Religious

Education

x t
for CSEC®
Te
e
pl
m
Sa

Pippa Durn
Sister Marlyn James
Pandita Indrani Rampersad
Pauline Raymond
Shaikh Shazad Sookram
Reverend Paul Douglas Walfall

851634_CXC CSEC RE_TP.indd 1 18/08/2016 15:37

 3
Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, United Kingdom
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It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship,
and education by publishing worldwide. Oxford is a registered trade mark of
Oxford University Press in the UK and in certain other countries
Text © Lucy Carman and Pippa Durn 2012
Original illustrations © Oxford University Press 2015
The moral rights of the authors have been asserted
First published by Nelson Thornes Ltd in 2012
This edition published by Oxford University Press in 2015
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, without the prior permission in writing of Oxford University
Press, or as expressly permitted by law, by licence or under terms

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agreed with the appropriate reprographics rights organization.

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Enquiries concerning reproduction outside the scope of the above
should be sent to the Rights Department, Oxford University Press, at
the address above.

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You must not circulate this work in any other form and you must
impose this same condition on any acquirer
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Data available
978-1-4085-1634-8
17
Printed in Great Britain by Ashford Colour Press Ltd, Gosport
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Acknowledgements
Cover photograph: Mark Lyndersay Digital, Trinidad
pl
www.lyndersaydigital.com
Illustrations: Paul McCaffrey and Andrew Elkerton (both Sylvie Poggio
Agency); Simon Rumble and Richard Jones (both Beehive Illustration);
David Russell Illustration.
Page make-up: Integra
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Throughout the book the terms bce (before Common Era) and ce (Common
Era) are used instead of bc (before Christ) and ad (Anno Domini).
In Islam the words ‘peace be upon him’ are used whenever the Prophet
Muhammad is mentioned. For ease of reading we have omitted this, but no
disrespect is intended.
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Although we have made every effort to trace and contact all

copyright holders before publication this has not been possible in all
cases. If notified, the publisher will rectify any errors or omissions at
the earliest opportunity.
Links to third party websites are provided by Oxford in good faith
and for information only. Oxford disclaims any responsibility for
the materials contained in any third party website referenced in
this work.

851634 CSEC RELIGIOUSSTUD SG PRE.indd 2 11/09/2017 11:49

 Contents

Introduction 1
Part A
Section 1 Essentials of religion
1.1 Definitions and features of religion 2

Section 2 God in religion

2.1 A Christian understanding of God 8
2.2 Major manifestations of God in Hinduism 10
2.3 Relationship with Allah in Islam 12
2.4 The nature of God in Judaism 14
2.5 The concept of God in Caribbean

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indigenous religions 16

Section 3 Places of worship

3.1 Christian places of worship 18

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3.2 Sacred places in Hinduism 20
3.3 Places of worship in Islam 22
3.4 Places of worship in Judaism 24
3.5 Places of worship in Caribbean
indigenous religions 26

Section 4 Major religions: locations and origins

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4.1 Locations of major religions 28
4.2 How major world religions came to
the Caribbean 30
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4.3 How the Caribbean indigenous
religions developed 34

Section 5 Sources of authority

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5.1 Sources of authority in Christianity 36

5.2 Hindu holy scriptures 38
5.3 Sources of authority in Islam 40
5.4 Jewish holy scriptures 42
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5.5 Sources of authority in Caribbean

indigenous religions 44

Section 6 Major teachings and beliefs

6.1 Major teachings of Christianity 46
6.2 Major teachings of Hinduism 48
6.3 Major teachings of Islam 50
6.4 Major teachings of Judaism 52
6.5 Major teachings of Caribbean
indigenous religions 56

Section 7 Festivals
7.1 Festivals in Christianity 58
7.2 Festivals in Hinduism 62
7.3 Festivals in Islam 64
7.4 Festivals in Judaism 68
7.5 Festivals in Caribbean indigenous religions 72

iii

PRELIMS.indd iii 18/05/12 10:58 AM

 Contents

Section 8 Religious practices and rites of passage

8.1 Practices and rites in Christianity 74
8.2 Practices and rites in Hinduism 78
8.3 Practices and rites in Islam 80
8.4 Practices and rites in Judaism 82
8.5 Practices of Caribbean indigenous religions 86

