Belief Systems - Overview

Aim: What are Belief Systems and How do they affect Global History?

Do Now: In your notebook, define the term; Belief Systems

Lesson Overview:

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

Belief Systems Overview

What is a belief system?

People have always had a need to explain the world around them. Why doesn't it rain? Why do people die? Why does the harvest come at the same time every year? And, what happens to them once they die? In response to the answers to these questions, people created philosophies and religion. These are known as belief systems.

At first, humans developed belief systems that were localized to the area in which they lived. As civilization developed, polytheism, or worshiping many gods, became quite common. Often cities, such as Athens, Greece, would worship gods who were seen as their protector, and were known as patron gods. Egypt, for instance, was known for worshiping many gods in what is call a pantheon or group of gods. They worshiped the sun god, Re or Amun-Re. This is evident in the name for King Tutankhamun. With amun being part of his name. He was the sun gods representative on earth and when he died he would become one with the sun god and live forever in the afterlife.

In the Middle East, the Hebrews first established the concept of monotheism, or the belief in a single god. This laid the foundation for later religions such as Christianity and Islam.

In Asia, many philosophies were developed in order to establish a way of life for people. Some of these philosophies stressed order and structure in society, while others taught that humans should find harmony in nature, and be devoid of artificial rules on behavior.

Monotheism

Monotheism is the belief in one god. The three (3) main monotheistic religions are:

Judaism
Christianity
Islam

Classwork & Homework

Lesson PowerPoint: Belief Systems Overview

Lesson Video: Belief Systems Timeline

Lesson Activity:

Homework: Assignments