ARS 2209: World Religions

Course instructor: Mr. Omasete Vincent

Lecture notes on Religions of India (Hinduism, Jainism and
Sikhism), Religions of Far East (Buddhism and Confucianism) then
Baha’i Faith

There are basically three (3) religions in India and they include:
 Hinduism

 Jainism

 Sikhism
Hinduism has three (3) sub-topics
1. Belief in the plurality of gods

2. Teachings of Hinduism

 Life and Rebirth

 Ethical concept
 Karma
 Caste society
3. Reformists like Rama Krishna and Gandhi (more emphasis on
Mahatma Gandhi

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Introduction
Hinduism, like African Traditional Religion is believed to rise from the
practices of the early people who lived in India between 3000 BC and
2000BC. These were the pre-Arian and Arians respectively.

As an indigenous religion, one is born a Hindu. There is no missionary

work to convert people to the faith. Therefore it is a religion for only
Indian people with large concentration in India, but also found in any
part of the world with a community of Indians. In Uganda for example,
there is a Hindu Temple at Nakasero for the large Indian community that
has lived and still live in Uganda.

Belief in plurality of gods

Hinduism is a polytheistic religions just like African Traditional
Religions. Hinduism also has more than one deity.
India was one sub-continent whose culture was not influenced by other
cultures especially the Europeans for a long time. This is because of the
HIMALAYA Ranges which cut India off from the rest of Asia. This
closed Indian society served as a good background for the establishment
of Hinduism.

The Indian sub-continent has many different tribes each with different
languages and dialects together with its special traditions and beliefs.
From this, it can be deduced that Hinduism mean religion of the Indian.
In order to understand Hinduism, look back at your own tribe and the
religious life in particular.

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As in Africa, each tribe of India has a language different from another,
which is a rich culture with forms of worship, myths, philosophies,
rituals, art and music. Nian smart (1989:49) says that these are contained
loosely within the boundaries of religion. The area has a multiplicity of
gods; about three hundred thirty million (330,000,000) are mentioned.
However, there are the great ones who include BRAHMAN the greatest
and the underlying reality. Shiva pictured as a crossed-legged yogi,
surrounded by animals, durga is said to be wife to Shiva and she is the
mother goddess, and Vishnu (trinity).

It is now clear that one major characteristic of a polytheistic religion is

belief in many deities. Each deity has a special responsibility in society.
However, much as polytheistic religions believe in plurality (many) of
gods, the idea of a higher authority is not refuted. In Hinduism, Brahman
is believed to be in charge of everything.

The teachings of Hinduism

Life and rebirth

Life

Life in Hinduism is viewed as originating from Brahman. That there is

such a time when the universe and everything come into being and a
time when they get destroyed. Hinduism further believes that Brahman
is real and everlasting.

Man in his life, struggles to reach god who is beyond and above man.
This idea is supported by dualists who argue that God remains God and
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man is his worshiper. Human beings in their life time are believed to
struggle to satisfy one’s desires in order to survive. The Hindus strive for
real life and immortality. This struggle goes on in human life that is
struggle for truth. This is realized when man discovered his soul as
desiring nothing, a situation when the soul is one with Brahman.

Rebirth

It can be simply defined as a stage of transition where one form of life

disappears to change into another form. This explains the struggles souls
go through in order to be at the same level with Brahman.

At each stage, the state of matter changes. For example from the human
state to a snake, then to a tree till such a time when atman (pure soul) is
attained. The best stage to end in would preferably be a cow which
symbolizes a pure soul.

In order to overcome these entanglements, one has to struggle to unite

the human soul and god, an act referred to as yoga (meditation).

Three (3) stages have to be passed through for an individual soul to

complete the cycle of rebirth. These stages are as follows:

1. Avoiding negative things, like violence, falsehood, theft and greed

2. Developing a positive aspect such as purity and self-discipline,
conscious of the fact that God is everywhere and in everything.

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 3. Right posture. This is to do with sitting in an alert and relaxed
position for one to meditate deeply.

At the end of all this, the soul is believed to be united with Brahman or
higher spirit. Then Hindus believe that the soul is liberated from life
struggles. Then one is re-born in form of a cow which is venerated by
the Hindu.

Ethical concept
This refers to the way of behaving where a human being makes an effort
to release one’s soul following those three (3) important stages in
rebirth. For purposes of reminding ourselves, the stages are; avoiding
negative things, developing positive aspects and posture.

The concept of god in Hinduism is subject to discussion and often

rejected by many. This is because of the discourse that how can God
create the cosmos and yet destroy it at the same time? Hence the ethical
life is to be observed throughout one’s life. One may either live like a
monk or follow stages to becoming an ascetic. The first stage is celibate,
a time when one is learning as a process of acquiring knowledge at the
feet of the teacher-Brahman. The second stage is a householder with a
family who leads normal life. The third stage involves withdrawal from
family and society and final stage is to be a wondering ascetic in the
wilderness having denied self, putting all time and effort into thinking
about liberation.

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The eight (8) guideline for self-discipline (eight fold path)
1. Restraint
2. Discipline demanding strict morality
3. Posture
4. Respiration
5. Withdrawal of all senses especially stimuli
6. Concentration
7. Meditation
8. Trance
Guiding question
Explain the eight guidelines for self-discipline

Karma
Karma can be defined simply as an action which may be good or bad.
One’s actions are very influential in determining the number of rebirth a
soul is to undergo before liberation. They also determine the next form
of existence after the previous rebirth because a soul lives on even when
the body has died.

Good karma or actions earn an individual merit which would accumulate

to qualify one for nirvana. Therefore the state of an individual today,
depends on what he was yesterday. This change of form continues for
purposes of the soul to work its way to unity with the ultimate reality.
Bad karma disqualify one from nirvana and instead re-born is into a
lower form of existence.

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Guiding question
Elaborate on the following concepts as presented in the Hindu religion
a) Life and Rebirth
b) Karma
c) nirvana

Caste system
Caste refers to division of society into classes. Classification may follow
levels of wealth, family background (birth), work or livelihood. In the
case of India, society was classified according to family background
clearly defined by clans.

Each clan had beliefs about its origin different from another. Later the
classification followed activity which in turn had a lot to do with clan.
Each caste has different activity from another, so is the lifestyle.
Each caste has set rules on how its members should behave and live.
There are guidelines on what services to expect from the lower and
higher castes. These are purposes of continuity and clear demarcation of
the caste society.

The four castes identified in Hindu society include the following:

1. The Brahmin or priestly caste. This is believed to have come
directly from Brahman’s mouth. They are consulted on religious
matters and conduct sacrifices.

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 2. The Kshatriya or ruling class believed to have come from
Brahman’s arm. The work of the Kshatriya sect is to govern and
administer. It includes soldiers who are responsible for keeping
law and order. The best example was Buddha Gautama.

3. Vaishya or merchant class is believed to have emanated from

Brahman’s thigh. This class include industrialists and
agriculturalists who care for the nation’s economy. For example
Mahatma Gandhi.

4. Shudra or labor caste. This caste includes laborers and craftsmen

believed to have come from Brahman’s foot. They are manual
laborers (the robots) in the society who work without expecting
any reward.
Note. The untouchables-the beggars, the outcasts, outfits, isolated
group.

In relation to rebirth, a class acquired at the time of birth can be changed

at rebirth. For example one of a lower caste can be reborn into a higher
or much lower caste depending on the way one behaves. Those in a
priestly caste behaving well get re-born into a cow, the most holy
creature. Bad karma automatically qualifies one to be re-born into a
lower caste.

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Guiding question
1a). Describe the caste system of the Hindu religion and discuss the evils
associated with the teaching.
b) As student of World Religion, what is your position on the above
teaching?

There is also an argument that one in the lowest caste for example the
shudra, will remain in the same caste even after rebirth. Since they are
the most burdened in society, they have formed a good receptive group
for other religions that have no respect for the caste society like Sikhism.

