World Religions Final
What is the "Sixth Pillar" of Islam? How has this concept been traditionally understood, and how have new meanings been attached to it by apocalyptic movements such as ISIS? What does "apocalypse" mean literally, in popular culture, and in the religious teachings of movements such as ISIS?
"jihad" - struggle 1) greater struggle/jihad can never be escaped; greed, lust, bigotry; required to control these things; struggle against the lower aspects of yourself 2) lesser jihad; not always obligatory; fighting in physical defense of the muslim community; pacifism isn't taught, but self-defense is 3) Apocalyptic, the end of the world, forms of Islam; ISIS; the day of judgment will rid the world of non-believers; horrific acts of violence will bring the last day quicker; "holy war"
According to Prothero, what is Christian Mysticism and the "Negative Way"?
- Both Islam and Christianity have strong traditions of mystics whose experiences of the divine have led them to embrace people of other religions as fellow pilgrims in a mysterious journey toward the Ineffable and the Indescribable Ancient and medieval mystics stressed experience over doctrine. Christian mysticism refers to the development of mystical practices and theory within Christianity - Negative Way means describing what God is not rather than what he is. Meister Eckhart spoke of the "via negativa" (meaning "negative way") to a God who is beyond space and time and description and therefore can only be said to be, as Hindu thinkers put it, "neti neti" (meaning "neither this nor that").
What specific developments in early Islamic history give rise to the split between Sunni and Shi'a forms of Islam? How do these branches of Islam develop in different ways in the centuries which follow?
- Calipha - who will guide the community? Who is the successor? The Shi'a believed that the Calipha should be the closest descendant of the prophet. The Sunni believed the Calipha should be voted on. The Shi'a recommended Ali (Mohammad's cousin) against Abu Bakr, "the faithful one," Omar, "the forceful one" (an autocrat; made many enemies; expanded; and assassinated after 10 years during prayer), and Uthmanche, better at compromise (ordered that the stories of the prophet be written into the Qur'an in 653 CE) until he was finally selected. However, after two years, he was killed. He has two sons, Hassan and Hussein. In the next selection, Mu'awiya was selected over Hassan and convinced Hassan's wife to poison him. He ended the voting process and decided that his son, Yazid would be the next leader, creating a dynasty. Hussein left, along with his 92 family members, and Yazid sent 1000 troops to follow the family and lay siege. In his eyes, they are not following the leader and therefore not respecting God's plan. The men try to break free, and then all 93 people are slaughtered. imams - local prayer leader Shi'a Imams - infallible leaders, divinely guided by God, rightful successors that followed the bloodline of the prophet The line of Imams: Ali, Hassan, Hussein... The Shi'a disagree on the direct lineage (on who the 7th is and where it leads) 12ers - 12th Imam (80% of the Shi'a world); Madhi (a title); occultation - hidden or removed from the world by god, but he's not dead; when the Last day approaches, the Madhi will emerge (Jesus will come back, too) 7ers or Ishmalis (20% of the Shi'a world) - include the 49th Imam who is alive today; Agakhan (title)
According to Prothero, what is Progressive Islam and how is it different from Islamism?
- Islamism is a radical movement aimed to purify Islam from the pollutions of modernity. They aim to create Islamic states using violence and acts of terror. - Progressive Islam is a new movement in Islam that bases its sources from multiple religious' traditions. Although, their main sources are from the Islamic religion, such as the Quran and Hadith. They believe every human life has the same intrinsic worth. They are very tolerant of other religions and non traditional Muslims
When Prothero writes about Judaism and "converts and creeds," "exile and return," and "liberation and law," what big ideas does he bring out which were not discussed in class?
- Judaism is not a missionary religion. Conversion is discouraged by many rabbis. Potential converts are turned down three times before agreeing to take them in. There has never been a practical reason for Jews to define their message to outsiders. Judaism has no real creed. / Judaism has always been more about practice than belief. What makes you a Jew, is being born a Jew. What keeps you active is participating in the life of the Jewish community. Jews are knit together more by ritual and ethics than by doctrine. / The purpose of this tradition was not to solve the human problem, but to keep a people together. They are knit together by ritual and ethics, not necessarily doctrine. More than anything, they are knit together by memory - The problem in Judaism centers on the community rather than the individual. The problem is exile: distance from God and from where we ought to be. The solution is return: to go back to God and to our true home. The techniques for making this journey are two: to tell the story and follow the law and to remember and to obey. - It was in the midst of this liberation story that God laid down the law. God promises blessings to those that follow His commandments, and punishments for those who don't. These commandments in Judaism are called mitzvoth.
