Self-Instructional Packets (SIPACKS)

for
Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
School Pampanga High School Teaching Dates/ September 07-11, 2020
Week Week 03
Teacher MANGALUS, John Paul
SALVADOR, Ava Marie
Quarter First Quarter
SENDAYDIEGO, Rochell V.

HOW WORLD RELIGIONS BEGAN

Day Activities Total Points
Activity 1: Religion Symbols 12 pts.
Day 1 Activity 2: Guide Question 5 pts.

Activity 3: Table of Major World Religions 30 pts.

Day 2
Activity 4: Discussion Question 10 pts.
Day 3
Activity 5: Familiarization of the Key Concepts 16 pts.
Day 4 Activity 6: Critical Thinking Questions 10 pts.

Activity 7: Poster Making 30 pts.

Activity 8: True or False 10 pts.

Grand Total: 123 pts.

General Instructions
To the learner:
As you start reading, keep in mind that this module will provide additional knowledge and
information to you as a learner of Pampanga High School. This module will also enhance your
skills based on the Most Essential Learning Competencies with corresponding activities which
you will answer as you move from page to page for each week’s lesson.

To get the most out of this module, here are some reminders that you need to consider:
1. Take your time in reading the lesson.
2. Always answer all given activities intended for each week’s lesson.
3. All answers must be written on ONE WHOLE SHEET of PAD PAPER.
4. Do not forget to write the following information on your PAD PAPER before answering all your
activities.
a. Your complete name (student)
b. Your grade and section
c. The learning area/subject
d. Name of your subject teacher
e. The quarter no.
f. Lesson no.
g. Activity, title, and item numbers
5. Remember that all the activities
that you will answer will serve as
your outputs and will be forwarded
to your subject teacher for checking
and recording.
6. Above all, put GOD first in everything you do.

Page 20 of 65
I. OBJECTIVES
A. Content Standard
The learner demonstrates understanding of historical and geographical contexts of the
different religions.
B. Performance Standard
The learner conducts a group activity that demonstrates the influence of a religion in a
certain culture.
C. Most Essential Learning Competency
MELC No. 2 – Analyze the interconnectedness of geography, culture and Religions
HUMSS_WRB12-I/IIIb-2.2
D. Specific Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:
1. Cite regions or places where specific religions emerged and evolved.
2. Analyze the connectedness of geography and culture to religions and vice versa.
3. Illustrate how different world religions are united in culture and geography.

II. CONTENT: HOW WORLD RELIGIONS BEGAN

III. LEARNING RESOURCES

A. REFERENCES
1. Teacher’s Guide Pages - Teaching Guide for Senior High School, Teachers Manual
Intro to World Religions pp 12-14
2. Learner’s Material Pages - Intro To World Religions and Belief System, DepEd pp.29-
37
3. Textbook Pages – Pages 14-30
4. Additional Materials from Learning Resources (LR) portal
B. OTHER LEARNING RESOURCES: Printed Materials

Day 1

IV: Procedure:
A. Reviewing of Previous Lesson or Presenting the New Lesson
You have learned in this opening lesson the nature of religion and other concepts related
to belief systems. You have familiarized yourself with the different theories on the origin of
religions as humans continue their endless search to find meanings and explanations in their
everyday existence relative to the world around them. Today’s lesson will take you into the
historical, geographical, and cultural contexts of various world religions of today.

Activity 1: Religion Symbols

Each picture symbolizes a type of religion. Identify the religion that each picture tries to depict.
On your answer sheet, write a brief explanation on why you identified a religion with one of the
given pictures. (12 pts.)

B. Establishing a Purpose of the Lesson

Similar to living organisms, religions are born in history and they gradually develop into
living traditions and affect the lives of their followers. Belief systems originate in certain localities
within the context of culture and even geography. From their rudimentary forms, religions

Page 21 of 65
continually evolved into complicated systems replete with rites and practices that made
recruitment of members necessary.
This lesson will deal with the origin of religions along with the geographical context and
cultural milieu that have impacted the establishment of world religions and belief systems.

