2.1 The Development and Codification of Religious and Cultural Traditions
With the increase sizes of empire and states, shared beliefs became something to abide by, proving a common bond and an ethical code to live by. These religious and belief systems varied greatly from one place into another, many times generating conflict between societies.
I. Codifications and further developments of existing religious traditions provided a bond among the people and an ethical code to live by.
Monotheism- a belief that there is only one god. Further strengthened by the codification of Hebrew Scriptures (the Torah)- which formed the basis of the religion of Judaism
Consecutive conquests by the Assyrian, Babylonian, and then the Roman empires contributed to the growth of Jewish Diaspora communities around the Mediterranean and Middle East
Hinduism (Vedic religions)- its core beliefs are outlined from the Sanskrit scriptures, the Rig Veda being the earliest one composed. It emphasizes that by following one’s duty in the caste, they will be liberated (moved up a caste) by reincarnation. Hence, this contributed to the development of the social and political roles of a caste system in South Asia.
Das, Subhamoy. "An Introduction to Hinduism for Beginners." N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm> .
I. Codifications and further developments of existing religious traditions provided a bond among the people and an ethical code to live by.
Monotheism- a belief that there is only one god. Further strengthened by the codification of Hebrew Scriptures (the Torah)- which formed the basis of the religion of Judaism
Consecutive conquests by the Assyrian, Babylonian, and then the Roman empires contributed to the growth of Jewish Diaspora communities around the Mediterranean and Middle East
Hinduism (Vedic religions)- its core beliefs are outlined from the Sanskrit scriptures, the Rig Veda being the earliest one composed. It emphasizes that by following one’s duty in the caste, they will be liberated (moved up a caste) by reincarnation. Hence, this contributed to the development of the social and political roles of a caste system in South Asia.
Das, Subhamoy. "An Introduction to Hinduism for Beginners." N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm> .
II. New beliefs systems and cultural traditions emerged and spread, often asserting universal truths
Buddhism- founded by the basis of Buddha’s teaching that branched out from Hinduism. It spread through India (South Asia) with the sponsorship of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, then to the rest of Asia with the help of missionaries and merchants.
Confucianism- from the teachings of Confucius, it stresses of respect for one’s superiors, while insisting that those superiors also should avoid abusive powers, and always be courteous.
Stearns, Peter N., and Peter N. Stearns. "Chapter 2." World Civilizations: The Global Experience. New York: Longman, 2003. 41. Print.
Daoism or “Taoism” emphasizes the importance of the basic harmony of nature.
"Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://www.iep.utm.edu/daoism/>.
influenced:
Buddhism- founded by the basis of Buddha’s teaching that branched out from Hinduism. It spread through India (South Asia) with the sponsorship of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, then to the rest of Asia with the help of missionaries and merchants.
Confucianism- from the teachings of Confucius, it stresses of respect for one’s superiors, while insisting that those superiors also should avoid abusive powers, and always be courteous.
Stearns, Peter N., and Peter N. Stearns. "Chapter 2." World Civilizations: The Global Experience. New York: Longman, 2003. 41. Print.
Daoism or “Taoism” emphasizes the importance of the basic harmony of nature.
"Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://www.iep.utm.edu/daoism/>.
influenced:
- Medical theories and practices
- Poetry
- Metallurgy
- Architecture
III Belief systems affected gender roles. Buddhism and Christianity encourages monastic life and Confucianism emphasized filial piety.
IV. Other religious and cultural traditions continued to parallel to the codified, written belief systems in core civilizations.
Animism is where elements of nature are considered divine, even animals (hence animism), and of a significant importance. Shamanism goes beyond animism by having a special role for a special human being that can connect to the spirit world. Both have a significant role within and outside of the core civilizations, shaping much of their lives and how the world is perceived.
"Animism & Shamanism: Definitions, Worldviews & Ideologies." Study.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://study.com/academy/lesson/animism-shamanism-definitions-worldviews-ideologies.html>.
Regions with ancestor veneration:
V. Artistic expressions, including literature and drama, architecture, and sculpture, show distinctive cultural developments.
Literature and drama:
IV. Other religious and cultural traditions continued to parallel to the codified, written belief systems in core civilizations.
Animism is where elements of nature are considered divine, even animals (hence animism), and of a significant importance. Shamanism goes beyond animism by having a special role for a special human being that can connect to the spirit world. Both have a significant role within and outside of the core civilizations, shaping much of their lives and how the world is perceived.
"Animism & Shamanism: Definitions, Worldviews & Ideologies." Study.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://study.com/academy/lesson/animism-shamanism-definitions-worldviews-ideologies.html>.
Regions with ancestor veneration:
- Africa
- Mediterranean region
- East Asia
- Andean areas
V. Artistic expressions, including literature and drama, architecture, and sculpture, show distinctive cultural developments.
Literature and drama:
- Greek plays
- Indian epics
- India
- Greece
- Rome
- Mesoamerica