrespectstoeachenshrinedimage bybowingtothemone byone. Early devotionalsongsfoundinVedas(EarlyVedicHymns) mentionedthe name of deities.Hindustodaywouldusually choose fromamong the manynamesand representativesof divinityandwoulddevote religiousdevotionandworship to those particulardeities.A Hinduisnotrequiredtoworshipall gods/goddesses,northeyare obligedtoworshipany particulardeityexclusively. Three Highest DeitiesinHinduismwho Fulfill DifferentFunctionsinthe Universe Trimurthi (ortrinity) Deities Consorts Brahma = Creator Saraswati,goddessof speech Vishnu= preserver Lakshmi,goddessof wealth Shiva= destroyer Parvati,usuallyworshippedasthe MotherGoddess
- 3. Despite the multiplicityof deitiesinthe Hindupantheon,the Vedassaythatall deitiesorgodsare ultimately manifestationsof one DivinePrinciples. A PermanentSelf(Soul) Atman Hinduismbelievesinthe Doctrine of the Atman,whichclaimsthatthere isa “soul”(calledatman) ineachandevery livingcreature.Inthe conventional sense,itisthe atmanthat assumesaphysical body(throughreincarnation) dependingonthe meritsof one’sdeeds.Hinduismbelievesthatitisthe atman that transfers(ortransmigrates) during the deathand rebirthsothat one’spresentlife inthe earthlyrealmisconnectedtoall previouslivesuntil liberationis reached. The atman thus isthe life principleorthe essence of life itself,andwithoutitnothingcanremaininexistence.Thisisthe reasonwhyall livingbeingshave an“innermostself”(whichisthe atman);itiswhat makesthemalive. Accordingto Hinduism,atman isconnectedtoBrahmanwhichisalreadymentionedasThe Divine Principle.The Brahman-atmanpointstothe fundamental linkthatall beingshave withthe absolute.Withoutthe connection,the existence of individualatmanhasno meaningbecause itiscut from the source that giveslife.Thisisseriouslytakenby the Hindusand theybelieve thathurtinganotherbeingmeanshurtingoneself becausethe connectionbetweentwo beingsisseveredthuscausingsuffering. Karma, Samsara,and Moksha The originof the wordKarma isSanskrit,butit doesnotprimarilymeanmisfortuneorbadluck.Karma simplymeans actionbut more so the consequencesof one’saction. Karma inHinduism Means the person’sactioninthe presentwill have consequences,andthuswill shape the person’sfuture.Asanethical principle,the lawof karmaisa strong teaching;Itis sayingthatthere isnothingthat can preventthe consequencesof one’saction.Itwill affectthe individualsfuture,eitherinthislife orinthe next.The law of Karmaiscloselyinvolvedwith the Hindudoctrine of reincarnation.Hinduismbelievesthatwhenapersondies,apersonisrebornasanotherbeingin the future.The determiningfactorthatdecide the state of the person’srebirthishis/heractions.An individual who commitsgooddeeds,obeysthe teaching,andisdevotedtohis/herdutieswill be borninhigherstatesorhighercastes while anindividual whorejectshis/herduties,commitsevil actsanddisobeysVedicteachingisreborninthe lower realmsor inlowercastes.SamsaraReincarnationhappenswhenthe atman(soul) leavesitsmaterial receptacle (body) and findsanotherreceptacle toreside oninanotherlifecycle.Thisprocessiscalledtransmigrationof the soul.Because the atman transferintoanothermaterial receptacle,anothercycle of lifeisstarted,whichwillrepeatitselfagainand again.Thiscycle (sometimescalledwheel) of birth-death-rebirthiscalledsamsara.Anatmanthat has notachievedthe sufficientlevel of enlightmentanddetachmentfromthe material goodsandpleasureswill be rebornagainandagainin differentmaterial receptacles.The goal of spiritual practice,therefore,istoendthiscycle andstop the wheel of samsara. The caste system Interestinglythe word “caste”isnot Indianinorigin.ItisPortuguese,whichmeans“chaste”or“pure.”The Portuguese whocolonizedcertainpartsof IndiaobservedthatIndianshadasystemof segregatingthemselvesfromotherswho come from differentfamiliesoroccupations.Amongthe Indians,the termtheyuse isjati,asocial rank one receives frombirth. Jati is a social classificationsystemthatdeterminesone’srankonthe basisof the family’soccupation. Four main jatisindifferentvarnas(social groups) Each of thisvarnas,in turnhave theirownsubvarnasdependingonthe combinationof differentoccupationspractice by a single individual.Determiningthe actual caste,therefore,canbe complex task. The Brahminsare the highestinthe hierarchyandare perceivedtobe the purestamongall castes.Brahminsservedasritual expertsorpriestswhoofficiate temple worship.Theyalsohandle sacredwritings(Vedas) andstudythemextensively. (1)Brahmins
- 4. (2.) Kshatriyas,consistsof political rulersandwarriors,those whoadministerjustice anddefendthe territoryagainstthe invaders.Thisclassformsmostof the nobilityandtheirvassalsinIndia. (3) Vaishyas,makesupthe economicspecialistsandmerchants.Theyare responsibleforproducingfoodandother goodsand exchangingtheminmarketsforeveryone’sbenefit. (4.) Shudras,consistsof manual laborers.Theyare consideredimpurebecause of the nature of theirjob,whichare usuallytrashcollectors,embalmers,orundertakers(thoseworkingingraveyards).Indue course theybecame knownas “untouchables”because of theirassociationswithimpure ordirtystuffs. Caste systemformedone of the importantfoundationinorganizingIndiansociety.Itsoriginal intentionwasto reflectanindividual'stalentandskillandhis/hercontributiontosociety.Asaformof social organization,howeverthe caste systembecome an instrumentof stratification,thatis,the separationandsubordinationamongdifferenttypesof people.ThisistakenseriouslybymostIndiansthattheywill notconsidermarriage withsomeone fromthe lowercaste because of theirlowstatusinsocietyandperceivedritual impurity. Caste systemhashad itsvocal criticswhoclaimthat it isunjustandtramplesa person human rights.One of its mostsevere criticsisMohandasKaramchandGandhi,more well knownas Mahatma Gandhi (1869- 1948), a social activistandcriticwho attackedthe caste systemand calledthe Shudraswhowere amongthe leastamongthe castes as harijans,or“childrenof God.” In 1948, thenthe newlyenactedIndianConstitutionlegallyabolishedthe caste system. It’sinfluence however,isstill pervasive,anditisstill usedtodetermine socialrankandprestige up to these presentdays. Puja The most commonway to expressworshipfordeitiesisthe Puja.Itconsistof offeringmostlymaterial goodsandritual acts to the altar of the god or goddess.There are noclear- cut prescriptionindoingthe puja,anditsperformance varies accordingto local custom,the capabilitiesof the worshipper,andthe type of offerings.Pujasmaybe made inhomes, altars or temples.Whenitisdone inhomesthe essenceof the pujaritualsistowelcome the deityasguests.The images of godor goddesswhichisthe representationof the deity’spresenceisbathed,clothed,andthenfedinanelaborate manner.Afterthe ritual of cleansingandfeeding,the worshippermake asymbolicgesture bywavingthe lampinfront of the image as a signof worshipanddevotion. Whenpujasare done intemples,worshipperfollow stricterrulestoascertainthe purityof one’sofferingtothe deity..The Brahminshandlesthe offeringandoffersittothe deity’saltar.InHinduTemplesthere isusuallyaninner sanctuarydevotedtothe deitythatonlyBrahminsmay access;the outersanctuary and courtyardare generallyopento worshippers.The role of the Brahminasa ritual expertisimportantinTemple pujas;he guaranteesthe ritual purityof the offeringbecause he isthe purestof all castes. Pujais an importantdimensionof the religiouslifeof Hindus.Itistheir wayof communicatingwiththe Divine.The ritualsassociatedwiththe pujaenable the worshippertobracketthe complexitiesof everydaylife and enterintoa sacredtime where one encountersthe deity,The goal of the pujaisdarshan,where the devotee “exchangesglances”withthe god or goddess.The darshanisan intimate encounterbetweenthe two, and the deityrespondsbysanctifyingfoodrituallyofferedbyadevotee, whichbecomesprasad,sanctifiedfoodthatthe devotee receivesasa giftfromthe godor goddess. Mahatma Gandhi
- 5. Festivals Closelyassociatedwiththe pujasare festivalsthatHinduscelebrateduringcertaintimesof the year.These are celebrationsare usuallyheldinhonorof majordeitiesandgivenmuchpreparationsandcare bythe Hinduworshippers. The Hinducalendaris basedonthe lunar cycle,andmost of the datesof the festivalsare notfixed.There are countless festivalstothe deitiesindifferentpartsof Indiaeveryyear.A few festivals,however,standsoutasthe mostpopular because of theirconnectionwithimportantgodsandgoddesses. Festivals that stands out in Hinduism Diwali /Devali (Festival of Lights) Some regionsconsiderthe Devali asthe beginningof New Year.The whole festival lastsfivedaysandinpreparations.Hinduscleantheirhouse and prepare new clothes.The festival honrthe returnsof Ramaand Sita totheir home kingdomAyodhyaafterthe epicbattle withthe demonRavana.The festival alsohonorsthe goddessLakshmi,the consortof the godVishnu.In celebrationthe housesare usuallylitwithlampstohonorthe victoryof light overdarkness. Holi.The festival of springcolors. Thisfestival celebratesthe slayingof the demonessHolikabyPrahlad, Vishnu’sdevotee.Duringthe festival,devotee woulddrenchthemselvesand otherswithwaterand wouldspraycolorful powdertocelebrate the endof the winterandreturnof spring. Dusshera,CloselyassociatedwithDivali Festival of Dussheracelebratesthe actual victoryof Ramaoverthe demonRavana.Insome areas inIndiathe celebrationcontinuestothe festival of Navaratri,the festival of dance inhonorof goddessDurga. Makara Sankranti,(Festivalof Harvest) CelebratedeveryJanuary14,thisis the onlyfestival inHindusim that followsthe solarcalendar.Thisfestival isofferedasa thanksgivingtothe Sun-godforprovidinglife tothe fieldsand makingharvestpossible. Lohari,( A MidwinterFestival) Lohari celebratesthe symbolicshunningof evil.Duringthis festival,devoteeswouldlightbonfireandwouldthrownuts, sesame sweets,andpopcornonthemtosymbolize rejectionof evil. KrishnaJamaashtami. A celebrationof the birthof Krishnaapopulargod amongHindus. Maha Shivaratri. The great nightof Shiva.Devoteesfastovernightinordertoearn the god’sfavor,and thencelebrate by merrimentandpartakingof food.
