World ReligionWorld Religion

Where are religions distributed?Where are religions distributed?

Why do they have different distributions?Why do they have different distributions?

The Paradox of ReligionThe Paradox of Religion

All religions hold peace as the highest value.All religions hold peace as the highest value. Loving thy enemy is common to all religionLoving thy enemy is common to all religion So why is so much conflict centered around So why is so much conflict centered around

religion?religion? Geographers are concerned with distribution Geographers are concerned with distribution

of religion and the potential for conflictof religion and the potential for conflict

Globalization vs. Local DiversityGlobalization vs. Local Diversity People care deeply about their religion and draw core People care deeply about their religion and draw core

values/beliefs from itvalues/beliefs from it Some designed to appeal to all people, while others Some designed to appeal to all people, while others

appeal to geographically limited areasappeal to geographically limited areas Religious values are a mark of culture and ways Religious values are a mark of culture and ways

people organize the landscapepeople organize the landscape Most religions require exclusive adherence, adopting a Most religions require exclusive adherence, adopting a

universal religion comes at the expense of a local universal religion comes at the expense of a local religionreligion

Unlike language, you can only have 1 religion.Unlike language, you can only have 1 religion. Like language, people carry religion with them when Like language, people carry religion with them when

they migratethey migrate Assimilated people usually lose native language Assimilated people usually lose native language

before religionbefore religion

Universalizing vs Ethnic ReligionsUniversalizing vs Ethnic Religions

Universalizing- attempt to be global, appeal Universalizing- attempt to be global, appeal to all people.to all people.

Ethnic- appeals primarily to 1 group of Ethnic- appeals primarily to 1 group of people in 1 place.people in 1 place.

62% universalizing, 24% ethnic, 14% no 62% universalizing, 24% ethnic, 14% no religionreligion

UniversalizingUniversalizing

3 main ones- Christianity, Islam, Buddhism3 main ones- Christianity, Islam, Buddhism Branch- large and fundamental division Branch- large and fundamental division

within a religionwithin a religion Denomination- division of a branch that Denomination- division of a branch that

unites a number of congregations in a single unites a number of congregations in a single bodybody

Sect- small group that has broken away Sect- small group that has broken away from a denominationfrom a denomination

ExamplesExamples

Religion- ChristianityReligion- Christianity Branch- ProtestantBranch- Protestant Denomination- BaptistDenomination- Baptist Sect- Southern Baptist Convention, National Sect- Southern Baptist Convention, National

Baptist ConventionBaptist Convention

R- IslamR- Islam B- Sunni, Shi’iteB- Sunni, Shi’ite D- American Muslim MissionD- American Muslim Mission S- Nation of IslamS- Nation of Islam

Christian BranchesChristian Branches

3 main branches- Roman Catholicism 3 main branches- Roman Catholicism (52%), Eastern Orthodox (10%), Protestant (52%), Eastern Orthodox (10%), Protestant (21%)- (21%)-

27% not part of these 3 branches, including 27% not part of these 3 branches, including 5% nonreligious Christians5% nonreligious Christians

Protestant/Catholic areas sharply dividedProtestant/Catholic areas sharply divided Over 2 billion people worldwide call Over 2 billion people worldwide call

themselves Christianthemselves Christian

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/Celtic_cross.svg

Western hemisphereWestern hemisphere

90% of West is Christian90% of West is Christian 5% other, 6% nonreligious5% other, 6% nonreligious Latin Am 93% Catholic, N. America 29%Latin Am 93% Catholic, N. America 29% Among Protestants in US, Baptists largest, Among Protestants in US, Baptists largest,

followed by Methodists, Pentecostal, and followed by Methodists, Pentecostal, and LutheranLutheran

Catholics in US concentrated in NE and SWCatholics in US concentrated in NE and SW

Smaller branchesSmaller branches

Egyptian Coptic/Ethiopian- from 4Egyptian Coptic/Ethiopian- from 4thth century, century, when shipwrecked Christian slaves when shipwrecked Christian slaves converted Ethiopian kingconverted Ethiopian king