Activity 2: Guide Question

Do you think geography and culture have effects on religion? Elaborate your answer. Write
you answer on your answer sheet. (5 pts.)

C. Presenting Examples/Instances of the New Lesson

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The existence of humankind for so long a time has resulted in the formation of religion and
belief system. It is certain that many religions may have been unrecorded in the past. Others may
have gradually died down. This lesson will deal primarily with religions that are still active until the
present time. The succeeding table illustrates some significant dates in the history of the
establishment of several world religions.
Date (circa) Significance
c. 2000 B.C.E. Time of Abraham, the patriarch of Israel
c. 1200 B.C.E. Time of Moses, the Hebrew leader of the Exodus
c. 1100 – 500 B.C.E. Hindus compiled their holy texts, the Vedas
c. 563 – 83 B.C.E. time of the Buddha, founder of Buddhism
c. 551 – 479 B.C.E. Time of Confucius, founder of Confucianism
c. 200 B.C.E. The Hindu book, Bhagavad Gita, was written
c. 2 to 4 B.C.E – 32 C.E. Time of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and founder of Christianity
c. 32 C.E. The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
c. 40 – 90 C.E. The New Testament was written by the followers of Jesus Christ
c. 100 C.E. Beginnings of Shintoism (no known founder)
c. 500-580 B.C.E. Time of Lao Tze, founder of Daoism
c. 570 – 632 C.E. Time of Muhammad, who recorded the Q’uran as the basis of
Islam
The Patriarch Abraham
The prophet and patriarch Abraham played a major role in the establishment of the three
monotheistic religions: namely, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which account for more than half
of the world’s total population at present. As such, these organized religions are collectively known
as Abrahamic religions.
The Jewish people regard Abraham as the ancestor of the Israelites, through his
descendants Isaac and Jacob. The Muslims consider Abraham’s son Ishmael as the ancestor of
the Arabs. The Christians view Abraham as ‘father in faith’ as narrated in the Bible and the
ancestor of Jesus Christ. Notable religious personalities trace their origin in Abraham’s sons from
different wives through their descendants.

Day 2
D. Discussing New Concepts and Practicing New Skills #1
GEOGRAPHY OF RELIGIONS
Geography plays an important role in the rise of major world religions. Some good
examples where specific world religions emerged are India, the Holy Land, and East Asia.

INDIA
The Indian subcontinent is the birthplace of four of the world’s major world religions:
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. India is thus characterized by a diversity of religious
beliefs and practices.
Hinduism is a major religion of India, with over 80% of the population identifying
themselves as Hindu. Hinduism is distinctive among the world religions in the sense that it has no
founder or specific date of origin. Hinduism is basically the religion of the people of India, which
has gradually developed over four thousand years. It is a synthesis of diverse cultures and
traditions in India.
Buddhism is another religion which originated in India. This world religion was founded
in 6th century B.C.E. and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who was considered
a ‘Buddha’ or the ‘Awakened One.’

Page 22 of 65
 Jainism, like most ancient Indian religions, is practiced virtually throughout India. It was
founded in about 5th century B.C.E. by Vardhamana Jnatiputra or Nataputta Mahavira (599-527
BC) Jain Doctrine teaches that Jainism has always existed and will always exist.
Sikhism, is a relatively new religion in India, established by Guru Nanak in the 15th
century.
Because sweltering heat is one major feature of India’s ecological setting, it is no wonder
that Hindus revere the sun (Surya) and fire (Agni). Likewise, water also plays a major role in the
Indian psyche as evidenced by Hindus venerating a god of water and celestial oceans (Varuna).
The South Asian countries of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh depend mightily on the
rivers Indus, Ganga-Yamuna, and Brahmaputra. Traversing the great plains of north India, the
Ganga (Ganges) is the holiest river for the Hindus. From its point of origin to its confluence with
the ocean, many ancient pilgrimage sites and cities line up along the Ganga that include
Rishikesh, Haridwar, Prayag, and Varanasi.

