Polytheistic Religions Pt 2

Aim: How do monotheistic and polytheistic have the same goals? or do they?

Do Now: In your notebooks, Define; Reincarnation, Karma, Nirvana, Caste System

Lesson Overview:

Item	Approx Time
Do Now	3-5 Min
Mini Lesson	15-20 Min
Activity	15 Min
Discussion	5-7 Min

Taoism (Daoism)

Background

The Chinese philosophy of Taoism (or Daoism) developed in the latter part of the Chou Dynasty, during a period of turmoil in which it was not clear that Chinese civilization would survive. It represents a naturalistic ideal of how one should live their life.

The Basics

• Founder - The Chinese philosopher Lao Tze.
• Geographic Origin - Developed in China around 500 BCE.
• Currently Practiced - Elements of this philosophy are still practiced in Southeast Asia.
• Significant Writings - Tao-te-Ching

Teachings and Beliefs

The Chinese term Tao can be translated into English, meaning "the way." It is a philosophy which teaches that Yin-Yang Symbol nature has a "way" in which it moves, and that people should passively accept the "way" of nature, rather than resist it. One concept related to this is that of wu-wei, which means "not doing." This means that people should not act unnaturally by doing things, but rather should openly accept the natural way. An emphasis is placed on the link between people and nature. Taoism teaches that this link lessened the need for rules and order, and leads one to a better understanding of the world.

The Yin and Yang symbol (pictured above) has also been used to illustrate the natural harmony that exists in the world. Everything must have an opposing force that allows the harmonious universe to exist. For example:

Yin	Yang
Light	Dark
Male	Female
Heavenly	Earthly
Active	Passive

Confucianism

Background

Confucius lived in China during the Chou Dynasty, when there was mass disorder and confusion and degrading moral standards. Confucius was appalled by what appeared to be the fracturing of Chinese society. He believed that the only cure was to stress a sense of social order and mutual respect, a philosophy that later became known as Confucianism.

The Basics

• Founder - Kong Fu Zi, which was translated as Confucius by Europeans. His teachings were later refined and spread by Mencius.
• Geographic Origin - Developed in China around 500 BCE..
• Currently Practiced - Elements of this philosophy are still practiced in Southeast Asia.
• Significant Writings - The Analects.

Teachings and Beliefs

Confucianism teaches that there is a natural social order to society which can best be explained through the Five Relationships:

1. Ruler to ruled
2. Father to son
3. Older brother to younger brother
4. Husband to wife
5. Senior Friend to Junior Friend

In these relationships, the second role is considered subordinate to the first. It was taught that if everyone knew their place in society, then order would prevail. There are several concepts which needed to be practiced in order to achieve an ordered society:

• Jen - Human kindness should be shown towards one another.
• Li - Proper etiquette should always be used, and one should strive to achieve perfect virtue.
• Filial Piety - One should respect their elders.

Shinto (Shintoism)

Background

Shinto, which means "Way of the Gods," is the traditional religion of Japan that focuses on nature. Many consider Shinto to be a form of Animism due to the many similarities found between them.

Basics

• Established - Shinto was was founded around the year 500 BCE.
• Founder- Evolved from a mixture of tribal religions with similar beliefs.
• Geographic Origin - Developed on the Japanese archipelago.
• Currently Practiced - Most common in Japan.

Significant Writings

Kokiji, or Record of Ancient Matters and Nikong, or Chronicles of Japan. Places of Worship: Shinto shrines are usually dedicated near sites of impressive natural beauty (e.g., mountains, lakes, etc.), or of historical importance to Japan. The entrance to these shrines is usually indicated by the presence of a red gateway called a torri.

Significant Religious People:

Traditionally, the Emperor of Japan was considered to be a direct descendant of the Sun Goddess who created the Japanese islands. Therefore, the Emperor was considered divine by the people who practiced Shinto. After Japan surrendered to the United States in WWII, Emperor Hirohito renounce his divinity and political authority.

Teachings and Beliefs

Shinto teaches that there is a sacredness of the whole universe and that humans can be in tune with this sacredness. Every mountain, river, plant, animal, and all the diverse phenomena of heaven and earth have spirits, or kami, which inhabit them. Reverence is paid to the ancestors through the practice of ancestor worship.

Classwork & Homework

Lesson PowerPoint: Polytheistic Belief Systems Part 2

Lesson Activity: Confucianism Text

Homework: Assignments