The reformists
Reformists are leaders of schools of thought who tried to analyze
underlying beliefs and principles of Hinduism.
Here we shall concentrate on the modern reformists like Ramakrishna
who argued that various religions of the world teach about one reality.
Universality of religion.
Mahatma Gandhi
He was born in 2nd October 1869, and died in 1948 30th January, a year
after India’s independence. He was an advocate in the courts of law in
South Africa.
Mahatma Gandhi is considered a great reformer. His teaching influenced
the religious and political life of his time.
He promoted non-injury and non-violence by installing mutual co-
existence of all creatures. Emphasis was put on ethical dimension of all
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people disregarding the caste system which singles out the untouchables
characterized by non- involvement in everyday life.
Some the reforms
1.Love
2.Equality
3.Respect of other prophets
4.Monotheism
5.Respect of other sacred literature
6.Non-violence
7.Education
8.Economic empowerment (women)
9.He preached against barbaric practices like sati (killing of girl
child)
10. Intermarriage
11. Human rights
12. Unity
13. Universality of God
Note. Expound on the above reforms

Guiding question
With clear examples, discuss the reforms of Mahatma Gandhi in the
modern Hindu religion.

This was different from the laborers who by nature of their

responsibilities may injure and violate the rights of other creatures hence
remaining in the circles of its karma
Despite the reformists and other external forces acting on Hinduism, the
following elements have stood the test of time

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  Rebirth and the eternal soul
 The world as a place where the immortal spirit within man is
virtually endlessly implicated in the cycle of reincarnation
 Devotional and contemplative men have documented the higher
forms of religious spirituality
 Maintained common values, beliefs in deities and practices

JAINISM
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
Jainism is one of the religions in India. It is an ancient faith, having its
roots in the pre-historic past.

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It gets its name from Jina or Victorious Ones, the great teachers who
have shown men the path of salvation.

Jainism was one of the alternative religious traditions formed alongside

Buddhism, at a time when the Indian culture was suffering from external
invasion. The best example of external invasion is Alexander the Great
and his influence in 327-334 BC. Jainism was aimed at maintaining the
culture of India despite the effects of the invasion on the existing
tradition.

Unlike other religions which emphasized super being or ultimate reality

and the relationship between human beings and the unknown power,
Jainism centres its belief and teaching on the great teachers called jinas
or Tithankaras or path finders. The Jinas total twenty four (24) in
number. The last one was Mahavira who was born in Partna, northern
India about 600 BC. Before him was Pasva who lived in the 800 BC and
passed away 246 years before Mahavira came into existence. The one
before pasva was 84,000 years earlier. This implies that the faith is very
old.

Ninian Smart (1989-100) describes the faith as having elaborate

doctrines, a rich mythology, a detailed ethic, a clear pragmatic ritual
system, its own social organization, and a quest for inner contemplative
experience.

BELIEFS
Jains do not believe in the creator, but in the universe with beings
emanating at the very beginning. And, that living beings have souls

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which could have escaped into them at rebirth or emanated at the very
beginning.

Both men and deities strive to achieve liberation or nirvana

Religious leaders more than the deities know the secret of immortality

Knowledge is the key to salvation, which is knowledge about realms of

spirit and ordinary existence.

Spiritual ignorance of men is result of being bound to the world and their
deeds (karma).

The universe is occupied by two entities namely; jiva and Ajiva.

The universe is believed to have a shape of a huge person with people at

his waist. The top of the universe represents heaven or nirvana but the
lower realms of the universe represents hell.

A person who is at the waist of the universe would move up and float at
the top of the universe (nirvana). This is only possible of the person’s
weight overcomes the weight of the bad karma. In case the weight of
karma is dense, then the person would sink into the hell, at the lowest
realm of the gigantic universe which is in shape of a person.

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Founders (what they taught?)
Jains’ teachings emphasize the life of the Jina or great teachers on whose
title the religion derived its name. Twenty four jinas with one woman
were behind the foundation of Jainism. The greatest and most
remembered was Mahavira who was born in 599 BC and died in 522
BC.

Mahavira taught mainly on purity and non-violence which were to be

adopted by every believer.

His life experience is shared among adherents. These include giving up

exciting life, eating only enough but not to eat for enjoyment, as well as
leading a quiet life in order to meditate on one’s speech and mind. By
meditating the soul is separated; one’s soul from the consequences of
one’s past and present.

MORAL CODE/ETHICS
A moral code could be defined as a set of regulations or expected
guidelines to lead to good behavior.
In our traditional societies one may find moral codes; the only difference
is that they are not written down. Some are easily identified therefore
clearly adhered to while others are not easily identified. However, they
come in clearly whenever a crime is committed or bad behavior
exhibited.
Likewise the moral codes of Jainism are not strictly written down, but
taught to the followers of the faith through role model.

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The monks practiced the expected moral code than ordinary people. The
lifestyle emphasizing peace with all living things imply peaceful co-
existence with the universe, no fighting, quarreling or any activity that
may cause disorder.

Jains summarize the codes into only two aspects namely; non-violence
or AHIMSA and non-injury. Adherents of Jainism are expected to
respect life of other creatures as much as possible. This explains why the
majority of the Jains are merchants to only deal with transactions of
what others have produced. The code also justifies the monk style of life
which would be superficial to an ordinary person.

How fast would you move if you were to wear robes only, cover your
mouth and nose, and sweep the ground on which you walk?

Ahimsa goes further to include not being violent, abusive, oppressive,

insulting and tormenting other creatures.

So Jains avoid war and do not participate in making weapons of war

which would be used to destroy life. Interestingly, while you would
make sure a wasp about to sting you dies, a Jain will devise all means to
trap and throw it outside the room alive.

The moral teachings were summarized into five and this included non-
violence, celibacy, truth, no stealing and non-possession. Explain more
on the above moral or ethical teachings.

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MAN AND HIS ENVIRONMENT
From the above activity you will discover that all living creatures make
our environment. Jains take it upon themselves to protect the
environment as much as possible. They run veterinary clinics for
domestic animals and keep pigeons. They do not take part in lumbering,
cultivating and hunting activities because these destroy nature.
General guiding questions
1 a). Discuss the Jain teaching on non-violence
b) What benefits would Ugandans achieve if they genuinely follow
the Jain moral teaching on non-violence (AHIMSA?).
2. Compare and contrast the five moral teachings of Jainism with either
Christianity or Islam
3. Give a brief background on the Jain Religion and discuss its major
beliefs.

SIKHISM
BACKGROUND
Sikhism is one of the religions of the world which has greatly remained
a religion for Indians more than any other people.

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It was started in the 16th century and was based on the teaching of kabir,
a Hindu reformer who lived between “1440-1518”.
Kabir’s teaching was to try and reform Hinduism which believed in
many deities and Islam though believing in one God-Allah had
meaningless rituals and practices. Kabir criticized these rituals and
practices because they were rarely accompanied by sincerity and ethical
uprightness in an individual’s life. Emphasis was on one God, who is
manifested in His creation but known under different names. Further
concern was put on the question of liberation other than struggling to do
good karma which would determine the position after rebirth. Kabir
emphasized God’s love as sufficient to effect liberation. This love
disregarded race, caste and endless cycle of rebirths. This was good
news to the shudras (laborers and craftsmen), who despite the effort put
in, would still be re-born in the same caste of shudras.

When he died, he was succeeded by Nanak (1469-1538) as the first Guru

Guru Nanak founded Sikhism as an independent religion from Hinduism
and Islam though getting more ideas from the latter. He emphasized
reconciliation between the two faiths. He preached monotheism, that
God is universal and manifested among his creation. He is known under
various names in different societies of the world for example Brahman,
Jehovah, and Allah.

A problem was raised on Vedas (scriptures of Hindus written in Sanskrit

language). Only a few would read and understand it. So that was the
background for the need of scripture for the majority of the people in the
language well understood. The scriptures in vernacular were written.
TEACHINGS

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Sikh teaching is centered on the belief in the unity of God as one and the
only one who controls the universe
Adherents and many other people especially the Hindus and Moslems
are called upon to think of God only, getting nothing to destruct their
thoughts, as the chief way of attaining liberation. So one is to seek self-
purification, be morally upright in one’s heart and thought.

