INTRO TO WORLD
➔ It is our capacity and ability to be with
RELIGIONS &
BELIEFS
PRELUDE: ON BELIEFS
AND PRESUPPOSITIONS,
AND THE BASIC
TRUSTFULNESS OF LIFE.
“We can tolerate suffering, but we cannot
tolerate meaninglessness”
- Desmond Tutu
In this course we are: Homo Religiosus
Reasons why:
➔ We are by nature, religious..
➔ We reject this nature because of science.
➔ We are by nature a Homo Religious due to
constant search for meaning.
➔ Religion has always been a powerful
dimension of our religious experience.
(Reason why religion has and will always be a
powerful dimension of human experience.)
➔ Being a human person “always points
and is directed to something, or
someone, other than oneself- be it a
meaning to fulfill or another human
being to encounter.
➔ As a human person , we tend to look
outside of ourselves in search for that
Meaning because we cannot deny it.
➔ The More one forgets himself- by giving
himself to a cause to serve or another
person to love- the more human he is and
the more he actualizes himself.
➔ (Aquinas) We are non-contingent
beings, meaning that we cannot survive on
our own.
others is one of the reasons we survived
as homo sapiens.
➔ Our difference from Animals:
Consciousness.
KEY POINTS
1) On Questions and Presuppositions
PRESUPPOSITIONS
- Part of reality that we take for granted.
- A phenomenon that we cannot deny.
- “It is a phenomenon whereby speakers
mark linguistically information as being
taken for granted, rather than being part of
the main presuppositional context speech
act. “
➔ Any question lies on a presupposition
because we can’t even ask a question
without presupposing something.
➔ This at first glance, a simple question. On
deeper consideration, however, it is not as
complicated as it seems to be. (Festin)
➔ It is noteworthy that a simple question
presupposes the entire external world and
the complexities of human existence. To
assume one essential aspect of reality is to
logically grant the facets of it.
➔ To raise a question means to
presuppose many things in everyday
life. In fact, one cannot raise a question at
all unless it maintains a working set of
presuppositions.
2) Basic Trustfulness of Life
- Also known as “Existential Trust”
- We have this inmate capacity to
trust mindfully, or blindly.
- Trust gives peace of mind and
assurance.
- Trust starts at infancy.
- Foundation of Beliefs.
- It is existential because this kind of
trust is crucial and central to our
everyday living and survival.
 basic sense is “The Ultimate Concern”
Where does Religion come from? and it is the only accepted definition.
Intuition/Instinct. ➔ Paul Tillic is a German-American
Philosopher.

➔ Presuppositions allow us to Trust. ANIMISM

➔ Human person is not just made of beliefs.
Faith and Reason
- ( Religion and Science)
RELIGION:
- Foundation is Beliefs.
- Basis for beliefs are emotions and intuition.
SCIENCE:
- Foundation is knowledge (To know)
- Basis of Knowledge are cognitive and
intellectual.
- Knowledge = Justified True Beliefs.
Religion without science is blind, Science
without Religion is Absurd.
https://youtu.be/uSwmEycx7HU
- The Prehistoric Religion of the Philippines
- Ultimate Concern: Eternal and After Life
PHARAOHS
- Ultimate concern for building pyramids
to the extent of slavery: A Resting Place
because they feel like a god.
COMMUNISTS
- Ultimate Concern: Classless Society
BELIEFS
➔ Also termed as “Conviction”
➔ It will change your life and how you live.
➔ Beliefs shapes our view and understanding
regarding our reality
➔ It is influenced by our perceptions,
experiences, and ideas.

FAITH
➔ Foundation of Beliefs
LESSON 1: RELIGION, ➔ Confidence or trust in a person
➔ An acceptance of belief
BELIEFS, FAITH, AND ➔ Tagalog word “Pananampalataya” > “Taya”
PHILOSOPHICAL
3’Cs of World Religion
APPROACHES TO - Common point of references
1) Credo
COMPARATIVE - “Creed”
RELIGIONS. - Means: Believe or Believing is The
Doctrine
- “I believe”
RELIGION - Fundamental beliefs
➔ Comes from the Latin word: - What do they believe?
“Relegare/Gere” that means “Binding
back Relationship”
➔ Definition is very subjective. 2) Coda
➔ To define, it must be compassing to all - “Code”
world religions. - Means: Moral/Ethics
➔ (Leonardo Mercado borrowed from Paul - “How they live”
Tillic) “Religion in the largest and most - Norms of behavior
 3) Cultus sophisticated, moving beyond basic needs,
- “Cult” human beings began to ponder the matters
- Means: Worship of existence, being, and purpose. These
- Who do they worship? wonders were gradually institutionalized,
- Their union with the ultimate and later on became the earliest form of
concern belief system.

