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2.5

Origins and Early Development of World Religions

September 1, 2025
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Nakshatra Nallacharu

4

Min Read

AI Summary

These revision notes focus on tracing the origins, core beliefs, and historical spread of major world religions to understand their lasting cultural impact. For example, Judaism began around 2000 BCE in Ancient Israel with the covenant relationship to one God, while Christianity started in 1st-century Roman Judea based on Jesus’ teachings. Each religion’s sacred texts, like the Torah or the Qur’an, and key practices highlight their unique identities, and their expansion through trade, conquest, or cultural exchange reveals how they shaped societies and laws across the globe.

Principle

Identify when and where each religion began, understand its main beliefs and practices, and see how it spread and influenced the world.


Method

  • Place the religion on a timeline with its starting date (approximate if ancient).

  • Identify the place of origin.

  • State its main beliefs and important figures or founders.

  • Name its sacred text(s) and main practices.

  • Explain how and where it spread.

  • Note its lasting influence on culture, laws, or traditions.


Examples

  • Judaism: ~2000 BCE – Ancient Israel – one God, covenant with God – Torah – shaped Christianity and Islam.

  • Christianity: 1st century CE – Roman Judea – teachings of Jesus – Bible – spread through Roman Empire, major global religion today.

  • Islam: 7th century CE – Mecca – one God (Allah), Prophet Muhammad – Qur’an – spread through trade and conquest.

  • Hinduism: Ancient India – belief in reincarnation, karma, many gods – Vedas – deeply tied to Indian culture.

  • Buddhism: 5th century BCE – Northern India – Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path – Tripitaka – spread across Asia, influenced art and philosophy.


Conceptual Notes

  • Religions often influenced each other and shaped societies.

  • Ideas from ancient religions still affect modern cultures and laws.


Key Terms
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