The Second Temple Period
1) 515 BCE: The temple is rebuilt and sacrifice is back, which is great for the Sadducees. However, the replacement for sacrifice does not go away, which is goof for the Pharisees. Judaism finds itself with two new sects. 2) 1st Century CE: The Romans are now in control and have named Judea Palestine. They crucify non-citizens who question their power, so you could practice any religion as long as you obeyed them. One could continue to live under the leadership of their own. In this age, Judaism was split into six different sects, the Zealots, the Essences, the Sadducees, the Hellenized Jews, the Galilean Pietists, and the Pharisees. The Pharisees are the only sect to make it out of the Roman era alive.
According to Prothero, what does prayer look like in a Muslim context and how important is it?
- Muslims respond to the adhan (call to prayer) in several ways: some ignore it, some heed it when the mood strikes, and the observant stop whatever they are doing to pray. - In preparation they wash themselves of life's impurities and they turn to face Mecca (Islam's holiest city) They bow their heads and say, "Prayer has arrived, prayer has arrived" and they promise to pray "for the sake of Allah and Allah alone." Then they begin to Saturday the air with sacred sound - Muslims perform ancient choreography of this prayer with their whole bodies - standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting. They bow forward at the waist, hands on knees, back flat. They stand up straight again. They prostrate themselves into a posture of total and absolute submission to Allah, planting their knees, hands, foreheads, and noses on the ground. They then rise to a sitting position and ticktock back and forth between sitting and prostration as their prayer proceeds. - Muslims can call upon Allah for their own reasons, in their own words, and in their own languages - The 5 daily prayers of salat (said aloud at dawn, sunset, and night, and in silence at noon and in the afternoon) are repeated in Arabic precisely as they have been for centuries, starting with Allahu Akbar: "God is great" - They then recite the most common of Muslim Prayers - The Lord's Prayer of Islam - which comes from the first and most popular sura, or chapter, of the Quran, known as the Fatiha
What does Prothero tell us about the Qur'an and Shariah?
- Qur'an • Perfect, unaltered, and untranslatable owrd of God • Written by Allah who gave its words to an angel who gave them to Muhammad • Qur'an means recitation; it is recited more today than it is read • More doctrinal and legal than a narrative • Themes of justice and poverty - Shariah • Means "right path" • Extends to all aspects of life- family, society, economics, and politics • Covers rituals and ethics, as well as criminal law, taxation, and public policy - Figh • Interpretation of Shariah • Based on Quran and the Hadith, a secondary body of scripture comprising thousands of accounts of the words and deeds of Muhammad
According to Prothero, what is the basis for movements such as Zionism, Jewish Feminism, and the Renewal Movement?
- Some Jews began to think of their series of persecutions and exile in more political terms.The nineteenth century brought on a series of anti-Jewish programs. Theodor Herzel, a Viennese Jew, argued for a Jewish state (Israel); Israel was created in 1948 after the Holocaust wiped out six million Jews. - Women were compared to slaves in this religion / they had no power. Now women are gaining more and more authority. - Judaism is often thought of as a closed community, but a new movement born in the 1960s, is adopting all sorts of outside influences. Advocates organize themselves into havurot (fellowships) and gather for prayer, Torah study, and meditation.
According to Prothero, what is Sufism?
- Sufis- mystical tradition; believe Islam has nothing to with law and everything to do with experience and the heart-and-soul connection between the individual believer and God; no rituals or rules; call themselves friends of God - Sufis are divided into 2 types: the sober and the drunk. - Sober Sufis are ever aware of God's power and wrath and keeps them closer to the straight and narrow. - Drunken Sufis emphasize the mercy and beauty of God, approaching Him in love and ecstasy more than awe and fear. They worry less about legal and ritual requirements
How does Prothero describe the diversity within Christian traditions? What examples does he provide? That is, what does Prothero tell us about some of the largest denominations and movements in Christian history?