COMMON CHARACTERISTICS Historical Context

1) Ways ● Evidence unearthed from prehistoric sites
- How do they relate? show that humans such as Neanderthals
2) Systematized Rituals engaged in ritual burials, and other similar
3) Statements about Life & Death practices. It serves as evidence that shows
that as early as that they were able to
4) Code of Ethical and Behavior
practice ritual burial by offering tools and
5) Large Followings
animals.
● Small statues of women were thought to be
Attitudes in Comparing Comparative fertility symbols, while certain cave
Analysis drawings depicting animals bore scars or
1) Exclusivism marks which experts believed to be ritual
- All religions contradict each other. scarring done as part of a ceremony
2) Inclusivism performed in preparation for a hunt.
- Says that there is no Contradiction ● Early humans moved from a hunter
3) Pluralism gatherer society to a more sedentary life.
- We cannot know if they contradict The Neolithic Revolution saw the
each other. emergence of agriculture as a primary
means of livelihood for early humans, and
the cultivation of plants and the
2 KINDS OF CONVERSATION IN domestication of animals led to the
organization of large societies that we
WORLD RELIGIONS
know today.
1) Vertical
- To god/Outside Oneself
Emergence of Civilization
- Greater than themselves
- These are just a few regions or places
2) Horizontal
where specific world religion emerged.
- Another world view to another world
view
Mesopotamia
- Mesopotamian religion was not only
polytheistic, but also henotheistic,
LESSON 2: HOW WORLD meaning certain gods were viewed as
superior to others. According to J Bottero,
RELIGION BEGAN a French Historian:
“Gods were not viewed mystically. They
were rather seen as high masters who
Introduction were to be obeyed and feared.”
➔ The Earliest evidence of spiritual belief Egypt
among humans dates back to the - Irrigated by the Nile River and sheltered by
Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age). As the Desserts, as well as the Red Sea.
communities became more complex and Egyptian civilization remained more
 protected and peaceful than Mesopotamia.
With this, religion greatly influenced
Egyptian Life.
Indus Valley
- They lived in brick houses in well-planned
villages, and were successful agriculturists
who cultivated cotton, and raised buffalo,
goats, dogs, pigs, and sheeps. Artifacts
such as seals and figurines whow that
Indus people revered certain sacred
animals. For example, Bull. It was believed
to be a symbol of virility and sexual power.
China
- Prior to the establishment of more
organized forms of Chinese Civilization,
local tribes had basic, Animistic world
views As the organization of Chinese
society became more sophisticated,
people’s belief systems also further
developed and became more complex and
organized. Nevertheless, this period was
also significant for Chinese philosophy with
the emergence of figures such as
Confucius and Lao Tzu, the founders of
Confucianism and Taosim.
The Americas
- The prominent societies in the Americas
arose in areas that had robust
agriculture. In the region of Mesoamerica,
ancient societies cultivated maize or corn.
The Distribution and Spread of
Religion
➔ The nature of religion greatly affects the
geographic distribution of its adherents
around the world. Park (2004) distinguishes
between two types of religions based on
geographic distribution. The Universal
Religions and Ethnic Religions.
Universal Religions
- Engage in missionary activities and admit
new members through symbolic acts of
commitment.
Ethnic Religions
- For example: Hinduism, Confucianism, and