More to the rituals and ceremonies is the need for moral purity than
ceremonies alone. In fact he emphasized rituals to cater for meditation
on the reality of God or else people participate for amusements
Respect, service and honor to superiors, desiring the Guru’s word, love
and faithfulness to one’s wife, humility; being considerate, forsaking
evil companies, associating with the holy and avoiding quarrelsomeness
are some of the virtues of a Sikh believer.
Pacifism and humility were emphasized by the first four Gurus, but after
Guru Arjan of 1681, Sikhism turned into a militant religion. This was
purposely to address the growing suspicions and hostilities of some new
Moslem rulers who were against the Sikh community. For example
Emperor Akbar’s son who succeeded his father, became a Moslem
fanatic to an extent of persecuting, arresting and torturing Guru Arjan to
death.
To emphasize the need for militancy, a rite called Baptism of the sword
was introduced by Guru Govind. At the initiation ceremony, the novices
are made to repeat the Sikh war cry:
The pure are of God, and the victory is to God
After that the novices would be called pure the khalsa or elect and each
would add Singh interpreted as Lion to his name.

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The Singh are taught to take an oath by pledging to:
1) Worship the one invisible God
2) Honor the Gurus
3) Have deep respect for only one visible thing which is the Holy
Granth
4) Abstain from intoxicants and stimulants
5)
The Singh is commended to the five (5) Ks namely the:
1. Kesh that is the long hair on the head and chin. In practice they
wear a turban to keep the hair clean
2. Kangha, a comb to keep the hair neat
3. Kachs that is short underpants symbolizing chastity
4. Kara, a steel bracelet symbolizing God’s omnipresence
5. Khanda, a steel dagger symbolizing resistance to evil
Note: those Sikhs who are not Singhs are called Nanak panthis
(followers of the path of Nanak and non-militant. They have been
absorbed back into Hinduism because they are not easily distinguished.

BELIEF IN MONOTHEISM
Guru Nanak who lived between 1469-1538 followed by nine other
Gurus, was the first teacher (Guru) of Sikhism called to the service after
bathing in a river from where he disappeared into the forest. Nanak
appeared after three days with God’s message received in a vision, and
the message was known as a Cup of Nectar.

From that time, Nanak sang beautiful hymns of praise to God, the true
name and that his own singing was accompanied by heavenly music.
Response to the song was adopted as a basic belief in the words;

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 There is but one God whose name is True, creator, devoid of
fear and enmity, immortal (UN born), self-existent, great and
beautiful. The true one was in the beginning. The TRUE ONE is,
was and also shall be.
In his ministry, Nanak declared that he has been called by the One True
God, the one behind Islam, Hinduism and other religions. God is
believed to be the creator. He is sovereign and omnipotent. God is called
the True Name, He is one and the only God manifest through his
creatures in all ages in different ways but known under different names
like Allah, Brahman, and Jehovah (YAHWEH).

Sikhism believes that God ordains each creature its place. Man has been
given the highest place and allowed to receive service from the lower
creatures. This belief rejects the Hindu idea of all creatures being equal
and demanding equal respect since all have souls. However, the ideal of
illusionary creating power and short-lived nature of the world were
maintained in the belief.

THE TEMPLE AND SCRIPTURES

The temple as a place of worship and scriptures referring to written or
documented beliefs and messages the teacher wishes believers to read,
are important elements in his particular religion.
Note:

1) Hinduism had Vedas written in Sanskrit , a language neither

known nor understood, and could not be read by many
2) Hinduism also had very many temples; mostly concentrated along
River Ganges

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 3) Moslems with the mosque and scriptures- Quran. These had many
rituals attached to them with little sincerity, if any at all.

Scriptures
Guru Nanak got the challenge to write in response to the song he used to
sing in praise of God. The book called the GRANTH or Sikh Bible
consisted of the writings and hymns of Guru Nanak, the teaching of
Kabir on whose reforms Nanak based his teaching. Also included is the
teaching of the four earlier Gurus. The Granth contains one of the tenth
Guru’s hymn; Guru Govind Singh of 1675-1708 said;
Hail Hail to the Creator of the world, the savior of creation, my
cherisher, hail thee, O sword.
The portion added is said to have strengthened the original feeble hearts
of the Sikhs. From then on, the Sikhs were encouraged to fight hence
increasing their militancy- especially the Moslem who despise the Holy
Granth, calling it Pagan.

The Temple
Guru Nanak in his teaching never put emphasis on visiting holy places
in order to get close to God. Instead he taught quietness, holiness,
humility and peacefulness of Sikhism. As time went on with increased
war mongering and disputes with non-Sikh especially of Islamic faith,
the teaching was revisited to include militarism. This was pushed further
by Guru Arjan who among many other landmarks left an injunction to
his son and successor Hor Govind to sit fully armed on his throne and
maintain an army to the best of his ability.

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Arjan is also remembered for completing the construction of an artificial
lake at a place called Amritsar and a Golden Temple on the island with
in the lake- unlike along River Ganges with most Hindu temples and
shrines
The temple was declared a spiritual center and focus of pilgrimage for
Sikhs.
The purpose of the pilgrimage is to try and remember the teaching of the
Gurus, listen to Guru Granth being read and to pray.
Many people, Sikhs and non-Sikhs are welcomed at the temple which
has a Museum and a lake with beautiful art and architecture, attracting
various people.
The Holy Guru Granth was kept in the temple giving the temple more
responsibilities.
The Sikhs worship on Sundays and other special days particularly feast
days of the ten Gurus. The faith welcomes every person regardless of
race or color.
Sikhism has spread to other parts of the world, including East Africa,
except that it is more of a religion of Indians than any other ethnicity. To
date, Sikhism clash openly with Hindus and Moslems.
Because of their military life style, British colonialists and later
governments in India used them a lot to fight political wars. Hence they
are a feared group in the world.

RELIGIONS OF FAR EAST

BUDDHISM
Origin and Spread of Buddhism

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Buddhism is one of the great religions of the world. It was founded in
India during the 6th century B.C that is about 600 years before the birth
of Christ. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, in place called Bahir,
located in eastern India. In his early adulthood he achieved
enlightenment and thus became known as the Buddha which means the
Enlightened One. After achieving enlightenment he founded Buddhism
by preaching a new doctrine of salvation and liberation from suffering.
His preaching won many followers who became his disciples. They are
known as Buddhist.

Siddhartha Gautama grew up in a luxurious and rich environment. His

father being a ruler, was a rich man, so was Gautama. He grew up in his
father’s palace where poverty and suffering were unknown. Since he
was the only son, his father provided him with all the things, and
education he needed so that he could succeed him as the ruler of their
clan. Furthermore, he made every effort possible to ensure that nothing
caused him pain or suffering.

He had three palaces; one for the cold season, one for the hot, and one
for the rainy season. At the age of sixteen he married a wife Yasodhara
who bore him a son, Rahula. They lived happily and luxuriously for
about thirteen years. His family life was suddenly brought to an end by
shocking signs he saw outside the palace. Though he had all the material
things, protection and comfort, he did not have knowledge of the reality
of life outside the palace.

At 29 years of age he traveled around the city and saw four shocking
signs. First, he saw an old man. This was the first time in life to see old
age since there were no old people in the palace. In the second instance,
he saw a sick person who was about to die. Then in the third incident he
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saw a corpse being taken for cremation. This incident made him know
that there was death. He had never of it or seen a person die. Finally he
saw a monk who looked serene and satisfied in life.
It is common belief that those signs were gods in disguise. They
symbolized the reality and serenity in human life. They made him feel
pain, sorrow and despair. He became dissatisfied with material
possessions. He also became dissatisfied with the religious beliefs,
teachings and practices of Hinduism. They were not able to relieve
people of misery and suffering. He then developed a new outlook on life
which aimed at helping people overcome suffering. Finally, he
abandoned his home, family and wealth to devote himself to meditation
in lonely places. He wanted to find the causes and solutions to suffering.
In the sixth year of meditation he achieved enlightenment. He found
explanation to the causes and solutions of suffering. After that he
became known as the Buddha. Immediately he went and preached his
new doctrine in the holy city of Benares on River Ganges. As he
preached, he made converts and thus founded a new religion.
At thirty five years of age he achieved enlightenment. For the next forty
five years he preached his new doctrine in northern India and made
many converts. He therefore died at the age of eighty at Kusinara.
After his death, Buddhist monks spread the new religion to other parts of
India and abroad. From the first century B.C. it spread into China, Korea
and Japan. Then it spread into Nepal, Tibet, Burma, Thailand,
Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Java. Today Buddhism is also
strongly planted in some European countries like Great Britain.