Section 9 Similarities and differences

9.1 Comparing religions 88

Part B

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Option A: Christianity
A.1 Human life issues 92
A.2 The Bible 98
A.3 God 102

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A.4 Concept of sin and salvation 104

Option B: Hinduism
B.1 Human life issues 106
B.2 The Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita 112
B.3 The Absolute and avatars 114
B.4 Concept of sin and liberation 116
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Option C: Islam
C.1 Human life issues 120
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C.2 The Holy Qur’an 128
C.3 The concept of Allah (God) 134
C.4 Concept of sin, punishment and reward 140
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Option D: Judaism
D.1 Human life issues 144
D.2 The Tenakh 150
D.3 God 156
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D.4 Festivals and observances 160

Exam tips 166
Part A Practice exam questions 169
Part B Practice exam questions 178
Glossary 180
Index 184
Acknowledgements 188

iv

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 Introduction

This CSEC® Religious Education Study Guide has been developed

exclusively with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC®) to
be used as a resource by candidates and teachers following the
Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC®) programme.
This Study Guide has been written to meet the requirements of the
CSEC® in Religious Education. The contents provide comprehensive
coverage of the CXC® Religious Education syllabus.
Designed to help you achieve your best in the examination, this guide
has been written by experienced teachers and examiners who have
included features to make it easier to master the key concepts.

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At the end of the book you will find a comprehensive glossary of
all the key terms and their definitions, as well as practice exam
questions for each section to test your knowledge.
Included with this Study Guide is an accompanying CD, which

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includes electronic activities that are designed to help you with your
exam technique:
• On your marks activities are designed to provide experience of
exam questions and offer guidance on improving grades. Each
On your marks will provide you with an examination-style
question, an example candidate answer and feedback from an
examiner to show where the example candidate did well and how
e
their answer could be improved.
• Test yourself activities are specifically designed to provide you
pl
with experience of multiple-choice exam questions. In addition to
this, helpful feedback refers you back to the guide so that you can
revise problem areas.
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PRELIMS.indd 1 18/05/12 10:58 AM

 1 Essentials of religion
1.1 Definitions and
features of religion
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Definitions

In this topic you will learn to: Religion

• define religion, Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that people follow in order
denomination, sect and cult to make sense of life, to bring meaning to their existence and to bring
them comfort and guidance. Religions help to explain the creation
• explain the common features
of the world and recognise and meet the needs of the human spirit.

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of religions
Religions teach that a supreme or higher power is at work in the
• describe human needs world – whether this is God, gods or spirits. Religions also provide a
to which religion offers a moral code to live by. There are many different religions in the world,
response. but four of the world’s major religions found in the Caribbean are

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Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. This guide looks at each of
these religions, as well as Caribbean indigenous religions.

Denomination
Denomination describes the various beliefs and practices between
different branches of the same religion. Denominations tend to
emerge gradually over time and are officially recognised in society.
e
All of the Christian denominations have the same core beliefs,
but they may interpret some teachings differently or emphasise a
particular belief or practice above others. Examples of this include the
pl
teaching of the Methodist Church to abstain from alcohol, and the
practice in the Roman Catholic Church of praying to the saints.
m

Christian

Roman
Protestant Anglican Orthodox Reformed
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Catholic

Lutheran Presbyterian

Baptist Methodist

Pentecostal

Seventh-Day
Adventists

Figure 1.1.1 The main denominations of Christianity

Sect
Sects are different groups within established religions that follow
a system of belief (or doctrine) that differs from others within their
religion. Sect and denomination are often used to mean the same
thing.

Chapter1.indd 2 5/18/12 10:41 AM

 For example, Hindus may worship God without form (nirguna) or
ACTIVITY
with form (saguna). Within this categorisation, there are many
different groups including Shaiva, Vaishnava, Shakteya and Kali Mai. Give definitions of
During rituals, followers of the different groups wear particular ‘denomination’ and ‘sect’
markings to show which group they belong to. in your own words, and cite
examples of each within one of
Judaism the major religions.

Orthodox

Messianic

Reform

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Reconstructionist

Humanistic

Conservative

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Flexidox

Figure 1.1.2 Examples of sects within Judaism

Cult
A cult is a small, recently created religious group. It is not a variation
e
of an established religion, it is a new religion, and it is often founded
by a charismatic leader. Cult leaders often have a high level of control
over their members. Many people think that cults are dangerous and
pl
that they brainwash their followers. However, many cults are harmless
and are made up of people who may be disillusioned with established
religion. Often cults are radical in the way they live out their beliefs –
for example, followers may live together in communes, dress in a
m

particular way and choose to separate themselves from society.

