Comparative Religions and Beliefs

Civilizations in the Indus River valley developed ca. 2600 BCE and in Ganges River valley ca. 1200 BCE. The Aryans invaders brought Hinduism, language and horses.  Developed Sanskrit language and wrote the Vedas.  Instituted a strong system of social classes later called the caste system. This system was linked directly to religious practice.  Hinduism as a religion. As the religious practice developed the beliefs in dharma and karma emphasized the possibility of mobility in caste position in the next life [reincarnation]. Hinduism - The core beliefs outlined in Sanskrit scriptures formed the basis of the Vedic religions — later known as Hinduism — and contributed to the development of the social and political roles of a caste system and in the teachings about reincarnation. In the urban centers [often referred to as river valley civilizations], the importance of varied religious belief systems, including the transition in some societies from systems such as Hinduism [Vedic traditions] to the beginnings of monotheistic traditions in Zoroastrianism with the Diety Ahura Mazda and their concept of good vs evil. and the monotheism of Judaism developed over time. Judaism began in Southwest Asia and spread to different world regions, mostly after the Diaspora. Hinduism originated in India and spread throughout the entire Indian subcontinent and into parts of east Asia as the predominant religion. Christianity and Islam [as monotheistic religions] grew out of Judaism and Buddhism has its origins in Hinduism. Buddhism spread to parts of east Asia to become a predominant religion. [Note: Later study will address why Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism spread while other religious traditions – Judaism, Hinduism, Confucianism remained more regional] The association of monotheism with Judaism was further developed with the Hebrew Scriptures [Torah]. Later, as the Assyrian, Babylonian and Roman empires conquered various Jewish states these conquests contributed to the growth of Jewish communities in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Buddhism has its origins in Hinduism. Hinduism spread throughout the entire Indian subcontinent and into parts of East Asia as the predominant religion. Buddhism spread to parts of East Asia to become the predominant religion. The core beliefs about desire, suffering, and the search for enlightenment preached by the historic Buddha and recorded by his followers into sutras and other scriptures were, in part, a reaction to the Vedic [Hindu] beliefs and rituals dominant in South Asia. Buddhism changed over time as it spread throughout Asia — first through the support of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, and then through the efforts of missionaries and merchants, and the establishment of educational institutions to promote its core teachings. Daoism (Taoism), Confucianism, and Shintoism are philosophies that serve as a basis for religious practice in much of East Asia. Each of these philosophies has their origins in China and has spread throughout large portions of Far East Asia as the predominant religion. Confucianism: The core beliefs of Confucianism began with the writings and lessons of Confucius and were added to by his students after his death. These principles were intended to promote social harmony by outlining proper rituals and social relationships for all people in China, including the rulers. The ideas of respect, honesty, hard work and education are key concepts in Confucianism. Daoism: In Daoist writings, the key belief is that of balance between humans and nature. The ideas of yin/yang provided examples of this balance within nature. Daoism supported the idea that less governmental structure was best. Daoism also influenced the development of Chinese culture in a variety of ways through the development of medical practices, alchemy, architecture, and poetry and literature.

Christianity: Christianity recognized the monotheistic principles of Judaism and the value of the Old Testament scriptures but expanded this belief system to include beliefs about the teachings and divinity of Jesus of Nazareth. These teachings were recorded by his disciples and others and they went against the polytheistic views of the Greeks and Romans. For centuries, Romans persecuted Christians but Christianity continued to spread through the efforts of missionaries through many parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Under the Roman Emperor Constantine, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire and with it, the rise of the political, economic, and social importance of the Roman Catholic Church. When the empire divided under Diocletian, Eastern Orthodoxy became the predominant form of Christianity in the Eastern Roman Empire [Byzantine Empire]. (Adapted from the AP World History Curriculum Framework)

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Comparative Religions and Beliefs

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