THE HOLY LAND / WEST ASIA

The Holy Land is an area roughly located between the Jordan River and the
Mediterranean Sea. Historically, it is synonymous with both the Land of Israel and Palestine, and
the Lebanese Republic, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In other
words, the description ‘Holy Land’ as a geographic term loosely encompasses modern-day Israel,
the Palestinian Territories, Lebanon, western Jordan and south-western Syria.
The Holy Land is important for all three major monotheistic religions: Judaism,
Christianity and Islam. It includes many sites that have long been pilgrimage destinations for
devotees of the so-called Abrahamic Religions, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
Judaism was said to be founded by Abraham around 1812 BC. Jesus Christ established
Christianity in the 1st century A.D. Islam, on the other hand, is believed to have originated in
Mecca and Medina at the start of the 7th century CE, approximately 600 years after the founding
of Christianity, with the revelations received by the prophet Muhammad.
The topography of the Holy Land is characterized by vast areas of mountainous terrains.
Mountains play significant roles in many religious beliefs as these landforms provide ideal settings
where gods live or where gods and mortals meet. In the Judeo-Christian region of West Asia and
Egypt, there are four sacred mountains listed in the table below.
Holy Mountains Location Significance
Mount Ararat Eastern part of Turkey Traditional landing place of Noah’s Ark as
narrated in the Book of Genesis
Mount Sinai Sinai Peninsula in Egypt The peak where Moses received the Ten
Commandments
Mount Zion/Mount Jerusalem Known as the city of David and Temple
Moriah Mount
Mount Tabor Israel Site of transfiguration of Jesus Christ

EAST ASIA
The so-called Daoic/Taoic religions originated in East Asia, including among others,
Confucianism (founder: Confucius, 6th-5th Century B.C.E.), Shintoism (no founder, 6th century
A.D.), and Taoism (attributed to Loazi, 5th Century B.C.E.). These religions focus on the concept
of ‘Tao’ (The Way). These religions have been dominant in China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and
other Countries within the East Asian cultural sphere.
Confucius, the main person behind this emerging social philosophy, did not intend to start
a new religion but rather expound on the nature of order and stability in the society. For Confucius,
this was not the result of stringent laws but of the rituals and ceremonies undertaken by people
who have become civilized through time.
Meanwhile, Daoism emerged in response to the widespread warfare and social turmoil
that besieged the Zhou Dynasty. It served as the guiding principle to abandon and withdraw from
the disorder brought about by incessant struggle for power, wealth, and prestige.
The writings of Daoism centers on the concept of Dao as a way or path signifying
appropriateness of one’s behavior to lead other people.
Similar with Daoism, the writings of Confucius frequently dwell upon the theme of the Dao
understood as being the truth or way things ought to be done concordant with a specific view to
life, politics, and customs.
Japan also had a fair share of China’s influence that became entrenched in Japanese
culture. Japanese envoys to China picked the useful aspects of Chinese culture, imported and
adapted these elements to their own genius and need. The Japanese feudal system embraced
the ideals of Confucianism. Ancestor worship complemented elements of Confucianism and

Page 23 of 65
Daoism that underscored the concept of filial piety. Between the 4th and 8th centuries, Japan
experienced major cultural change.
The term Shinto actually originated from the Chinese words shen and tao roughly
translated as the ‘way of the gods.’ Of primal importance were the kami that were often defined
as gods but could also refer to deities of heaven and earth, or even spirits in human beings,
animals, trees, seas, and mountains.

Activity 3: Table of Major World Religions

Copy the table below on your answer sheet and write in the blanks the religions, their founders,
and the year they were founded in specific regions or places in the world. (30 pts.)
INDIA
Religion Founder Year Founded
1.
2.
3.
4

HOLY LAND / WEST ASIA

Religion Founder Year Founded
1.
2.
3.