Shintoism.
Conclusion
➔ A number of prehistoric sites such as grave
sites have yielded evidence of the beliefs in
the afterlife, while other sites have given
proof of the conduct of prehistoric rituals.
➔ As early as human societies moved from a
hunter-gathering lifestyle to a more
sedentary community life. The Neolithic
Revolution resulted in the development of
more complex societies, and religious
belief became more complex and
organized.
LESSON 3: INDIGENOUS
RELIGIONS
The Indigenous People (IP)
- Refers to communities who are the
original inhabitants of a particular area,
and have a deeper historical culture tie to
the environment,
- If you want to learn how to communicate
with with nature, they are your teachers.
- Their current population: 350-500 Million,
and they represent 5,000 cultures.
Indigenous Religion
➔ Refers to any pre-colonial or primal
ancestral belief system of Indigenous
People.
➔ Colonizers are the one who influenced their
beliefs.
2 TYPES
1) Undisturbed
- Remains pure
2) Syncretic
- Blended
CHARACTERISTICS
1) Animism in Nature
- They worship nature and the
environment.
- Nature is sacred for them
- Current presence are seen when
you pass unknown paths or “punso”
and you would say “Tabi-tabi po”
Example:
● Mangyans will tell you not
to get all the tree in the fruit,
or take unknown paths.
● Healing Prayer in a tomb
(Spirit of the stone)
The healing Prayer
2) Minorities
- They are very few yet has unique
qualities.
- They do not have any access to
public service or political power
3) They rarely have religious texts
- They don’t have scriptures; what
they have is oral traditions.
- They emphasize rituals over
doctrines.
- There can be different rituals each
culture but with the same purpose.
MYTHS
➔ A story accepted as true by people who
narrate it.
➔ They use myths to make sense of their
reality
➔ Greek Word: Mythos
(Word/Message/Story)
➔ Myths are the voices of aspirations, the
struggles, and also the honor and terror
that are inevitably bound with human
existence.
➔ Myth uncovers people’s worldviews
➔ Myths legitimize social behavior.
➔ Creation Myths: Usually explains why
things are at present.
➔ It serves as the ultimate explanation of
reality for people.
- Not all can be true but they are
communicating something that can
be an answer.
Example: Genesis Creation, the
creation within 7 days, shall not be
taken literally.
According to Mercado, myth is a:
- Not a work of a person because it has
been received through a vision or dream
and therefore has extraordinary authority or
respect.
- The projection of that reality which is
accessible to collective unconscious “myths
are the experience and expression of what
happens in the soul”
The Filipino Concept of God
➔ Ancient Filipinos are more concerned
with lesser spirits who have direct
impact in their life (e.g diwata ng
makiling, mayon, etc)
➔ Creator God for ancient filipinos is
Remote/Detached. This deity seems a
personal.
God for Mangyans:
“Mahal na maka-ako”
Ako means “The one who takes it upon himself to
improve”
Mahal means “Divine”
Therefore the english translation of “Mahal na
mala-ako” would be “Divine Providence”
 LESSON 4:
GOD FOR LOW-LAND FILIPINOS
MONOTHEISTIC /
- They believe in forces.
- Palad, is fate. ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS
- Gava, is Divine retribution; their version of
karma (negative karma)
- Root Word of Kapalaran is Palad. PART 1: JUDAISM
- Fate/Palad: An overpowering force that you
need to follow & you cannot resist it cause Prelude
it’s your tadhana. The Sh’ma Prayer
- From Deuteronomy 6: 4-5
- The Core of their teaching.
- The Summary of their commandments

