Zoroastrianism

Religion of Persia Belief in two opposing forces in the universe Persian Prophet Zoroaster founded

Zoroastrianism Belief in two spiritual armies led by: Ahura Mazda -the god of truth and light Ahriman -the god of evil and darkness Both armies are fighting for control of a

person’s soul Followers controlled their fate by either choosing the side of goodness or the side of

evilness Had similar concepts to Judaism, Islam, Christianity Spreads to India which now has the largest group of practicing Zoroastrians because of

Islam becoming the main religion in Persia (Iran)

Judaism

Hebrews settled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River Valley (part of the Fertile Crescent in Southwest Asia). “Canaan”

Law Code-Ten Commandments-state moral & religious conduct Practice monotheism Founder of Judaism was Abraham Moses led Hebrews to Canaan from Egypt Jerusalem is a holy city to Hebrews Torah -contains the written records & beliefs of the Jews Hebrews were exiled- (Diaspora) from Jerusalem by Assyrians, Babylonians, & from other parts

of the world later on by the Romans, England, Spain, Germany, and the Middle East

Christianity

roots in Judaism founder was Jesus of Nazareth who proclaimed to be the Messiah conflicted with polytheistic beliefs of Roman Empire practiced monotheism Jesus as both Son & incarnation of God Life after death New Testament of the Bible -containing accounts of life & teachings of Jesus,

as well of early Christianso Christian doctrines established by early church councils

Christianity carried by Apostles including Paul throughout Roman Empireo Early martyrs inspired others

o Popularity of the message Roman Empire Constantine converted to Christianity & made it legal to practice. Christianity later became the official state religion of the Roman Empire. The Church became a source of moral authority, Loyalty to the Church became more important than loyalty to the Emperor. The Church became the main unifying force of Western Europe.

Islam