6.4 - Comparative World Religions

From EngageNY

Major religions and belief systems developed in the Eastern Hemisphere. There were important similarities and differences between these belief systems.

6.4a
Civilizations and complex societies developed belief systems and religions that have similar, as well as different, characteristics.

6.4b Belief systems and religions are based on sets of mutually held values.
  • Students will study the belief systems of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism by looking at where the belief system originated, when it originated, founder(s) if any, and the major tenets, practices, and sacred writings or holy texts for each. (Note: Although not within this historic period, students may also study Sikhism and other major belief systems at this point.)
6.4c Belief systems and religions often are used to unify groups of people, and may affect social order and gender roles.
  • Students will be able to identify similarities and differences across belief systems, including their effect on social order and gender roles.
  • Students will explore the influence of various belief systems on contemporary cultures and events.

Supporting Materials

DVD

Islam: Empire of Faith

Between the fall of Rome and the European voyages of discovery, few events were more significant than the rise of Islam. Within a few centuries, the Islamic empires blossomed, projecting their power from Africa to the East Indies, and from Spain to India. Inspired by the words of the Prophet...

DVD

Judaism

One of the world's oldest surviving religions, Judaism is both a theology and a way of life for over 12 million followers in the world today. The first religion to be founded upon the principle of monotheism, Judaism has survived despite persecution against its people throughout the ages. Trace...

DVD

Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christianity

From the public ministry of Jesus to the legendary battles of the Crusades, examine the interwoven histories of these two distinct branches of Christianity. Although its followers were long persecuted by the Roman Empire, Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean region and eventually...

DVD

Protestant Christianity

See how the political, religious and social events of 16th-century Europe changed the course of history. Examine the context in which these factors sparked the birth of Protestant Christianity. Led by Martin Luther, this spiritual revolution gained momentum and, under the helm of other...

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