What were the basic features of the major world belief systems? (8000 BCE -600 CE)
a. Hinduism
b. Daoism
c. Judaism
d. Christianity
e. Buddhism
Hehehe!
I'm sure you knew when you signed up for AP World History, that it would be a lot of work. Your teacher expects you to read your text and research these religions yourself.
We'll be glad to critique your answers.
These sites may be of help.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=major+world+belief+systems%3F+%288000+BCE+-600+CE&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=major+world+belief+systems%3F+%288000+BCE+-600+CE&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=
To understand the basic features of the major world belief systems from 8000 BCE to 600 CE, let's take a closer look at each of the mentioned religions:
a. Hinduism:
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with roots dating back to around 1500 BCE. It is characterized by a diverse collection of beliefs and practices. Some of the basic features of Hinduism include:
- Polytheism: Hindus believe in multiple deities, with different gods and goddesses representing different aspects of the divine.
- Karma: Hindus follow the concept of karma, which suggests that a person's actions in the present life will determine their fate in future lives.
- Dharma: Dharma refers to moral duties and righteousness. Hindus believe in fulfilling their dharma to maintain order in the universe.
- Reincarnation: The belief in reincarnation is central to Hinduism. Followers believe in the cycle of rebirth, where the soul takes on different forms through successive lives until it achieves Moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth).
b. Daoism (Taoism):
Daoism originated in ancient China and is based on the teachings of Laozi. Its basic features include:
- Tao (Dao): The concept of Tao is central to Daoism. It refers to the natural way or path of the universe and encourages followers to live in harmony with it.
- Yin and Yang: Daoism recognizes the balance between opposing forces, known as yin and yang, as essential for harmony and equilibrium.
- Wu Wei: Daoists strive for wu wei, which means "non-action" or "effortless action." This involves following the natural flow of life without resisting or forcing outcomes.
c. Judaism:
Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion that traces its origins back to Abraham and the Hebrew people. Some of the basic features of Judaism include:
- Monotheism: Judaism believes in the worship of a single God, Yahweh.
- Covenant: Judaism emphasizes the concept of a covenant, a sacred agreement, between God and the Jewish people.
- Torah: The Torah, consisting of the Five Books of Moses, is the central religious text of Judaism. It contains moral, ethical, and legal principles to guide believers.
d. Christianity:
Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Basic features of Christianity include:
- Monotheism: Christians worship one God, whom they identify as the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
- Salvation through Jesus: Christians believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and that salvation is attainable through faith in Him.
- The Bible: The Bible is the holy scripture of Christianity, consisting of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament (which includes the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus).
e. Buddhism:
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) in the 6th century BCE. Key features of Buddhism include:
- Four Noble Truths: Buddhism revolves around the Four Noble Truths, which emphasize the existence of suffering, the causes of suffering, the possibility of ending suffering, and the path to end suffering.
- Eightfold Path: The Eightfold Path provides guidelines for living a moral and enlightened life, leading to liberation from suffering (Nirvana).
- Rejection of Material Desires: Buddhism holds that attachment to material possessions and desires leads to suffering, advocating for a simpler, more spiritual way of life.
These are just brief explanations of the basic features present in each of these major world belief systems. For a more in-depth understanding, further exploration and consultation of reliable sources are always recommended.