Features of religion
Prayer
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Prayer features in all religions. It is the means by which humans

communicate with God, gods or spirits. Prayer may be in the form
of liturgy (written words and movements) or people may use their
own words to pray. Particular prayers are often read at significant
times. For example, Christians say a prayer for forgiveness before they
receive Holy Communion. Many people pray before eating to remind
themselves to thank God for His provision of food. People pray in
many different ways:
• Together in groups
• Individually
• Prayers spoken out loud
• Silently inside their own minds
• By way of meditation
• By serving people
• Ritual movements People can pray on their own or in a group

Chapter1.indd 3 5/18/12 10:41 AM

 Some religions have specific rules regarding prayer. For example,
Muslims must pray five times a day as they face Makkah (Mecca).
Jews pray three times a day – in the morning, the afternoon and
the evening. Jesus taught Christians to pray using the Lord’s Prayer.
Hindus pray twice a day, at dawn and dusk. The one common factor
that unites prayer in every religion is that it enables humans and God
to communicate with each other and have a relationship.

Places of worship
Many religions have a particular place of worship where followers can
LINK
meet to pray and worship together. For Christians this place is called
There is more about places of a church, for Hindus it is a mandir (temple) or a shrine at home, for
worship in Section 3, Places Muslims it is the masjid (mosque) and musallah, for Jews it is the
of worship, beginning on synagogue. Many Caribbean indigenous religions also have a meeting

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page 18. place, church, chapel or hall. Religions use different sacred objects
and features within their buildings to aid worship.

Belief systems

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Religious belief systems have been developed through holy scriptures
and through a long history of teachings. A belief system is a set of core
beliefs and practices that a person has that influences how they live,
what they believe and what they value. Often these beliefs are linked
to a particular religion. What a person believes about God, others
and themselves will influence the decisions that person makes, how
they relate to others, what they value and how they spend their time.
e
Rituals
Rituals prescribe particular ways of carrying out worship within
pl
different religions. For example:
• Muslims, some Hindus and Caribbean indigenous groups may offer
meat from an animal as a sacrifice during some special ceremonies.
m

• Some Hindus also give offerings of flowers and fruit to their gods.
• In Islam, Muslims wash before prayers (called wudu in Arabic).
Different religions originated in different geographical areas. For this
reason, particular languages remain important to religions.
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Worship
Worship is a way of showing love, obedience and devotion. In
religion, this love and devotion is shown to God. People worship in
various ways. In Christianity, people often worship using songs and
through written and spoken prayers. In Orisha, chants are often used
in worship. Dance is an important element of worship in Revivalism.

Symbols
Symbols are objects or signs that carry a meaning. Religions often use
symbols to help them worship. Symbols can also represent a religion
or a particular aspect of a religion. The Star of David is the symbol of
Judaism, and the cross in Christianity reminds Christians of how and
why Jesus died. In Hinduism, the symbol for the sacred sound Aum
signifies different states within Hinduism.
Figure 1.1.3 Can you state which
religion these symbols are However, there are no symbols in Islam. Islam teaches its followers
connected with? not to use symbols or pictures.

Chapter1.indd 4 5/18/12 10:41 AM

 Sacred writings
DID YOU KNOW?
Sacred writings are books or pieces of writing that people believe
• All Muslims are required to
are inspired by God. These writings help people to understand God
learn their holy language,
and His purposes for humankind as well as giving guidance on how
and the language of the Jews
we should live. Sacred writings may also help to explain the origins
is still used today.
of particular religions. Examples of sacred writings are the Bible for
Christians, the Tenakh for Jews, the Qur’an for Muslims and the Holy • Hinduism uses its holy
Piby for Rastafari. Hindus have many sacred writings. The Ramayan of language in rituals and
Tulsides is the best known in the Caribbean. worship. Hindus also often
use Hindi-related languages
in their devotions, particularly
in the Caribbean.
ACTIVITY
• Caribbean indigenous
Match the language to the religion that it is connected with: religions use mainly English,

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but this is sometimes mixed
Arabic, Hebrew, Greek, Sanskrit, African/Creole
with words from African and
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Caribbean indigenous Caribbean language forms.
religions

Deities

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Deity is another term for God. It is also the term used for multiple
manifestations of God shown in Hindu gods and goddesses such as
Brahma, Lakshmi and Durga. However, Islam does not use the term
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‘deity’.

