Relegion

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