- 6. GaneshChaturthi. A celebration of the birthof Ganesh,agod whorepresentedasanelephant. Guru Purnima. The festival of one’steacher.A devoteehonorshis/herGuru(teacher) yearlybyofferingpuja.Hindushonorthe birthof the sage Vysa,whoauthoredthe Mahabharata. KumbhaMela. The largestHindufestival inthe world.The KumbhaMelacelebratesthe Saraswati riverinenlightenment,an invisible riverthatisbelievedtobe joiningtogetherof GangesandJummarivers.Devoteesdoritual bathingand religiousasceticstopurifythemselvesbefore discussingreligiousmatterswithotherascetics. Hinduismisquite distinctfromotherreligionsbecauseithasno distinguishable founderwhoserve asitscentral figure.Hinduismcannotbe identifiable toasingularteacher.Infact,it hasproduceda numberof teacherthroughout the ages.One such teacherisSwami Vivekananda,anIndianmonk,ateacher,an importantintroducerof Hinduismin the Westernworld. Swami,(meaningreligiousteacherorsage) Vivekanandawasborn Narendra Nath Datta inKolkataIndiaon January12, 1863. Hisparentswere ViswanathDataandBhuvaneswari Devi.He attendedPresidencycollege andGeneral Assembly’sInstitution,the lattera Scottishmissionschool.NarendraNathwasespeciallynotable forhisinterestinIndian and WesternPhilosophy,whichhe easilylearnedin school. Narendra Nath Datta was extremelyattractedtoWesternScience andfora time doubted the potential of Hinduismasaspiritual force.He continuedinthisthinkinguntil he met his’teacher,Sri Ramakrishna,whoallayedhisdoubtsaboutthe spiritualpaths.He learned meditationsandotherspiritualpracticesunderthe guidance of Sri Ramakrishnaandsoon afterthe latter’semergedasone of the most importantspiritual leadersof Indiaandthe promoterof Hinduspiritualty inthe Westernworld.One definingfeature of his’taskinpromotingHindi spiritualityoutsideIndiaishis’attendance in the Parliamentof the World’sReligionsinChicagoin1893 as a representative of Hinduism.His’eloquence andsimplicity duringthe conference endearedhim tomanyWesternparticipants,andthusbegunhisseriesof tripsinEnglandandthe UnitedStatesinorderto teach Hinduismtointerestedlisteners.Inhistripsabroadhe provedtobe an effective teacher gainingsympathizersandenthusiastsforHindu-inspiredpracticeslifestylesoutside India. Originand Development of Hinduism Pre- Vedic Beginnings Unlike otherworldreligionsthathave afoundingfigure,the developmentof whatisnow called“Hinduism”span centuriesanddoesnothave identifiable founder.The beginningsof Hinduismgoingbacktoat least6500 B.C.E.in the IndusValley.Scoresof tribal people occupiedlandsalongthe riverandformednetworksof communities.Byaround 2500 B.C.E.,an expansive civilizationflourishedinthe citiesof Mohenjo- DaroandHarappa. A detailedknowledge of theirreligiousbeliefsandpracticesremainselusive becausethere are notenougharcheological evidence topainta clearerpicture.Butthe little archeological evidence suggestthattheybuiltanurbancivilizationthatwasquite integratedandcomplex. The urban dwellerspracticedcertain types of fertilityrites, worshippedgoddesses,(The Divine Feminine),anddepictedtheir deitiesas animals.Their religiouspracticeswere also quite close to nature, as evidencedbytheir worshipof tress and other objectsin Nature. The Rise ofVedic ReligionandBrahmanism The rise of Brahmanic forms ofreligionoccurred from around 1500 B.C.E. to around 500 C.E.. At around 1500 B.C.E., the Aryan people,settlersfromCentral Asiaand the Indo-Europeanregion reachedthe IndusValley.They came in groups and first settledinsmall villages.In due course,they builtintervillage alliancesandbuilt a powerful and well- integratedcivilizations.The Aryans spoke a language nearlysimilar to Sanskrit, and their deitieswere quite similarto those worshippedin various parts of Europe. It was duringthe rise of Aryan civilizationthat the Vedas,written in Sanskrit, were codified. Because of their style of buildingpolitical powerfrom the ground up,they absorved some of the political practices theyencounteredamong the IndusValleytribes.The Aryans mostlymale pantheons(Indra, the sky god, Agni , the god of fire,and Soma, the god of plants) was expandedto include female deitiesanda chiefMother
- 7. Goddesswas worshipped.There were influencesthatwere unique to the Aryans, the most important of which is animal sacrifice.The cult of sacrificesneedsa specializedpriestwhois deemedpure enoughto touch ritual offerings without contaminatingthem. This is the beginningofthe Brahmins, the priestly class that offeredanimal sacrifice. The Hare Krishna The Hare Krishna (Official name:International Societyfor Krishnaor ISKCON) is a Hindu movementthat was founded by His Divine GraceA.C. BhaktivedantaSwami SrilaPrabhupada inNew York city in 1966. He also foundedgurukala, an educational systembased on VedicprinciplesinDallas, TX in 1972. The model of VedicEducation is carried by membersthroughout the world as an alternative to the secular school system.The ISCKONis one ofthe Hindu movementsthat was foundedand became popular inoutside India. The Hare Krishna promote ; peace and enlightenmentthroughthe continueschanting of the name of Hare Krishna. Hare KrishnaHare KrishnaHare KrishnaHare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare The word “Krishna”,whichisthe name of the Hindudeity,meansthe name of the “supreme,”while “Rama”meansthe highest“eternal pleasure.” Hareischantedto call onthe energiesfromKrishna. Hare Krishnas are vegetarians,theydo not eat any meat products, fish and eggs. Theydo not also consume any alcoholic products, cigarettes and evencoffee.These substancesare deemedto excite or distract the mind. Followersofthe movementalso refrain from any illicitsexual intercourse,believingthatany kind of illicitsexleadsto enslavementof the will and illusion. Hare Krishnaare active inthe Philippines.Theyhave templesinMakati city,Metro Manila,and AlaminosLaguna. Hare Krishnaare active inthe Philippines.Theyhave templesinMakati city,Metro Manila,and AlaminosLaguna. The Classical Period The periodafterthe needof the Vedasdidnotendthe creative ventureswithinIndiancivilization.The period afterthe formationof the Vedicwritingsactuallyspurredmore writingthatcontinuedupto1000 B.C.E. Thisperiod between500 B.C.E.,and 1000 C.E.,isreferredasto “The Classical Period”,because itisthe mostdynamicperiodinthe developmentof Hinduismasareligion.The periodbroughtaboutthe rise of devotional literature addressedtodeities particularlytoVishnuandShiva. The literaryformsare includedinthe puranas,devotedtoeachof the deities.The developmentof devotional literature isimportantbecause itshiftedHinduworshipfromBrahmanical practicesandsacrificestowardstrongfeelings of love anddevotiontothe deities.Italsoledtothe formationof sectariandivisionwithinHinduismandsome devotees referredthemselvesasVaishnavites(followersof Vishnu),Saivites(followersof Siva),andsoon. Duringthisperiod,sawthe followingwritingsof greatHinduepics;Mahabharata,BhagavadGita, Ramayana, It isalaso interestingthatthisperiodbroughtaboutthe highestrebellionfromBrahmanical religionandits sacrificeswiththe rise of BuddhismbySiddhartaGautamaandJainism. The MedievalPeriod The periodafterthe flourishingof devotional piety,sectarian division,andphilosophicalschoolsischaracterizedbythe increasing assertednessof outside forcesparticularlythe Muslimrule.The rise of Islamin the 7th Centurybroughtaboutchangesinthe political landscapeof the area, whichsaw the increasinginfluence of IslamicEmpires.Themostsignificantof thisisthe Mughal Empire,whichruledIndiafrom1856-1858. The Mughals changedthe Indianlandscape withtheirbeautifulandunsurpassed architectural landmarksinKashmir,Delhi andAgra.One example of thisisthe Taj Mahal, whichwasbuiltforShahJahan’s (ruled1624-1658) favorite wife.Atpresentthe Taj Mahal is consideredone of the wondersof the worldforits beautyandarchitectural style. The Modern Period AfterMuslimrule,IndiansfoundthemselvessubjectedtoBritishrule,whichspannedfrom1757 to 1947. British put Indiainforefrontof the encounterbetweenAsianandWesterncivilizationthroughcolonial civilization throughcolonial domination.The Britishbroughtwiththemmoderneducationandestablishedschoolsand universitiesthroughoutIndia.Theyalsoimposedpolitical systemthataimedtounite varioustribe,religious practices,andlegal systemsintoone frameworkThe impactof thistransformationisimmenseandstill visible in contemporaryIndianSociety. Main Altar ofISCKON Templein Alaminos Laguna
- 8. Hinduismatthistime encounteredthe universalisticorientationof Christianity.Hinduwouldusually encounterChristianteachingsfrommissionschoolsstaffedbymissionariesfromEngland.Inthese schools, Hindusare taught the Supremacyof Christianbelief andthe universalsalvationof Christ.While afewHindus convertedtoChristianityasaresultof these encounters,alotmore questionedthe validityof these claimsand foundwaysto reiterate the valuesandteachingsofferedbyHinduism. MainSchool of Thought Hinduismisquite complexbecause of multiplicityandvarietyare the norm.Unlike inmonotheisticreligionthat have one God, one book,one community,Hinduismhasreliedonaccretionsof varioustexts,school of thoughts, devotional practicesandmanifestations.Inthe course of time,six school of philosophybecame recognizedas expressionsof the SanatanaDharma.These school of Philosophygraduallyformedfromaround300 B.C.E. to 50 C.E. Samkhya The Samkhya,isan atheisticphilosophythatisbasedonthe writingsof Samkhyakarikaswhichiswrittenby Ishvarakhrishnainthe 3rd centuryB.C.E..It isatheisticbecause itdoesnotmentionanydeityanddoesnotrely on theirpowerinexplainingthe workingsof the universe. Yoga Whenwe hear the word “yoga”,we immediatelyassociateitwithbodilypracticesthathelpachieveahealthy lifestyle.Thatistrue,but yogais more than health. YogaisactuallyHinduinorigin,and itsmain purposeis to achieve a sattvicstate, which ischaracterized by spiritual calm,virtue, andjoy. Yoga enable anindividual to activate his/hersattvicqualitiesandescape the influenceof rajaandtama, whichare lowerqualities. Four MainYoga'sthatsuit the Temperaments and ConditionsofdifferentPeople. 1. RajaYoga, the pathoff physical andpsychicpractice. Thisconsistsof doingbodilyexercisesandthe mostwell knownoutsideIndia.A yogi practitionerwho engagedif thistype of yogaresortsto asanas,posturesthatare meantto purifythe bodyandachieve physical balance. The purpose, of thisexercise istofacilitate the flow of prana(invisible psychicenergy) alongwiththe different chakras (energyfromcenters) of the body. 2. JnanaYoga, The Path of rational mindand concentration. Jnanayoga consistsof meditative practicesthataimtoclearthe mindof impuritiesandattaina rational and calm disposition.A yogi inthistype seesignorance asthe mostproblematicof humanproblems,the cause of whichare blocksinthe mindthat hinder the individualfromcultivatinginsight. AlthoughconnectedtoacquiringKnowledge,the jnanayogaisnotrestrictedtothe intellectual sphere; the goal of the practice isspiritual.The yogi engagesinmeditative exercisesthatovercome doubtand confusion,until he/she experiencesthe Divine directlyandgainspiritual insightfromthe encounter. 3. KarmaYoga. The path of the actionin the world.Karmayoga appealstopeople whohave astrongdesire towork forthe bettermentof society.AsKrishna explainsthiskindof yogainBhagavadGita,thisactionshouldbe offeredtothe Divine foritleadstoliberation.Otherwise,itenslavesthe persontogreed.Thismeansthatyogisengagedinthis type seektodo gooddeedswithoutexpectinganythingin return. 4.Bhakti Yoga The Path of Devotion.Bhakti yogaisthe mostpopularyogapracticedamongthe HindusinIndia. It isa practice of deepdevotionandlove towardthe Divine.Andismainlyexpressedthroughritual actssuchas puja(offering).A yogi engagedinthistype iscalledabhakta,andthe ultimate wishof the bhaktaisdivine manifestation,thatisthe appearance of the god/goddesstohim/her. Mimamsa The mimamsa school of thoughtsinHinduismconcernsthe properinterpretationof righteousaction(dharma) as it isbelievedtobe the part of Vedathemselves.The school largelyonthe interpretationdimensionof the Vedasandprovidesauseful methodinmakingsenseof the Vedictexts,quite similartoBiblical hermeneutics. (the art of Biblical interpretation)inChristianity. Vaisheshika Thisschool of thoughtresonatesmoststronglywithanatomisticview of realmwhichissimilartoWestern Science’sexplanationof howatomsformpart of anythinginthe universe.Vaisheshika believesthatthe foundational ingredientsthatmakesupthe universe are nine:Thisincludesfive elements,andthenspace,time, mindand Self.
