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INTRODUCTION
TO WORLD
RELIGIONS AND
BELIEF SYSTEMS
(Quarter 1- Module 2/Week 2)

Department of Education SDO- City of San Fernando (LU)

Region 1
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INTRODUCTION
TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND
BELIEF SYSTEMS
(Quarter 1- Module 2/Week 2)

ORIGIN OF WORLD RELIGION

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCIES

Analyze the interconnectedness of geography, culture, and
religion. (HUMSS_WRB12-I/IIIB-2.1)

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 Our Guide
For the parents:
1. Please guide your child while he is studying and answering the tasks provided in
this module.
2. Remind your child about his study time and schedule so he can finish the module.
3. Let your child answer the module activities independently however, assist him
only when necessary.
4. I will call on a certain time based on the schedule to explain the lessons in the
module.
5. Kindly return the whole module and answer sheets on during Fridays
at .

For the learners:

1. Read carefully the directions so that you will know what to do.
2. If there are directions or topics in the module that are difficult for you to
understand, feel free to ask from your parents or companions at home. However,
if you still could not understand, you can call me at this number,
so I could explain it to you clearly.
3. Answer the activities in the module on the specific day for the subject. Use a
separate sheet of paper for your answers. Avoid writing or tearing the pages of
this module because this will be used by other pupils/students like you.
4. Write important concepts in your notebook regarding your lesson. This will help
you in your review later.
5. You need to finish the activities in this module so that you can give this to your
parents on .

Always remember these health tips:

1. Remember to wear your face mask properly and regularly.
2. Always wash your hands with clean water and soap.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with handkerchief whenever you cough or sneeze.
4. Follow the one-meter distance so that you will prevent the spread of the virus.

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 What I Need to Know

Like a living organism, religions are born in history and they

gradually develop into living traditions and affects the lives of their
followers. Beliefs system originate in certain localities within the context
of culture and even geography. Religions have their origin stories and
are universal in nature. Geography and culture influence the
establishment and development of religions.

what I know
EXERCISE 1
DIRECTION: Identify five (5) familiar names listed in the diagram showing the
genealogy of Abraham and characterize them. Place your answers on the space
provided.

NAMES CHARACTERISTICS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
 What’s in
THE GENEALOGY OF ABRAHAM

Abraham

Hagar Sarah Keturah

Ishmael Isaac and Rebeccah

Ishmaelites Jacob Esau

Muhammad Israelites Edomites

David
Solomon
Jesus

Zimran Jokshan Medon Midian Ishbak Shurah

 What’s new

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Patriarch Abraham
The Prophet and Patriarch Abraham played a major role in the
establishment of the three monotheistic religions: namely, Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam, which account for more than half of the world’s total
population at present. As such, these organized religions are collectively known
as Abrahamic religions. The Jewish people regard Abraham as the ancestor of
the Israelites, through his descendants Isaac and Jacob. The Muslim consider
Abraham’s son Ishmael as the ancestor of the Arabs. The Christians view
Abraham as father in faith as narrated in the bible and the ancestor of Jesus
Christ.
The ancient Hebrews call their God Elohim, Adonai, or Yahweh. Present-day
Judaism uses the name “Lord” and “God”. For the Muslim, they call their God
as Allah. In addition, prophets and apostles play major roles in these religions.
Judaism has 48 prophets and 7 prophetesses
The Indian Mosaic
India is the world’s oldest surviving civilization. Religion is an essential part
of the Indian tradition. Four great religions originated in India- Hinduism,
Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism- and a myriad of minor cults and local sects.
Hinduism can be considered as a “museum of religion”. It was during the Vedic
Period Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma became systematized as a religion that
preached order and purpose to the cosmos and humanity.
The Way of Dao
Chinese civilization is one of the oldest, dating back almost 4,000 year ago.
Even the olden days, the Chinese had already endeavored to establish and attain
good governance. China adopted Kung Fu-Tzu’s (Confucius) ideals and ethics as
the nation developed meritocracy as a basis for government officials. Confucius id
regarded as China’s greatest philosopher and teacher who lived at the same time as
Siddharta Gautama in India.
Confucian ideals aspire to harmonize human relations and serve as guide to
social behavior. Meanwhile, mysteries abound the birth and personal life of Laozi
(Lao-tzu) who may have written Dao De Jing (The Book of the Way) and its Power)
Both Confucius and Lao-tzu were followers of the Dao.
On the other hand, Shintoism is a loosely organized local belief of Japan,
somewhat an ardent religious form of Japanese patriotism. The term originated
from the Chinese words Shen and Tao translated as the “way of Gods”
 What is it