SHALOM
- Means peace!
- Being in the right order of relationship with
God, neighbor, self, and Nature.
- The Fall of man destroyed Shalom.
Proverbs of Gaba - The 10 commandments was made to
restore shalom.

THE NAME JUDAISM

- Came from Judah (Son of Jacob,
Great-Grandson of Abraham)
- Reason behind the name:
1. Yahweh’s promise to Rachel and
Isaac that the Messiah will come
Bisaya Proverbs from their bloodline.
2. The Temple was in the South (The
south of Israel is named Judah, and
its capital is Jerusalem)

CONCEPT OF TIME:
- The very idea that history is linear and not
cyclical with a beginning, middle and end,
has its roots in the people of Israel.
Ilokano Proverbs - Time has a beginning, middle, and end.
Therefore there is no rebirth.

Judaism’s Creed

➔ From Moses & the burning bush, God gave

his name.
➔ God literally means, “I am”
➔ In Hebrew, God’s name is “Yahweh”
 ➔ Jews will read it as “Adonai” as a
substitute, the name “Yahweh” is
considered to be too sacred, and the jews
does not feel worthy enough to speak his
name.
BASIC DOCTRINES OF FAITH by Moses
Maimoneded (A Jew Philosopher & Physician)
1. God alone is the creator.
2. God is absolutely one.
3. God has no body or bodily shape (They
see him as a spirit)
4. God is the first and the last
5. God alone deserves worship, obedience,
and praise.
6. The words or God’s Prophets are true
7. The Prophecy of Moses is true.
8. God gave the Torah to Moses
9. The Torah is perfect
(It is not subject to change, and no other
law will be given)
10. God knows all the thoughts and deeds of a
human being
11. God rewards & punishes according to
one’s deeds.
12. God’s messiah will come at an unexpected
time.
13. The dead will be resurrected.
MOSES
- The greatest prophet for Jews and is also
the founder of Judaism.
TORAH
- The first 5 books of the old testament.
- Means “The Law”
A JEWISH CONCEPT: COVENANT
- “I will be your God, and you will be my
people”
- Covenants are God’s Initiative of calling his
people to himself.
- Judaism is about covenants.
- According to Scott Hahn: Covenant is the
only word to describe the relationship
between God and Humanity.
- A continuous process of God entering the
covenant, and people breaking it.
Judaism’s Code
MITZVAH
- The 10 Commandments.
- This is the action performed with heartfelt
devotion by an adherent of Judaism in
Response to Adoinai, with whom she/he is
in a covenant relationship with.
THE CORE OF THE CODE
- Aseret ha - D’vanim
- The 10 words/10 commandments.
613 Laws (Mitzvoth)
- Anchored in the Mitzvah.
The Mitzvoth
- The first 4 restores our relationship with
God.
- The last 6 restores our shalom with
ourselves, neighbor, and nature.
NOTE: Mitzvah is singular form, Mitzvoth is the
plural.
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS as followed by
Jews
1. I am the LORD your God who brought you
out of the land of Egypt out of the house of
slavery.
2. You shall have no other gods before me
3. You shall not make wrongful use of the
name of the LORD,
4. Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it
holy.
5. Honor your father and your Mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witnesses against
your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's house.

NOTES:
● The 6th Commandment: Bakit nilagay?
"The Human person is created in the image
and likeness of God, therefore the Human
has his/her inherent dignity "
● The Concept of human dignity can be
traced back to Judaism.
● Sabbath Day: Seventh day of the week, a
Rest day dedicated to worshiping god.
Judaism’s Cultus
TABERNACLE OF MOSES
- Made of fabric/sheets.
- It is designed to be mobile because jews
are wandering people (considered as
nomads)
ARK OF THE COVENANT
- Placed inside the “holiest of the holy” of the
tabernacle.
- Why is it called the ark of the covenant?
Due to its content.
- Contents: Tablet of the 10
commandments, staff of Aaron, & Mana
(The bread that god gave)
- The ark of the covenant is currently lost,
and was said to be hidden by Jeremiah.
TEMPLE OF SOLOMON
- The time of Solomon was the first time that
temples were allowed by God, even though