About 10 million in EthiopiaAbout 10 million in Ethiopia Armenian church originated in Antioch, Armenian church originated in Antioch,

members concentrated in Lebanon, members concentrated in Lebanon, Armenia, NE Turkey and SW AzerbaijanArmenia, NE Turkey and SW Azerbaijan

Smaller branchesSmaller branches

Maronites- a small Christian sect Maronites- a small Christian sect concentrated in Lebanonconcentrated in Lebanon

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) consider themselves an (Mormons) consider themselves an independent branch 3% of Americans, independent branch 3% of Americans, mostly Utah, some in Canadamostly Utah, some in Canada

IslamIslam

1.3 billion Muslims, mostly in Middle East 1.3 billion Muslims, mostly in Middle East from N. Africa to Central Asia, Indonesia, from N. Africa to Central Asia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, IndiaPakistan, Bangladesh, India

Islam means “submission to the will of God”, Islam means “submission to the will of God”, has a similar root to the word “peace”has a similar root to the word “peace”

5 Pillars of Islam5 Pillars of Islam

1. There is no God but God, and 1. There is no God but God, and Muhammad is his prophetMuhammad is his prophet

2. Pray 5 times/day, facing Mecca2. Pray 5 times/day, facing Mecca 3. Alms giving (charity)3. Alms giving (charity) 4. Fasting during Ramadan4. Fasting during Ramadan 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca if able5. Pilgrimage to Mecca if able

Branches of IslamBranches of Islam

2 main ones- Sunni (orthodox) and Shi’ite 2 main ones- Sunni (orthodox) and Shi’ite (sectarian)(sectarian)

Sunni 83%, Shi’ite 16%Sunni 83%, Shi’ite 16% Shi’ite concentrated in Iran, Iraq, PakistanShi’ite concentrated in Iran, Iraq, Pakistan Muslims in W. Europe a legacy of Muslims in W. Europe a legacy of

colonialism and immigration. E. Europe- colonialism and immigration. E. Europe- Ottoman EmpireOttoman Empire

5 million Muslims in N. America5 million Muslims in N. America

Nation of IslamNation of Islam

Aka “Black Muslims” started in 1930’s in Aka “Black Muslims” started in 1930’s in DetroitDetroit

Led by Elijah Muhammad, advocated a Led by Elijah Muhammad, advocated a separate nation within the US for separate nation within the US for themselvesthemselves

Malcolm X converted to orthodox Islam after Malcolm X converted to orthodox Islam after a pilgrimage to Mecca, assassinated 1965a pilgrimage to Mecca, assassinated 1965

BuddhismBuddhism 400 million adherents400 million adherents Mainly in China and SE AsiaMainly in China and SE Asia 4 Noble Truths:4 Noble Truths: 1. Life is suffering1. Life is suffering 2. Suffering is caused by desire2. Suffering is caused by desire 3. To eliminate suffering, eliminate desire3. To eliminate suffering, eliminate desire 4. To eliminate desire and achieve Nirvana, 4. To eliminate desire and achieve Nirvana,

follow the Noble Eightfold Path- right beliefs, follow the Noble Eightfold Path- right beliefs, resolve, speech, action, livelihood, effort, resolve, speech, action, livelihood, effort, thought, meditationthought, meditation

BuddhaBuddha

Buddhist BranchesBuddhist Branches

Theravada “little raft” (38%), Mahayana “big Theravada “little raft” (38%), Mahayana “big raft” (56%), tantrayana “yoga” (6%)raft” (56%), tantrayana “yoga” (6%)

Buddhists can adhere to more than one Buddhists can adhere to more than one Eastern religion.Eastern religion.

