Intercultural Communication Deep Culture World View Yali Chen School of Foreign Languages and Literature Shandong University chenyali@sdu.ecu.cn
from BBC
Religion is about the first cause of all things; the nature of life and death; the creation of the universe; the relationship of humankind to nature; mortality and immortality; and
Important questions Religion asks and answers Where did I come from? Why am I here? What happens when I die?
Religion and ICC The majority of people in the world are faithful. Religion provides the individual with a way of gaining insight into people s hearts, notions of right and wrong, precedents for acceptable behavior, a sense of identity and security, a possibility to shift decision making from them to God(s) It is clear that religion and culture are inextricably
The Important Religions Criteria numbers diffusion, and relevance Which religions are taken as important religions in the world?
Important religions
To cover Judaism Christianity Islam
Judaism
Judaism Scriptures: The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) (Torah first five books of the Bible) God: Ywhw Authority figures: Abraham, Moses Date founded: about 1800 BCE Believers: 14 million (2012)
A 4000-year old tradition The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob ( Israel ) origins of the Hebrew Enslaved in ancient Egypt and led by Moses back to freedom (more than 3300 years ago) Hebrew monarchy in the Promised Land (The Land of Israel), ended in 6th century BCE
As a faith, it tells the Jews to believe In one God, creator of the universe, no human ever will be divine humans are the pinnacle of creation the goal of human life is to serve God prophets of old especially Moses, through whom Torah was revealed to the Hebrew people
As a faith, It tells the Jews to Believe In themselves as the chosen people of God God s providence extends to all people Torah (first five books of the Bible), containing religious, moral and social law which guides the life of a Jew the Hebrew Bible does not include the New Testament
As a people, Jews are A nation in Diaspora (dispersed) 14 million in worldwide population United by a common heritage (an ethnic religion) Synagogue Mogein Dovid
As a way of life, Judaism is based on 613 commandments found in Torah ( Written Law ) Talmud ( Oral Law ) commentary of ancient rabbis that elaborates on how to apply God s Law in everyday life through: Dietary rules (Kashrut/Kosher) Dress and other symbols Prayer and devotion to the one God The synagogue and rites Proper social relations between male and female, in business, judicial rulings, etc. Thus sanctifying life, blessing it in every way.
How does Judaism sanctify life? Life cycle celebrations: Bris ritual circumcision, sign of the covenant Bar/Bat Mitzvah full adult status and responsibility within the religion Marriage - "Be fruitful and multiply" (Gen. 1:22) Death funerals, mourning
How does Judaism sanctify time? The Jewish Holidays Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) 赎罪节 Sukkot, the Festival of Booths 帐篷节 fall harvest festival 收藏节 Simchat Torah celebrating Torah 律法节 Chanukah, the Festival of Lights 光明节
More Holy Days Purim ( Lots ) a carnival (commemorates events told in book of Esther) Pesach ( Passover ) commemorates the exodus from Egypt (events told in Exodus) Shavuot ( weeks, Pentecost) commemorates receipt of Torah at Sinai Shabbat (Sabbath, 7 th day, on Saturday) the Day of Rest
How is Judaism related to Christianity? Judaism predates Christianity Jesus was Jewish, as were his followers and the Apostles Jews still await their messiah The Jewish messiah would not be divine. He would be a political figure who restores the Hebrew monarchy and causes peace to reign on Earth Jews are not concerned about salvation and the world to come
What are Jews really concerned about? Tikkun Olam - repairing this world through justice and righteousness; through deed, not creed The heart of Judaism is in the home and family, social responsibility and doing Mitzvot ( good deeds based on God s commandments) Through education and hard work we make our lives, the lives of others, and the world, what God intended it to be Holy!