Right from the time of the foundation of Buddhism, Buddhists have

maintained fundamental beliefs about their founder.

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Buddhists have the following beliefs about their founder, Buddha.
Before his birth as a human being he was born in Tusita (Heaven) where
he lived in happiness like a god for millions of years. From there he
came to earth to help living beings overcome their suffering. He
completed the work he came to do by teaching people how to put an end
to suffering.

It is believed his birth was miraculous. He was not conceived in the

womb in a normal human manner. His birth did not follow the normal
natural order. His mother dreamt that a white elephant had entered into
her womb and she conceived. At birth he came out of the womb from
the side of the mother. His mother did not experience pains or loss of
blood in the process of delivery. He was an extraordinary man.

Further still, it is believed that his life as an individual is without or end.

He is both divine and human. In his human nature he was a special man
because he had achieved enlightenment and he knew everything about
the world. Wise men had predicted at his birth that he would either
become a great ruler or a universal teacher.

Belief in rebirth of souls

Rebirth means being born again after death. It is the coming back to life
in an animal or human form. Rebirth implies that after the death of an
individual person, the same soul will come back but in a different form;
as an animal or another person. Buddhism teaches that death is not the
end of life. It is a gateway to a series of rebirths until the soul attains
nirvana.

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It further teaches that the soul of a person living now has had life in
many forms before and will have many more until it attains nirvana. The
process of rebirth stops after attainment of nirvana.
Nirvana
Nirvana is a state of life where there is complete happiness, contentment,
and peace. It is the state of life in which there is no change and
unhappiness. It is a state of total rest.
In human society we know how one’s behavior influences his
relationship with another person. We are familiar with behaviors which
deserve praise or rebuke.
Karma means an act or action. Buddhism teaches that every action a
person does bears a consequence, which is the result or an outcome of an
action or an activity done. A good action produces a good consequence
while a bad action produces a bad consequence.
Whatever a person thinks, speaks or does, leaves a permanent mark on
him or her. This has an effect as a consequence of whatever action was
done. The effect or result may be good or bad. This is called the law of
cause and effect. It is also called the karmic effect.
Through good thought, speech and action a person can accumulate a
karmic bank balance of good effects. Likewise through bad thought,
speech, and action a person accumulates and adds a karmic bank debt of
bad effects.
Rebirth means being born again after death. It is being born again and
again over a long period of time. It is coming back of life in another
form. For Buddhism, death is not the end of life. Death is merely a
transition of life from one form to another. Rebirth implies that after the
death of an individual person, the same soul will come back but in a
different form.

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Buddhism teaches that death is not the end of life. Every person will be
reborn in another form except if one has attained nirvana. A person can
be reborn over and over again and again in an animal or human form
Buddhism believes in rebirth. It also believes that karma has a great
influence on the state of rebirth. Bad karma has a negative influence on
the state of rebirth in that the soul is reborn in a lower being. Good
karma has a positive influence on the state of rebirth in the soul is reborn
in a higher being. The higher being is a cow. And then finally it attains
nirvana.
Karma controls the state of rebirth of every person. The current state of
life a person is in, is the result of actions done in the past. The future
state of life will be the result of the kind of thinking, speaking and
actions of the present. According to the law, everything and every state
of rebirth is the result of some prior cause.
TEACHING OF BUDDHISM ON THE DOCTRINE OF
SUFFERING
According to Buddhism, suffering is part and parcel of human life.
Everybody who lives suffer in one way or another. The suffering of
some people is light, while that of others is heavy. Some are less severe,
others are too severe. The main causes of suffering is greed, jealousy
and hatred (selfish). The Buddhist philosophy of life and suffering is
based on the teaching of Buddha, summarized in the four Noble Truths.
1. The first Noble Truth is that suffering (Dukkha) is a universal
fact. By this he meant every person suffers in life. No person is immune
from suffering. Suffering, which he termed dukkha, entails experiencing
or having physical and mental suffering, misery, despair, distress,
imperfection, emptiness, and agony. Suffering is present in the life of
men and women everywhere.
2. The second Noble Truth is that causes of suffering are known. The
causes of suffering are selfish desires, greed and craving. It is caused by
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too much craving and desiring materials as well as immaterial things for
self-satisfaction. It is endless struggle for possession of material goods
and pleasures which arouse more desire. Desire which cannot be
satisfied causes suffering.
3. The third Noble Truth is that suffering can be eliminated or
avoided. It is possible to remove suffering. Suffering can be eliminated
by avoiding craving and controlling one’s desires.
4. The fourth Noble Truth is that suffering can be ended or that
salvation can be achieved by following the Noble Eight-fold path,
leading to nirvana. Nirvana is a state of complete rest, happiness and
peace. The Noble Eight-fold path is also known as the middle way. It is
between extremes of self-indulgence in pleasures and self-annihilation.
Soon after attaining enlightenment, Buddha taught about the causes of
suffering. He also showed a path of action through which suffering can
be eradicate. This path of action leads to salvation.
He taught that it is possible to remove suffering from human life. He
urged people to follow the path of salvation he had laid down.
The path of salvation starts with the acceptance of the four Noble Truths.
Finally salvation can be achieved by following and putting the Noble
Eight-fold path into practice.
The Eight-fold path is made up of these components:
1) Right views or understanding. This means understanding the
four Noble Truths
2) Right aspirations or thoughts or attitude or resolve. This means
freedom from ill-will, lust, cruelty, untruthfulness, and any
indecent thinking.
3) Right speech. This means telling the truth, avoiding bad language
and using a decent language.

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 4) Right conduct or action. This means doing useful work, avoiding
cheating, stealing, sexual misconduct, behaving decently and doing
what is good and right.
5) Right livelihood or occupation. This means earning one’s living
by working; it means acquiring things through the right way but
not stealing, robbing or cheating.
6) Right effort. This means avoiding evil thoughts; arousing and
maintaining good thoughts.
7) Right mindfulness. This means being alert and attentive about
whatever happens around us and to us. It means taking good care
of one’s body, feelings and mind.
8) Right contemplation or concentration. This means concentrating
one’s thinking and reflection on a single object so as to induce
consciousness in deep meditation.
The first two imply that one must have right views about reality
(knowledge or wisdom) according to the Buddha’s teaching as well as
seek salvation. The next three are the social and moral requirements for
the Buddhist. They are also summarized in the five precepts that apply to
both monks and lay men which give a clear picture of the Buddhists
ethics. For example;
1. The Buddha must not take life even that of animals. All life should
be treated with compassion and gentleness.
2. Must refrain from taking what is not given to you
3. Must abstain from wrong sexual relations like fornication, adultery
etc.
4. Avoid wrong speech like telling lies, malicious gossip even if it is
true.
5. Must refrain from use of drugs and alcohol because these tend to
cloud the mind declaring it inefficient yet the Buddhist emphasizes
most strongly gentleness and peacefulness.

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CONFUCIANISM (the Way of life or the way of Living)
Introduction

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Confucianism is a religion which deals primarily with moral conduct
and the ordering of the society, it is often categorized as an ethical
system. It deals solely with life here on earth rather than the life after, it
does not take into consideration mankind’s ultimate concern.
Confucianism does not have revelatory sacred writings, no priesthood
and frowned on asceticism and monasticism. It has been the chief
cultural influence of China for centuries.

This religion was founded in china by a man called in Chinese as Kungu

Fu-Tzu who later became to be known as Confucius. By the time China
was characterized by social anarchy. Although the conduct of the
Chinese was exceedingly corrupt, Confucius believed the situation was
not hopeless, for the general population had not reached the point of
total corruption. He believed china could be saved if the people would
seek for the good of others, a practice of their ancestors.