- 9. Nyaya Nyayaschool of thoughtis the one that ismost concernedwithlogicandestablishmentof proof,for which reasonit isacceptedbyall Indianphilosophical tradition.Nyayaschool of thoughtsarguedthathumanbeingis capable of arrivingat conclusionsbasedonevidence.Thisisthe principle of pramanasandisexpressedinfour ways;(1) pratyaksha (perception),(2) anumana (inference),(3) upamana (analogy)(4) shubala (authoritative testimony).Theirmethodisquite similartoWesternphilosophy,andtheirorientationtowardslife isrealist.The pointof exercisingpramanas,howeverisspiritual:Throughit,one one knowsthe truthand isthus liberated fromthe cycle of birthand rebirth(samsara). Vedanta Vedantaschool of thoughtisthe last to be establishedinHinduthought.Vedantameans“the endof the Vedas”, and thisschool givesemphasisto the Upahnisads,whichisthe lastbookto be consideredpartof the Shruti scriptures.There are manyschoolswithinthe vedanta.,all of whichexpoundthe nature of the Brahminasthe Supreme realityinthe universe.The mostknownof the school,Advaita Vedanta,adherestoamoist(singular) viewof reality.Thismeanseveryobjectandbeinginthe universeisinthe reality partof the Brahman,although one can be easilymistakeninseeingthateachof the beingare separate.The Brahman,however, is an importantforce that underliesall things.Otherschool saythatthe Brahman isa personal godof Vishnu. The GlobalizationofHinduism Different YogaPositions Performance Task Performa shortyoga exercise Make a videorecordof it to be submitted.Minimumof 5minutes. Islam Questions: What isthe poemabout?What doesittell aboutIslam?What isvaluable aboutthis? One of the fastestgrowingreligiontoday.Itisthe oldestrecordedmonotheisticreligioninthe country.The secondmost widespreadreligionnexttoChristianityRevealedtohumanitybythe ProphetMohhamed.Followersof Islamare called Muslims.Theybelieve thatthere isonlyone God-Allah.LikeJudaismandChristianitythere are variationswithinIslam Two Major Divisionof Islam
- 10. SunnitesandShiites Why studyIslam? Because itis aboutthe message fromGod revealedwithinfromwithinthe AbrahamictraditionfromwhichJudaismand Christianitycame from. Islamseemstobe the thirdandthe final revelationsof Abrahamicmonotheistictraditionanditconstitutesthe thirdand majorbranch of monotheism. Islamconsidersitselfasthe final anddefinitiverevelationof the historyof humanity. It believesthatthere willbe nootherrevelationsuntil the endof humanhistoryasitisdescribedinthe final chaptersof the Qurán. Qurán The verbatim Word of God in the Islamic tradition Mohammed The Prophetof Islamand he is oftenreferredtoas“ Zeal of Prophets”;he isthe lastprophet. Islamconsidersitselfasthe final revelationinthe chainof prophecythatbeginswithAdam, whotheyconsiderasthe fatherof humankindandalsoas the firstprophet.There isinfact but a single religion,thatof Divine Unity,whichhasconstitutedthe heartof all message from heavenandwhichIslamhascome toassert initsfinal form. The Islamicmessage isnone otherthe acceptance of God as the One and submissiontoHim, whichresultsin peace;hence,the name of Islammeanssurrendertothe will of Godof the One God, and he iscalledAllahinArabic. To become a Muslim,itisenoughto professthe faithbefore twoMuslimwitnessesthat,“There isnogodbut God” (La ilahailla’Llah) andthatMohammedisthe messengerof Allah. The Core of Islamic Message Qurán emphasizesthe doctrine of the unityandonenessof God.Allahisnota tribal or ethnicgodbut the Supreme Divine Principle inthe Arabiclanguage;Allahistranslatable toGod.Asthe final religionof humanity,Islamisthe last Divinelyorchestratedresponse of ayestothe preeternal divinequestion,the responsethatconstitutesthe very definitionof beinghuman.(NASR1993, 430). Islamsignifiesalsotothe returnto primordial religion.Notbasedona particularhistorical eventoran ethnicgroupbut on a universal andprimordial truth,whichhastherefore alwaysbeenandwill alwaysbe.Islamisareturnnot onlytothe religionof AbrahambuttoAdam,restoringprimordial monotheismwithoutidentifyingitwithasingle people,asisseen inthe case of Judaismora single eventof humanhistory,asone observesinthe prevalentpurelyhistorical viewof the incarnationinChristianTheology.(Nasr1993). The prophetassertedthathe broughtnothingnew butreaffirmedthe truththatalways was.The primordial characterof the Islamicmessage isreflectednotonlyinitsessentiality,universality,andsimplicitybutalsoinitsinclusiveattitude towardthe religionsthatpreceededit.Aseveryveritable Omegaisalsothe Alpha,Islamisnot onlyterminal religionbut alsothe primordial religionandthisisdiscernableinthe Qur’an. The Qur’an It isthe sacredtextof Islam,isthe literal wordof Allah.Theybeginlearningitanearlyage;the Qur’anisread to babi es and the toddlerswho canalreadyspeakare askedto memorize andrecite Qur’anicverses.Theylearntowrite by copyingversesof the Qur’anby hand.People whomanage tomemorize the bookare heldinhighregardbythe communities.Since the Qur’aniswritteninArabic,the language isrespectedbyMuslims.Forthemthe bookisa unique eventinthe historyof humankind,heldaseternal andunchangeable justlike Allah.(Gordon1991,44-45). The Qur’an consistsof 114 chaptersor surahs,eachcomposedof versesorayahs. The shorterchaptersare called Meccan surahs because theyare believedtohave beenrevealedtoMuhhamedinMeccan,while the longeronesare calledMedinanchapters,believedtohave beenrevealedlaterwhenMuhhamedwasinMedina.The Qur’anisbelieved to be the lastina seriesrevelationsbyAllahhimself,whichincludethe Hebrew revalationsrecordedinTorahandJesus teachingsrecordedinChristiansNew Testament.These messagesare heldinhighesteem,butMuslimbelievethatthey have beencorruptedbythe interpretationsof menandwomen.(Gordon1991,46). The Qur’an condemmsanyassociationsof apersonor a thingwithGod. Theybelievethatitviolatesafundamental Islamicprinciple--- thatthere isjustone God.That is whytheyrejectthe Divinityof JesusChrist.The Qur’anissupposed to correct the mistakeninterprtationsof menandwomen.Animportantbranchof Islamisthe properinterpretationsof the Qur’an andthe intellectual explanationof Qur’aniscalledTasfir,writtenbyMuffasir(Gordon1991,51). Accordingto the Qur’an,God made the Muslimsintoa particularcommunity,the ummah,anda devoutMuslimisboth loyal toAllahandthe ummah. “The goal of the MuslimSocietyistocreate a justsociety.”
- 11. Prophet Mohammed Muhhamadibn AbdAllah,wasborninMecca around570 CE, to an Arab clancalledBanuHashim.He wasorphanedat an earlyage of six,andit washis’grandfatherwhotookcare of him.Twoyearslaterhis’grandfatherdiedandsohis’ uncle AbuTalib,headof the Hashimclan tookcare of him(Gordon1991, 12). Muhhamad became atrader and worked underKhadija,awidowedmerchant.She was15 yearsolderthanhimbut marriedherlater.Khadijawasthe firstto believehisrole asa prophetandaccompaniedhimduringhis spiritual troubles(Kidwai 1998, 14). The revelationof AllahtoMuhammadwasthroughangel Gabriel.Muhammadregularlygoestoa cave in the mountain justoutside Mecca to meditate.One daythe angel Gabriel appearedbefore himandhe hadideathat wasnot hisown.A brightpresence came tohimand heldbefore hiseyesaclothcoveredwithwriting.Itcommandedthreetimesthathe recitedwhatwaswrittenthere.“Recite!Inthe name of the Lord who createdcreatedmanfromclotsof blood.Recite! Your lordis the mostBeautiful One,whobythe pentaughtman whathe didnotknow.Indeed,mantransgressedby thinkinghimself hisownmasterfortoyouoh Lord all thingsreturn.Prostrate yourself andcome nearer. Khadijacomfortedhim,since he wasshakenby the experience,andencourage himthatitwasa signthathe waschosen by Allahtobe a prophet.He continuallyreceivedsuchmessagesasthe Razul Allahormessengerof God,until hisdeath. In 620 CE, Muhammad experiencedhimself beingcarriedtoJerusalemandascendingfromthere intoparadise.Thisis calledthe “ NightJourney”where the angel Gabriel isbelievedtohave guidedhimupward.Ashe ascended,he encounteredangelsandgreatprophetsof the pastand enteredintothe presence of God.Muslimdisagreedwhether thiseventconstitutedapersonal visionoranactual physical ascension.Thisexperience isoftenportrayedas Muhammadbeingcarriedon the back of the celestial steedBuraq,surroundedbyflamesandflyingthroughthe sky.DuringMuhammad’slifetime,Muslimcollectedstoriesof teachingswhichtheypassedonafterMuhammad’sdeath. These accountswere compiledasthe Hadith,andisa popularIslamictext,apartfromthe Qur’an.The Hadithtellsus
- 12. Muhammad’smilitaryandpolitical achievements,aswell ashispersonal life.Muslimhave lookeduptpMuhammadas theirexample (Gordon1991, 53). FIVE PILLARS The Five Pillarsof Islam,isthe foundationof the faithof Muslims.Theyfollow andpractice these pillars.Theseare mentionedin the Qur’an. 1. Shahadah(Creed) “There isno otherGod but Allah,andMuhammadis hismessenger”.Thiscreedsummarizesthe faithof the Muslims.“ It isthe firstsentence whisperedintothe earsof a newborninfant;itreciteddailyinprayer;anditis writteninArabiceverywhere insidethe domesof Mosquesandovertheirdoors”(Molloy2005, 440). In thisvery short andsimple creed,we see itscontrasttothe Christiancreed,whichislongandemphasizesbelief inthe Trinityandbelief thatJesusisdivine.Muslimrejectthisbecause forthemthere isonlyone God,and Muhammadis justa messengerandnotdivine likeJesus. 2. 2. Salat (Prayer) Muslimpray five timesaday;before dawn,midday,midafternoon,sunsetandnighttime.Before prayer,thereis an individualcleansingritual withwater,washingthe hands,arms,face,neckandfeet.Muslimprayfacing Mecca; there isa special archedniche calledmihrabinside the mosquethatindicatesthe qibla--- the directionof the Kaaba inMecca. The earlyMuslimprayedfacingJerusalem,butlaterrevelationstoMuhammadinstructed themto pray facingMecca. Fridayisthe dayof publicprayer.Onotherdays,people mayprayprivately,at home,or at work,as well asinMosque. 3. 3. ZAKAT(Charity) Muslimdonate certainpercentagesof theirwagestothe poor.InIslamiccountries,the governmentisinvolved inimposingtaxesforzakat.Inadditiontoestablishedyearlydonations,agoodMuslimisexpectedtoperform isolatedactsof generosityandcharityforthe poor whensuchacts are calledforeverydaylife.(Molloy2005, 442) 4. 4. SAWN (FastingonRamadan) A periodof sharedfastingamongMuslims.Itisthe ninthmonthinthe Muslimcalendarwhichcommemorates Allah’sfirstrevelationtoMuhammad.Duringthismonth-longRamadan,people abstainfromfood,drinks, tobacco, andsex fromdawn until dusk,exceptfortravelers,pregnantwomenandthe sick.The purpose of fastingisto discipline oneself,todevelopsympathyforthe poorandthe hungry,andto give to otherswhatone wouldhave eaten.Fastingisthoughttobe goodfor individualspiritual group.(Molloy2005, 442- 443) 5. 5. Hajj (PilgrimagetoMecca) Pilgrimage isareligiousjourneybyabelieverinasacredsite or city.All Muslims(unlesspreventedby povertyor sickness) are expectedtovisitMeccaat leastonce in theirlifetime.Hajj isalreadyapractice before Muhammad’stime.Whenhe wentbackto Mecca afterpreachinginMedina,he continuedseveral practicesof the pilgrimage,includingvenerationof the blackmeteorite–whichisbelievedtobe a special giftfromAllah, carriedto earth byangel “Gabriel”. WOMENINISLAM The prophetMuhammadestablishedforthe rightsof womeninaculture that restrictedmanyrightsof the women.He forbade infanticide andsavedmanybabygirlsfromdeath.He limitedtofourthe numberof wivesa man couldhave and demandedthattheybe treatedequally.He consideredwomenandmenequal inbasic rights.Muhammadlegislatedthatwivesaswell ashusbandscouldinitiate divorce anddemandedthatawife shouldreceive financialsupport.Lastly,he prescribedthe basicreligiousdutiesof prayer,fastingandpilgrimage to Mecca forboth womenandmen.Despite these radical effortsonwomen,traditional Islamcontinueto reinforce majorsocial distinctionsbetweenmenandwomen.Forexample,while menmayhave fourwives,a womancan onlyhave one.More,while the Qur’andemandseverybodytodressmodestlyinpublic,social customdemandsthatwomenmustcovertheirhair andfor some,the veilingof the woman’sface.Whilemen mustwear the robesof Abrahamin the pilgrimage,there isnosuchprescriptionforwomen.Neitherwomenare allowedtoprayinthe mosque withmenatFridayprayer.But if theydo theyhave a separate section.Women primarilyplayadomesticrole.Publiclife isreservedforthe men.Quite recently,some women’srights