- The diversity inside Christianity alone is staggering. For the most part, Christians defined themselves theologically, depending on how they viewed relations with the Jews, the mix of divine human natures inside Jesus, and the family relationship among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Christianity has not just adapted to local tongues - it has take on local beliefs and practices from Confucianism in East Asia to spirit possession in Africa. Members of the popular Kimbanguist Church of Condo celebrate Holy Communion with sweet potatoes and honey rather than bread and wine. This strategy of accommodating local cultures is one of the keys to Christianity's global success, and one of the sources of its dizzying diversity. - St. Peter's Episcopal Church on Cape Cod vs Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church which is separated by only 60 miles. SPE can be time to an hour on the dot where BAM goes until the Spirit gives out. SPE held a very calm, sit still service, and BAM held a very roused service - The largest denominations in Christian history are Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism
In modern Judaisms, what sort of "basic sketch" of the Day of Judgment would a rabbi typically provide? Where might different sorts of Rabbis disagree?
1 - Bodily resurrection of all that have ever lived except the truly wicked; there is no doctrine of Hell; the truly wicked will remain forever in the dust; they will cease to exist 2 - The Lord will judge all with the Book of Life (good deeds) and the Book of Judgment (bad deeds) 3 - The Lord will use two standards; Jews go by the Mitzvot; non-Jews under the Seven Laws of Noah (they're in the mitzvot as well); Jews have 606 additional responsibilities [this is why it is so hard to become Jewish] 4 - "The Lord's Heavenly Estate" / inner circle; only devote Jews (Orthodox) vs. anyone who is a good person (Reform) Outer Edges of the Estate / good, devote people Gehena / where the presence of the Lord is weak; dark, lonely, chaotic, anxious; stay from 1 day to 12 months; leave when they realize a way they lived was wrong; repent 5 - Kaddish: traditional prayer the eldest repeats for 11 months after the death of a parent 6 - Messiah: arrival of a messiah will coincide with the Day of Judgment; will end chaos & war and restore ancient Israel in his lifetime Different forms of Judaism will disagree on who goes where.
The Exile Period
1) 586 BCE: The Babylonians conquer Judea and destroy Jerusalem and the temple. They took the valuable Hebrews, the elite, to Babylon as hostages and left the ordinary in Judea. *They find new ways to practice due to the destruction of the temple. The Bible - gathered stories told; they now had motivation to write the stories down. The Synagogue - gathering in private homes to pray together. The Mitzvot - 613 commands the Lord has given to the Jewish; 248 are positive / "love thy neighbor"; 365 are negative / "don't harvest portions of your land, so that others may eat from it"; controlled everything. 2) 538 BCE: The Persians, or ancient Iranians, are led by Cyrus the Great. Cyrus the Great defeats the Babylonians and names those that hail from Judea Jewish. He offered the Jewish a place to stay in Babylon or the freedom to return to Judea. He also offered to help rebuild the temple.
The First Temple Period
1) 965 BCE: Israelites, or Hebrews, were living in two different kingdoms: Israel and Judea. These were wealthy nations. There was a great temple in Jerusalem, Judea. Judaism at this point was sacrificial; followers would make a trip to the great temple where they would bring grains and animals to be sacrificed by a priest. The sacrifice would either be tithe (the best of the crops or animals go to the Lord), sin ((missing the mark) your level of sin determines the sacrifice), or thanksgiving (anything you give over and above tithe and sin). The temple had a banking system; some who came form far would sell their goods at home and buy when they reached Jerusalem. Hebrew prophets, Isaiah, Joel, Ezekiel, etc., existed from 965-586. They didn't write anything down. They were ordinary people the Lord chose for a task: scold the kings for not taking care of the poor, orphans, and immigrants. [If they didn't change their ways, they would be punished. However, what the prophets say is not the same as what the Lord says.] 2) 722 BCE: The Assyrians arise and grow fast. They conquer the northern chunk of Israel and assimilate the Hebrews there.
Differences between Roman Catholic Christianity and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
1. Theological: Original Sin - deep in Catholic thought; coined by a bishop; Adam and Eve broke human nature; humans are prone to sin; debated and rejected in EO; humans come into the world immature Icons - big role in EO; exact replicas of exemplars; windows through which theosis, God's power, is able to make contact; theosis makes you a better person when you're in contact; make more of a painting; theosis can be contracted from icons, baptism (which makes people more mature, not washes them of original sin), and Jesus's resurrection 2. Political (5th century): Bishop of Rome (the Pope) - doctrine emerges that declares the Pope in charge of all other bishops; he cannot be wrong when related to religion; has God's personal guidance; EO doesn't care about there Pope 3. Institutional: 1054 CE - each sect excommunicated (kicked out and banned) the other for willingly teaching inaccurate information 1204 CE - Catholic armies fought in the third crusade and lost; when they passed through Constantinople, an EO populated city, on their way home, they murdered the people there (now present day Turkey); Sack of Constantinople; took their money because of their sadness over the loss against the Muslims
The Diaspora Period
70 CE: The second temple is destroyed and sacrifice has finally ended. The Romans come down hard on Palestine. The Pharisees get spread throughout the Roman empire. They must live outside of communities because they are Jewish. Diaspora does not end until 1948.