The role Confucius would play was not as a savior or a messiah but as
one who could put the people back in touch with their past values.
ORIGIN AND FOUNDER
Confucius was born in North Central China to Chiu King, the youngest
of eleven children. His father Shutte died soon after his birth, leaving his
upbringing to his mother. During his youth, Confucius participated in a
variety of activities, including hunting and fishing but on reaching the
age of 15 he bent his mind to learning from various teachers.
He held a minor government post as a collector of taxes before he
reached the age of 20 years. It was at this time when he got married.
However, his marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce but he did
produce a son and daughter from his unsuccessful marriage. He became
a teacher in his early twenties. His ability as a teacher became apparent

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and his fame spread rapidly, attracting a strong team of disciples. He
believed that society would not change unless he occupied a public
office where he could put his theories into practice. His moral reforms
achieved an immediate success, but he soon fell out with his superiors
and subsequently resigned his post. He spent the next 13 years
wandering from state to state, attempting to implement his political and
social reforms. He devoted his last 5 years of his life writing and editing
what have become Confucian classic.
He died I Chufou, Shunting, in 479 BC having established himself as the
most important teacher in Chinese culture. His disciples referred to him
as Kung Fu-Tzu or Kung the master, which has been Latinized into
Confucius.
Guiding question
Write a brief biography of Confucius

PRINCIPLES OF CONFUCIANISM
There are basically six (6) principles and these include;
1) Jen is the idea of humanness, goodness, benevolence or gentleman.
Jen is the golden rule, the rule of reciprocity i.e. do not do anything
to others that you would not have them done to you (do not impose
on others what yourself do not desire). ( note. social relationship
can be used to practically explain the golden rule)
2) Chun-Tzu: This can be translated variously as the gentlemen, true
manhood, superior man and man at his best. That was aimed
towards the gentlemen and man creating a peaceful place
3) Cheng-Ming refers to the rectification of names of the society to be
properly ordered, Confucius believe one must act his proper part.
Consequently, a king should act like a king, a gentleman like a
gentleman, etc.

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 4) Te (power) but the concept has a far wider meaning. The power
needed to rule. According to Confucius it is necessary that the
leaders be men of virtue who can inspire their subjects to
obedience through examples.
5) Li- This term has a variety of meanings, depending upon the
context i.e. propriety, reverence, courtesy, ritual or ideal standard
of conduct.
6) Wen- This refers to the art of peace, which Confucius held in high
esteem. These include music, poetry and art. Confucius felt that
symbols of virtue that should be manifested throughout society.
Confucius condemned the culture of his day because he believed it
lacked any inherent virtue.
Kung’s teaching on social relationship
There are basically five kinds of social relationships and he gives a
guide of the attitude to be adopted by those standing relationships.
1. Father and son, filial piety (unconditional love)
2. Elder brother and younger brother, respect
3. Husband and wife, obedience
4. Elder and younger, deference
5. Ruler and subject, loyalty
In each relationship, the latter case is inferior in status to the former.
However, there is need to reciprocate, where father shows kindness to
the son, elder brother-nobility, husband-love the elder shows humanness,
and the ruler-benevolence(generous or to do good).

WORSHIP
Veneration of Ancestors
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Ancestry worship is the veneration of the spirits of the dead by their
living relatives. It is believed that ancestors can control the fortunes of
their families.
If a family provides for the ancestors’ needs, then the ancestors will in
turn cause good things to happen to their relatives. However, if they are
neglected, it is believed that all sorts of evil can fall upon the living.
Why the veneration of ancestors
 People wanted their ancestors to be able to live beyond the grave in
the manner similar to their life-style on earth, hence the living
attempted to provide whatever would be necessary
 If the ancestors are not provided with food and weapons and
utensils needed to survive in the life beyond, those ancestors might
return in form of ghosts and cause trouble to the living. To this
day, people celebrate a festival of hungry ghosts, placing food and
wine in front of their homes to satisfy those ancestral spirits
(ghosts) whose descendants have not cared for them and who
therefore may wander back to old haunts.
 They also inform the ancestors of what is going on at the present
time, hopefully such a way that the ancestral spirits may be assured
that all is well and therefore may rest in peace.
 Ancestral worship expresses the hope that ancestors will bless the
living with children, prosperity, harmony and all that is most
worthwhile.

PRACTICES OF CONFUCIANISM
1) Birth- The spirit of the fetus (T’ai-Shen) protects the expectant
woman and deals harshly with anyone who harasses the mother to
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 be. A special procedure is followed when the placenta is disposed
of the mother is given a special diet and is allowed to rest for a
month after delivery. The mother’s family of origin supplies all the
items required by the baby on the 1st, 4th, 12th, monthly anniversary
of the baby.
2) Reaching maturity- This life passage is no longer being
celebrated, except in traditional families. It takes the form of a
group meal in which the young adult is served chicken.
3) Marriage- this is performed in six stages.
 Proposal- The couple exchange the eight characters: the year,
month, day and hour of each their birth. If any unpropitious event
occurs within the bride to be’s family during the next 3 days, then
the woman is believed to have rejected the proposal.
 Engagement- After the wedding day is chosen, the bride announces
the wedding with invitations and a gift of cookies made in the
shape of the moon.
 Dowry- This is carried to the groom’s home in a solemn
procession. The bride price is then sent to the bride by the groom’s
parents. Gifts by the groom to the bride, equal in value to the
dowry, are sent to her.
 Procession- The groom visits the bride’s home and brings her back
to his place, with much fanfare.
 Marriage and Reception-The couple recites the vows. Toats each
other with wine and then take Centre stage at a banquet.
 Morning after- The bride serves breakfast to the groom’s parents
who then reciprocate.
4) Death – At death, the relatives cry out aloud to inform the neighbors.
The family starts mourning and puts on clothes made of a coarse
material. The corpse is washed and placed in a coffin. Family and
friends follow the coffin to the cemetery, along with a willow branch
which symbolizes the soul of the person who has died. The latter is

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carried back to the family altar where it is used to install the spirit of the
deceased. Liturgies are performed on the 7th, 9th, 49th day after the burial
and on the 1st and 3rd anniversaries of death.
Guiding Questions
1. With clear examples, discuss the relevance of the six principles of
Confucianism to non-Confucian.
2. Elaborate on the three of the following in relation to
Confucianism
(i) The Golden Rule (Jen)
(ii) Etiquettes
(iii) Propriety (Li)
(iv) Ancestral worship

Shintoism (the Way of God or deities (kami)

 Traditional religion of Japan

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  Has no founder
 Polytheistic in nature ( about 80 million deities
 Pantheistic in nature

Types of Shintoism (four)

 Sect Shintoism
 Shrine Shintoism
 Folk Shintoism
 State Shintoism
Four affirmations of Shintoism
 Tradition and family
 Love of Nature
 Ritual of purity ( physical and spiritual cleanliness)
 Matsuri ( respecting the Ancestors)
Ten Precepts of Shintoism
1) Do not transgress the will of the deities or god
2) Do not forget your obligations to ancestors
3) Do not offend by violating the decrees of the state
4) Do not forget the profound goodness of the deities or god through
which calamity and misfortunes are averted and sickness is healed
5) Do not forget that the world is one great family
6) Do not forget the limitations of your own person
7) Do not become angry even though others become angry
8) Do not be sluggish in your work
9) Do not bring blame to the teaching
10) Do not be carried away by foreign teachings

Guiding questions

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1. Discuss the relevance of the four affirmations of Shintoism to the
contemporary society.
2. Discuss the lessons that you draw from the ten precepts of Shintoism.