Geography of Faith
Law and social norms vary by region and localities. The study about
geography of religion may reveal some fascinating truths why a certain country is
predominantly one religion or why a specific region became homeland of great
religions.
1. The Western Frontier
West Asia is home of three great religions, namely, Judaism, Christianity,
and Islam. After 1917, many Jews migrated from Europe to their ancient
homeland, Palestinians. In 1948, Israel was established after driving away the
Palestinians Arabs who had been living in the area for centuries.
The Arabian Peninsula, the world’s largest peninsula, consists of
countries that are predominantly Islamic in character. Majority of Muslims in
Iraq and Iran associate themselves with the Shi’s sect while majority of Muslims
in Saudi Arabia belong to the Sunni branch.
The topography of WEST Asia is characterized by vast area of
mountainous terrains. Mountains play a significant role in many religious
beliefs as these landforms provide idea settings where gods live or where gods
and mortals meet. In the Judeo- Christian region of West Asia and Egypt, there
are four sacred mountains listed in the table below.
The Temple Mount is one of the most sacred sites in the world revered by
the Jews, Christians, and Muslim. Three structures are found in the present
site that include the Al- Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock, and the Dome of
the chain. The Jewish consider the Temple Mount as their holiest shrine.

FOUR SACRED MOUNTAINS

HOLY MOUNTAINS LOCATION SIGNIFICANCE

Mount Ararat Eastern part or Traditional landing place of

turkey Noah’s ark as narrated in the
book of Genesis
Mount Sinai Sinai Peninsula The peak where Moses received
in Egypt the ten commandments

Mount Zion/ Jerusalem Known as the city of David and

Mount Moriah temple mount

Mount Tabor Israel Site of transfiguration of Jesus

Christ
The Indian Subcontinent
The sweltering heat is one major feature of India’s ecological setting, it is no
wonder that Hindus revere the sun (Surya) and fire (Agni). Likewise, water also play
a major role in the Indian psyche as evidence by Hindus venerating a god of water
and celestial oceans (Varuna). Traversing the great plains of North India, the Ganga
(Ganges) is the holiest river for the Hindus.
The Eastern End
The Eastern end of the great Asian continent one finds the cultural and
political dominance of China. Confucius, the main person behind this emerging
social philosophy, did not intend to start a new religion but rather expound on the
nature of order and stability in the society. By the time of the Han Dynasty,
Confucian teachings had become the state religion. In Korea, it began to be
disseminated extensively around the 15th century. In Japan, it was accepted by the
majority 18th and 19th century.

The Cultural Milieu

UNIVERSALITY versus ETHNIC RELIGION

UNIVERSALIZING RELIGION ETHNIC RELIGION

- Christian and Islam are - Judaism, Hinduism,

considered universalizing religion Confucianism or Daoism belong
for they attempt in global scale to ethnic religion

- Have variety of means to transmit - Attract one group of people

their principles residing in one locality

- Younger than ethnic religion - Members belong to diverse

group people
- Rituals and holidays are based - Rituals and holidays are based
on the life history of their on the cycle of harvest
originator
- Originated from a certain founder - Hard to convert because
members come principally for
same ethnicity
- Seek recruit and conversion is
easy

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 What I have learned

What I can do
EXERCISE 2
DIRECTIONS: Read and analyze the statements given. Write TRUE if the
statement is correct and write FALSE if the statement is incorrect.
1. The term “Shinto” came from two Indian words.

