Key Concept 2.1
As states and empires increased in size and contacts between regions intensified, human communities transformed their religious and ideological beliefs and practices.
I. Codifications and further developments of existing religious traditions provided a bond among people and an
ethical code to live by.
A. The association of monotheism with Judaism further developed with the codification of the Hebrew Scriptures, which
also reflected the influence of Mesopotamian cultural and legal traditions. The Assyrian, Babylonian, and Roman
empires conquered various Jewish states at different points in time. These conquests contributed to the growth of Jewish
diasporic communities around the Mediterranean and Middle East.
B. The core beliefs outlined in the Sanskrit scriptures formed the basis of the Vedic religions—developing later into what
was known as Hinduism, a monistic belief system. These beliefs included the importance of multiple manifestations of
Brahman and teachings about dharma and reincarnation, and they contributed to the development of the social and
political roles of a caste system.
ethical code to live by.
A. The association of monotheism with Judaism further developed with the codification of the Hebrew Scriptures, which
also reflected the influence of Mesopotamian cultural and legal traditions. The Assyrian, Babylonian, and Roman
empires conquered various Jewish states at different points in time. These conquests contributed to the growth of Jewish
diasporic communities around the Mediterranean and Middle East.
B. The core beliefs outlined in the Sanskrit scriptures formed the basis of the Vedic religions—developing later into what
was known as Hinduism, a monistic belief system. These beliefs included the importance of multiple manifestations of
Brahman and teachings about dharma and reincarnation, and they contributed to the development of the social and
political roles of a caste system.
|
II. New belief systems and cultural traditions emerged and spread, often
asserting universal truths. A. The core beliefs preached by the historic Buddha and collected by his followers in sutras and other scriptures were, in part, a reaction to the Vedic beliefs and rituals dominant in South Asia. Buddhism branched into many schools and changed over time as it spread throughout Asia—first through the support of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, and then through the efforts of missionaries and merchants and the establishment of educational institutions to promote Buddhism’s core teachings. |
B. Confucianism’s core beliefs and writings originated in the writings and lessons of
Confucius. They were elaborated by key disciples, including rulers such as Wudi, who
sought to promote social harmony by outlining proper rituals and social relationships for all
people in China.
C. In major Daoist writings, the core belief of balance between humans and nature assumed
that the Chinese political system would be altered indirectly. Daoism also influenced the
development of Chinese culture.
|
D. Core beliefs of Christianity were based on the teachings, divinity, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded by his disciples and drew on Judaism as well as Roman and Hellenistic influences. Despite initial Roman imperial hostility, Christianity spread through the efforts of missionaries, merchants, and early saints through many parts of Afro–Eurasia and eventually gained Roman imperial support by the time of Emperor Constantine. |
E. Greco–Roman religious and philosophical traditions offered diverse perspectives on the study of the natural world, the
connection to the divine, and the nature of political power and hierarchy. Some of these perspectives emphasized logic,
empirical observation, and scientific investigation.
F. Art and architecture reflected the values of religions and belief systems.
connection to the divine, and the nature of political power and hierarchy. Some of these perspectives emphasized logic,
empirical observation, and scientific investigation.
F. Art and architecture reflected the values of religions and belief systems.
III. Belief systems generally reinforced existing social structures while also offering new
roles and status to some men and women.
A. Confucianism emphasized filial piety.
B. Some Buddhists and Christians practiced a monastic life.
IV. Other religious and cultural traditions continued and in some paces were incorporated into major religious
traditions.
A. Shamanism, animism, and ancestor veneration continued in their traditional forms in some instances, and in others were
incorporated into other religious traditions.
traditions.
A. Shamanism, animism, and ancestor veneration continued in their traditional forms in some instances, and in others were
incorporated into other religious traditions.