- 13. advocatesfindCertainpassagesinthe Qur’andistressing.Like inSura4 (Women) we readthe statement,“Men have authorityoverwomenbecause Godhasmade the one superiortothe other”.Criticsalsopointoutthat before Islam,womenderive securityfromtheirtribe orclan,and theyalreadyhave independentpropertyrights and the rightsto initiate divorce. Islamwasborn inthe early7th centuryinMecca. Most of the Arabianpeninsulawasdesertorarid.Societywas organizedaccordingtoclans,whichmade up tribes.The shaykhs,leadersof the tribesusuallycome fromthe wealthierclansof theirrespectivetribes.There wasnocentral government.Itisinevitableforthemtoresortto violence duringtensionsandconflicts.Muhammad’smessage appealedtoorphans,the poorand the slaves althoughthe message wasintendedforall humanbeings.The firstfollowers of Muhammadcame fromthree groups;membersof weakerclans,juniorof powerful clanswhoexperience injustice fromwithintheirveryclans and slavesandpeople whodidnotbelongtoanyclans. Since the ArabicSocietyat thattime was basedontribes'people whofelloutof theirtribessoughtrefuge from othergroups.The wealthyandpowerfulclansof Mecca didnot like Muhammad’smessage.Theywantedto persecute Muhammad,butfortunatelyhis’uncle AbuTalibwhotookhiminwasthe leaderof the Banu Hashim clan.But afterhis’uncle’sdeath,noone wantedtoprotecthim, so Allahadvisedhimandthe earlyMuslimto migrate fromMecca.On 622 CE, theywentto Medina,andthisjourneywascalledhijra,the occasionwere Muslimsabandontheirownclanor tribesto live inanotherMuslimcommunity,whichisagreat elementof theirreligiouslife.Medinawasanagricultural settlementaroundanoasis,andat that time was deprivedof political order.Since Muhammadwasknownaswise,he wasassignedapolitical role tokeepthe peace inthe community.Fromthen,manyotherpeople convertedtoIslam.Once the MuslimwassettledinMedina,they startedchallengingthe abusive trade systematMecca.Theyhad victoriesbyharassingthe foodsupplyto Mecca, and 80% of theirbootywas declaredpublicpropertyandwassharedamongthe Muslims. The other 20% was usedbyMuhammad in“ managingthe affairsof the community”.Suchvictoriesalsocreated the militaryreputationof Muhammadandwere takenasproof that he wasreallya messengerof God. (Kidwai,1998,18,20) Withthe start of conflictbetweenMeccaand Medina,Muhammadrealizedthatpeace wasnecessary for the prosperityof his’people.He wentbacktoMecca, andthis pilgrimage wasknownasthe Hajj.There a truce wasmade;Muslimwere allowedtoenterMecca,buttheymust nottouch the resourcesof Mecca. The conversionof Meccansto Islamcontinued.Eventually,whenMeccafell,Muhammadbecame the supreme political andreligiousleaderof the ummah. Task Make a Comparative Analysisof MonotheisticReligion. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MONOTHEISTIC RELIGION JUDAISM CHRISTIANITY ISLAM CORE BELIEFS BELIEF IN GOD
- 14. SACRED TEXTS SUMMARY OF BELIEFS ORIGIN PRIMARY PROPHET/FOUNDER HOLY PLACE PRACTICES INITIATION FEASTS SPECIAL OTHERS POPULATION DIVISIONS Christianity Short Story Richie FernandoisaJesuitregentassignedasatechnical teacherforthe handicapped,mostlylandmine victims inCambodia.Amonghis studenrwasSarom,a 16 yearoldboywho wasdismissedfromthe school due todisruptive behavior.OnOct.17, 1996, Sarompulledouta grenade andbeganto move aroundthe classroomfull of disabled students;the windowsof the classroomwere barred,leavingthe studentnoescape.RichiewrestledwithSarom.Sarom accidentallydroppedthe grenade.Richie embracedSaromandthe grenade exploded.Richie diedinstantly.Daysbefore he died,Richie wrote afriendinthe Philippines.“I know where myheartis, it iswithJesusChrist,whogave his’all for the poor, the sick,the orphan….I am confidentthatGod neverforgetshis’people;ourdisabledbrotherandsister.AndI am gladthat Jesushas beenusingme tomake sure that our brothersandsistersknow thisfact.I am convincedthatthis ismy vocation”.(Fernando1996) Questions What ischaracteristicallyChristianaboutthe story? What doesitmean tobe a Christiantoday? Can youname 1 or 2 personagesthatservesasexamplesof whatitmeanstobe a Christiantoday.Why What doesthe word“Christianity”mean? What doesitremindyouof? There are hundredsof buildingscalledchurchesinwhichpeople calledthemselvesChristiansgatherperiodically to pray,sing,eat together,getmarried,prepare the dead,instructeachotheronthe Bible,docathechesisandlistento sermonandhomilies.Oftenthesechurchescarrya cross and a tower.In these churches,people swallowsmall quantitiesof breadorwaterand siptinyamountsof wine andothertimes theysprinkle babiesandchildrenwithwater or immerse adultsorteenagersinaspecial pool.Some of these buildingsare enormous,whileothersare smaller.In some of these church edificespeople wouldkneel,insome picturesprostrate themselvesinfrontof it,some sitinneat rows,while othersdance inaislesandleapforjoywiththeirhandsextendedovertheirheads.
- 15. In the Philippinesalone There are more than500 separate anddistinctformsof Christianity. Catholicism AnglicanismIglesiani CristoOtherIndependentChristianChurches What isChristianity?Itistrue that all Christiansagree onthe centralityof JesusChrist.Butthere wasa widespread disagreementonwhoJesuswasandis,and howthe moral significance of his’life issupposedtobe broughttobear. Some try to followhiswayof life asdisciples.Otherlooktohis’teachings.Othersstilllookathis’deathasan atonement for humanwrongdoing.MostChristiansholdtoa mixture of all these interpretations.Stillall Christiansagree that withoutJesusChrist,the faiththeyidentifythemselveswithwouldnotexist.All worship,revere,follow,admireand emulate Himinsome way.Andthisprovide aclue to anyone whoisinterestedwithChristianitybutispuzzeledaboutits endlessvarietyandcomplexity.(Cox1993 , 361). Christianityisareligionthatwasmeanttobe universal.JesusChrist’sevangelical command“Go and teachall nations” to hisdisciplesshowsthatHe intendedHisteachingsnotjustforthe Jewsbutfor all the world.(Brown1991, 8-10). ChristianityisareligionthatdevelopedfromJudaism;some of itsfollowerswereoriginalJews.Whatdistinguishes ChristiansfromJewsisthatthe formeracceptsJesusChristas the Messiah,or the Savior,while the latterconsidersJesus justas anotherprophetof God, and the real Messiahisyetto come. SACRED TEXT ChristianBible includesthe HebrewBibleastheirOldTestament,butthe bulkof itsearlyhistoryisrecordedinthe New Testament.NEWTESTAMENT; The GospelsActsof the ApostlesThe EpistlesThe Revealations =27 Books. GOSPEL- Followthe life andteachingsof JesusChristWrittenbyfourEvangelists;Matthew,Mark,Luke,andJohn ACTS of the Apostles- Describesthe spreadof earlyChristianity,afterJesus’ascensionatthe endof Gospel stories. The Epistles- Are letterstothe earlyChristians,mostof whichare writtenbyPaul. The Revealations - “Fortellsinsymboliclanguage,the triumphof Christianity ESSENTIALCHRISTIAN BELIEFS HolyTrinity - Belief inGodthe Father,JesusChristthe Son,andthe HolySpirit.Itwas the Fatherwho createdthe world, and JesusChristoftenspeaksaboutHiminthe Gospels,Jesusisthe onlySonof God,sentto save the worldfromsin. The Holy Spiritappearedinbaptismof Jesusandwasalsosentdownto the disciplestoguide theminspreading Christianity. The Spiritisbelievedtoguide all believers.While the Godof Christianityisagreedtoashavingone entity,there are greatermajorityof Christianswho believethatthisone Godis a Trinitarianone.;Father,Son,andthe HolySpirit The whole of Christianconvictioncouldbe summarizedinJesustwogreatcommandments.“Love the Lord yourGod withall yourheart and withall yoursoul and withall yourmind”and “ Love your neighborasyoulove yourself”. Matthew22:27-30 The life of the Christianiscenteredonthistwothings;Praise andthanksgivingtoGodand acts of love tohumankind. Life afterDeath Christianalsobelieve inlife afterdeath.Afterdeath,the soul of apersonwill be judgedaccordingtohis/her life inthe worldand will goeithertoHeavenorto Hell andbe separatedpermanentlyfromHim. Purgatory A belief thatthere isatemporarypunishmentforthose whodonot deserve togoto eitherinHeavenorHell. But there are also some Christiangroupswhobelieveinthe establishmentof the Kingdomof Godwiththe creationof the newHeavenandnewEarth where theywoulddwell.Atthe endof time,there isagreementthatall soulswill be reunitedwiththeirbodiesjustasJesusresurrectedfromthe deadandthere will be final Judgement.(Molloy2005,364). Apart fromcenteringtheirlifeonJesus,Christians,especiallyCatholicsare alsodevotedtoMary.AlsoOrthodox,and some Protestantsfeel closetoMary. Mary alsohas beenviewedasthe helperof those whosuffer. TIMELINE IN THE SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OF CNRISTIANITY TIME EVENT c4BCE- c29CE Life of Jesus C4- 64CE Life of Paul 313CE Issuance of Edict of Toleration by Constantine making Christianity Legal. 354- 430 CE Life of Augustine 476 CE Collapse of the Roman Empire of the West C480- 547CE Life of Benedict 638 CE. Muslim Conquest of Jerusalem 1054 CE. Split Between Eastern and Western Christianity 1347-1351 Black Death 1453 Conquest of Constantinople by Muslim Forces 1483- 1546 Life of Martin Luther 1492 Expulsion of Jews and Muslims from Spain 1509- 1564 Life of John Calvin 1517 Beginning of the Protestant Reformation 1534 Founding of the Church in England by King Henry III 1565 Christianity Enters the Philippines 1805- 1844 Life of Joseph Smith 19XX Founding of Iglesia ni Kristo 1948 Founding of the World Council of Churches - 1965 Modernazation of Catholicism by the 2nd Vatican Council
- 16. Practices Two Most ImportantSacraments 1. Baptism- People who will want to be converted to Christianity will have to undergo baptism. The person is cleansed with water to signify repentance and cleansing, Catholics baptize babies, while some Protestants baptize only those who are willing. 2. Last Supper- This is commemorated through the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist where Christian gather in the Church and share the Bread and Wine that symbolizes the Blood and Body of Jesus Christ. Other Practices Confirmation – which is a blessing of initiation after baptism. Reconciliation- where someone confesses his/ her sins and gets absolution. Matrimony- where two people commit themselves with each other for life with God as the center. Ordination- where someone commits himself to priesthood. Annointing of the Sick- which is usually taken by a sick person Liturgical Year Throughout the Year Christians have several Feasts Christmas – to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, Christmas is celebrated for 12 days, until the Epiphany, or the visitation of the wisemen to Jesus. Easter – to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. As a Christian festival, developed earlier, influenced by Jewish Passover. “ Christians” have added another layer of meaning by using the festival to recall Jesus’ return to life which they believe to have been occurred on the Sunday after the Jewish Passover”. Unlike Christmas, the Easter Sunday does not have a permanent date, even though there had been many attempts to do so. In preparation for these festivals, there are also corresponding cycles that precede them. Origin While the main tenets of Christianity originated with Jesus, it was his’ 12 disciples and eventually apostles who institutionalized and established the bureaucratic structures of the religion. In the book of Acts, the accounts of His’ Disciples after his’ resurrection to Heaven. Fifty days after his’ resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of God came down upon the followers of Jesus in the form of fire and wind to inspire them to spread their leader’s teachings. This is celebrated as the feast of the Pentecost and is considered as the birth of Christian Church. (Brown 1991, 34).The early Christian Church. The early Christian Church in Jerusalem was composed of