Questions Scriptures: God: Authority figures: Date founded: Number of believers:
Questions Scriptures: The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) (Torah first five books of the Bible) God: Ywhw Authority figures: Abraham, Moses Date founded: about 1800 BCE Believers: 14 million
Web resources Judaism 101: http://jewfaq.org/ an online encyclopedia of Judaism, covering Jewish beliefs, people, places, things, language, scripture, holidays, practices and customs ReligiousTolerance.org on Judaism: http://www.religioustolerance.org/judaism.htm This P0werpoint presentation available at: http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman/rel232/resource/judaism.ppt
Christianity A diverse, 2000-year old religion followed by almost one third of the world s population! Based on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus, believed to be the Christ (messiah, savior, literally meaning anoited ) by his followers (thus called Christians ).
What is Christianity? Scriptures: the Bible (46/39 books of the old Testament, 27 books of the New Testament) God: Trinity of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit Authority figures: Abraham, Moses, Mary, apostles, pope, Date founded: 33 C.E. Believers: 2,039 million
Who was Jesus? Born, bred, lived, and died a Jew in first century Roman occupied Palestine Around age 30, took on a mission of preaching, teaching, and healing Had a following of 12 apostles and countless followers attracted by his miracles and words of wisdom A political threat to Roman and Jewish authorities, was put to death at 33 through torturous crucifixion (a Roman punishment).
What did Jesus teach? What did he do? A story telling teacher who taught through parables about the Kingdom of God ( the Kingdom of God is like ) A miracle worker and faith healer ( your faith has made you whole ) A religious and social reformer (love as the spirit of the law, over the letter of the law) Preaching forgiveness of sin over punishment for sin Inspirational words of wisdom: The Sermon on the Mount The Greatest commandment : Love God and love others as you love yourself The Golden Rule : Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. The Lord s Prayer ( Our Father who art in heaven )
Scriptural sources Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible) New Testament (written after Jesus death, by his followers, during the first century; not canonized until the 4 th century) Four gospels ( good words ) about the birth, life, teaching, acts, death, and resurrection of Jesus The Book of Acts of the apostles earliest history of the developing church Epistles ( letters ) of Paul and other evangelists addressed to the churches they founded and led throughout the Mediterranean The Book of Revelation a vision of the future, the ultimate destiny of mankind, the culmination of God s plan for humanity
What do Christians believe? Who do men say that I am? The Christ - born of a virgin in fulfillment of Jewish messianic expectation to be king of the Jews The Son of God fully divine and fully human The savior of humanity saving us from sin through his sacrifice on the cross Risen from the dead (resurrection) on the third day overcoming death so that we too may have eternal life Ascended into heaven, residing with God the father to intervene on our behalf Will come again at the end of days to judge the living and the dead
What do Christians believe? The Trinity God the Father residing in heaven (same God worshiped by Jews and Muslims) God the Son (Jesus, the Christ) who came down from heaven to dwell among us, as one of us God the Holy Spirit ( Holy Ghost ) The spirit of God residing within everyone who accepts the sacrifice of Christ and thus becomes a Christian Communion with God the Father is through the Son and the Holy Spirit
What else do Christians believe? Original sin: all humanity is inherently separated from God The sacrifice of Jesus a sinless representative of humanity (a scapegoat ) - as the ultimate atonement for the sins of humanity Heaven and Hell Three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity.
Who are Christians? 33,800 different denominations worldwide. The Eastern church: Orthodox Christianity Greek, Russian, Coptic, and other national churches of Eastern Europe, North Africa, and Asia The Western church: Roman Catholicism (Latin Rite) unified under the Pope (bishop of Rome) found throughout western Europe and the Americas Over 900 million (half of all Christians worldwide) These two original church bodies officially broke from each other in 1054 CE
What about the Protestants? Broke from Catholic church beginning in 16 th century Diverse denominations, and independent churches of European background: Lutheran (early 16 th century) Church of England (Anglican) (16 th century) Reformed churches: Presbyterian, Congregational, etc. (16 th century, based on teachings of John Calvin) Anabaptist and other sectarian churches broke away from these original ( mainline ) churches: Baptist, Methodist, Puritan, Quaker, etc.