EAST ASIA
Religion Founder Year Founded
1.
2.
3.

Day 3
E. Discussing New Concepts and Practicing Skills #2
CULTURAL INFLUENCES
India is one of the most populated countries and oldest civilization in the world. It is nothing
less than culturally diverse. It’s cultural diversity and very large population somewhat gave rise to
various belief systems which are now considered world religions.
The concept of DHARMA is integral in religions that emerged in India, including Hinduism,
Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
In Hinduism, dharma could mean duty, righteousness, and ethics. In all humanity, this is
common and evident in virtues such as peacefulness, empathy, and kindness. Dharma is also
found in one’s caste in the present life and toward another life that could lead to liberation from
the cycle of rebirth (Coogan 2005).
For Buddhism, it means cosmic law and order, or the teachings of the Buddha and the
truth of the way things are. For the Theravada sect, dharma is sometimes used to indicate all the
factors of existence. As the Buddha himself explained, “This Dharma that I have attained is
profound, hard to see and hard to understand, peaceful and sublime, unattainable by mere
reasoning, subtle, to be experienced by the wise.”
Consequently, the religions established in the Indian subcontinent influenced the cultural
life of many of its people. There has been substantial blending of cultures over the centuries
among Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and even Muslims in India.
The Holy Land features an exotic blend of the religious, historical, and cultural sites. Part
of the people’s culture is the way they treat places in the land. For the Jews, to be buried in Israel
is like being buried under the altar. Indeed, many Jews want Israel to be the place where they die.
Ancient East Asian beliefs include polytheism, nontheism, henotheism, monotheism,
pantheism, panentheism, and agnosticism. One can claim that these traditional ideologies gave
rise, influenced, or were absorbed by the world religions that originated in the countries of East
Asia.

GEOGRAPHICAL INFLUENCES
Civilizations normally develop in and around river systems where there are easy accesses
to water, food sources, and irrigation systems. Consequently, we see the famous Ganges, Indus

Page 24 of 65
Valley, the Nile, and Amazon River as geographical regions where different types of people have
developed over time. The physical environment of a place is said to explain some aspects of the
religions in it.
Across many of the world’s religions, mountains have been associated with talking wo
God or as the abode of a god. Mount Sinai was the place where God talked to Moses and the
Jews. The mount of Olives was where Jesus ascended into heaven. Mt. Fuji was the dwelling
place of gods in Japan.
Trees and rocks also had religious significance. The Stonehenge and Easter Island serve
as examples form the ethnic religions of the past. The ‘Kotel’ (Wailing Wall) in Jerusalem being
the last vestiges of the Second Temple is also religiously significant. Trees, on the other hand,
were used to create totems. The Catholic and other Protestant sects’ ‘Christmas Tree’ has its
origin from that paganistic treatment of trees.
Furthermore, rivers, water, and desert have religious meaning. The Nile river was deemed
sacred in ancient Egyptian religion and the Ganges river is seen as sacred until today by the
Hindus. Water is utilized as a means of purification in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The desert
is usually regarded as a means of spiritual refinement.

RELIGION AFFECTS CULTURE

Religion can define culture, in the sense that it can affect a culture in many ways. It can
significantly define the values, ideas, beliefs, heritage, and lifestyle of people; all of which are
components of culture. Homemaking, farming, relationships, marriage, birth, and death are
common events in culture; often these events have a religious significance.
People's intense belief in religion have an enormous impact on their culture. Their culture
comes to accept only those ways of thinking and conducts which are acceptable to their religion.
For instance, European societies’ centeredness on the Catholic Church before had a great effect
on European culture of the time. Most cultural expressions were church-related, many arts were
religious, and much of the music produced was religious in genre as well. The cultures of the time
valued religion to the point that people were eager to dedicate major resources to things like
building basilicas and supporting monasteries.
Countries that are strongly affected by Islam have developed cultures that are dominated
by men, and in which things such as drinking alcohol and socializing with members of the opposite
sex in public are frowned upon. Muslims may be Arabs, Turks, Persians, Indians, Pakistanis,
Malaysians, Indonesians, Europeans, Africans, Americans, Chinese, or other nationalities. But
their Islamic faith influences almost uniformly their view on politics, customs, attire, diets,
celebrations, places of worship, and other aspects of life. Religion affects various cultures in
various ways. Moreover, it affects the same culture in different ways at different times.