Other UniversalizingOther Universalizing Sikhism- 25 million, mostly in Punjab region of Sikhism- 25 million, mostly in Punjab region of

IndiaIndia Kind of a combo of Islam and BuddhismKind of a combo of Islam and Buddhism Sikhs wear turbans and never cut beards/hairSikhs wear turbans and never cut beards/hair Baha’i- 8 million, dispersed mostly in Asia and Baha’i- 8 million, dispersed mostly in Asia and

AfricaAfrica Baha’u’llah wanted to overcome disunity and Baha’u’llah wanted to overcome disunity and

establish universal faith by abolishing class, establish universal faith by abolishing class, race, and religious prejudicesrace, and religious prejudices

Ethnic religionsEthnic religions

Hinduism- 860 million, 3Hinduism- 860 million, 3rdrd largest largest 97% in India97% in India It is up to you to decide the best way to It is up to you to decide the best way to

worship Godworship God 4 paths- knowledge, renunciation, devotion, 4 paths- knowledge, renunciation, devotion,

and actionand action 68% Vishnu, mostly west68% Vishnu, mostly west 27 % Shiva, mostly north and east27 % Shiva, mostly north and east

Ethnic ReligionsEthnic Religions

Confucianism emphasizes li, or “correct Confucianism emphasizes li, or “correct behavior”, 5 relationshipsbehavior”, 5 relationships

A series of ethical principles like following A series of ethical principles like following traditions and fulfilling obligationstraditions and fulfilling obligations

Taoism- seek the Tao, or “way”. Only by Taoism- seek the Tao, or “way”. Only by avoiding daily activities and introspection avoiding daily activities and introspection can a person live in harmony with the can a person live in harmony with the universe.universe.

Split into many sectsSplit into many sects

Ethnic ReligionsEthnic Religions

Shintoism- ethnic religion of Japan- Shintoism- ethnic religion of Japan- originally worshipped forces of natureoriginally worshipped forces of nature

Transmitted orally until 5Transmitted orally until 5thth century when century when introduction of Chinese scriptintroduction of Chinese script

Eventually deceased emperors and Eventually deceased emperors and ancestors became more important gods ancestors became more important gods than naturethan nature

After WW2 Emperor forced to renounce his After WW2 Emperor forced to renounce his divinitydivinity

Ethnic ReligionsEthnic Religions

Judaism- Most in Israel and USJudaism- Most in Israel and US Israel 1Israel 1stst majority Jewish state since biblical majority Jewish state since biblical

timestimes Jesus born a Jew, Islam, Christianity have Jesus born a Jew, Islam, Christianity have

roots in Judaismroots in Judaism Founded by Abraham about 4000 yrs ago Founded by Abraham about 4000 yrs ago

when he moved from Iraq to Canaanwhen he moved from Iraq to Canaan 11stst monotheistic religion monotheistic religion

Ethnic ReligionsEthnic Religions

Patriarch Jacob (Judaism, Israel). Jacob Patriarch Jacob (Judaism, Israel). Jacob had 12 sons. 10 sons plus 2 grandsons= 12 had 12 sons. 10 sons plus 2 grandsons= 12 tribes of Israel who marched out of Egypt tribes of Israel who marched out of Egypt under Mosesunder Moses

Each tribe got a piece of CanaanEach tribe got a piece of Canaan 10 tribes lost after they were forced to 10 tribes lost after they were forced to

migrate to Assyria 721 BCmigrate to Assyria 721 BC

Ethnic ReligionsEthnic Religions

African Religions- 100 million people, 12% African Religions- 100 million people, 12% of Africa are animists.of Africa are animists.

Animism- plants, rocks, forces of nature Animism- plants, rocks, forces of nature have conscious life and spirithave conscious life and spirit

1 supreme god and many other gods under 1 supreme god and many other gods under himhim

Orally transmittedOrally transmitted Losing ground to universalizing religionLosing ground to universalizing religion

Why do religions have Why do religions have different Distributions?different Distributions?