many Jews. Both Judaism and Christianity were strong religions for about 40 years after Jesus’ death but with the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem in 70 CE. They disappeared. The non- Jewish early Christian were spread through the Roman Empire through the missionary. (Molloy 2005, 352) Much of the account of Pauline Evangelization are recorded in Acts and in his’ letter in the latter half of the New Testament. He used to be a hardcore Jew who opposed the figure of Jesus as the Messiah. But after reflection for three years in Arabia and Damascus (Galatians 1:7), Paul was convinced of the Divinity of Jesus and so he made it his’ mission to spread Christ’s teachings. He travelled along the Mediterranean and found out that non- Jews were receptive to Christianity. (Molloy 2006, 352). For Paul, Jesus is the manifestation of the love of God. He saw Jesus as a great teacher, a prophet, the Savior but most of all a Divine Being. He was sent to the world to free the world from sin, to reunite God and His’ creation after their separation in the Fall of man. He had to deal with Jews who were resistant to believing in Jesus because of their conviction to the Law given by Moses. There was a tension between the Torah- observant Jerusalem Church and the Christ- based vision of Paul.In the letter to the Galatians, Paul argued that salvation lies in Jesus Christ and not in following the Law. The “fruits of faith” such as charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, humility, selfcontrol and faithfulness” are gifts of the Holy Spirit and not rewards from observing the Law. With Paul’s winning argument over the Jewish inclined people, he paved the road to a Universal Christianity, free from the burdens of Mosaic law. Varieties/ New Movements/ Innovation. In the PEW Forum on Religion and Public Life, the total number of Christians Worldwide is at 2.18 billion; this is more than a third of the estimated global population of 6.9 billion. Aside from being number one in Asia, the Philippines is fifth in the world hosting 4% of those 2.18 billion Christians. The largest number resides in the United States with 246.8 million of the total Christian population in the world. Followed by Brazil 175.8 million, Mexico 107.8 million and Russia 105.2 million. Following the Phil. Are Nigeria, China, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia. In Asia following the Phil. Are China, India and Indonesia.In the 2010 survey of the PSA, there are 57% Roman Catholics, 13.3% Iglesia Filipina Independiente, 116 Aglipayans, 4.4 Iglesia ni Cristo, 1.1 Pentecostal, 0.9 United Church of Christ in the Phil., and the rest belongs to other Christian denominations psa.dot.gov.ph/nsoda/index php/catalog/93/ datafile/F9/V137, Retrieved on June 10, 2015. For about 300 years since the death of Peter and Paul, the Romans persecuted Christians. “Christianity was declared illegal and many
- 17. Christians died on their faith”. But when Constantine became the first Christian Emperor of the Empire East and West), Christianity was more and more accepted, until it became the religion of the Roman Empire at 380 CE. (Brown 1991, 36). Constantine ruled as an Emperor of both Western and Eastern until his’ death in 337 CE. He transferred the capital from Rome to Byzantine, which he renamed Constantinople (Higgins 2007, 76). Eastern Orthodox Church With the capital in Constantinople, the Eastern Roman Empire flourished, but at the cost of the political and military powers of the Western Empire (Higgins 2007,76). When the Latinspeaking Eastern empire developed its own form of Christianity until 1453. This Eastern church is called Orthodox church because they settled on traditional beliefs through out its reign. (Molloy 2005, 374). Protestant reformation With the successful spread and development of the Western Roman Church, they earned financial and political support from the people. At one time during the construction of Saint Peter Basilica in Rome, the papacy was asking the contribution, in return for the “indulgence” which shortens the time that soul would spend I Purgatory, Martin Luther a German Priest, opposed the idea that anything spiritual can be sold. As such he posted on the door of the Castle church of Wittenburg his’proposed change and reforms, in the form of 95 theses. Luther was asked to retract his statements, but he refused to do so. He “affirmed the supreme authority of the Scripture and rejected both papal authority and the binding force of dicisions rendered by the ecumenical councils” (Higgins 2007, 88).Martin Luther Lutther pushed for “ the right of every individual to radically question and reinterpret Christian Belief and Practice”, which was called Protestant Principle. Martin Luther translated the Christian Bible into German to allow the Liturgical practices to be more open to the people who do not understand Latin. “ Over the years Lutheranism has retained Luther’s original enthusiasm for the Bible, a trust in God, and excellent church music. (Molloy 2005, 389- 390). French Theologian John Calvin took the power of God as absolute; people are already judged whether they will be saved or they will be condemned, and their acts will not change this judgement. This doctrine called predestination, is the central of Calvinism. The Presbyterian church is a descendant of Calvinism. The Anglican church It is also called Church of England. It started with disagreement between the English monarch, King Henry III and the Pope regarding marriage and divorce. Henry had to marry Catherine of Aragon and Spain to maintain the political ties between England and Spain. But they had no son, no male heir. Henry later fell in love with Anne Boleyn and wanted to marry her. He had to divorce Catherine, but the papacy refused. Out of dismay, Henry dismantled the monasteries in England and declared that the bishop of Rome, that is, the Pope, has no authority over the Church in England., which he declared himself to be the head. He had the Bible translated into English and made available in all the churches, which later developed into a King James Bible in 1604 (Molloy 2005, 390-391; Higgins 2007, 90).Some smaller Protestant groups, collectively called Sectarianism established individuals inspired the Reform in Europe. Examples include Anabaptist, Baptists, Quakers, Shakers, Pentecostal Movement and Methodists (Molloy 2005, 391- 392). The Protestant seek to find what is essential to the Christian experience. It places great emphasis on the individual’s own ability to establish a personal relationship with God summarized in terms of return to simple Christianity, the centrality of Jesus, the guidance of the Bible, the importance of faith, direct relationship with God, and the value of individual judgement.As a response to several Protestant reformations, the Roman Catholic churches, started what we call Catholic Reformations or Counter Reformations, which began with the Council of Trent in 1545. They had to reform some of their own rigid doctrines so as to respond to the reforms of the Protestants. They affirmed Luther convictions that the Scriptures has binding authority, but the interpretations is entrusted to the church officials and not to individuals. Salvation is decided to require, faith, hope and love as well as good deeds (Higgins 2007, 93). As a result of the Protestant reformation, Catholicism defends the following beliefs and practices; the importance of good works, the value of traditions, a guided interpretation of the Bible, hierarchical authority, veneration of Mary and the saints and the seven sacraments. Performance Task.1 Oral Recitation of the Old and New Testament of the Bible. Beginning from Genesis to Revelation. (In Order) Books of The Bible OLD TESTAMENT Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1,2,3 Kings, 1and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
- 18. NEW TESTAMENT Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, James Hebrew, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John , Revelation. Task2. Listen for the following composers and their compositions. Bach ( Magnificat, Mass in B-minor, Britten (A Ceremony of Carols), Durufle (Requiem, Mass " Cum Jubilo" ), Faure (Requiem), Handel (Messiah), Mozart (Coronation Mass Requiem), Rachmaninoff (Evening Vigil), Vivaldi (Gloria), Zelenka (Missa del Patris, Missa del Filii). Listen to this music and try to identify what is Christian in this composition. Assignment. Locate an important examples of Christian art and architecture in your area. Prepare a self-guided tour tailored to a visitor who is interested in art and architecture. Elaboration on Jewish Practices There isno official Jewishcreed,onlyasetof central beliefsformulatedbythe Jewishmedieval philosophers,Moses MaimonidesbeliefinGodthat isone,formless,all- knowing,creatorandjudge,bothlovingandjust,belief inthe word of the prophet, belief thatGod gave the law to Moses,belief thatthe Messiahwillcome andbelief thatthere isa resurrectionof the goodinthe worldto come.While there isnoagreementasto the meaningof these terms,some Jewsinterpretitliterallywhileothers dososymbolically.Butmore thanholdingasetof beliefs, Judaismismore thana wayof living. Dietary Practices One of the area of Jewishlife heavilyinfluencedbythe lawsfromTorahis theirfood. Foodconsumptionandhandlingmustbe done accordingtoreligiouslaws.Suchlawswere originallydesignedforthose whoserve inthe temple,butsome rulesalsoapplyevenforthe commonpeople.Forexample:“all bloodmustbe drainedbefore the meatiscookedandeaten,because bloodwhichgiveslife issacredtoGod.The Jewsdonot eatpork and shellfish(Leviticus11) because animalsare believedtobe contaminatedbywhattheyate.There are alsospecific rulesonhow to slaughter,cookandserve the animals.ThisiscalledKosher,whichmeans,rituallycorrectand particularlyreferstofoodpreparationandconsumption. As mentioned,the venerationof the Sabbathdayoriginatesfromthe Creationstory;GodrestedinSabbath.It was alsoone of the TenCommandmentsMosesreceivedatMt. Sinai.“Keepholythe Sabbathday.Sowhatdoesa Jew do duringSabbath? By Fridayafternoon,he hasbathed,putona Sabbathgarmentand setaside the affairsof the week.Athome, hiswife will cleaned,cookedandarrangedherfinesttable.The Sabbathcomesatsunsetandleaveswhen three stars appearSaturdaynight.Aftera brief service,afamilycomestoenjoyitsbestmeal of the week,ameal atwhichparticular Sabbathfoodsare served.Inthe morningcomesthe Sabbathservice,includingapublicreadingfromthe Torah,the Five Booksof Moses,the propheticwritings,andadditional service inmemoryof the TemplesacrificesonSabbathsof old. Thengo home for lunch,andverycommonlya Sabbathnap,the sweetest partof the day. As the daywanes,the synagogue callsforlate afternoonservice,andthencomescommonly“Havdalah”separation, effectedwithspices,wines,andcandlelight,betweenthe holytimeof the Sabbathandthe ordinarytime of the weekday. Shabbat is recognizedasa dayof restand prayerfor Jews.IttypicallybeginsatsunsetonFridayandlastsuntil nightfall onSaturday. ObservingShabbatcantake many forms,dependingonthe type of Judaismthata Jewishfamilymayfollow.Orthodox and ConservativeJews,forexample,mayrefrainfromperforminganyphysical labor,usinganyelectrical deviceorother prohibitedactivities. Messiah One ofthe most fundamental Jewishbeliefs,isthat Messiahor savior will come. (Morrisonand Brown 1991, 11). During Jesustime,the founderof Christianity,Jewsbelievedthattheywere livingat the endof time.They were expectingtheirmessiahwho will be political,militaryleaderand will liberate them from the Romans (Molloy2005, 344). In retrospect, it was a figure of Jesuswho drew the wedge betweenmodernJewsand early Christians.The traditional Jewsrefusedto accept Jesusas the Messiah,and so now they were still waiting for the Messiah.The followersofJesuswho they call the Christ,were Jews believedinHimand became the first Christians.
