Lesson 4 Review

Identify a common element of the major world religions.

• They all developed in South Asia.
• None of the major religions relies on sacred texts.
• They all set down basic ethical principles for humans to follow.
• None of the major religions involves a belief in multiple gods.

Answer explanation

All of these religions are unique, but they have key elements in common. They all set down basic ethical principles to guide human actions. They use sacred texts to teach moral values, through stories, known as parables. They also offer a message that has appealed to people in different places and with diverse cultural backgrounds. (p. 49)

Monotheism is the belief

• in one God.
• that animals are sacred and holy beings.
• that God made an agreement with Abraham.
• in multiple gods.

Answer explanation

Judaism was the earliest world religion to arise in the Middle East. Unlike other religions of the time, one of Judaism’s core traits was monotheism, the belief in a single, all-powerful God. Those that practice Judaism also believe in prophets, holy people who receive the word of God and pass this message on to the people. One important prophet is Abraham, known as the father of the Jewish people. (p. 50)

What occurred as a result of the Jewish Diaspora?

• Rome became the new Jewish homeland.
• Jews were dispersed across the Middle East.
• Little Jewish tradition was preserved.
• Rabbis were unable to record any Jewish teachings.

Answer explanation

Nevertheless, Jewish migration from Israel also helped spread the ideas of Judaism. Over the centuries, Jews settled in many parts of the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. They also migrated to Asia and, eventually, to the Americas. (p. 52)

Which describes the Torah?

• another name for the Ten Commandments
• a place where Jews gather to pray
• the first five books of the Hebrew Bible
• the sacred kingdom of Solomon

Answer explanation

The central teachings of Judaism are in the Torah, which makes up the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. The Torah contains the Ten Commandments, which Jews believe were handed down along with other teachings by God to Moses. (p. 51)

According to Christianity, Jesus is considered to be

• an apostle.
• a disciple.
• a prophet.
• the Son of God.

Answer explanation

The origins of Christianity lay in the life and teachings of Jesus, considered by Christians to be the Son of God. The story of Jesus is based largely on accounts in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Born in the Roman province of Judea about 6 B.C.E., Jesus became a Jewish teacher. When he was around 30 years old, he left home to travel across Judea and teach the word of God. (p. 53)

According to the New Testament in the Christian Bible, Jesus rose from the dead after three days. What do Christians call this event?

• baptism
• crucifixion
• Holy Communion
• the Resurrection

Answer explanation

The New Testament of the Christian Bible says that Jesus was put to death by crucifixion, a common form of execution used by the Romans. After Jesus’s death, his friends placed his body in a tomb. The New Testament says that three days later Jesus rose from the dead and then appeared to his disciples. Christians call this event the Resurrection. (p. 54)

Which statement about Islam is correct based on Islamic beliefs?

• Muhammad was a prophet chosen by Allah.
• The Sunnah contains the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.
• The Five Pillars describe Muhammad’s actions and teachings.
• Shari’ah has remained the same throughout history.

Answer explanation

As the years passed, Mohammad became increasingly drawn to spiritual matters. One day in about 610 C.E., according to Islamic teachings, Muhammad was meditating in a cave when an angel appeared before him and revealed the word of Allah, or God. The angel told him that he had been chosen as Allah’s prophet, or messenger. (p. 56)

The Five Pillars of Islam refer to

• required acts of worship for Muslims.
• the Qur’an, or Muslim holy book.
• the ways to spread Islam in the world.
• the most important aspects of Shari’ah.

Answer explanation

The required acts of worship for Muslims are called the Five Pillars of Islam. (p. 57)

In Hinduism, what purpose do the ideals expressed in the Vedas serve?

• They unify the religion.
• They dictate specific rituals.
• They guide the role of priests.
• They establish religious law.

Answer explanation

Modern-day Hinduism has been shaped by various cultures, traditions, languages, and populations. However, the ideals expressed in the Vedas unify the religion. (p. 60)

According to Hinduism, one escapes reincarnation by

• choosing only one god or goddess to worship.
• living a spiritual life and freeing oneself from karma.
• memorizing the Upanishads and Vedas .
• striving to disregard one’s dharma.

Answer explanation

Devout Hindus believe that by living a spiritual life, they can free themselves from karma and attain moksha, or release, thus merging their soul with Brahman and ending the cycle of rebirth samsara. (p. 60)