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Taoism/Daoism (the Way)
 The literal translation of Tao or Dao is the way.
 Had a founder and that is Lao-tzu or Laozi
 Has a sacred literature (Tao Te Ching).
 According to Taoism, all life is interdependent, and human beings
should exist in harmony with nature and the Tao.
 In order to solve the problems of the day, the Taoist apply the
principle of WU WE, which means act by not acting. Do nothing
and problems will solve themselves?
 Daoists believe it is useless to try to build institutions to govern
people, because institutions are dangerous.
 Institutions lead to competition and eventually to fighting.
 The less government interference, the better; the ideal state is a
small, self-sufficient town.
 The Daoist attitude towards war was that it should be used only for
defensive purposes. The Han Chinese followed this idea by
stationing troops along the Great Wall to maintain the safety of
trade routes.
 The ultimate goal, according to the Taoists, should be to cultivate
the virtues of patience, selflessness, concern for all.
 Taoism places great importance on ethical thing, speaking and
doing. When the individual behaves ethically, the entire
community benefits.
The Ten Precepts of Taoism
Taoism teaches Ten precepts which the individual is expected to uphold.
1. Do not kill but always be mindful of the host of living beings
2. Do not be lascivious or think depraved thoughts
3. Do not steal or receive unrighteous wealth
4. Do not cheat or misrepresent good and evil
5. Do not get intoxicated but always think of pure conduct

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 6. I will maintain harmony with my ancestors and family and never
disregard my kin
7. When I see someone do a good deed, I will support him with joy
and delight
8. When I see someone unfortunate, I will support him with dignity to
recover good fortune.
9. When someone comes to do me harm, I will not harbor thoughts of
revenge.
10. As long as all beings have not attained the Tao, I will not
expect to do so myself.
Guiding question.
1a). compare and contrast the Ten precepts of Taoism with the Ten
Commandments (Exodus 20).
b). Discuss the relevance of the ten precepts of Taoism to the
contemporary society.

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The Baha’i faith

Foundation of Baha’i faith

The Baha’i faith has its root or origin in Hinduism and Islam. The
Baha’i faith was developed from the religious and beliefs of Islam. Its
religious ideas were taken from the Quaran, and they mostly emphasized
those aspects which stress the fulfillment of Islamic prophecies and
interpretation of its teaching.
A great part of the beliefs and teachings of the Baha’i faith have
originated from Islam. It has incorporated and integrated major beliefs
and teachings of Islam. It believes and teaches that Abraham, Moses,
Zoroaster, Buddha, Muhammad are authentic messengers of God. The
teachings of these messengers are seen as paths of salvation.
The Baha’i faith teaches that Islam being the most popular religion,
made the immediate preparation for its foundation.
At its early stage, the followers of Baha’i faith were looked at as Muslim
heretics by the Muslim clergymen and other Muslims. But it steadily
grew and became recognized as anew religion in its own right.
The Baha’i faith acknowledges all religions. It focuses on the founders
who are regarded as prophets. Traditional religions are in their own
category because their founders are not known.
The Baha’i faith in its teaching emphasizes the elimination of prejudice,
modifies the Hindu caste system as a way of classifying society and puts
all people at one social level. The emphasis is on spiritual unity as the
foundation of oneness of mankind rather than social classes.

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The spread and Expansion of Baha’i faith
The Baha’i faith is one of the great religions of the world. It is the
youngest recognized world’s religion. It has over five million followers
who live in different countries. The followers of this religion are called
the Baha’is.
The Baha’i faith was founded by Bahaullah in 1863 in Iran. Bahaullah
was born in 1817 in Iran. He was born in a rich, wealthy, and influential
family. His family name was Mirzal Hussein Ali. As he advanced in age
he became a follower of one Ali Muhammad’s teaching. The teaching
was about the coming of a new messenger through whom God would
communicate with his people.
In 1844, this very Ali Muhammad declared that he was the Bab. Bab
means Gate, in Arabic. He went around teaching that in a near future
someone greater than himself was going to come to complete the work
of reforming religion. At that time the prominent religion in Iran was
Islam. He himself was a follower of Islam. Many people believed what
he taught and were anxious to see the arrival of the promised messenger.
Up to now the Baha’i regard him as one of those great prophets God has
sent. Unfortunately he was executed by firing squad in 1850 for his new
teaching about God and reforming religion. His followers were
persecuted too and some went into exile in neighboring countries.
In 1863, Mirzal Hussein Ali declared that was the messenger of God
whose coming was foretold by Ali Muhammad. Then he changed his
name to Bahaullah. This name means the Glory of God. It is from this
name that his followers are called the Baha’is. Those who accepted his
message followed him and in this way he founded a new religion called
the Baha’i faith.
Bahaullah and his followers suffered greatly in the early stage of the
foundation of the Baha’i faith. They were persecuted by the government
of Iran and Muslim religious leaders of the time because some of their

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beliefs and teachings were against those of Islam. Many followers of the
new religion were executed. Because of his family background he was
not executed like the others, but imprisoned in Tehran in 1852. After
four months he was exiled to Baghdad. While there he declared that he
was the messenger of God. Again from Baghdad he was exiled to
Constantinople (Istanbul). Finally he was imprisoned once again in
Akka. He died while a prisoner on May 29, 1892. His tomb is at Bahji
where he died. This place has become a Centre of pilgrimage for the
Baha’is.
From Iran the Baha’i faith spread rapidly to countries beyond the
borders of Persia. Today the followers of this religion are more than five
million in number. They come from diverse ethnic, professional and
religious backgrounds worldwide. Some have Christian, Jewish,
Buddhist, Sikh, Animist, and Islamic backgrounds. Some members are
people who never ascribed themselves to any religion before.
Several factors contributed to the rapid spread of the faith. The first
major figure in the spread of the Baha’i faith was the Bab. His major
occupation was extensively preaching about the coming of the promised
messenger of God. He worked for six years preparing the way for the
promised one. After his death, his followers known as the Babis
continued the work and spread the good news throughout Persia.
The second major figure was Bahaullah himself. He preached
extensively and won many converts. He also wrote extensively in order
to propagate his new religion. He wrote letters to private individuals as
well as people collectively to enable them know and embrace the new
religion.
In 1867, while still in prison, he sent many letters to kings and religious
leaders. The letters warned them about the dawn of a new age, the
impending revolutions and changes in the world. The letters urged
people worldwide to accept his message, new principles and the new
religion. There were persecutions inflicted on the followers of the faith.
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The Baha’is who went into exile for fear of persecution also spread the
faith wherever they went.
Another major figure in the propagation of the Baha’i faith was Songhi
Effendi. He was the Guardian of the Baha’i faith from 1921 to 1957. He
was the grandson of Bahaullah. He established national and local
assemblies of the Baha’is and put in place the administrative teachings
of the faith. By the time of his death in 1957 the faith was well
established in more than 240 countries.

Basic teachings of Baha’i faith

There basically three teachings
1) Oneness of God
The Baha’i faith believes and teaches that there is only one supreme
God. He is the creator of heaven and earth. He is Lord and ruler of the
universe. Everything that there is in the universe originated from Him.
This God existed from all eternity and is everlasting. He has no
beginning and no end.
God is a pure spirit. He has no physical body. Man cannot see Him
physically. He is not in the form of man. The phrase man is created in
image of God does not refer to his physical form but to his spiritual
qualities which man reflects.
God is transcendent. The Baha’i believe the God is beyond the reach of
man and His essence cannot be known. Although he is invisible and
isolated, He can be known through his manifestations. God manifests
Himself through human beings. Few of the manifestations of God are
Moses, Muhammad, the Bab, Bahaullah and Jesus. Sometimes they are
known as prophets, Messengers or sons of God.
Furthermore, God is believed to be omnipotent and omniscient. He is all
powerful and knows all things. So He can do anything at any time.
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Oneness of God is the unique feature in the basic teachings of the Baha’i
faith.
2) Oneness of Mankind (Brotherhood)
If God is one and we are all his children, then we are one. Mankind
forms one family, irrespective of color of the skin. Bahaullah taught that
different color of people’s skin are like the different colors of the
flowers of the field and gardens that make the gardens beautiful. He said
that O well be loved ones! The Tabernacle of unity has been raised:
regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one true, and
leaves of one branch. Be ye as the fingers of one hand, and the members
of one body. Thus counselleth you the pen of Revelation.
The Baha’i leaders, adherents to Bahaullah also emphasized this
teaching by pointing act that physical or any other differences do not
make one person or one race superior to another. On the same note,
Baha’i faith condemns all forms of prejudice, ignorance, power-seeking,
egotism (talking too much all the time about one self).
Practically, every Baha’i is called upon to work towards the realization
of this unity, by building a truly universal and unified society based on
practical needs as well as spiritual principles.
Brotherhood is extended to all, and is meant that all men and women are
brothers and sisters. Everybody should regard his/her neighbor as a
brother and a sister and both parties should foster unity and oneness
among themselves.
The brotherhood of all mankind is one of the basic teachings of the faith.
It means that the whole human race is one, unified, distinct, and an
organic unit. The brotherhood of all mankind also known as the oneness
of humankind implies that all people have the same basic, God-given
capacities.

