World Religions (8000 BCE - 600 CE) - Vocabulary Flashcards
Confucianism
Confucianism developed in China as a political-social philosophy rather than a religion. Confucius, an educator and adviser, influenced thought through the Analects. Its core is the five fundamental relationships (ruler–subject, parent–child, husband–wife, older–younger, friend–friend) and the cultivation of junzi, educated, conscientious leaders who prioritize the state’s good over personal ambition. Core values include Ren (humanity), Li (propriety), and Xiao (filial piety). Women tended to occupy secondary status, though children were taught to honor both mothers and fathers.
Because Confucianism is ethical and political, it could coexist with other beliefs and helped create a tight-knit Chinese culture with duties extending from birth to death. It spread mainly within China and did not become a global religion.
Daoism
Daoism centers on the Dao (the Way of nature) as an eternal principle. Founded by Lao-tzu, it emphasizes a passive, yielding approach—action without force (wuwei)—and harmony with nature. Ambition and activism are viewed as sources of chaos. Daoism also includes ritual magic by priests. It encouraged small, self-sufficient communities and contributed to advancements in science, astronomy, chemistry, and botany.
Daoism coexisted with Confucianism, Buddhism, and Legalism, adding to China’s cultural complexity. While Confucianism pursues social order and active governance, Daoism promotes inner peace and minimal government interference. Many Chinese practiced both to guide public life (Confucian) and private contemplation (Daoist).
Legalism
Legalism, prominent under the Qin Dynasty, asserted that peace and order require a centralized, tightly governed state. It viewed human nature as fundamentally self-interested and therefore relied on harsh laws, strong central authority, and unquestioned power. Farming and the military were seen as the most virtuous professions because they sustain the state.
The Qin unified China quickly and undertook major projects like the Great Wall. However, Legalism bred broad resentment among common people and helped fuel later shifts back toward Confucian and Daoist ideas.
Hinduism
Hinduism began in with the Aryans and developed through repeated interactions with local cultures. Hindus believe in Brahma, the creator, and that gods such as Vishnu and Shiva are manifestations of Brahma. The life goal is to merge with Brahma, achieved through dharma (duty) and karma (actions).
Reincarnation governs the cycle of birth and rebirth, with moksha as the ultimate release. There is no single sacred text; the Vedas and Upanishads guide belief and practice. Hinduism also encompasses a caste system, where one’s status and future rebirth are linked to current conduct and dharma.
Its close association with caste helped sustain Indian society and hindered broad adoption elsewhere. Within India, Hinduism contributed to culture and, later, to the rise of Buddhism.
Buddhism
Buddhism emerged in India, China, and Southeast Asia, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha). It rejects a personal god and centers on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to end suffering and achieve nirvana, the state of ultimate peace. Reincarnation continues until nirvana is reached.
After the Buddha’s death, Buddhism split into Theravada (Hinayana) and Mahayana. Theravada emphasizes meditation and a minimal divine role for Buddha; Mahayana adds bodhisattvas and more ritual, viewing the Buddha as a divine figure and appealing to a broader audience. Buddhism spread widely along trade routes and through Ashoka’s conversion, reaching China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Buddhism’s spread appealed to lower castes and diverse peoples because it rejected rigid social hierarchies; in India it eventually merged with Hinduism, while it continued to flourish in other parts of Asia.
Judaism
Judaism centers on monotheism and the covenant between God and the Hebrews. God revealed laws and guidance, which Jews are called to follow through the Torah. Judaism emphasizes a unique relationship with God and the ethical duties that come with it, along with a strong sense of peoplehood and identity.
As one of the first major monotheistic faiths, Judaism laid the groundwork for Christianity and Islam. It is closely tied to culture and tradition, rather than universal evangelism, and maintains a long history of evolving practice within a specific cultural context.
Christianity
Christianity originated from Judaism with Jesus of Nazareth, who taught devotion to God and love for others. Jesus was crucified around , and Christians believe he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. Christianity rests on the Old and New Testaments, asserting that forgiveness and eternal life come through faith in Jesus as the Son of God and savior.
Early spread occurred through Jesus’s disciples and Paul of Tarsus, who broadened the message beyond Jews to Gentiles. Christianity’s emphasis on compassion and inclusion appealed to the lower classes and women. It became legal in the Roman Empire and eventually the official religion, profoundly shaping world history.