The belief systems and practices of ancient cultures are often referred to as "old religion". Its definition is somewhat arbitrary, but it often includes Christianity and various forms of Islam. It also includes the Indian and Arabian faiths. They aren't fundamentally different but they share distinct characteristics. While most religions are based on the power and logic of reason, there is also the possibility that they may rely on revelation or intuition in order to form a belief structure.
An ancient religion
Religious beliefs and practices were prevalent in the ancient world. These religious leaders were charismatic and traveled along many different routes. They were the most important determinants human culture. Religious beliefs were widespread and universalized in antiquity.
These beliefs are rooted deep in cultural traditions. This MA course, Ancient Religions MA, explores these traditions from ancient China and the Mediterranean, providing new insights into how ancient religious systems functioned. The MA program can be customized to fit the interests of each student.
Hinduism
Hinduism is an ancient religion that has many traditions. Its beliefs focus on the sanctity and supremacy of life, as well as Brahman, which is the supreme soul. Hindus believe both in rebirth and karma. They also believe salvation. Hindus are extremely religious.
Hinduism does not have a historical founder. It has evolved over time through periods that include ritual, enlightenment, reformations, and other events. 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 seek the truth within themselves and seek out Buddha's teachings. They are constantly reborn, reliving past lives. Because of this, they constantly strive to improve themselves. In Buddhism, there is no one right answer.
Buddhism is a major world religion and has 376million followers. Its origins are in India, around the sixth century B.C.E. The religion spread to Southeast Asia as well as China, Korea and Japan. Today, Buddhists can still be found in more that 170 countries.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion. Avesta is one the oldest texts. The Avesta is composed of sacred verses, called Gathas, composed by Prophet Zarathushtra and orally transmitted to his followers. The Avesta is composed of five Gathas that each contain seventeen hymns. Scholars of Zoroastrianism stress the centrality of the Gathas. Gathic principles caution against ritualism, and stress human reason and ethical behavior in co-work with God.
Zoroastrianism, which is believed to be over 4,000 year old, has its roots in Persia. During the Persian dynasties, Zoroastrianism was the state religion. Many Zoroastrianism followers fled Iran to India where they practice it as a minority. Zoroastrianism boasts 100,000 to 200 000 followers in the world today. It has a rich and diverse history, and it has been influential by other religions.
Maya
The ancient Maya religion considered earth and sky two distinct entities. Maya thought of the earth as the backbone of a giant Crocodile and the sky a double-headed serpent. The sky is named after the word for serpent, and the constellations can be identified with cross-bands. Maya people also considered the sun and moon to be symbolic of the celestial bodies.
Maya art features many symbols related to death and underworld. Their glyphs and symbols include disembodied eyes, defleshed jaws, crossed bones, and marks of putrefaction. Pawahtun, the patron of scribes, was another god they had. Ix Chel (a Maya goddess for childbirth and healing) was one of the other Maya deities. Chak Chel, her sister, was a weaver and was patroness to the islands of Cozumel.