What is a "Gospel"? Which Gospels are included in a modern day Bible (Whether Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant)? According to scholars, what were some of the different Gospels circulating in the first four centuries? What are the differences (historical as well as in terms of content) between Marcion's Bible and the Bible assembled by Athanasius centuries later?
A Gospel tells the life and story of Jesus. There are four Gospels in the modern day bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Gospels of Thomas, Infancy, Mary Magdalene were a few of the others circulating during the first four centuries. Maricion's Bible did not include the Old Testament or any connection to Judaism because Marcion, a wealthy, privileged Roman, believed that Judaism and Jesus had no relation. The Bible put together by Athanasius was crafted over 2 centuries later. By this time, Constantine had summoned religious leaders to chose a true form of Christianity and the proper Gospels. Athanasius built his Bible based off of what Constantine had molded Christianity into.
According to Prothero, upon what grounds might the New Atheism be regarded as a religion?
A religion typically exhibits the four C's: creed, cultus, code and community. Atheists obviously have a creed. There is not much evidence that Atheist have any type of cultus or religious worship. Most atheists do have a code of ethical conduct. There are many organizations for the atheist community.
In modern Judaisms, what role does afterlife theory play? What is the basic Jewish orientation toward the afterlife?
An afterlife theory does not play a large role in Judaism. Jews don't really know what happens after. All they know is that descendants, land, and protection were promised by the Lord. He never spoke of an afterlife. They trust that, whatever it is, it will be good, fair, and just because that is how the Lord is.
According to scholars, when did a theory of the afterlife first emerge in Judaism and why?
Ancient Judaism had no theory of an afterlife, and only developed one after Christianity emerged.
Similarities between Roman Catholic Christianity and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Both emerged in the 4th century. Key Tenets: 1. Role of the Church - God's divinely appointed intermediary; only way back to God is through the Church; the Church decides everything (institutionally heavy) 2. Trinity - God is the father, the son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit; divine mystery; both 3 and 1 3. Apostolic Succession: Apostle = someone given authority by Jesus to teach the Gospel; there are 12; it would controversial to declare Mary Mag. as an apostle because she would have been the greatest apostle; the apostles passed their authority down through history and get can be traced in different routes (the Pope/Catholicism) (authority of the church/EO) 4. Sacraments - seven; a path with seven major stones; begins with baptism; how to lead a good Christian life 5. Saints - don't perform supernatural feats on their own; done through God; lead superb Christian lives (decided by the Catholic Church) 6. Eschatology - God decides; Heaven > Purgatory (RC)/ Hades (EO) > Hell
What key events in the life of the Prophet Mohammed were discussed in class, and how is he traditionally understood by Muslims?
Childhood: Mohammad was born around 570 CE in Mecca. There is a story of two angels. Mohammad was playing when two men (angels) flew down, set him on the ground, inserted something into his chest, and then left. Basically, *Mohammad is a human singled out by God*. Adulthood: Mohammad was a caravan trader like his father and uncle: he traded others' wealth miles away. His dad died before he was born, and he was raised by his uncle. He had a wife, Khadijah and four daughters. He had two sons that died. "The Flooding of K'a'bah" In Pre-islamic Arabia, the k'a'bah existed to house the statuary linked to gods and spirits linked to local families. One day, it flooded. When the water receded, the walls were destroyed. The families removed their statues, but no one could figure how/who would get the honor to remove the black stone. The decided that the next man who turned the corner would make the decision. Mohammad was that man and decided to lay his cloak down and set the stone in the middle. He then told the men, that each person could grab a corner and carry it out to share the honor. Prophethood: 610 CE - Ramadan (9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar); Mohammad retreats from Meccan society and Gabriel (the arch-angel) commands him to recite three times. On the third try, the word of god pours out of Mohammad. This lasts until his death. He was a channel for the perfect word of God. The people of Mecca hated him because he preached of one god. He received death threats. 622 CE - Hijrah (year one) (A.H.)(After Hijrah); Mohammad moved from Mecca to al Medina, or for the prophet. 624-627 CE - Meccans sent armies three times to al Medina to try to wipe them out and were defeated each time by the smaller army. Sunnah - The prophet leads the army, but only in self-defense; "the example of the prophet." 630 CE - The prophet lays siege to Mecca (encircles the city) and the Meccans finally surrender. The only punishment was that the leaders were banished from the land. 632 CE - The prophet dies.