- 19. The beliefinthe coming of Messiahisone of those doctrinesthat that have change across differentversions of Judaism.Some believe thatMessiahwill be a political leaderwho will rule Israel as model for the rest of the world. Others believe thatMessiahwill bring peace and love among the nations, which may not necessarilyoriginate from Israel (Morrisonand Brown 1991, 12). Passover The Jewhave many holy days throughout the year, but perhaps the most important for themis the Feastof Passover whichcommemoratesthe liberationof the Hebrews from Egypt. The Jewishliturgical years beginwiththe month of Nisaninspring, and the Passoverbeginson the 15th of Nisancelebratedfor 8 days. One of the part of the Passover is the Seder, or the Paschal meal shared by the family on the eve of the first day of the feast(Demman 1961, 95). Traditionally firstbornson fast on the day leadingto the Seder to commemorate the killingofEgyptians firstborn (de Lange 2000, 98). The primary food ingestedduringthe Passoveris mitzah,or unleavenedbreadwhich was consumedduring the Exodus,when there was no time to prepare decentbread. It symbolizesfreedomandliberation.Inconnectionto this, all leaveneditemswere removed,inpreparation for the festival (Trepp1982, 308). Wine isalso servedwere participants are supposedto drink four glassesthroughout the ceremony.There is a table set for Elijah,whom the Jewsbelieve will come again to prepare the way of the messiah(de Lange 2000,99). Other JewishHoly days RoshHashanah: Jewscelebrate the birthof the universe andhumanityduringthisholiday,whichisalso knownas the JewishNewYear. Yom Kippur: This“Day of Atonement”isconsideredthe holiestdayof the yearfor Jewswhotypicallyspend it fastingandpraying. HighHoly Days:The 10 days startingwith RoshHashanah and endingwith YomKippurare alsoknownas the High Holidays,the Daysof Awe or YamimNoraim.The HighHoly Daysare consideredatime of repentance for Jewishpeople. Hanukkah: ThisJewishcelebration,alsoknownasthe “Festival of Lights,”lastseight days. Hanukkahcommemoratesthe rededicationof the JewishTemple inJerusalemafterthe Maccabeesdefeatedthe Syrian-Greeksover2,000 yearsago. Purim: Thisisa joyousholidaythatcelebratesatime whenthe Jewishpeople inPersiawere savedfrom extermination. Judaism and Persecution Throughout history, Jewish people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs. Some well-known events include: 1066 Granada Massacre: On December 30, 1066, a Muslim mob stormed the royal palace in Granada and killed more than 1,000 Jewish families. The group also kidnapped and crucified Joseph ibn Naghrela, the Jewish vizier to the Berber king. The First Crusade: In the first of the Crusades—a series of medieval holy wars involving Christians and Muslims—thousands of Jews were killed, and many were forced to convert to Christianity. The SpanishExpulsion: In 1492, Spain’s rulers issued a royal edict that declared all Jews who refused to convert to Christianity would be expelled from the country. Experts estimate about 200,000 people were ousted and tens of thousands died while trying to reach safety. The Holocaust: In the Holocaust, the most infamous of modern-day atrocities, the Nazis murdered more than 6 million Jews. Originand Development of Judaism Judaism finds its origins in two sequential happenings, which form a single event. The first was in 586 B.C.E. when the Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed. And the second is three generations later, when
- 20. the Babylonian Empire fell to the Persian Empire; thereby allowing the Jews to rebuild the Temple. These two events come together as exile and return. The Jewish history told in the Hebrew Bible ends after the rebuilding of the second temple, when the Hebrew return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The era after the destruction of the second Temple marks the beginning of the development of Rabbinical Judaism. With the Temple destroyed, the focus was diverted from temple ritual to scripture (Molloy 2005, 309). The Hebrew scriptures were first collected, and the rabbis selected which were to be included in their sacred canon. Then, the rabbis interpreted the scriptures and this interpretation took about 250 years, until it was finalized by 400 C.E. as the Talmud of the land of Israel (Molloy 2005, 309 – 310). With the Diaspora, not only were the Jews in Israel uprooted from their land and transferred to eastern Europe, but they also migrated to central and western Europe and to America. The traditional Jewish lifestyle slowly adapted to that of the Western modern world. Thus, the traditional authorities and the unity of Judaism were compromised. (Demann 1961, 43). Given the diversity of the modern Jews, it will be difficult to define a universal set of values and practices that every Jew believes in. What is amazing is how Judaism survived amidst diversity, and how Jews are united despite their differences of specific beliefs. (Neusner 1970, 83). Before the Romans destroyed the Second Temple of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., Judaism was centralized, temple-based religion. With the destruction of their temple and the Diaspora of their people, a new form of Judaism emerged, one that can be practiced anywhere in the world in their homes and their synagogues. This historical event therefore gives rise to a distinction between biblical Judaismand rabbinical Judaism. Most of what we study today is based on Jewish beliefs and practices after the destruction of the second Temple (Molloy 2005, 285 – 286 ). The period of Biblical Judaismcould be further divided into two subperiods. (1) The Jews settled in Israel, with Jerusalem the capital of their kingdom until the destruction of the first temple by the Babylonians (586 B.C.E.) (2) They were exiled in Babylonia for 50 years, where they wrote their religious doctrine preserving them from what we now read in the Hebrew Bible.Much of our present day knowledge about the earlier form of Judaism is found in the Hebrew Bible (Molloy 2005, 286). Bible comes from Greek word biblia, which means “books”. Thus, the Hebrew Bible is not a single book, but a collection of individual books. These individual books were originally transmitted orally, and then written in scrolls around 900 B.C.E., and developed into it’s final form in 200 B.C.E.. Also called the “Tanakh”, the Hebrew Bible is divided into 3 sections; the Torah (Law and Teachings), Nevi’m(the Prophets) and Ketuvim (the Writings) (Molloy 2005, 287). The Torah comprisedof the 5 Booksof the Bible,whichiswhyitisalsocalledthe Pentateuch,whichmeansfi vescrolls inGreek.Thissectioninclude the storiesof creationandthe earlyancestorsof the Hebrews,aswell asthe lawsandthe teachingsthatwere believedtohave beenrevealedbyGod.The prophets(Ne’vim)containsthe writingsof God’s messengers,whospokehiswordtothe Hebrews.The Writingsisthe more literarysectionof the Tanakh,consistingof stories,proverbs,psalms,andpoetries(Molloy2005,288- 289). Varieties of Judaism It would be difficult to conduct a census or a survey among contemporary Jews; first, because of their diversity in the world and second, because it is difficult to define a Jew. Nonetheless, it is estimated that there are about13 million Jews in the world, as of 2000. About 5.69 million (43.6%) are in USA, and 4.55 (34.8%) live in Israel (de Lange 2000, 4). Apart from Israel, where 80% of its citizens are Jews, the percentage of Jews in every other country is almost insignificant, only at most at 2.14% in the US, and even a less than a percent in the rest (de Lange 2000, 4- 5). If we consider languages, Hebrews remain to be a very important language for the Jews, since it is the official language of Israel, and since it is used as their liturgical language in the synagogues. But since at least half of the Jews are in English speaking countries, and English is most often used in Jewish books and periodicals, English is also an important language for them.
- 21. In line with the Diaspora of the Jews, contemporary Judaism is not a singular religion but a number of religions. Given the richness of its history, it is not surprising that there are cultural differences in Judaism. There are certain culturally based groups such as the Sephardic Jews who came from West Israel and sometimes Spain; the Ashkemazic Jews who came from central Europe; the Falashas who are in Ethiopia (Molloy 2005, 327-328). Judaism are also classified based on their observances. Orthodox Judaism Tries to observe the traditional practices and beliefs of Biblical Judaism. They are strict in the implementation of such laws and are hesitant to revise any practices. They observe the traditional dietary practices, they eat only ritually clean foods and they honor the Sabbath. They believe that God gave the Torah both written (the Tanakh) and oral tradition written down after 70 C.E. by the rabbis). They kept the law as God given. ReformJudaism Aims to modernize Judaism, by integrating themselves in European culture. Some of their ideas are progressive revelation, a religion without dogmas and subject to the criteria of reason, the predominance of moralism, a liberal humanism, hostile to all particularisms. They reject practices that seemed outdated such as “kosher laws”. In short, they emphasize change. They consider the Torah as statement of eternal principles with a particular historicity, and believe that it can be change to respond tonew conditions; indeed, they abandon much of the original Torah as no longer relevant. Conservative Judaism Recognizes that changes has always been part of the religion,” but they discern carefully which changes must be accepted. They try to reconcile the traditional orthodoxy and the liberal reform of Judaism. The practices of conservative Jews are similar to those of the orthodox, but they claim that they do it less, mechanically, or less routine. They affirm the God given standing of Torah but accommodate change. Although Orthodox Judaism is accepted in the state of Israel, Israel’s orthodox Jews are divided among themselves, many of whom are diverse and fiercely competitive. But all affirm the God given authority of the Torah. In the Philippines,BeitYaacovsynagogue is the onlysynagogue inthe Philippines.ItisSephardic and caters to Jewsof all backgrounds. They have a rabbi, who is a Shochet, All foods prepared,servedand sold inand by the synagogue are under the strict supervisionofour rabbi and are strictly Kosher(www.jewishphilippines.net). Performance Tasks Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nwj8nAYEM4 Fiddler in the roof or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulCX068p0kI Ben Hur And identify a Jewish teaching or practice. Write it in a clean paper your discussion (bond paper) and submit. Assignment 1. Choose an artist, a poet or a composer who’s work suggest the influence of Jewish thought and practice. Study several of that person's work, making note of at least one element on which Judaism has left its mark. Judaism Objectives: 1. Briefly recounts the history of Judaism as well as problematize the identity of a Jew. 2. Distinguish the different Jewish practices and beliefs.
- 22. 3. Identify the different varieties of Judaism. Intro. FIRST THINGS FIRST What is your name? What is in your name? What is the meaning of your name? Do you know that one of the influences of Judaism is evident in commonly used names? To ask one’s name is like asking the meaning of that name. The lists below includes some of the personal names from the Hebrew Bible and their original meanings. Aaron= exlated one Abel = breath Abigail = father is rejoicing Abraham = father of many Adam = humankind Amos = carried by God Benjamen = favorite son Daniel = God is my judge David = beloved Deborah = bee Eve = life Isaac = laughter Jacob = zeizing by heel Jared = descent Joel = Lord is God Jonathan = the Lord has given. Joshua = Lord’s help Malachi = messenger Michael= Who is like God? Mirriam = rebellion Oprah = back of the neck Nathan = gift Noah = rest Naomi = my delight Reuben = behold a son Samuel = name of God Sarah = princess Think for yourself? Is your name from the Hebrew Bible? If yes, from what story or account? If no, ask you parents where did they got your name. What is the meaning of your name? Does the meaning of your name affect you? How? Why is it important that names have meaning? Judaism is the world’s oldest monotheistic religion, dating back nearly 4,000 years. Followers of Judaism believe in one God who revealed himself through ancient prophets. The history of Judaism is essential to understanding the Jewish faith, which has a rich heritage of law, culture a nd tradition. Despite its relatively small population (with respect to other religions), around the globe and in the country, it has influenced western civilizations (Morrison and Brown 1991, 6). The biggest two monotheistic religion Christianity and Islam affirm the Torah of Judaism as God’s revelation and therefore as good news for everybody. Hebrews refers to those who accepted Yahweh as their God, and much of their history are written in Hebrew Bible or the old testament of the Christian Bible. Israelites refers to the descendants of the Hebrew which originated from Abraham. His’grandson has 12 sons and their descendantshave became known as the 12 tribes of Israel. Later, Israel was established as a nation state, and Israelites or Israeli Jews could also refer to the citizens of the land. Jew comes from Yehudah or Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel. Now it is used to refer to someone who practices Judaism and takes part in Jewish culture (Morrison and Brown 1991, 8). Judaism’s Beliefs Jewish people believe there’s only one God who has established a covenant —or special agreement—with them. Their God communicates to believers through prophets and rewards good Most Jews (with the exception of a few groups) believe that their Messiah hasn’ t yet come—but will one day. Jewish people worship in holy places known as synagogues, and their spiritual leaders are called rabbis. The six-pointed Star of David is the symbol of Judaism. Today, there are about 14 million Jews worldwide. Most of them live in the United States and Israel. Traditionally, a person is considered Jewish if his or her mother is Jewish. Torah The Jewish sacred text is called the Tanakh or the “Hebrew Bible.” It includes the same books as the Old Testament in the Christian Bible, but they’re placed in a slightly different order. The Torah—the first five books of the Tanakh—outlines laws for Jews to follow. It’s sometimes also referred to as the Pentateuch. (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). The Torah contain the early history of Judaism, as well as the law and teaching, handed down to Moses by Yahweh or God Himself. Genesis- means origin of the entire world. The first 11 chapters of Genesis are particularly mythical and must never be accepted nor understood literally. The book begins with the creation story, how God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh and how he create d human being in his image and likeness. Next it tells us the fall of man, where Adam and Eve, the first man and woman were tempted by the serpent to disobey God, and as punishment for disobedience, God banished the human beings from the Garden of Eden. The last mythic story is the great flood, where God only saved Noah and his ‘family, as well the two of each living animal, because of the infidelity of the people. (Molloy 2005, 289-291).