How do Christians practice their faith? in church Sacraments: 1. Baptism 2. Communion (Eucharist, Mass, the Lord s Supper) 3. Confirmation 4. Confession of sins, penance, atonement 5. Marriage ( Holy Matrimony ) 6. Ordination ( Holy Orders ) 7. Healing (anointing, Holy Unction, Last rites ) Sabbath celebrated on Sunday with mass, prayer, scripture readings, singing of hymns, a sermon or lesson from the priest/pastor, recitation of creedal statement, confession of sins, communion (format varies from church to church)
What are some Christian holy days? Two major holy days in the Christian calendar: Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus Easter commemorating the resurrection of Christ Christmas: Advent (four weeks leading up to Christmas day) Christmas Day (December 25 th ) Epiphany (the twelfth day of Christmas )
More Christian holy days: Easter: (early spring, date varies) Ash Wednesday and lent (40 days before Easter, a period of sacrifice and spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter) Holy Week including: Palm Sunday (Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem) Maundy Thursday (inauguration of the communion meal) Good Friday (Jesus Passion and crucifixion) Easter Sunday (celebrating the resurrection) Pentecost: the 50 th day (seven weeks) after Easter (commemorating the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles)
How do Christians live their faith? Evangelism and missions sharing the faith, spreading the message Charity and social service ( what you do unto the least of these you do to me ) Moral principles ranging from conservative to liberal (abortion, homosexuality and other sexual issues, drinking, smoking, dancing, dress, makeup, etc.) Political and social involvement may be active or aloof Monasticism (Catholic and Orthodox) and retreats for spiritual renewal Personal and small group prayer and Bible study Family values
What is the bare essence of Christianity? A faith and life based on the person and teachings of Jesus as savior, model, or inspiration Use of the New Testament to inform faith and practice
Questions 1. Trinity 2. Original sin 3. Three theological virtues
Christianity on the Web: ReligiousTolerance.org Christianity menu: http://www.religioustolerance.org/christ.htm a jumping off point for the basics on Christianity, including the Bible, important personalities (Jesus, Mary, saints, etc.), history, beliefs, practices, trends, denominations. The Spiritual Sanctuary Christianity page: http://www.thespiritualsanctuary.org/christianity/christiani ty1.html provides basic information on major Christian groups and distinctive movements with links to official denomination websites. Orthodox Christianity: http://www.kosovo.com/orthodoxy.html Basic introduction, history, doctrine and links to other Orthodox sites. Catholic Online: http://www.catholic.org an inside look at Catholic concerns and life; includes a nice section on saints and angels. Protestantism: (from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/protestantism the basics, with links to details about a variety of Protestant denominations.
Islam
Introducing Islam Scriptures: Quran / Koran God: Allah Authority: Muhammad Date founded: 622 CE Believers: 1,570 million (80% outside the Arab world. The fastest growing religion) Islam means submission to the will of God. A Muslim is one who submits. Man s purpose is to serve the will of God.
Six Articles Tawhid the oneness or unity of Allah 信安拉 Prophecy Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Jesus was the second to last prophet, who foretold the coming of Muhammad. 信先知 Revelation God revealed scriptures to humanity as guidance for them. The Quran is the final word. 信经典
Six Articles Angelic Agency Angels are everywhere; they come to people s help in every thought and action. 信天使 Last Judgment and Afterlife the pictures of Heaven and Hell. 信后世 Predestination or divine preordainment. God has full knowledge and control over all that occurs. Man possesses free will in that he has the faculty to choose between right and wrong, and is thus responsible for his actions. 信前定
Five Pillars 五功 Shahada Declaring your faith 承认信仰 There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah. Salat Five daily prayers and one communal on Friday 礼拜 Zakat Almsgiving 课功 Sawm Fasting one month every year, the holy month of Ramadan 斋月 Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia once in a life time 麦加朝圣
Jihad Holy War Two meanings: Inner Jihad, the struggle with oneself, mastering one s passions and leading to a virtuous life Outer Jihad, all activities like defending Islamic faith or Muslim lands
The Prophet His background An orphan of a noble, but not well-to-do, family that lived in Mecca. His father died before his birth. His mother died when he was six. His uncle raised him. He was known for being honest and truthful before prophethood. Worked as a shepherd and later as a trader. Married his first wife Khadija, and the mother of his surviving children, when he was 25. She was 40.