According to Prothero, why are "Brown Christians" important in understanding the demographic scope of this tradition in the modern world?
Christians from other nations make up a significant chunk of the religion and change its course.
When, where, and how do the following forms of modern Judaism emerge historically: Orthodox, Hasidic, Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist? What basic features do they all share? What key differences separate these Judaisms?
Every form shares the same key ideas - rabbi, bible, mitzvot, synagogue Orthodox: closely aligned with Rabbinic Judaism; believe the mitzvot are unbendable; Dodger's pitcher, Colfax, refused to play on Yom Kippur because Jews are required to rest on that day; *tradition over adaptation* Hasidic: began in Eastern Europe around 1700; follows tradition over adaptation, but finds that the Orthodox are too legalistic; *mystical joy*; trying to love your neighbor (or practicing any mitzvot) provides an opportunity to connect with the Lord or experience mystical joy; too emotional, train off the track, too far. Reform: 50% of Jews practice this form; emerged in Western Europe/U.S. in the 1800s; *adaptation over tradition*; Colfax could've proven that Judaism has a place in the modern world; female rabbis aren't unheard of; mitzvot aren't absolute (up to individuals to decide); *inspired by the Lord, but humans have played huge role in history*; *value of individualism*. Conservative: developed in the U.S. around 1920; *compromise between tradition and adaptation*; ex- C/drive to the synagogue, R/drive anywhere, O&H/do not drive at all Reconstructionist: developed in the U.S. in the 21st century; gay and female rabbis; Judaism has been rebuilt in the light of liberal western values; unified stance on topics.
What is the demographic scope of Judaism in Israel, worldwide and in the U.S. as of 2018?
Israel: 78% Worldwide: 14 million Jews U.S.: 1-2%
What were the major forms of Christianity which flourished in the 1st through the 4th centuries CE? What teachings were associated with each? Which of these forms survives beyond the 4th century?
Gnostic: gnosis = knowledge; salvation depends on gnosis of esoteric; exoteric = plain, obvious, for everyone; esoteric = mystical, foggy, cryptic, secret, only for a few; only those with supreme knowledge will get into Heaven; a person is tested on the parables of Jesus seven times on the path of Heaven Arian: in addition to Jesus, they studied Arias; moral law is what salvation is based on; for everyone who wants to be a good person Marcionite: also looked to the Roman Marcion; wealthy and shielded from persecution; Jesus had nothing to do with Judaism; 140 CE - Marcion gives the first attempt to craft a bible; he didn't include the old testament or any connection to Judaism. Manichean: also looked to Babylonian Mani; God and Satan are equally powerful in their battle for influence. Pauline: look to Paul; *every Christianity derives from this thought*; Saul of Tarsus / a pharisee; a Roman citizen and helped the Romans hunt Christians; confronted by Jesus (who was dead) on the road to Damascus and converted to Christianity; changed his name to Paul; he started creating churches; sends epistles, or letters, to his churches to help guide them; these make up 51% of the New Testament; "you're a human - you can never get into heaven by being a good person, but Jesus will help you out"; substionary theory of salvation = Jesus was crucified for us, he took on every human sin, he took our place.
What mid-20th century archaeological find changed the way in which scholars understand the first four centuries of Christian history? When and where did it occur, and what sorts of things were found there? Most importantly, how does contemporary scholarly theory (which in part resulted from this discovery) differ from traditional (i.e., emic) Christian understandings of early Christian history?
In 1945, a sandstorm occurred in Nag Hammadi, Egypt. Two clay jars were uncovered filled with books, or codex (ancient books), and scrolls. One scholar found out and retrieved the texts. The emic account of Christianity states that Jesus had a ministry until he was executed. There was no diversity in his teachings until the 11th century. In the 16th century, Christianity broke into several branches. This discovery uncovered 19 more gospels proving there was more diversity in Christianity teachings then previously thought. It also proved that there was more than just one type of Christian community in the Roman Empire.