Activity 4: Discussion Question

Answer the following questions about the discussion on your answer sheet. (10 pts.)
a. How important is the role of Abraham in the development of monotheistic religions?
b. How did geography affect religious events and development in the Holy Land, in the
Indian subcontinent, and in East Asia?
Day 4
F. Developing Mastery
Activity 5: Familiarization of the Key Concepts
Define the following terms. You may use your own words in defining them. Use your answer
sheet for your answers. (16 pts.)
1. Judaism 5. Buddhism
2. Islam 6. Confucianism
3. Christianity 7. Taoism
4. Hinduism 8. Shintoism

G. Finding Practical Applications of Concepts and Skills in Daily Living

Activity 6: Critical Thinking Questions
Answer the following on your answer sheet. (10 pts.)

1. Explain how geography influences religion.

2. How does religion affect culture? Explain.

Page 25 of 65
H. Making Generalizations and Abstractions About the Lesson
• Religion is considered universal and it can be found in all known contemporary societies.
• The prophet and patriarch Abraham played a major role in the establishment of three
monotheistic religions, namely, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
• Religion is an essential part of Indian tradition as four main religions originated here,
namely, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
• Both Confucius and Laozi were followers of the Dao. The Confucian Dao principally
concerns human affairs while the Daoist Dao means the way the universe works.
• The Holy Land/West Asia is home of three great religions, namely, Judaism, Christianity,
and Islam.
• Heat and water are major features of India’s ecological setting. As a result, deities of sun,
fire, and water are venerated in India.
• Chinese culture practically influenced all other nations at its outskirts, including Japan and
Korea.
• Monotheism or the belief in one god is an ancient idea that predated the establishment of
Abrahamic religions.
• The concept of dharma is integral in religions that emerged in India, most especially
Hinduism and Buddhism.
• Chinese belief system arrived in Japan and influenced the local culture and the
indigenous polytheistic religion Shinto.

I. Evaluating Learning
Activity 7: Poster Making
Make a poster illustrating the interconnectedness of culture, geography, and religions. Your
poster will be graded based on the rubric below. Use a separate sheet of paper. (30 pts.)

Criteria Excellent Good Fair Poor Score

(8-10 points) (5-7 points) (3-4 points) (0-2 points)

Creativity Very creative Shows many Some creative Little to no

creative ideas ideas used creativity

Neatness Very neat and Some untidy Many untidy Very careless
tidy poster errors errors and untidy

Organization Information is Poster is Poster is put Poster is poorly

well organized organized well together okay put-together
and easy to but still a little but is difficult to and very
understand difficulty understand difficult to
understanding understand

J. Additional Activities for Application or Remediation

Activity 8: True or False
Analyze the following statements about the interconnectedness of, culture, geography and
religion. Write TRUE if the statement is correct. Write FALSE if the statement is incorrect. Use
your answer sheet for your answers (10 pts.)
1. The term ‘Shinto’ came from two Indian words.
2. The Hindu god of fire is Agni.
3. The concept of filial piety is integral in Islam.
4. God instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac at Mount Hira.
5. The Ganges is the holiest river for the Muslims.
6. Dharma is a concept followed by East Asian religions and it means, “the way.”
7. Daoism was founded by the great Chinese Philosopher Confucius
8. Islam was attributed to Abraham through his son, Ishmael.
9. Dharmic religions are categorized as monotheistic religions.
10. Christianity was founded during the first century.

Page 26 of 65