David was the one who wanted to build a
temple.
- Lasted until 70 A.D as prophesied by
Jesus.
- Ever since the destruction of the temple,
there has been no more act of sacrificing
by the jews.
CURRENT CULTUS / PRAYER
- All they do now is Prayer.
- Their prayer is done while standing.
AMIDAH
- The name of their standing prayer.
- It was said that their actions while praying
can be compared to riding a horse or being
in an airplane.
- Tefillah is the Hebrew word for Prayer.
- Tefillin is what jewish men would usually
wear during an Amidah. It means that their
focus is directed to God.
SCRIPTURES
- The important part of their cultus.
- Judaism is a tradition grounded in the
worldview expressed in sacred texts called
Miqra (Heb= To read) or more often, the
TaNaKh– an acronym for the 3 collections
of the 24 Biblical books: Torah, nevi’im, and
ketuvim.
- Judaism is a religion by the Book.
TORAH
- Literally means, The Law.
- Contains the Pentateuch or the 5 books of
Moses.
- Torah is the words of Moses.
- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,
Deuteronomy.
NEVI’IM
- Literally means, “ The Prophets “
1. Former Prophets (Joshua, Judes,
Samuel, Kings)
2. Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah
Ezekiel)
3. 12 Prophets (Hosea, Joel, Amos,
Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum,
Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai,
Zecharia, and Malachi)
KETUVIM
- Means “Writings”
- Psalms until Chronicles
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Written Torah = TaNaKh
- Oral Torah = Talmud
- Talmud is the collection & teachings of their
Rabbi.
 - A Rabbi leads their Cultus now, they PART 2: CHRISTIANITY
came from the roster or pharisees.
- Their Scriptures came from the Oral first
before it became written (Same with
Prelude
Christianity)
- There should always be the Oral Form. SHALOM TRANSLATION FOR
CHRISTIANITY
Judaism’s Contemporary Issues ➔ Greek: Erene
➔ Latin: Pax
ANTI-SEMITISM
➔ The Jews does not want to adopt the
ICHTHUS/ICHTHYS
lifestyle & values of the community they live ➔ First Secret Symbol Used by the
in– to preserve their own distinct cultural Christians.
identity. ➔ Why fish? Always remember the
➔ Reached its peak during Hitler’s era that Multiplication of the lobes and of the Fish.
caused genocide. ➔ Also, when Jesus said to the apostles
“Leave your net because i will teach you
how to fish”
HOLOCAUST
➔ Killed 6 Million of Jews, and 5 Million
non-jews
➔ A state-supported mass murder.
➔ The issue on Holocaust is one of their
current contemporary issues.
➔ April/May 27th every year is set aside to
remember this tragedy.
TRIVIA/NOTES:
➔ Catholicism - Largest and oldest branch of
ZIONISM
Christianity. Can be traced back until 33
➔ The promotion of the resettlement of Jews
A.D.
united as a nation, in their ancestral
➔ Protestant Reformation in the 16th century
homeland in canaan (Palestine now)
made by Martin Luther brought about the
➔ The movement began in the 19th century in
presence of 30k+ denominations.
Eastern Europe.
➔ The Bible is made by the church for the
➔ The triumph of zionism came with the
church for their worship (Liturgy/Eucharist),
establishment of the state of Israel on May
which is more ancient than the book.
14, 1948.
➔ Christianity is never a Religion by the book,
➔ This new state of Israel populated mostly
but a Religion of the Word (Logos). A
by Jewish immigrants led to further
religion of person of a person in Jesus, the
conflicts with the earlier Palestinian Arabs
messiah.
who already occupied the same territory.
➔ “Underground Community” is the first
terms for Christianity
THE ISRAELI PALESTINIAN CONFLICT ➔ Early Christians were practicing Jews.
➔ Despite the declaration of Independence of ➔ Among all the 3 branches of Christianity,
the State of Palestine on November 15, Catholicism & Orthodox are the most
1988, the Israeli Palestinian conflict which alike.
has caused loss of many lives and damage ➔ Ecuminism is used for Christians only, it is
of property, continuously unsolved until also called as inter-faiths.
today.