When and how does a more unified Christianity emerge in the 4th century CE?
In 312 CE, Emperor Constantine provided the Edict of Toleration; Christianity is now tolerated; this ended the 250 years the religion was criminalized; Constantine thought that making this legal would be the glue to hold the vast Roman Empire together because it spread so fast illegally; there were too many forms of Christianity to be a sufficient glue. In 325 CE, he summoned the religious leaders to Nicean to decide Christianity's true form; they created the Nicean Creed, decided which four Gospels were correct, and declared Paul's sect to be true. Gradual Christianization: thought - the transition from polytheism (worship of multiple gods) to ethical monotheism (one divine being that is perfect and infinite that cares about ethical behavior over sacrifice) arch - temples transition to basilica; the face of Roman cities are changing Bible - 369 CE; put together by Athanaseus Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of Rome in 385 CE. In 396 CE, all other religions became illegal.
From the perspective of Western scholars, when and where and how does Islam first emerge?
Islam was a new religious movement in 7th century Arabia. Mohammad was a religious innovator, like Jesus and Buddha, and he was the first muslim.
What does the term "messiah" mean in a traditional Jewish context?
Jewish messiah - normal guy, type of prophet
According to scholars, how far back can we date ancient Judaism? What do scholars make of biblical stories said to have taken place before this time?
Judaism can be dated back to 965 BCE, but there was more than likely a period of practice beforehand. It is almost 3000 years old. Biblical stories that were said to have taken place before this time more than likely passed by word of mouth.
According to Prothero, what is Jewish Kabbalah?
Kabbalah is a mystical tradition. It contains esoteric speculation on God and on numbers, letters, vowels, and consonants. God is Ein Sof (beyond mental grasping), but Ein Sof manifests in ten sefirot (emanations) Shekhina (feminine and immanent aspect of God) which according to Kabbalists complements and balances more masculine and transcendent aspect of God emphasized in the Tanak and Talmud Before creation all was one, but with creation came multiplicity, and our job is to reverse this back to one by doing the commandments.
According to scholars, when and how does Protestant Christianity emerge historically? What historical factors contributed to the Reformation? What key ideas are associated with early, and later, Protestant Reformers? What is the scope of Protestant Christianity worldwide and in the US as of 2018?
Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517. He nailed complaints on the church door, demanding change. He wasn't trying to create a new church: he was actually a monk. Historical Factors: 1. Technological - printing press; before it was difficult and illegal to get printed items; only in Latin was it allowed; after it was inexpensive and common; there was an outbreak of literacy and a grassroots demand to have everything printed in their language; once everyone had the Bible printed in their own language, they decided that what the church was teaching was wrong. 2. Political - "unam sanctum"; one sacred order; Pope has authority over everything (tax, conscript citizens into the army); Kong's and queens do not like this; Luther is protected from trial as a heretic thanks to royalty 3. Moral - simony = if your family makes a large donation, your son can become a leader in the church; therefore, leaders weren't devout indulgences = pay for prayers; the rich can lead a life of sin and have no problem 4. Theological - purgatory, confession, saints: never discussed in the Bible; Catholics "It's there! Look closer!" Key Tenets: 1. Sala Scriptura - scripture alobe - Christianity can only be built of what's strictly in the Bible; early reformers strip things away 2. Priesthood of Believers - adult christians have the access/authority or priests; the church has no authority over men 3. Sola Fide - faith alone; humans are saved by Sola Fide, not with church practices 4. Predestination - some would receive grace, others would not; you can't gain or lose grace; God decided before your life; he's in control World Wide: 500 million U.S.: 48%
According to Prothero, most Europeans and Americans base their view of Islam upon what kinds of sources?
Most Europeans and North Americans have never met a Muslim, so for them Islam beings in the imagination, more specifically in that corner of the imagination colonized by fear
According to Prothero, how does the Christian idea of the trinity reflect a "soft" form of monotheism?
Other religions refuse to imagine go in human form. The Christian tradition is replete with Jesus sculptures and paintings which symbolize the belief that God has taken on a human body. Christians see God as a mysterious trinity: three persons in one godhead. The Father (God, the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth), the Son (Lord Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit (Lord, giver of life)
How might Prothero's theory of religion be seen in Islam?