The Prophet His prophethood In 610, he received his first revelation at 43. These revelations were compiled later into the Quran The nobles of Mecca refused his call, ostracized and persecuted him and his followers. After 12 difficult years, he immigrated in 622 to Medina whose people welcomed him. In Medina, he was a prophet and a statesman. In 633, he died at 63 His personality revolves around the traits of mercy, generosity and forgiveness.
The Prophet The message The oneness of God, the creator of the whole universe. Islam is the continuation of divine messages that God sent to humanity through prophets like Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and Jesus. The moral principles of the ten commandments are reflected in the message of Muhammad. It acknowledges the diversity of the human race and freedom of religions.
The Quran The revelation of God to Muhammad It has been preserved as revealed 14 centuries ago. It consists of 114 chapters of various lengths. In Arabic, it numbers about 604 pages. The translation of its meaning is available in English, Chinese and most of the world s languages.
The Quran Appeals to the mind to reflect on creations and the creator Glad tidings for the believers Admonitions to the nonbelievers Stories of previous messengers of God such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, Mary, etc. Rulings on social and commercial issues.
What the Quran says about Moses: And we sent Moses with our signs; get your people from darkness to light and remind them of the miracles of Allah. For in it are signs for the thankful (14:5) Mary: The angels said. O Mary! Allah has chosen, purified and chosen you among the women of this world. Mary, worship your Lord devoutly: Prostrate and bow with those who bow down.(3:42-43) Jesus: The angels said, O Mary! Allah brings you good news; a word from Him whose name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the hereafter and of those nearest to Allah. (3:45-46)
The Muslim legal code Shari a Consists of the following components: Rulings mentioned in the Quran Precedents in the life of Muhammad as it explains and complements the Quran in more details Opinions (fatwa) of Muhammad s prominent companions. Opinions of previous jurisprudents Opinions of contemporary scholars Importance of majority and consensus
The Mosque The Muslim s house of God, where they pray. The Imam (religious leader) leads the prayers and delivers sermons. Persons entering the mosque are supposed to have cleansed themselves. Non-Muslims should seek permission before entering the mosque. Islamic Foundation, Scarborough
Friday sermon & prayers
The Muslims of the world Sects: Sunni (the majority), Shia 7%, Homogenous when it comes to core beliefs and essential practices of Islam like daily prayers, fasting, etc
The Muslim Women The first to accept Muhammad s message was his wife Khadija. Many of his followers were women who embraced Islam before their spouses or fathers. Islam gave women the following rights, 1400 years ago: The right to decide their future Muslim husbands. The right to a definite share of the estate of a father, husband or children. A will cannot take away or abrogate this right. The right to own property independently of their husbands or children. The right to education. The right to conduct their own commercial business. The right to participate in politics.
Communicating with Muslims Muslims take their religion, and its symbols, very seriously. Muslims invoke prayers frequently in their daily chores. Muslim women are required to dress modestly and not to show their beauty except to near family. Muslims are not supposed to sit or meet alone with members of the opposite sex. Muslims are respectful of elders, women and persons of authority. Out of respect they may not look at you in the eye, not because they are avoiding you. Muslims have dietary restriction; mainly they are not allowed to eat pork, wild animals or animals slaughtered improperly. Islam forbids alcoholic beverages and drugs.
Winning the Muslims Know them better: their religion and culture(s). Communicate with leaders and institutions to build trust and cooperation. Solicit advice from leaders on handling issues and situations. Show respect and understanding: soft approach works better than hard one.
We have covered Judaism Christianity Islam
Questions 1. How important is religion to your life? 2. Do you think that differences in religion are good? Why or why not?
Thank you!