World History AP- World Religions

It was at the center of art and architecture in ancient civilizations: temples and pyramids were built for the gods, for example. It also created rigid social structures with a priest class.

developed specifically for Chinese culture; Confucius wrote the Analects; focused on relationships between people; this focus created distinctive Chinese society

was a social and political philosophy, not a religion. It was therefore compatible with other religions, having broader influence.

It is developed specifically for Chinese culture

junzi (ideal individuals), ren (humanity), li (respect), xiao (filial piety)

founded by Lao-tzu; stresses simple, passive life in harmony with nature; served as a counterbalance to Confucian activism; promoted scientific discoveries because of nature

practiced during Qin Dynasty, thought people were bad and needed harsh laws and government, inadvertently caused wider acceptance of Confucianism and Daoism through oppression

began with Aryan invaders, Vedas and Upanishads are sacred texts, is heavily intertwined with caste system, spawned Buddhism

It is tightly intertwined with Indian culture

dharma (rules of each caste), moksha (highest state of being, end of reincarnation), Brahma (creator god), Vishnu (preserver god), Shiva (destroyer god)

practiced in Eastern civilizations, founded by Hindu prince Siddhartha Gautama (563 to 483 BCE), split into Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism with his death

rejected caste system; can apply to most anyone, anywhere because it is not attached to a social structure

Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, nirvana (perfect state of peace and harmony)

practiced by Hebrews, first monotheistic faith, sacred text is the Torah

based around teachings of Jesus of Nazareth; sacred text is the Bible; actively try and convert people

It appealed to lower classes and women because it promised eternal life; it profoundly affected world developments following Constantine's embracing of the religion