2. The Hindu God of fire is Agni.

3. Judaism has 48 prophets and seven prophetesses.

4. The Arabian Peninsula consist of countries that are predominantly

Buddhist in character.
5. God instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac at mount Hoira.

6. The ganga is the holiest river for the Muslim.

7. Saudi Arabia experienced a bloody civil war from 1975 to 1990

between Christians and Muslims.
8. The holy mountains in japan are mount fuji, mount Tate, and mount
Moriah.

9. Meritocracy became the basis of government officials during the

time of Confucius.
10. The Dome of the rock is in Mount Ararat.

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 EXERCISE 3
DIRECTIONS: Match the descriptions in column A with the concepts in column
B. Write the letter of the correct answer on the blanks before the number.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

1. It is a type of Buddhism A. Zen

that developed in Japan.
2. He is the Hindu God of B. Varuna
water and celestial oceans.
3. It is a name given by the C. Yahweh
Hebrew to their God.
4. He is believed to be the D. Ishmael
ancestor of the Arab people.
5. It is one of the three
kingdom in Korea. E. Baekj

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 Assessment

EXERCISE 4
DIRECTIONS: Read the descriptions of each statement and fill in the blank with
the correct concept. Write your answers on the space provided.

1. appears to be an elemental figure for a monotheistic belief

system of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
2. These four great religions – Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and originated
in India.
3. This is one of the most sacred places where
Jews, Christians, and Muslim worship.
4. Christianity acknowledge in god in person, the father, the son of the
spirit
5. In Hinduism means duty, righteousness, and ethics.

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 Additional activities

EXERCISE 5
DIRECTIONS: Make a poster presentation illustrating the unity of World
Religions in a 1/8- sized illustration board. Explain your work in a bond paper. The
poster will be graded based on the rubric below.
RUBRIC FOR POSTER PRESENTATION

CRITERIA DESCRIPTION POINTS POINTS

OBTAINED
Organizatio The concept was clearly 4
n and creatively
conveyed.
Content Important concepts 3
were highlighted and
explained.
Presentatio The idea was clearly 3
n presented based on the
poster illustration.
TOTAL: 10

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 Religion is considered universal and it can be found in all known contemporary societies
the prophet and patriarch Abraham played a major role in the establishment of three
monotheistic religions, namely, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

 Religion is an essential part of Indian tradition as four main religions originated here,
namely, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

 Both Confucius Dao and Laozi were followers of the Dao. The Confucian Dao
principally concerns human affairs while the Daoist Dao means the way the universe
works.

 West Asia is home of three great religions, namely, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

 Heat and water are major features of India’s ecological setting. As a result, deities of sun,
fire, and water are venerated in India.

 Chinese culture practically influenced all other nations at its outskirts, including japan
and Korea.

 Monotheism or the belief in one god is an ancient idea that predated the establishment of
Abrahamic religions.

 The concept of dharma is integral in religions that emerged in India, most especially
Hinduism and Buddhism.

 Chinese belief system arrived in japan and influenced the local culture and the
indigenous polytheistic religion Shinto.

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KEY ANSWER

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 REFERENCES:

BOOKS:
Ong, Jerome A. Jose, Mary Dorothy DL., Introduction to World Religions and Belief
Systems. Textbook. Vibal Group, Inc. 1253 Gregorio Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. All
rights reserved. Copyright 2016.
Cornelio, Jayeel S. PhD., Calano, Mark Joseph T. PhD., Sapitula, Manuel Victor J., PhD.
Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems. Rex Bookstore Publishing. 1977 C.M.
Recto Avenue. Copyright 2016.

Development Team of the Module

Writer/Illustrator/Layout Artist: Florfina Flora Q. Gaspar Teacher II

Editor/Evaluator/Reviewer: Maria Rhea Reyes, EPS In-Charge
Management Team: Dr. Rowena C. Banzon, CESO V, SDS
Dr. Agnes B. Cacap, Chief- CID
Dr. Jose Mari P. Almeida, Chief- SGOD
Genevieve B. Ugay, EPS- LRMS
Hazel B. Libatique, Librarian II
Aurelio C. Dayag, Jr., PDO II

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