Foundations Unit - Major Beliefs Systems
Subject:
Major belief systems Foundations: c. 8000 B.C.E.?600 C.E. Major Developments Major belief systems . Basic features of major world belief systems prior to 600 C.E. and where each belief system applied by 600 C.E. Polytheism Belief in many gods/goddesses Early peoples ? in awe of nature ? blessing/curse Relationship with land/weather Totemism ? identification of self with various animal symbols shamanism ? identification with unseen spirit worlds ?dreamtime? ? Aboriginals Shinto ? Japan Animism ? belief that gods and goddesses inhabited natural features Africa, islands of Polynesia Worship of ancestors and fertility Fertility ? soil/women Class of people emerged to oversee rituals/guide people priests/shamans held important positions