History & Development
THREE PERIODS
1. Messianic
➔ Messiah, means Cristos. In Latin, it
is “Meshiah” that means “The
appointed one.
➔ Began at the birth until the death
and resurrection of Jesus.
➔ The Period where Jesus preached
the kingdom of heaved/God, and
made Miracles.
➔ Full name of Jesus: Jesus son of
Joseph/Mary
➔ Jesus claims the following:
1. Jesus is the long awaited
Messiah.
2. He is the new Moses
3. He’s Proclaiming “I Am”
(The name of God)
2. Apostolic
➔ Started from Pentecost until the
death of the last apostle.
➔ The last Apostle was John, and he
died in 90 A.D– he’s the only
apostle who died naturally was not
martyred.
➔ The movement of the Apostles
there are to be in Hiding because
christian prosecution started as
early as this period.
➔ The numbers of Christian started
from small numbers, and grew in
this period.
3. Church Father/Earthly
➔ Climax of all the periods.
➔ It is where philosophy and theology
were developed (The articles of the
faith developed, and the doctrines)
➔ Started from Clement of Rome
until Ignatius and Polycarp (The
anthanasian fathers, the direct
successors of the apostles)
➔ Ignatius and Polycarp are the direct
successors of John.
➔ The early church was often treated
with suspicion by the roman
citizens. The romans cannot trust
christians.
➔ The christians, due to their
non-participation in the official
religious rights of the Empire, which
included the worship of the emperor
were branded as traitors by the
Romans. Therefore the christians
must be persecuted.
➔ The Christians does not want to
bow down to the emperor or to
anyone except to Christ.
➔ 313 A.D the persecutions ended,
when the Roman Emperor
Constantine issued the edict of
Milan, wherein he guaranteed
freedom of Religion for the
Romans. They can now worship
God without worshiping the
emperor.
➔ This period, is the period of Martyrs.
Period of offering their lives for the
faith.
➔ After 313 A.D, this is where
Christianity grew further.
Three Branches of Christianity
East= Greek Colony
- Came from Peter
- Capital: Istanbul
West= Roman Empire
- Came from Andrew.
- Capital: Rome, Italy
Over the last 2 Millenia, Christianity was the widely
professed Religion, over ⅓ of the human
population is part of Christianity.
Then the 2 Schism (Means, cutting ties)
happened in the Christian History.
Reason: Filioque Controversy
1. 1054
- Between the East and the West,
between the greek orthodox and the
pope of rome.
2. 16th Century
- Protestant Reformation
3 MAJOR BRANCHES OF CHRISTIANITY 3. Protestantism
due to the Schism - Because of this Movement,
thousands of denominations
1. Roman Catholicism sprouted claiming to be the
- “Ekklesia kath olos” or the church authority in scriptures. Hence,
universal more conflicts, more
- Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is misinterpretations, and animosity
the catholic church. among Christendom.
- Headed by the Pope. - Solas:
2. Greek Orthodox 1. Sola Fide (Faith alone will
- Descends directly from the Greek save you)
speaking Christians. 2. Sola Scriptura (Bible alone
- Some branches are in full will be the basis of faith)
communion with the supreme 3. Sola Gratia (By Grace
pontiff, but some are still in alone)
schismatic relations. Although
actions and decrees are always in Christianity’s Creed
place for reunification.
- Martin Luther began the protestant
- Early Creed: The Greek Symbolon
Reformation in 16th century.
(Symbol of Faith)
- Martin Luther was an Augustinian
- According to Edward Sri, a symbolon had a
monk who decided to leave the
great meaning in the ancient world. In the
church after he was not heard
early church, Christian described their
because of his many questions
creed, their summary statement of the faith,
directed to the pope about the
as the symbolon.
roman catholic.
- Symbolon is like a puzzle piece to
- The cause of the Protestant
complete each other. A piece of
Reformation is the “Church
parchment or a seal that was cut in half,
Practices”
and given to 2 parties. It serve as a
- The schism between catholicism
mean of recognition and confirmed a
and orthodox was brought about
relationship between the two.
political and geographical
- The Creed served as a means of Christian
reasons rather than doctrinal
recognition, someone who confessed the
dispute (the filioque controversy)
Creed could be identified as a true
- Because of his belief in the Solas,
Christian.
he removed canonical books from
- It brought them into unity with the Faith, the
the christian bible
apostles proclaimed.
- The origin of Christian Bible can be
- There are 12 symbolons for the 12
traced back to the time of the
apostles.
apostles and Jesus. The LXX
- It is recited every Sunday.
(Septugiant) was the main basis of
- The purpose of Nicene Creed and the
the Christian Bible.
Apostle Creed is the same thing,
- Martin also planned on removing
affirming the faith and proclaiming
James, Hebrews, and revelations
before all what we believe.
but the members convinced him not
to.
 HOW CAN A CHRISTIAN MANIFEST THIS
12 ARTICLES OF CHRISTIANITY (THE LOVE?
APOSTLE CREED)
- Thru the works of mercy.

