Commonalities of Culture

ü  Cycle of Life

ü  Use of symbols

ü  Response to the aesthetic

ü  Membership in groups/organizations

ü  Work production, distribution, consumption

ü  Connection to ecology of earth

ü  Searching for greater purpose, religion, or values

 

Polytheistic religions (believe in many gods)

Hinduism

ü  Brahman

                  - All-powerful spirit

ü  Moksha

                  - Goal of life (union w/Brahman)

ü  Dharma

                  - Religious/moral duties

ü  Karma

ü  Reincarnation

ü  Ahisma (nonviolence)

ü  Respect for all life

Buddhism

ü  Eightfold path to enlightenment (through meditation)

ü  Nirvana

                  - Union with universe (Ultimate goal)

ü  Moral life

ü  Ahisma (nonviolence)

ü  Dharma – moral/religious duties

ü  Karma

ü  Rejection of priests/caste system

Confucianism

ü  Following teaching of K’ung Fu Tzu

ü  Natural goodness of people

ü  Acceptance of place in family/society

ü  Responsibility of rulers to set good examples

ü  Ideas that correct behavior bring stability

ü  Importance of education

ü  Importance of family over individual

Confucian ethical teachings

ü  Li: Ritual property, etiquette

ü  Hsiao: Love within family, love of parents for children & vice versa

ü  Yi: Righteousness

ü  Xin: Honesty and trustworthiness

ü  Jen: Benevolence, humaneness towards others, highest Confucian virtue

ü  Chung: Loyalty to state

 

Monotheistic Religions (only believe in one god)

Islam

ü  Muhammad prophet

ü  Basic duties: five pillars (faith, daily prayer, charity, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca)

ü  Shana: laws based on Quaran (regulate government, family, community)

ü  Arabic: Language in which Koran should be read

ü  Language learned by converts to Islam; unifying force for Muslims from many regions

ü  Art: ban against symbols representing god

ü  Elaborate decoration and architecture in mosques

Judaism

ü  Four sects: Hasidic, orthodox, conservative, reform

ü  Messiah

ü  Written document: Torah (Ten commandments)

ü  Moses

Christianity

ü  Trinity: Father, son, Holy spirit/ghost

ü  Old & new testaments

ü  Heaven/afterlife

ü  Easter: belief in resurrection of Jesus

ü  Catholic = universal