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Name of Religion: Paganism (aka polytheism, tribal religions) Followers are Called: pagans, Wiccans (modern term) Founder: unknown (too old) Place of Origin: native cultures all over the world Rank in #s of Followers: Hard to tellstrong among indigenous peoples Where Members Are Found Today: tribal areas, some renewal in the West Sacred Text(s): Popul Vuh (Mayan), Book of the Dead (Egypt) Sacred Places: Stonehenge, the pyramids, mounds, Delphi, many others Famous Teachers & Followers: Many tribal priests & shamans Subdivisions: native American, Egyptian, Celtic, Germanic, Greek & Roman, Hindu, Asian Connections to Other Religions: Influenced many later religions (eg., the Christmas Tree is a pagan German custom), sometimes mix with Christianity in the Americas Key Terms: sacrifice, shaman, ritual Core Beliefs & Practices: There are many gods, goddesses & spirits who control or influence the natural world & human affairs Calendars importantcycles of nature Keeping the gods happy with you (or at least not mad at you) is important Communicating with the gods and deceased relatives (ancestor veneration, mummification) is usually done through priests & rituals Honoring the gods is often done via sacrificesanimal, vegetable or human Fun Facts You can tell a lot about a people from their godswarrior peoples have war gods (Thor), farming peoples have corn & sun gods, etc.
Subdivisions: Mahayana Buddhismless strict, emphasized bodhisattvas (Buddhist saints) Theravada Buddhismstricter form, popular in SE Asia Zen (Chan) Buddhismfirst developed in China, became very popular in Japanbased on a combination of Daoism & Buddhism, more inspirational
Connections to Other Religions: grew out of Hinduism; some common elements (reincarnation, karma); influenced by Jainism (non-violence); Zen influenced by Daoism Key Terms: nirvanaBuddhist heavenfreedom from reincarnation Dharmacore Buddhist teachings, dutiful way of living BodhisattvaBuddhist saint who has attained enlightenment Core Beliefs & Practices: the Four Noble Truths & the Eightfold Path People should overcome desire through right living & meditation Impermanenceyou shouldnt get to attached to physical things
Fun Facts
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Core Beliefs & Practices: People receive salvation from their sins by being reborn and accepting Jesus as Messiah; people should follow Jesus teachings & example Baptism Communionthe Lords Supper ChristmasJesus birth EasterJesus resurrection Fun Facts The cross, representing Jesus crucifixion and sacrifice, is the symbol of Christianity
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