- 23. Exodus- begins with the Egyptians being threatened by the growing population of the Hebrews in their land. They began treating them as slaves, and the Pharaoh also decreed that the Jewish boys must be killed at birth. The baby Moses survived because her mother left him in a basket along the Nile river. He was found by Pharaohs daughter, and there in Egypt was called by God through the Burning Bush. God introduced himself to Moses as YHWH (I am who am), which is often translated as Yahweh or as Jehovah. God commanded Moses to liberate the Hebrews from Egyptians and send them in the land God promised to Abraham —Canaan the promised land flowing with milk and honey. Because of Pharaoh’s refusal to send Israelites free, despite Moses bidding, God sent 10 plagues to the Egyptians., but he spared the Jews since they offered a bloo d of sacrificial lamb in their doors. This signifies one of the greatest feasts of the Jews --- the Passover, which they celebrate annually. The Passover is a weeklong festival of the Jews, whose highlight is a memorial meal, where they eat symbolic foods, such as unleavened bread, lamb and a salad of nuts and fruits (Molloy 2005,324). After Pharaoh granted leave for the Israelites, Moses lead them to a 40 years of journey through the dessert of Canaan. This story is recounted in the book of Exodus and is continued until the end of Torah. But the most important passing of the law happened in Mount Sinai, where Moses met God and gave him the tablets containing the Ten Commandments, the rules for the Jewish life. There God made a covenant with his people, He will care for them, but the Jews must obey the laws that he gave. This shows why the Jews are diligent in observing their traditional laws even until today. Founder of Judaism The origins of Jewish faith are explained throughout the Torah. According to the text, God first revealed himself to a Hebrew man named Abraham, who became known as the founder of Judaism. Jews believe that God made a special covenant with Abraham and that he and his descendants were chosen people who would create a great nation. Abraham’s son Isaac, and his grandson Jacob, also became central figures in ancient Jewish history. Jacob took the name Israel, and his children and future generations became known as Israelites. More than 1,000 years after Abraham, the prophet Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt after being enslaved for hundreds of years. According to scriptures, God revealed his laws, known as the Ten Commandments, to Moses at Mt. Sinai. Jewish Temples Around 1000 B.C., King David ruled the Jewish people. His son Solomon built the first holy Temple in Jerusalem, which became the central place of worship for Jews. The kingdom fell apart around 931 B.C., and the Jewish people split into two groups: Israel in the North and Judah in the South. Sometime around 587 B.C., the Babylonians destroyed the first Temple and sent many Jews into exile. A second Temple was built in about 516 B.C. but was eventually destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. The destruction of the second Temple was significant because Jewish people no longer had a primary place to gather, so they shifted their focus to worshipping in local synagogues. Jewish Holy Books While the Tanakh (which includes the Torah) is considered the sacred text of Judaism, many other important manuscripts were composed in later years. These offered insights into how the Tanakh should be interpreted and documented oral laws that were previously not written down. Around 200 A.D., scholars compiled the Mishnah—a text that describes and explains the Jewish code of law that was previously orally communicated. Talmud Later, the Talmud, a collection of teachings and commentaries on Jewish law, was created. The Talmud contains the Mishnah and another text known as the Gemara (which examines the Mishnah). It includes the interpretations of thousands of rabbis and outlines the importance of 613 commandments of Jewish law. The first version of the Talmud was finalized around the 3rd century A.D. The second form was completed during the 5th century A.D. Judaism embraces several other written texts and commentaries. One example is the 13 Articles of Faith, which was written by a Jewish philosopher named Maimonides. Elaboration on Practices There is no official Jewish creed, only a set of central beliefs formulated by the Jewish medieval philosophers, Moses Maimonides belief in God that is one, formless, all- knowing, creator and judge, both loving and just, belief in the word of the prophet, belief that God gave the law to Moses, belief that the Messiah will come and belief that there is a resurrection of the good in the world to come. While there is no agreement as to the meaning of these terms, some Jews interpret
- 24. it literally while others do so symbolically. But more than holding a set of beliefs, Judaism is more than a way of living. Dietary Practices One of the area of Jewish life heavily influenced by the laws from Torah is their food. Food consumption and handling must be done according to religious laws. Such laws were originally designed for those who serve in the temple, but some rules also apply even for the common people. For example: “all blood must be drained before the meat is cooked and eaten, because blood which gives life is sacred to God. The Jews do not eat pork and shellfish (Leviticus 11) because animals are believed to be contaminated by what they ate. There are also specific rules on how to slaughter, cook and serve the animals. This is called Kosher,which means, ritually correct and particularly refers to food preparation and consumption. Sabbath As mentioned, the veneration of the Sabbath day originates from the Creation story; God rested in Sabbath. It was also one of the Ten Commandments Moses received I Mt. Sinai. “Keep ef By Friday afternoon, he has bathed, put on a Sabbath garment and set aside the affairs of the week. At home, his wife will cleaned, cooked and arranged her finest table. The Sabbath comes at sunset and leaves when three stars appear Saturday night. After a brief service, a family comes to enjoy its best meal of the week, a meal at which particular Sabbath foods are served. In the morning comes the Sabbath service, including a public reading from the Torah, the Five Books of Moses, the prophetic writings, and additional service in memory of the Temple sacrifices on Sabbaths of old. Then go home for lunch, and very commonly a Sabbath nap, the sweetest part of the day. As the day wanes, the synagogue calls for late afternoon service, a nd then comes commonly “Havdalah” separation, effected with spices, wines, and candlelight, between the holy time of the Sabbath and the ordinary time of the weekday. Shabbat is recognized as a day of rest and prayer for Jews. It typically begins at suns et on Friday and lasts until nightfall on Saturday. Observing Shabbat can take many forms, depending on the type of Judaism that a Jewish family may follow. Orthodox and Conservative Jews, for example, may refrain from performing any physical labor, using any electrical device or other prohibited activities. Messiah One of the most fundamental Jewish beliefs, is that Messiah or savior will come. (Morrison and Brown 1991, 11). During Jesus time, the founder of Christianity, Jews believed that they were living at the end of time. They were expecting their messiah who will be political, military leader and will liberate them from the Romans (Molloy 2005, 344). In retrospect, it was a figure of Jesus who drew the wedge between modern Jews and early Christians. The traditional Jews refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah, and so now they were still waiting for the Messiah. The followers of Jesus who they call the Christ, were Jews believed in Him and became the first Christians. The belief in the coming of Messiah is one of those doctrines that that have change across different versions of Judaism. Some believe that Messiah will be a political leader who will rule Israel as model for the rest of the world. Others believe that Messiah will bring peace and love among the nations, which may not necessarily originate from Israel (Morrison and Brown 1991, 12). Passover The Jew have many holy days throughout the year, but perhaps the most important for them is the Feast of Passover which commemorates the liberation of the Hebrews from Egypt. The Jewish liturgical years begin with the month of Nisan in spring, and the Passover begins on the 15t h of Nisan celebrated for 8 days. One of the part of the Passover is the Seder, or the Paschal meal shared by the family on the eve of the first day of the feast (Demman 1961, 95). Traditionally firstborn son fast on the day leading to the Seder to commemorate the killin of Egyptians firstborn (de Lange 2000, 98). The primary food ingested during the Passover is mitzah, or unleavened bread which was consumed during the Exodus, when there was no time to prepare decent bread. It symbolizes freedom and liberation. In connection to this, all leavened items were removed, in preparation for the festival (Trepp1982, 308). Wine is also served were participants are supposed to drink four glasses throughout the ceremony. There is a table set for Elijah, whom the Jews believe will come again to prepare the way of the messiah (de Lange 2000,99). Other Jewish Holy days Rosh Hashanah: Jews celebrate the birth of the universe and humanity during this holiday, which is also known as the Jewish New Year. Yom Kippur: This “Day of Atonement” is considered the holiest day of the year for Jews who typically spend it fasting and praying. High Holy Days: The 10 days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur are also known as the High Holidays, the Days of Awe or Yamim Noraim. The High Holy Days are considered a time of repentance for Jewish people.
- 25. Hanukkah: This Jewish celebration, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” lasts eight days. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees defeated the Syrian-Greeks over 2,000 years ago. Purim: This is a joyous holiday that celebrates a time when the Jewish people in Persia were saved from extermination. Judaism and Persecution Throughout history, Jewish people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs. Some well - known events include: 1066 Granada Massacre: On December 30, 1066, a Muslim mob stormed the royal palace in Granada and killed more than 1,000 Jewish families. The group also kidnapped and crucified Joseph ibn Naghrela, the Jewish vizier to the Berber king. The First Crusade: In the first of the Crusades—a series of medieval holy wars involving Christians and Muslims—thousands of Jews were killed, and many were forced to convert to Christianity. The Spanish Expulsion: In 1492, Spain’s rulers issued a royal edict that declared all Jews who refused to convert to Christianity would be expelled from the country. Experts estimate about 200,000 people were ousted and tens of thousands died while trying to reach safety. The Holocaust: In the Holocaust, the most infamous of modern-day atrocities, the Nazis murdered more than 6 million Jews. Origin and Development of Judaism Judaism finds its origins in two sequential happenings, which form a single event. The first was in 586 B.C.E. when the Temple of Jerusalem was destroyed. And the second is three generations later, when the Babylonian Empire fell to the Persian Empire; thereby allowing the Jews to rebuild the Temple. These two events come together as exile and return. The Jewish history told in the Hebrew Bible ends after the rebuilding of the second temple, when the Hebrew return to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The era after the destruction of the second Temple marks the beginning of the development of Rabbinical Judaism. With the Temple destroyed, the focus was diverted from temple ritual to scripture (Molloy 2005, 309). The Hebrew scriptures were first collected, and the rabbis selected which we re to be included in their sacred canon. Then, the rabbis interpreted the scriptures and this interpretation took about 250 years, until it was finalized by 400 C.E. as the Talmud of the land of Israel (Molloy 2005, 309 – 310). With the Diaspora, not only were the Jews in Israel uprooted from their land and transferred to eastern Europe, but they also migrated to central and western Europe and to America. The traditional Jewish lifestyle slowly adapted to that of the Western modern world. Thus, the traditional authorities and the unity of Judaism were compromised. (Demann 1961, 43). Given the diversity of the modern Jews, it will be difficult to define a universal set of values and practices that every Jew believes in. What is amazing is what Judaism. What is amazing is how Judaism survived amidst diversity, and how Jews are united despite their differences of specific beliefs. (Neusner 1970, 83). Before the Romans destroyed the Second Temple of Jerusalem in 70 C.E., Judaism was centralized, temple-based religion. With the destruction of their temple and the Diaspora of their people, a new form of Judaism emerged, one that can be practiced anywhere in the world in their homes and their synagogues. This historical event therefore gives rise to a distinction between biblical Judaism and rabbinical Judaism. Most of what we study today is based on Jewish beliefs and practices after the destruction of the second Temple (Molloy 2005, 285 – 286 ). The period of biblical Judaism could be further divided into two subperiods. (1) The Jews settled in Israel, with Jerusalem the capital of their kingdom until the destruction of the first temple by the Babylonians (586 B.C.E.) (2) They were exiled in Babylonia for 50 years, where they wrote their religious doctrine preserving them from what we now read in the Hebrew Bible.Much of our present day knowledge about the earlier form of Judaism is found in the Hebrew Bible (Molloy 2005, 286). Bible comes from Greek word biblia, which means “books”. Thus the Hebrew Bible is not a single book, but a collection of individual books. These individual books were originally transmitted orally, and then written in scrolls around 900 B.C.E., and developed into it’s final form in 200 B.C.E.. Also called the “Tanakh”, the Hebrew Bible is divided into 3 sections; the Torah (Law and Teachings), Nevi’m (the Prophets) and Ketuvim (the Writings) (Molloy 2005, 287). The Torah comprised of the 5 Books of the Bible, which is why it is also called the Pentateuch, which means five scrolls in Greek. This section include the stories of creation and the early ancestors of the Hebrews, as well as the laws and the teachings that were believed to have been revealed by God. The prophets (Ne’vim) contains the writings of God’s messengers, who spoke his word to the Hebrews. The Writings is the more literary section of the Tanakh, consisting of stories, proverbs, psalms, and poetries (Molloy 2005, 288- 289).