Problem - jihad Solution - combat the moral struggle Pathway - the five/six pillars Exemplars - Mohammad
How might Prothero's theory of religion be seen in Christianity?
Problem - sin Solution - cleanse yourself Pathway - the sacraments Exemplars - Jesus, the prophets, the apostles, the Pope
How might Prothero's theory of religion been seen in Judaism?
Problem: exile Solution: follow law and tell the story Pathway: practice the Mitzvot Exemplars: rabbis, Abraham
How does Prothero characterize the "New Atheism" movement?
Prothero characterizes the New Atheists as angry atheist who are aggressive and evangelistic on the attack and courting converts.
What is the scope of Roman Catholic Christianity worldwide and in the US as of 2018? What is the scope of Eastern Orthodox Christianity worldwide and in the US as of 2018?
RC: World Wide - one billion U.S. - 22% EO: World Wide - 700 million U.S. - less than 1%
What are the "Wars of Religion"? When, where, and over what specifically were they fought? What key aspect of the American Constitution represents an attempt to prevent similar violence from erupting in American history?
Reformation spread: which faith should the government impose upon its people? This occurred in Germany, France, and England from 1550-1700. Families were torn apart they would see each other as God's enemies. New forms of execution occurred: blended torture and death because these people were serving Satan. The offspring of a heretic is a heretic. In the American Constitution, the writers knew of the war and added in the freedom of religion to prevent violence.
What are each of the Five Pillars of Islam and the various concepts related to each? What role do they play in traditional Islamic daily life?
Shahadah - declaration of faith; deals with conversion and daily prayer; "there is no god but God; and Mohammad is his prophet" Salah/Salat - prayer, everyone prays at the same time five times a day, unity; the adhah is the call to prayer; this is not Dua which is asking God for aid Saum - fasting during the daylight hours for the month of Ramadan; no solids, liquids, medicines, sex, inhalants; must continue daily life; not for the elderly, sick, pregnant, or young; spiritual purification Zakat - giving 2% of wealth to charity/poor once a year; usually give to imams to disperse; justification for taxing non-muslims Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca; must be during a seven day period of the 12th month, Dhul-Hijjah; once a lifetime; poor people are exempt; going on your own, Umrah, doesn't count; non-muslims cannot enter; this is preparation for the last day; must keep patience
According to Prothero, why is Judaism "both the least and the greatest of the great religions"?
Strictly by numbers, Judaism is by far the smallest. There are only about 14 million Jews worldwide, but this tiny religion has wielded influence far out of proportion to its numbers. Judaism started a monotheistic revolution that remade the Western world. It gave the prophetic voice, which continues to demand justice for the poor and oppressed. Judaism gave us stories that continue to animate political and literary conversations worldwide. Judaism is influential in politics (U.S. Congress and Supreme Court,) popular culture (baseball, Hollywood, Broadway,) and comedy. Judaism gave birth to Christianity and Islam.
What is meant by the Classical Islamic Caliphate? When and where did it exist? What innovations has it passed down to the modern day Western world?
The Caliphate is a Sunni construct by the Caliphas. The Shi'a are a minority. They had a hold in bits of each continent from 750 CE to 1500 CE. The Caliphate was a golden age. The intellectual Mecca was Baghdad. Innovations: Math - Algebra Engineering - arch, dome Astronomy - andromeda galaxy Medicine - hospitals, dissections Education - first universities Philosophy - Plato, Aristotle Law - Dhimmis = "protected persons"; people of the book (bible) were protected; they were treated as second class citizens, but it could have been much worse
What is traditional Islamic eschatology? How is this to some degree re-imagined in "Progressive Islam"?
The Last Day: Bodily resurrection - everyone will live again. Everyone will stand in long lines on the plains of a desert behind the leader that you follow. The lines will be led to a great chasm where there's the Sirat Bridge. We will receive judgment as we walk across the bridge: beneath is hell-fire and across is paradise (with 8 different archways that lead to different types of heaven - generous, compassionate, forgiving, etc.). Who goes to heaven? Apocalyptic - only most devout (like ISIS) / Conservative - all devout muslims / moderate - all devout muslims and sometimes other good people / progressive or liberals / anyone who tried to be a good person "Doctrine of the Heights" = People who aren't good, but could be may fall onto the heights of the chasm and climb back up to try to walk across again.