45 | P a g e
Physical differences such as skin color, hair texture and nationality, are
superficial and have nothing to do with any supposed superiority of one
ethnic group over another. Because of the belief in brotherhood of all
mankind and oneness of all human beings, the Baha’i faith rejected all
theories of racial superiority. For the Baha’is, such theories are founded
on false imaginations and ignorance.
The Baha’i faith teaches that mankind is one. All members of the human
family were created by the same Father-God, and all are dear to Him.
The oneness of mankind is a truth which must be alive in one’s
consciousness. This oneness must be reflected and manifested in
everyone’s actions or deeds.
Bahaullah explained the oneness by giving the example of God as the
shepherd and all peoples are His flock or sheep. He said the shepherd
loves and guides the whole flock.
3) Oneness of Religion
On the oneness of religion the Baha’i faith is exceptional from all other
religions. Bahaullah taught that the religion of God is one. God has sent
out many teachers at varied times to all parts of the world to educate and
guide mankind.
Some of the teachers are manifestations, other minor prophet and other
mere saints or reformers. Each manifestation is similar to the previous
one except he brings teaching which has been distorted or forgotten by
mankind. God always sends the message that is relevant and appropriate
to the age and the stage of man’s development.
The manifestation therefore addresses issues and problems of his time
while confirming the universal and spiritual truth of the previous
manifestation. This justifies the similarities and differences between
messages of different manifestations of the world.

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So manifestations of God like Moses, Krishna, Zoroaster, Buddha,
Jesus, Muhammad, and the Bab are equal in rank and purpose.
Bahaullah calls on his followers to believe in all of them. Justifying the
many manifestations, one after the other, the faith teaches that the
manifestations of God do not teach all that he knows about God. Instead
he teaches only that mankind can understand at that particular stage in
human development. Also he guides mankind on issues prevailing in
society at that particular time.
Songhi Effendi, the Guardian of the faith summarizes oneness of
religion as: the fundamental principles enunciated by Bahaullah, the
followers of his faith jury believe in that religions truth is not absolute,
but relative, that Divine revelation is a continuous and progressive
process. Also that all religions of the world are divine in origin, that their
basic principles are in complete harmony, that their gains and purpose
are one and the same. Their teachings are, but facets of one truth that
their functions are complementary. Also they differ, only in the essential
aspects of the doctrine. Their mission represents successive stages in the
spiritual evolution of human society.

The Baha’i principles

1. The independent search after the truth
The investigation has to be independent and individualistic in nature.
Search on the three basic truths that is the oneness of God, oneness of
mankind and oneness of Religion.
2. Eliminate prejudice
Evidence against something should be obtained prior taking sides or
decision. Bahaullah taught that prejudice is a result of ignorance or fear.
It creates antagonism and separates people.

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 3. The equality of man and woman
Women are treated as inferior to men because of prejudice, yet both men
and women are equal before God. They are equal on earth with equal
rights, privileges and opportunities and this equality is very vital for
human development. Abdul Baha emphasized it by using the analogy of
the bird when he stressed that humanity is like a bird with 2 wings- the
one is man the other is woman. Unless both wings are strong and
impelled by some common force, the bird cannot fly upward. The only
relevant difference between people is purity in the sight of God and
righteousness of their life.
If the two advance and coordinate equally, the happiness of mankind
will be attained. To achieve this equality, equal chances to develop the
talents should be given hence universal education.
4. Universal education
Education should be offered to both sexes so that the children can read
the scriptures and come with an independent position about the truth.
Both secular and spiritual education is very important. The Baha’i faith
community should take over if the parent is unable to educate his
children.
Bahaullah said that it is a decree that every father must educate his sons
and daughters in reading and writing… preference should be given to
females since they are the first educators in society and the coming
generation will benefit from whatever education the family/ community
is able to provide. Children should be educated for it is by education that
human talents are best utilized. Secular education is emphasized because
spiritual values and science are vital forces in human life. Science gives
tools, religion provides means of how to use the tools.

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 5. Religion and science
The two must agree and work together. Whatever is scientifically true is
religiously true, the reverse is also correct. Neither of the two can
contradict the other. Abdul said, if religious beliefs and opinions are
found contrary to the standards of science, then they are mere
superstitions and imaginations for the ant thesis of knowledge is
ignorance and the child of ignorance is superstition. An unquestionably,
there must be agreement between true religion and science. If a question
be found contrary to reason, faith and belief in it are impossible and
there is no outcome, but wavering/ unsteady/vacillation/constant change
of mind.
Science should continue bringing to us discovered truth and religion
brings revealed truths. It is further held that if God who created
everything is one, then there can be no contradiction between revealed
and discovered truths. Therefore the religion and science they
complement each other.
6. World peace and unity (world order)
The faith aims at the realization of world order, and that it’s teaching
and practices will reduce conflicts between individuals, communities
and nations. Bahaullah taught that world peace will be achieved through
stages like:
Lesser peace when nations of the world stop fighting and become
politically united.
Greater peace will then follow when the world will be united not only
politically but as well as economically and spiritually. At that time there
will be one culture and religion. One way to achieve world peace and
unity is through the use of one language which everyone can understand
and speak as it was evident during the building the tower of Babel.

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 7. Universal language
The absence of an international language is a big obstacle to world unity
and peace. People misunderstand one another when multiple languages
are used at the same time; fail to share ideas, values among others. This
language must be invented or chosen from the existing languages and
then be taught in all schools of the world, but in addition, an indigenous
or native language should be possessed by each individual.
8. Spiritual foundation of the society
Society should be built on a spiritual foundation and religion should be
supreme in all that man does and community gets involved in. society
should be governed on spiritual principles and man’s spirituality should
be the root to any solution to human problems. Man being one family,
one member should not live in misery while another is comfortable.
Everyone must be educated and helped to develop a skill, engage in
some occupation or profession. To work is an act of worship.
9. Justice (the House of Justice)
On justice Bahaullah said that the best beloved of all things in my sight
is justice, turn not away therefore if thou desires me. He taught against
extreme wealth and poverty among people in order to promote economic
justice. It’s wrong for some people to live in luxury while others are
starving and even homeless. The universal house of justice is the
international governing council of the Baha’i faith which was ordained
by Bahaullah. The adherents are called upon to exhibit the virtue of
equity in all their dealings.
Equality and brotherhood must be established among all members of
mankind. This is according to justice. The general rights of mankind
must be guarded and preserved. All men must be treated equally. This is
inherent in the very nature of humanity. As forgiveness is one of the
attributes of the Merciful one, so also justice is one of the attributes of
the Lord.
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Guiding questions
1. Critically analyze the main teachings of the Baha’i faith
2. (a) with relevant examples discuss the principles of the Baha’i faith
(b) What do you learn from the above aspects?
3. Analyze the central teachings and principles of the Baha’i faith.
4. The central teachings of the Baha’i faith are justified principles that
Ugandans of all religious faiths should follow for peace, unity and love
to be realized in our societies. Defend this statement.
5. Discuss how the basic teachings and principles of the Baha’i faith can
be used to promote unity and world peace in a world riddled with
conflicts and disunity?
6. With clear examples, examine the relationship between the principles
of Baha’i faith with the United Nations (UN).
7. Discuss the view that Baha’i faith is or was a hybrid of Hinduism and
Islam.

