The beliefs and practices that were prevalent in ancient cultures are commonly called "old religion". It is hard to define, but often includes Christianity and other forms of Islam. It also includes the religions of India and Arabia. They aren't fundamentally different but they share distinct characteristics. The power of reason is the foundation of the old religions, but they can also be influenced by revelation and intuition to develop a belief system.
Religions of the past
The ancient world was permeated with religious practices and beliefs. These religions' charismatic leaders traveled extensively across Europe and along itinerant routes. They were the most important determinants human culture. In antiquity, religious beliefs were universal and widespread.
These beliefs are rooted in diverse cultural traditions. The Ancient Religions MA course explores these cultures from ancient China to modern day Europe and provides new insights into ancient religions. The MA programme can be tailored to the research interests of individual students.
Hinduism
Hinduism has many traditions. It is an ancient religion. Its beliefs are centered on the sanctity life and Brahman, the supreme spirit. Hindus believe that there is a concept of karma, rebirth, as well as salvation. Hindus are therefore very religious.
Although there is no known historical founder of Hinduism it has developed over time, through periods of ritual, enlightenment and reformations. The tradition of Hinduism is not based on a single text.
Buddhism
Buddhists believe life is eternal, but subject to suffering. They seek truth within their own lives and the understanding of Buddha's teachings. They are constantly reborn, reliving past lives. Because of this, they constantly strive to improve themselves. Buddhism is a philosophy that there is no single answer.
Buddhism is a major world religion and has 376million followers. It originated in India around the sixth century B.C.E., and it spread to Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. Today, Buddhists can be found in more than 170 countries around the world.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion, is Zoroastrianism. Avesta is one the oldest texts. The Avesta contains sacred verses called Gathas. They were written by Prophet Zarathushtra to be orally transmitted and recited to his followers. The Avesta is composed of five Gathas that each contain seventeen hymns. Zoroastrianism's scholars emphasize the centrality and importance of the Gathas. Gathic principles forbid excessive ritualism and emphasize the importance of ethical behavior and human reason as co-workers with God.
Zoroastrianism is a religion that has roots in Persia, and could be as old as 4,000 years. Zoroastrianism served as the state religion during the Persian monarchies. Many Zoroastrianism followers fled Iran to India where they practice it as a minority. Zoroastrianism now has around 100,000 to 200,000 followers worldwide. It has a rich and varied history. Zoroastrianism has also been influential in the development of other religions.
Maya
In ancient Maya religion earth and sky were seen as two opposing entities. The Maya saw the earth as the back of a giant crocodile, while the sky was a double-headed serpent. The name for the sky is similar in meaning to the word "snake", and the constellations have cross-bands. Maya saw the sun- and moon as symbols of the celestial bodies.
Maya art has many symbols that are associated with death or the underworld. Their glyphs and symbols include disembodied eyes, defleshed jaws, crossed bones, and marks of putrefaction. Pawahtun was also a patron of scribes. Ix Chel was a Maya goddess of childbirth, healing and other deities. Chak Chel, Chak's sister, was a weaver who was also patroness on the Cozumel Islands.