Christianity’s Code
- Christian ethics is a branch of christian
theology that serves as the guide for
righteous moral living. It teaches what it - Its not enough that you have faith, that
means to be truly and fully human from a faith must be manifested in your action.
Christian perspective, and centers on
Virtues or good habits in personal/social Christianity’s Cultus
living. - In early Christian Days, on Sundays, they
- Core of their Code: Love will gather as a community in house
- This kind of love is not a feeling or churches or “Oikos Ecclesia” to bake
concept, but a person– Jesus Christ. Its bread.
demanding because you need to sacrifice - The bringing of the bread started on Jesus’
something for you to be able to say the you last supper.
love.
- Its a love that must be patterned to Jesus THE CHRISTIAN LITURGY. THE BREAKING
Christ.
OF THE BREAD. THE HOLY EUCHARIST.
- 2 Greatest Commandments according to
Jesus:
➔ A memorial (called anamnesis)
1. Love of God
commanded by Jesus, “Do this in Memory
2. Love of Neighbor as you love
of me”.
yourself.
➔ The Holy Eucharist was foreshadowed by
the Pesach (Passover feast of the jews, but
 the offering is no longer the lamb, but jesus
himself.)
➔ From the very beginning of Christianity, this
was how they worship and congregate as
Ecclesia (Same concept as Synagogue for
jews)
➔ Worship was seen as a communal activity,
where they profess their credo.
➔ The modern version of breaking of the
bread can be seen in the development of
the Holy Eucharist. In fact, the Eucharist
came first before the scriptures.
➔ The Eucharist is defined as the “the
summit towards which the activity of the
church is directed and fount: from which all
the church power flows because it makes
God’s work of our redemption a present
reality.
➔ Eucharist, as defined by the internet is
the Christian service, ceremony, or
sacrament commemorating the Last
Supper, in which bread and wine are
consecrated and consumed.
➔ The scriptures was made for the
Eucharist, for the worship.
SCRIPTURES
➔ Sacred Text: Ta Biblia (The Bible)
➔ This one book contains a library of books.
The Christian Bible Contains 2 testaments,
the Old (which is more or less the same as
the hebrew bible) and the new testament.
➔ The Old testament that we have now is the
ancient Canon (Greek word of List, that
means measuring stick or standard), the
Septugiant.
➔ The orthodox has more books than the
roman catholic. While protestant eliminated
7 books. But all the new testament books
are the same.
Christianity's Contemporary
Issues
1. Every year on January 1, the pope marks
the world day of peace with a special
message inviting all people to reflect on the
important work of building peace, that
began with Saint Paul VI in 1967.
2. The Document on Human fraternity for
world peace and living together was signed
in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and the
Grand Imam of Al-azhar
3. Pope Paul VI & Athenagaras, the patriarch
of Constantinople, wrote a joint declaration
informing the christian world that they are
now removing the sentences of
“excommunication” pronounced by each
other in 1054. The 2 leaders understood
the urgency of Christian Unity.
PART 3: ISLAM
History & Development
➔ Islam, which began in 610 A.D, was
revealed by God to Mohammad. It is built
on principles and values in which the
believer becomes accountable for his/her
own actions, thoughts, and being with
respect to his/her relationship with Allah,
with other people, and the environment.
➔ Muhammad began to preach publicly
around 613 A.D. However, he was
ridiculed by Quaraysh in Mecca while
some converted to Islam. The persecution
was caused by his teachings against
polytheism. Around 630 A.D, Muhammad
received traders from Yahtrib (Medina).
These traders inspired by Muhammad’ to
lead their community which the prophet
accepted. When arrived in Medina,
Muhammad and his followers began to
construct a Mosque strengthening the
community.
➔ In 630 A.D, Muhammad and his followers
conquered Mecca and defeated Quraysh.
Muhammad rededicated the Kaaba to Allah
and destroyed their Idols.
➔ The prophet dies peacefully in the house of
his wife, Aisha in 632 A.D
➔ He restored the Monotheism in Mecca.
MAJOR DIVISIONS IN ISLAM
➔ After the Death of Muhammad, Islam
experienced a Schism over who should
be the Prophet’s Khalifah (successor)
➔ A group of leaders from both Mecca and
Medina quickly held an election, and the
role of Khalifah or Caliph was given to Abu
Bakr, the prophet’s best friend and
father-in-law. (Father of Aishah)
➔ Some disagreed, and felt that the prophet’s
cousin, Ali ibn AbiTalib, who was also
married to the prophet’s daughter, Fatima,
was the rightful successor.
➔ In 365 A.D, after the death of 3rd Khalifah,
Utman ibn ‘Affan of the powerful Umayya
Clan, Ali was finally chosen as the Khalifah.
➔ Disappointed that none of them was
chosen, the Umayya Clan refused to
recognize Ali as the prophet’s 4th Khalifah
and established their on Khalifate. This
disagreement over the right of Ali as the
Khalifah escalated until Islam broke into
two main sects: Sunni and Shi’a
SUNNI AND SHI’A
Sunni Shia
Sunni Muslims Shia Muslims never
recognize the recognized the elected
importance of elected leaders.
Muslims
Believe that the first Believe that Ali, the
four caliphs were prophet’s son-in-law
“rightly guided” should have
succeeded
Muhammad.
83% of the Muslims 16% of the Muslims
are Sunni are Shia
KAABA
➔ Is considered the holiest shrine in Islam.
The Kaaba is considered as the first house
of worship dedicated to God built by
Abraham and Ishmael. However, according
to Islamic Tradition, the people began to
practice polytheism after Ishmael’s death
and worshiped idols in Kaaba. Muhammad
later destroyed these idols in the Kaaba
when he conquered Mecca in 630 A.D.
➔ At present, Muslims pray facing the
direction of the Kaaba. (In the west)
➔ The name Islam is from Ishmael. Islam
is an arabic word that means
submission. Islam also came from the
Arabic word, Shalam, that means peace.
WAHI
➔ The Wahi or revelation made by Angel
Gabriel to Muhammad lasted until his
death. Muslims believe that Gabriel
explained to Muhammad that he is:
1. The messenger of Allah.
2. The angel of scriptures;
3. And its tasked to confirm and
preach the oneness of Allah and his
teachings to the people as his
prophet.
➔ The Wahi is HOW Mohammad received
the message from Allah.