Origin of ReligionsOrigin of Religions

Diffusion of ReligionDiffusion of Religion

Origin and Diffusion of Universalizing Origin and Diffusion of Universalizing ReligionsReligions

All 3 based on life of a manAll 3 based on life of a man Buddhism 2500 yrs old, Christianity 2000 Buddhism 2500 yrs old, Christianity 2000

yrs old, Islam 1500 yrs oldyrs old, Islam 1500 yrs old Born between 8 and 4 BCBorn between 8 and 4 BC

ChristianityChristianity

Jesus born between 8 and 4 BCJesus born between 8 and 4 BC Crucified by Romans ~30 ADCrucified by Romans ~30 AD Story of Life/works spread by 4 gospels- Story of Life/works spread by 4 gospels-

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (New Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (New Testament)Testament)

““Christ” is a title and means ‘anointed one’, Christ” is a title and means ‘anointed one’, from Greek “Christos”, from Hebrew from Greek “Christos”, from Hebrew “messiah”“messiah”

3 days after death rose from dead3 days after death rose from dead

ChristianityChristianity

Last Supper was Jewish Passover seder, Last Supper was Jewish Passover seder, mealmeal

Catholics- God conveys Grace through 7 Catholics- God conveys Grace through 7 sacraments- Baptism, Confirmation, sacraments- Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, Anointing of the sick, Matrimony, Penance, Anointing of the sick, Matrimony, Holy Orders, EucharistHoly Orders, Eucharist

Transubstantiation- bread/wine literally Transubstantiation- bread/wine literally becomes blood and flesh of Christ- a becomes blood and flesh of Christ- a miraclemiracle

ChristianityChristianity

Split w/ Eastern Orthodox starts with Split w/ Eastern Orthodox starts with division of Roman Empiredivision of Roman Empire

Final Split in 1054- Great SchismFinal Split in 1054- Great Schism Reject Catholic teachings after 700s ADReject Catholic teachings after 700s AD Protestantism originated w/ the Reformation Protestantism originated w/ the Reformation

in 1517 when Luther nailed the 95 theses in 1517 when Luther nailed the 95 theses up- response to Catholic corruptionup- response to Catholic corruption

Origin of IslamOrigin of Islam

Abe married Sarah- no sonAbe married Sarah- no son Married Hagar- son IshmaelMarried Hagar- son Ishmael Sarah son- IsaacSarah son- Isaac Sarah told Hagar to take a hikeSarah told Hagar to take a hike Hagar/Ishmael end up in MeccaHagar/Ishmael end up in Mecca Muhammad born 570 ADMuhammad born 570 AD At 40- married an older rich ladyAt 40- married an older rich lady God spoke to him through angel GabrielGod spoke to him through angel Gabriel

IslamIslam

Began to preach in Mecca, but they weren’t Began to preach in Mecca, but they weren’t hearing it. 622 moved to Medina- hearing it. 622 moved to Medina- hijrahijra conversionconversion

Returned to Mecca w/ armyReturned to Mecca w/ army Medina means “city of the prophet”Medina means “city of the prophet” Shi’ite follow caliph who is of Muhammad’s Shi’ite follow caliph who is of Muhammad’s

blood line, Sunnis believe any Muslim can blood line, Sunnis believe any Muslim can be caliphbe caliph

Sunni/Shi’ite split ~670ADSunni/Shi’ite split ~670AD

BuddhismBuddhism

Siddhartha Gautama was a prince, born Siddhartha Gautama was a prince, born about 563BCabout 563BC

4 trips out at 294 trips out at 29 1. old age1. old age 2. disease2. disease 3. death3. death 4. monk and withdrawal from the world4. monk and withdrawal from the world

BuddhismBuddhism

After 6 years of solitude, emerged from the After 6 years of solitude, emerged from the forest as the Buddha “enlightened one”forest as the Buddha “enlightened one”

Theravada focuses on wisdom, Mahayana Theravada focuses on wisdom, Mahayana focuses on compassionfocuses on compassion

