The term "old religion" is often used to refer to the beliefs and practices of ancient cultures. Although it is not a precise definition, it includes Christianity and many forms of Islam. It also includes Indian and Arabian religions. These are not fundamentally different, though they have distinct characteristics. While the old religions rely on the power of reason, they can also rely on revelation or intuition to form a belief system.
Religions of the past
Religious beliefs and practices were prevalent in the ancient world. These religious leaders were charismatic and traveled along many different routes. They were the major determinants in human culture and life. Religions were common and widespread in antiquity.
These beliefs are rooted in diverse cultural traditions. The Ancient Religions MA course explores these traditions from ancient China to the Mediterranean and offers new insights into how ancient religions functioned. You can personalize the MA programme to meet your research interests.
Hinduism
Hinduism is an ancient religion with many traditions. Its beliefs focus on the sanctity and supremacy of life, as well as Brahman, which is the supreme soul. Hindus believe strongly in karma (rebirth) and salvation. Hindus are therefore very religious.
There is no historical founder of Hinduism, but it has evolved over the centuries, experiencing periods of ritual, enlightenment, and reformations. There is no single central text for Hinduism, so the tradition is a collection of many different religions.
Buddhism
Buddhists believe that the life of the Buddha is both eternal and subject to suffering. They search for truth within themselves, and seek to understand Buddha's teachings. They are constantly reborn. Their lives are continuously improved as a result. Buddhism doesn't have one answer.
Buddhism is a major global religion that has 376 million believers. It began in India around the sixth-century B.C.E. and has since spread to Southeast Asia (China, Korea, Japan) and Korea (Korea). Today, Buddhists may be found in more 170 countries.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism was an ancient religion. Avesta is the oldest text. The Avesta consists of sacred verses, known as Gathas, that were composed by Prophet Zarathushtra, and then orally transmitted his followers. Each Gatha has seventeen hymns. Zoroastrianism scholars insist on the centrality the Gathas. Gathic principles advise against excessive ritualism. They also stress the importance human reason and ethical behaviour as co-workers with God.
Zoroastrianism, which is believed to be over 4,000 year old, has its roots in Persia. Zoroastrianism used to be the state religion of Iran during the Persian Dynasties. Many of its followers fled Iran for India, where they now practice the religion in a minority. Zoroastrianism now has around 100,000 to 200,000 followers worldwide. It has a rich, varied history and has been influential in other religions.
Maya
In ancient Maya religion, earth and sky are considered two contrasting entities. Maya considered the earth to be the back of a gigantic crocodile. The sky, however, was a double headed serpent. The sky is named after the word for serpent, and the constellations can be identified with cross-bands. Maya saw the sun- and moon as symbols of the celestial bodies.
Maya art is filled with symbols associated to death and the belowworld. The symbols and glyphs they used include crossbones, disembodied eyes as well as crossed jaws, putrefaction marks, and defleshed teeth. Pawahtun, patron of scribes was one of their gods. Ix Chel was a Maya goddess of childbirth, healing and other deities. Chak Chel, her sister, was a weaver and was patroness to the islands of Cozumel.