Intro to Religion

Ancient polytheistic civilizations believed that...

• there was only 1 God who controlled the universe.

• all of their gods were equal in power and no god was more important than another.

• people became gods once they died.

• although there were many gods and goddesses, some gods were more powerful or important than others.

The people of Egypt and the people of Mesopotamia

• held religious beliefs based on Monotheism.

• believed that their kings were gods or god-like.

• developed a society based on equality for all.

• built pyramids to bury their dead.

Why did the Egyptians mummify their dead?

• To preserve their bodies for the afterlife

• To harvest their organs

• To help their bodies decompose

• To use their bodies as a sacrifice to the gods

A common thread of the polytheistic religions in ancient civilizations was that they built large temples run by priests for the purpose of

• having a home for the priest.

• bringing offerings and performing rituals in order to please the gods.

• maintaining burial places for the dead.

• housing the food surplus

In order to keep their gods happy, the Maya, Aztec and Inca all believed that

• they needed to go on frequent hunts to honor them

• they must provide the gods with frequent human sacrifices.

• their ancestors must take animal form in the afterlife.

• they needed to wear masks in ritual celebrations.

________ were statues that represented the gods.

Rituals are formal _______ to honor, appeal to or serve their god or gods

What is a purpose of religion?