Other UniversalizingOther Universalizing

Sikhism founded about 500 years agoSikhism founded about 500 years ago Baha’i founded early to mid 1800’sBaha’i founded early to mid 1800’s

HinduismHinduism

Ancient- Hindu artifacts date to 2500 BCAncient- Hindu artifacts date to 2500 BC Earliest Hindu writing 1500 BCEarliest Hindu writing 1500 BC 1400 BC- Aryan invasion1400 BC- Aryan invasion Word Hinduism originated in 6Word Hinduism originated in 6thth century BC century BC While universalizing religions have a hearth While universalizing religions have a hearth

and spread out, ethnic religions remain and spread out, ethnic religions remain clustered in 1 locationclustered in 1 location

Diffusion of ChristianityDiffusion of Christianity

Missionaries- individuals who help transmit a Missionaries- individuals who help transmit a religion through relocation diffusionreligion through relocation diffusion

Paul was most important missionary and a disciple Paul was most important missionary and a disciple of Jesusof Jesus

Diffused along Roman roads and sea routesDiffused along Roman roads and sea routes First towns, then countryFirst towns, then country ““Pagan” means countryside in LatinPagan” means countryside in Latin Roman Emperor Constantine adopted Christianity Roman Emperor Constantine adopted Christianity

in 313- official religion of Empire in 380in 313- official religion of Empire in 380

IslamIslam

Also diffused through relocation diffusion- Also diffused through relocation diffusion- through conquest and intermarriagethrough conquest and intermarriage

Rapid diffusion from Portugal to IndonesiaRapid diffusion from Portugal to Indonesia

BuddhismBuddhism

Diffused very slowly until Asoka, emperor of Diffused very slowly until Asoka, emperor of Magadhan Empire (273-232 BC) adopted itMagadhan Empire (273-232 BC) adopted it

11stst spread to Sri Lanka, then SE Asia, China, spread to Sri Lanka, then SE Asia, China, Japan.Japan.

By the time it got to Japan it was no longer By the time it got to Japan it was no longer dominant in Indiadominant in India

OthersOthers

Sikhs remain clustered in Punjab province Sikhs remain clustered in Punjab province IndiaIndia

Baha’i built a temple on every continent in Baha’i built a temple on every continent in 2020thth century century

MixingMixing

Independent Christian churches exist in Independent Christian churches exist in Africa that mix traditional and Christian Africa that mix traditional and Christian beliefsbeliefs

Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism have Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism have mixed in Chinamixed in China

Buddhism and Shinto mix in JapanBuddhism and Shinto mix in Japan Mauritius- ex of diffusion of ethnic religion- Mauritius- ex of diffusion of ethnic religion-

HinduismHinduism

JudaismJudaism

An ethnic religion diffused all over the world An ethnic religion diffused all over the world because of expulsion of Jews from Canaan because of expulsion of Jews from Canaan in 70 AD by Romans- diasporain 70 AD by Romans- diaspora

Ghetto- section of city in Europe closed off- Ghetto- section of city in Europe closed off- Jews live thereJews live there

Holy PlacesHoly Places

8 sites in Nepal/India holy for Buddhists- 8 sites in Nepal/India holy for Buddhists- locations important in Buddha’s lifelocations important in Buddha’s life

Bo tree has become holy and has diffused Bo tree has become holy and has diffused to Buddhist countriesto Buddhist countries

Mecca holy to Muslims- Ka’ba- a stone Mecca holy to Muslims- Ka’ba- a stone thought to have been given to Abraham by thought to have been given to Abraham by Gabriel- meteor?Gabriel- meteor?

Medina- #2 for holinessMedina- #2 for holiness #3 is Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem #3 is Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem

Holy placesHoly places

Sikh- Golden Temple at AmritsarSikh- Golden Temple at Amritsar Pilgrimmage- a religious journeyPilgrimmage- a religious journey Tirtha- pilgrimmage for HindusTirtha- pilgrimmage for Hindus