- 26. , Performance Tasks 1. Read and Write a review in which you show how the book expanded your knowledge of basic knowledge of basic teachings and practices discussed. Conclude your review by explaining, how the book may be relevant in today’s world. Varieties of Judaism It would be difficult to conduct a census or a survey among contemporary Jews; first, because of their diversity in the world and second, because it is difficult to define a Jew. Nonetheless, it is estimated that there are about13 million Jews in the world, as of 2000. About 5.69 million (43.6%) are in USA, and 4.55 (34.8%) live in Israel (de Lange 2000, 4). Apart from Israel, where 80% of its citizens are Jews, the percentage of Jews in every other country is almost insignificant, only at most at 2.14% in the US, and even a less than a percent in the rest (de Lange 2000, 4- 5). If we consider languages, Hebrews remain to be a very important language for the Jews, since it is the official language of Israel, and since it is used as their liturgical language in the synagogues. But since at least half of the Jews are in English speaking countries, and English is most often used in Jewish books and periodicals, English is also an important language for them. In line with the Diaspora of the Jews, contemporary Judaism is not a singular religion but a number of religions. Given the richness of its history, it is not surprising that there are cultural differences in Judaism. There are certain culturally based groups such as the Sephardic Jews who came from West Israel and sometimes Spain; the Ashkemazic Jews who came from central Europe; the Falashas who are in Ethiopia (Molloy 2005, 327-328). Judaism are also classified based on their observances. Orthodox Judaism tries to observe the traditional practices and beliefs of Biblical Judaism. They are strict in the implementation of such laws and are hesitant to revise any practices. They observe the traditional dietary practices, they eat only ritually clean foods and they honor the Sabbath. They believe that God gave the Torah both written (the Tanakh) and oral tradition written down after 70 C.E. by the rabbis). They kept the law as God given. ReformJudaism aims to modernize Judaism, by integrating themselves in European culture. Some of their ideas are progressive revelation, a religion without dogmas and subject to the criteria of reason, the predominance of moralism, a liberal humanism, hostile to all particularisms. They reject practices that seemed outdated such as “kosher laws”. In short, they emphasize change. They consider the Torah as statement of eternal principles with a particular historicity, and believe that it can be change to respond to new conditions; indeed, they abandon much of the original Torah as no longer relevant. Conservative Judaism “recognizes that changes has always been part of the religion,” but they discern carefully which changes must be accepted. They try to reconcile the traditional orthodoxy and the liberal reform of Judaism. The practices of conservative Jews are similar to those of the orthodox, but they claim that they do it less, mechanically, or less routine. They affirm the God given standing of Torah but accommodate change. Although Orthodox Judaism is accepted in the state of Israel, Israel’s orthodox Jews are divided among themselves, many of whom are diverse and fiercely competitive. But all affirm the God given authority of the Torah. In the Philippines, Beit Yaacov synagogue is the only synagogue in the Philippines. It is Sephardic and caters to Jews of all backgrounds. They have a rabbi, who is a Shochet, All foods prepared, served and sold in and by the synagogue are under the strict supervision of our rabbi and are strictly Kosher (www.jewishphilippines. net).
- 27. a. The Diary of Anne Frank (Diary of young girl) or b. Etty Hilesum (An Interrupted Life). 2. Watch Fiddler in the Roof, Ten Commandments, or Ben Hur and identify a Jewish teaching or practice. Write it in a clean paper (bond paper) and submit. Topic 1 `Brief Overview ` Similar to social institutions such as family and education, religion pervades many aspects of our everyday lives. Many of us were born in particular religion such as Christianity or Islam and so participating in religious activities or believing in a particular view of God may have become unquestioned habits. That religion has become part of one’s identity renders it not just as sacred character but personal too. While religious beliefs and virtues maybe deeply personal, they are also socially constructed. What is an Introduction to World Religion and Belief systems? Introduction to World Religions explores major world religions and belief systems for students to understand their significant principles and core teachings and identify their commonalities. Objectives: 1. Explain the social scientific approach to the study of religion. 2. Identify and explain the two ways of defining religion. 3. Differentiate religion from spirituality. FIRST THINGS FIRST The following are different photos of personalities, events or activities that may or not be associated with religion. Identify these photos by checking the appropriate box and briefly explain whether they can be considered religious or not. The photo is religious not religious because INTRODUCTIONTOWORLD RELIGIONAND BELIEF SYSTEM
- 28. The photo is religious not religious because The photo is religious not religiousbecause ___________________________________________________________________________________________ The photo is religious not religiousbecause ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Religion and the Social Sciences Religion as a phenomenom is a complex reality. In many of the religion classes you may have attended before, religious ideas and practices were taught as doctrine, creeds and rituals that a believer of a particular faith such as Roman Catholiscism needs to abide by. This is why for many, any discussion of a religion is a personal matter and therefore could be very emotional. Can you think of any instance when you saw one person turn emotional because of religion? This can be positive or negative Religion as a social phenomenon is not simply about the pursuit of particular beliefs or practices prescribed to us by religious leaders. Religion is also a socially constructed institution with a particular historical contexts and trajectories depending on the physical and social constraints that is faced with. Example:
- 29. Inasmuch, there are official beliefs about Allah and the prophet Mohammed, we should also consider the fact that Islam has been interpreted in different ways in different context. Whereas many muslims in Indonesia and Malaysia prescribed the wearing of hijah (head covering), their counterparts in Saudi Arabia are expected to wear the burqa, which leaves only the eyes uncovered. By adopting social scientific standpoint, other dimensions of religious complexities are also confronted. The beliefs and practices of a religion have consequences on its followers and the wider society that is part of it. A social scientific approach understands religion as socially constructed realities. This means that the shape of a religion as an institution, with beliefs, moral codes, practices, texts, hierarchy, and personalities is contingent upon the interaction of its human agents with one another and their socio historical contexts. Such ideas as divine revelation or the existence of God are therefore not within the intellectual purview of the social sciences. Religion as a social phenomenon, means that religious traditions are not simply sacred entities with divine revelations that are best left untouched. Religious beliefs and practices are also collectively constructed throughout history by different individuals who maybe leaders, followers, activists, innovators or even heretics. Defining Religion Two ways of defining religion as social reality: First, Substantive, which is concerned with what constitute religion. In this sense, religion involves beliefs and practices “which assumes the existence of supernatural beings” . Second, Functional, which is more concerned with the social consequences of religion. French sociologist Emile Durkheim(2001) has a famous definition of religion as a” unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things, that is to say, things set apart and forbidden – beliefs and practices which unites into one single community. The word religion originates from the Latin word, religare (to bring together) and relegere (to rehearse painstakingly, as in the case of collective rituals). From the point of view of social sciences, we approach religion as “ a system of beliefs and practices by which a group of people interprets and responds to what they feel as sacred and usually supernatural as well”. (Johnstone 2004, 13). With this definition, we can appreciate religion as a social reality in at least four respects that we may believe many individuals can easily recognize as pertaining to the religious (Johnstone 2004). 1. First, religion is a collective phenomenon. An individual who professes a religion is typically associated with a particular religious organization. Apart from receiving religious instruction in such collective formation, the individual also feels some emotional identification with the religious group. Inasmuch, as faith is a personal or private matter, individuals who profess a religion invoke wider community that they are part of. 2. Second, religion is concerned with ordering behavior in relation to the sacred and/ or the supernatural. Reminiscent of the sociologist Durkheim’s distinctions, the sacred is often associated with entities, events, figures, objects, and sites that are treated with reverence as opposed to those that are taken for granted in everyday life. 3. Third, religion involves a body of beliefs and moral prescription, which are to be expected in religions mainly because they are guided by texts rendered sacred by special events or figures. These beliefs can then cover a wider array of ideas that order knowledge and reality for the followers. The origins and destiny of life concerns about salvation, key events of sacred entities and moral principles constitute the body of beliefs that define religious institution as distinct from others. 4. Finally, religion expects its followers to follow a set of practices that relates to the notion of the sacred. These practices are typically in the form of individual and collective rituals involving prayer, worship, purification, baptism and sacrifice. Practices can also be in line with moral and behavioral prescriptions. Wearing practical outfits or avoiding the consumption of some food, while commonplace for some, maybe deeply religious for others depending on their convictions. With this view of the adopted definition of religion, it not only includes the major traditions of the world such as Abrahamic faiths, the Eastern traditions and the religions of South Asia, but also gives attention to the indigenous religion and its local incarnation in the Philippines in the form of beliefs and practices of indigenous peoples such as the lumad in Mindanao. RELIGION Is also viewed as “organized collection of beliefs, cultural system and worldviews that relate humanity to an order of existence. Many religions possess holy scriptures, narratives or sacred accounts that aim to explain the origin and meaning of life and the universe.
- 30. May religions have clergy, rules on membership, holy places, religious rites, visual symbols, creeds, doctrines, mythology, philosophical system and organized behaviors. FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION 1. Religion helps man to bear sufferings--- religion explains and justifies human suffering and grief. It teaches that everything happens according to the will of God. 2. It boosts self- worth and dignity—explains that a person regardless of his social and economical status, is important in the eyes of God. 3. It serves as a foundation of societal harmony—it is a source of social unity and cohesion. By providing socially accepted values and ethical norms, it influences people to control their behavior. 4. It helps create disciplined and beneficial citizens—because it encourages its members to live in line of the teachings of religious traditions. They provide models for ideal living. 5. It promotes social welfare and development—it also performs selfless services to humanity. It promotes literacy, education, and research by putting up academic institution. Some religions sponsor charitable institution for the poor like. EVOLUTION OF RELIGION Some sociologists and anthropologists proposed various theories on how religion began and the stages of its development. One theory is that religion started with the belief in spirit (animism), then progressed into the notion that there were numerous gods (polytheism), and ultimately developed as the ideal of a single god (monotheism). ANIMISM Basically, means a belief in spiritual beings. The term comes from the Latin word anima which means “ breath or soul” . It is the belief that things in nature; example trees, mountains and sky have souls and consciousness and that people have spirits that do not exist or can exist separately from the bodies. It also involves a belief that being have spiritual essence, that is souls or spirits exist not only in humans but also in animals, plants, inanimate objects like rocks, geographical features such as mountains and rivers, phenomena of the natural environment including thunder, lighting and even shadows. The anthropologist sir Edward Burnett Taylor explain the origin of primitive beliefs and religion in terms of animism. He defined animism as the general belief in spiritual beings and regarded it as “a minimum definition of religion”. All religions, from simple to complex, involves some form of animism. According to Taylor, primitive people believe that spirits or souls are the cause of life in human beings, they picture souls as phantoms, resembling vapors or shadows which can transmigrate from person to person. SEVEN DIMENSION OF RELIGION byNINIAN SMART Practical and Ritual Dimension Practices such as worship, praying, regular gatherings, rites of passage. Experiential and Emotional People react when they have encountered something which they believe is very profound. Narrative or Mythic Dimension Stories which explain and inspire. One such story is the Hopi tradition of how peaches became sweet and the bees got wings. Doctrinal and Philosophical Dimension Provides rational for the many practices and ideas of the religion. Trinity Bodhisattva Ethical and Legal Dimension Ideas and laws that shape behavior Laws of Maru 5 Precepts Ten Commandments Beattitudes Social and Institutional Dimension Social outgrowth of religious experience Masjid Church
- 31. Synagogue Sangha Material Dimension An outgrowth of religious experience/ encounter Music Art Symbol Architecture What is Spirituality? Cambridge dictionary defines spirituality as, “The quality that involves deep feelings and beliefs of a religious nature, rather than the physical parts of life.” Collins dictionary says, “Spiritual means relating to people's thoughts and beliefs, rather than to their bodies and physical surroundings.” Spirituality is the broad concept of a belief in something beyond the self. It may involve religious traditions centering on the belief in a higher power, but it can also involve a holistic belief in an individual connection to others and to the world as a whole. What's the difference between religion and spirituality? ... Religion is a specific set of organised beliefs and practices, usually shared by a community or group. Spirituality is more of an individual practice and has to do with having a sense of peace and purpose. Components or Basic elements of Religion: (1) Belief in Supernatural Power: (2) Man's adjustment to Supernatural Powers: (3) Acts defined as Sinful: (4) Method of Salvation: (5) Belief in some sacred things: (6) Procedure of Worship: (7) Place of Worship: Activities. 1. In a clean bond paper, State the difference between Religion and Spirituality. Watch the video listed below for an additional learning and insights. Difference:Spirituality VS. Religion Watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ije5dDHOy9U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiQqmZWzaDY What is the difference between spirituality and religion. 2. Make a research on the impact of Spirituality. 3. Among the many young people, the phrase “spiritual but not religious” has become a commonplace to refer to their own spiritual journeys. What do you think this means? Justify Intro to World Religion Part 2