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The comparative study of Judaism, Christianity and Islam (the
Abrahamic faiths)
Judaism, Christianity and Islam are three of the most recognized
monotheistic religions worldwide. These religions are often referred to
as the Abrahamic religions (faiths) because of their history to the
founding father, Abraham. Judaism, Christianity and Islam are closely
related with varying differences. Christianity was born from within the
Jewish tradition, and Islam developed from both Christianity and
Judaism. We take a look at some of the major similarities and major
differences of these widely practiced and often times controversial
religions.
Judaism is the oldest surviving monotheistic religion, starting in the
eastern Mediterranean in the second millennium B.C.E. Abraham is
traditionally considered by all of the religions to be the first Jew and to
have made a covenant with God.
Belief in Yahweh
For those that practice Judaism they believe in one God (YAHWEH).
Judaism worships Yahweh alone as the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob.
The Torah
Jewish law is written in the sacred text of the Torah. Judaism is more
concerned with actions than dogma. The observance of rules regulating
human behavior has been of more concern than debates over beliefs in
the Jewish tradition. According to Orthodox Judaism, Jewish law, or
halakhah, includes 613 commandments given by God in the Torah, as
well as rules and practices elaborated by scholars and custom. Jewish
law covers matters such as prayer and ritual, diet, rules regulating
personal status marriage, divorce, birth, death

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Christianity and Islam are the most influential religions in the world.
Judaism has only fourteen million followers across the continents which
makes Judaism the 12th largest religion. Although Judaism is not as
large as Christianity and Islam, It still has an impact on the world.
Prophet Abraham is the called in Islam "the father of all prophets" and
because of that, sometimes Christianity, Islam and Judaism are called
Abrahamic Religions. There are many known differences and similarities
between Christianity, Islam and Judaism. They all share the same
believe in Divine Revelation; they all believe that god is contacting
prophets through revelation. Also, both of Muslims and Jews claim to
be strict monotheists while Christians claim to be Trinitarian
monotheists. Besides believing in only one true god and life after death,
hell and paradise, they all appeared in the same geological time and
recognize almost same prophets. In contrast, Muslims and Jews do not
have the believe of trinity as Christians do. In addition, the god of
Christians and Muslims focused on the whole universe while the god of
Jews on Israeli nation.

First of all, Judaism is considered the first religion came out of

these three. The problem is up until now there is no official date for
finding Judaism, but the closest date is by the birth of Abraham 1800
BC. Yehudim or Judah is the Hebrew word for Judaism and Jew is a term
given to anyone converted to.

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Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: A Comparative Analysis

Guiding question:
With relevant examples compare and contrast Judaism, Christianity and
Islam.

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are traditionally called the Abrahamic

religions. They highlight and trace their common origin to the patriarch
Abraham or recognize a spiritual tradition identified with him.

Abraham appears in the sacred texts of all of these religions. The major
Abrahamic religions in chronological order of founding are: Judaism
(late second millennium BCE), Christianity (first century CE), and Islam
(seventh century CE).

Influence to the World:

Christianity claims 33% of the world's population, Islam comes second
with 21%, and Judaism has 0.2%.
The Uniqueness and Similarities of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

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a) Judaism
Judaism claims that what separates it from all other religions is mainly
its proof of Divine origin as demonstrated through God's revelation of
Himself to all the Jews at Mount Sinai. This was said to be witnessed by
approximately 3 million Jews as an intelligent voice speaking to them
from the fiery mountain.

Judaism states that no other religion makes such a claim because Divine
revelation to the masses never happened to others, and as the Torah
says, it will never happen again (Deut. 4:32-34). All other religions are
founded on a single person's claim that God appeared to him.

Moreover, Judaism is said to be founded on principles which are

rational and comply with man's nature as a philosophical and
psychological being. Not one law in all of Judaism goes against man's
nature.

Unlike Catholicism which frowns upon divorce, and praises celibacy,

Judaism embraces the need at times for married couples to divorce if
they will be happier that way, and Judaism also embraces man's need
for sexual happiness and children.

Concerning destiny, Jews are messianists. For Christians, messianism is

a spiritual concept that speaks to mankind’s redemption from original
sin.

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But for Jews, messianism is a physical concept that connotes mankind’s
capacity to make the world a nearly perfect place. Jews believe in
humankind’s promised destiny of an era in which peace will reign over
the earth.

In short, Judaism believes in the perfectibility of mankind.

b) Christianity
Christianity is also based upon the most amazing event in all of human
history—Christ’s resurrection.

“Christians believe that mankind was created specifically to have a

relationship with God, but sin separates all men from Him (Romans
3:23, 5:12). Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ walked this earth, died
on the cross to restore the relationship that was broken by sin. After
His death on the cross, Christ was buried, He rose again, and now lives
at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for believers
forever (Hebrews 7:25).

The intimacy of this relationship is revealed in two poignant pictures.

Now no longer seen as law-breakers, the people who benefitted from
Christ’s sacrifice have been adopted into God’s own family as His
children (Ephesians 1:5). Even more intimately, true believers are the
very “body of Christ” of which He is the head (Ephesians 1:22-23),
having been purchased by His blood (Hebrews 9:12).”

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Probably the most defining principle of Christianity that makes it truly
unique in every way and provides its fundamental basis is the
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Within Christianity, the resurrection is
vitally important, for without it, Christianity does not exist, and
Christian faith is useless (1 Corinthians 15:14).

It was Jesus' resurrection that changed the lives of the disciples. After
Jesus was crucified, the disciples ran and hid. But when they saw the
risen Lord, they knew that all Jesus had said and done proved that He
was indeed God-sent.

The resurrection is proof of who Jesus is and that He did accomplish

what He set out to do: provide the only means of redemption for
mankind. Buddha did not rise from the dead. Muhammad did not rise
from the dead. Confucius did not rise from the dead. Krishna did not
rise from the dead. Only Jesus has physically risen from the dead,
walked on water, and raised others from the dead. “The God of Judaism
and Islam can forgive the sins of men without demanding an ultimately
worthy substitute sacrifice. But the justice of the Christian God
demands that all sin be paid for in full. Christianity teaches that Christ
died as the substitute sacrifice for the sins of mankind. In this way God
remains just for He has punished all sin by punishing Jesus on the cross
of Calvary.

Still, God can justify and forgive sinners who decide to obey Jesus and
the Father, for Jesus paid the price for their sins (Romans 3:20-26). So
when the Christian God forgives sin, He does not ignore sin, for all sin
has been paid for in full. Since Jesus is the begotten Son of God, He is

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the ultimately worthy sacrifice and able to atone for the sins of all
mankind.” The God of Christianity is more loving for He loved mankind
so much that He sacrificed His only begotten Son in our place (John
3:16; Romans 5:8).
Christian God is a personal God who loves us, a totally just God that
must punish all sin, and an all-loving God that offers us the free gift of
salvation that comes only through His Son. What makes Christianity
different from other religions is the love of God.
c) Islam
Islam is exceptional in that it is not named after any person, tribe,
region or culture. Islam is named after a belief in one God, Allah, and
submission to His will. In other words, Muslims ideally put Allah’s Will
before their own.

Muhammad’s message is not new. His message of absolute

monotheism is a reaffirmation of what came before it. “We as humans
constantly stray from guidance if we are left on our own without a
divine reminder, thus Allah the Merciful has sent us prophets to remind
us. Islam preaches the same message of all previous prophets (peace be
upon them). That message is: Allah is One, worship Him alone.”
“Islam is a religion without any mythology. Its teachings are simple and
intelligible. It is free from superstitions and irrational beliefs. The
oneness of God, the prophet hood of Muhammad, and the concept of
life after death are the basic articles of its faith. There is no hierarchy of
priests, no farfetched abstractions, no complicated rites or rituals.”
Concerning destiny, Islam offers eternity in Paradise if people obey
Allah’s commands. “If we believe and do good deeds, we will be

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rewarded, while if we deny the message and do evil, we will be
punished.”
Guiding question.
What is your view on the perception that the Jewish, Christians and
Moslem communities can practice religious tolerance without attempts
to evangelize or convert one another?

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