What forms of ancient Judaism were present in 1st century CE Palestine? What did each sect teach? Why does only one form survive the 1st century CE?
The Zealots: believed a messiah would arrive as a military leader and prepared to fight the Romans; 3,000 vs. 300,000; they got wiped out; wished to die in Masada (the very narrow top of a mountain); no way for the Romans to get up there; the Romans get inventive and build a ramp; they reach the Zealots who have killed themselves or each other; they did not want to become slaves. The Essences: expected a spiritual messiah who would take the pure; retreated from society; perfectionists; lived in caves; taught celibacy (did not reproduce); died off. The Sadducees: connected to the second temple; once the temple was gone, so were they. The Hellenized Jews: obsessed with Roman culture; wanted to become citizens; philosophy; don't survive because they lose their jewishness; assimilation. Galilean Pietists: religious reformers from Galilea; lean towards perfectionism; [love they enemy]; Jesus; after a century they transformed into Christians. The Pharisees: taught what was produced in the exile period; only survivor; seed for modern Judaism.
From traditional (i.e., emic) Islamic perspectives, who was the first Muslim, and what is the relationship between Islam and biblical figures such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus? Put differently, from an Islamic perspective, what is the relationship between the Qur'an, the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament?
The first Muslim was Adam (Adam & Eve) and Mohammad was the last. Figures like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus are all prophets of Islam and spread God's word, but they got misled along the way or their message got misinterpreted. The Hebrew Bible and the New Testament preach words of Islam; they are just slightly misdirected. The Qur'an is correct, just like Mohammad is the only instance in which the pure word of God comes and does not get altered.
As Protestant Christianity develops in England and America, when and how do major denominations such as Baptists, Methodists, Southern Baptists and Pentecostals emerge? How do each of these developments relate to basic Protestant logic?
The reformed denomination and the Lutheran denomination occurred in the 1530s. The Anglican, or Episcopal, derived from Catholicism in 1534. This form arrived because Henry the 8th wanted to cancel his most recent marriage and wanted to acquire the 1/3 of property the Church owned. BY breaking off from the Church, he got what he wanted and he made peace with his people. In 1700, Anabaptists came about. The were against baptisms at birth. It was unsafe for them in Europe, so they came to America (Rhode Island). They became Baptists in America and supported adult baptisms because its a conscientious decision. From the Baptists came the Southern Baptists in 1845. They thought slavery was perfectly fine. (They still exist.) In the 1730s, Methodists came about. The Wesley brothers at Oxford were thought of as too extreme/religious. The name was a criticism. Southern Methodists derived from Methodists in 1845. They believed slavery was okay. This branch no longer exists: the Methodists mended their fences. The Pentecostals emerged from the Methodist denomination in San Francisco in 1905. They experienced the gifts of the spirit (charismata) / This was the same experience the Apostles felt on the Day of Pentecost; they began speaking in tongues. This is attributed to the Holy Spirit. It comes into you just as it possessed the Apostles; "slain by the spirits"; if you haven't been slain, you aren't saved.
According to Prothero, what is the role of story (i.e., narrative) in Judaism?
To be a Jew is to tell and retell a story an to wrestle with its key symbols: the character of God, the people of Israel, and the vexed relationship between the two. It is a story of a people banished and then called home - a story of exile and return. This religion of memory is about both story and law. Jews are a people who remember who they are by telling these stories and by following this law. Law (halakha) and narrative (aggadah) are inseparable.
According to Prothero, what is the relationship between Christianity and Islam?
Today Christians and Muslims account for roughly half of the world's population, and for more than half of the world's suicide bombers and drone attacks. Throughout history, there has been times when these two religions have crossed paths only in war or military campaigns and there has been times where they lived side by side in fear. Today they are again rivals Africa is fairly evenly split between Christians and Muslims, so a new Great Game is on there for the hearts and minds of the world's fastest growing population. The other Great Game pits Christians against Muslims on their respective ethics of war.
Demographics of Christianity.
WW - 32%, 2.2 billion U.S. - 70%
What is the scope of Islam in the Middle East, worldwide and in the U.S. as of 2018?
World Wide - 1.6 billion, 23% U.S. - less than 1%
How does Prothero characterize "most atheists today"?
friendly atheists - spiritual but not religious
How does Prothero characterize "most atheists today"?
normal people
What is eschatology? In what two different ways might it appear?
the study of the last things cosmic: what happens at the end? individual: afterlife
