WHG 3.5 Part II Activity

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Examine what univeralizing religions and ethnic religions mean. When you are finished, click "Next" to view a map that shows a timeline of the spread of the universalizing religions. Then scroll down to answer the questions.

Next

View the map below. When you are finished, scroll down to answer the questions.

Universalizing Religions Is open to any culture or ethnicity who is willing to accept the doctrine and beliefs of the religion. Tends to be the newest of world religions. Demands a basic understanding of the religious doctrine or faith before becoming a member. Thinks about salvation as an individual goal. Stresses an afterlife. Appeals to a large range of people and is spread through contagious diffusion. Are proselytic faiths that actively seek converts. One of the fundamental goals is to gain more followers. An individual may choose to reject the faith and or convert to another faith entirely. Voluntarily practiced. Religious holidays tend to revolve around important dates of the religion’s founder such as their birth and death. Traditionally, has a Founder. Tend to be highly diffused throughout various regions. Can gain a large amount of followers because work of missionaries. Examples: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism

Ethnic ReligionsIs tied closely to a particular culture and ethnic heritage. It is part of an identity, not simply a belief system. Includes indigenous (native) religions. Tends to be the older of world religions in that they are particular to regional groups and remain local religions. Members are usually welcomed into the religion at birth. Thinks about salvation for the group, not solely for the individual. Does not stress an afterlife. Appeals to a particular group of people and predominantly diffuses through hierarchic and relocation diffusion. Do not have a fundamental goal to seek converts. Though some will allow for conversion, usually through marriage. It is near impossible to reject one’s religion, since it is part of their identity from birth. To reject the religion would be to reject elements of the cultural identity. Are involuntary in practice. Tend to have calendar holidays that reflect the local agriculture and natural landscape. Celebrate the seasons. Favorable environmental conditions allow for good crops, and worship during particular times of the year are important for favorable yields. Does not trace their roots to a particular Founder. Tend to be highly centralized in a particular region. Grows as a result of population increase. Examples: Judaism, Hinduism, Shintoism, Small tribal religions (aboriginal)