Believe that muslim Believe that all Muslim

rulers should follow rulers should be
Sunna, or descended from
Muhammad’s example Muhammad; do not
recognize the authority Islam’s Creed and Cultus
of the sunna

Claim that the shia Claim that the sunni

have distorted the have distorted the
meaning of various meaning of various
passages in the Quran passages of Quran

➔ Based on the Al-Fatihah, the Muslim’s
view their God as beneficent & merciful.
➔ The essence of Islam is the Believe in
one God, Allah.
➔ Islam also believes that there is one god,
he is eternal, in angels,evil angels, and
prophets.
➔ Muslims believe that the teachings of
Muhammad complete the teachings given
by the Creator Allah, and complements the
Abrahamic teachings of Judaism and
Christianity.
FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
➔ Refers to the 5 duties that muslims must
perform.
1. First Pillar: Ash-Shahadah
- The Witnessing declaration of Faith.
- Most important pillar of Islam.
- Evident in their practice of
whispering the Shahadah to a new
born muslim baby, and to a dying
person.
- One becomes a Muslim by
professing this Faith.
- “ To believe in no God but Allah
and that Muhammad is his
prophet and the messenger of
Allah”
2. Second Pillar: Salah
- Salah means, Prayer.
- Salah performed with other Muslims
is 25x more effective than praying
alone.
- Men Muslims shall perform the
Midday salah every Friday, lead by
an Imam (prayer leader)
- To pray 5 times each day:
● Fajr (Before Sunrise)
● Zuhr (Early Afternoon)
● Asr (Late Afternoon)
● Maghrib (After Sunset)
● Isha (Night)
3. Third Pillar: Sawm
- Means, Fasting.
- To give up food and drink during
daylight hours in the Month of
Ramadan.
- They can only eat at night.
4. Fourth Pillar: Zakah
- Means, Almsgiving.
- Zakah means purification and
growth.
- To give share or personal wealth to
help other people in need and
support the Muslim Community.
- Will give the 2.5% of their saved up
money for a whole lunar year.
- Zadakah: Voluntary Charity.
5. Fifth Pillar: Hajj
- Means, Pilgrimage.
- To perform a Pilgrimage to Makkah
at least once in a lifetime.
- Only those financially and
physically able are obliged to.
JIHAD OF THE HEART
➔ The performance of the 5 pillars fall
under the overarching principle of Jihad
(To struggle, to strive, to exert effort)
➔ Others only know Jihad as the holy war.
➔ The 5 pillars will help muslim choose allah.
To walk in their own part towards salvation.
Islam’s Code
➔ Belief and Faith in One God are the
central tenet in Islamic Ethics. Faith
defines the thoughts and actions of the
believer, and it is through action and
speech that a Muslim is able to express his
faith and live a Virtuous life.
➔ Their thoughts and actions are shaped by
the faith that they have. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Judaism Christianity Islam

Belief in Yahweh The Holy Allah

God (Adonai) Trinity as
one God
(Father,
Son, and
Holy Spirit)

Sacred Torah The Bible Qu'ran

➔ The primary source of these teachings is
Text (Hebrew
the Quran. Bible)
➔ Secondary source is, Sunnah. The living
commentary of the Quran Summary - Apostle's The 5
➔ Islamic ethics is mostly expressed in the of Beliefs Creed, Pillars
Islamic Law, Sharia. (Creed) Nicene
Creed
➔ Sharia has two sections:
1. Al-Ibadat (Relationship with God) Primary Moses Jesus Muhamm
2. Muamalat (Relationship with other) Prophet ad
➔ Similar to Judaism’s 2 section of 10 /Founder
commandments, and Christianity’s 2
Holy Canaan Jerusalem/ Mecca
Greatest Commandments.
Place /Israel Vatican

Initiation Bar Baptism First Pillar

Mitzvah

Feasts Passove Easter, Ramadan

r Christmas

Divisions Orthodo Roman Shuni

x, Catholic, Shia
Conserv Eastern/Gr
ative, eek
Reform Orthodox,
&
Protestantis
m

(Sa ngalan ni spongebob at ng buong krabby patty, lord kung totoo ka

ipasa mo kami sa world religions) - uhaw sa kape, jah