Festivals
pl
Within religions, festivals take place to mark a particular event within
a religion’s history or to celebrate a particular time of year. Festivals
are usually celebrated with a special period of worship followed by
people coming together and often giving gifts. Festivals are normally
m

a time for celebration, but they also can be a time to think seriously
about your religion and beliefs.

Rites of passage
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LINKS
Rites of passage are religious customs that mark a particularly
significant time in a person’s spiritual or physical life. Examples are: There is more about sacred
writings in Section 6, Major
• a Hindu child receiving their sacred thread. This can happen at any teachings and beliefs, starting
time from the age of eight and it marks the beginning of the Hindu on page 46, as well as within
child’s spiritual education Option B, Hinduism.
• bar mitzvah (for boys) and bat mitzvah (for girls) in Judaism to There is more about religious
mark their entry into adulthood festivals in Section 7, Festivals,
• Christian babies being christened when they are born to welcome starting on page 58.
them into God’s family
There is more about rites of
• the Aqueeqah in Islam, where a baby is named, has their head passage in Section 8, Religious
shaved and (for boys) is circumcised seven days after birth practices and rites of passage,
• the mourning ceremony for Spiritual Baptists where they focus on starting on page 74.
their spiritual rather than physical needs.

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 Human needs
You can learn about the principles and practices that make up a
religion, but what makes someone choose to follow a religion? What
is it that makes people need to believe in some power higher than
them? And how do people choose which religion to believe in? There
are many reasons why people follow a religion. Some of them are
covered on the following pages.

Quest for personal identity

Religion gives an explanation for the existence of human beings – it
explains where we have come from and why we are on the earth.
Whichever religion you belong to, your purpose is to worship, to
obey and to have a relationship with God. Religion teaches that we
are God’s creation – that is our identity. Belonging to a particular

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religion also provides you with a set of views and beliefs. It can
ground you and help to make sense of life’s issues and challenges.
To belong to a particular religion is to have a clear identity – to know

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what you believe in and how you should live. For most religions,
being part of a worldwide group, with other believers, also helps the
followers to have an identity and a sense of belonging.

Quest for personal fulfilment in life

Personal fulfilment
If I discover within myself a Followers of religion argue that human beings are created to worship
desire which no experience in God, and that if we do not do this we will always have a sense of
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this world can satisfy, the most being incomplete. Knowing that you are following God’s purposes
probable explanation is that I for your life and living in a close relationship with Him can bring
was made for another world. great personal fulfilment. Millions of people who follow religions
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C.S. Lewis, 1898–1963, have found that ultimate and lasting fulfilment and peace can only
Christian writer and theologian be found through God.

Search for harmony with nature and in human relationships

m

Religions teach us to be in harmony with, and to respect, nature as

God’s creation. This means protecting the world and not purposely
harming or spoiling our environment. Religious people feel that this is
because God created the world for us to enjoy. Judaism, Christianity
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and Islam believe God originally created a paradise called Eden for
humans to enjoy. It could be that our souls are still trying to connect
with that Eden today. Hindus see the earth as a manifestation of
God’s creative energy. Many Hindus worship Mother Earth and
perform rituals to purify the atmosphere.
The onset of climate change has generated greater awareness of and
responsibility towards nature and humanity together, as many people
are suffering due to more extreme weather. Many religious people
feel that they have to take action on climate change because it has
been caused largely by humans and because it is damaging both the
environment and human lives.
Religion is about building happy human relationships. Many religions
provide teaching and advice on marriage, family relationships, how
to deal with conflict and what our attitude should be to others.
Following these teachings can bring inner peace and harmony.

Chapter1.indd 6 5/18/12 10:41 AM

 xt
Many people who follow a religion feel that they have an obligation to care for
the world
KEY POINTS

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ACTIVITY
1 All religions include key
What other benefits can you think of that belief or faith brings concepts such as worship,
to an individual? Make a list. prayer, belief systems and
rituals.
Seeking spiritual meaning 2 Religion can provide identity
One of the biggest reasons people follow religion is to find spiritual through explaining the
e
meaning. It may be hard to try to follow the ideals and values of a origins and purpose of
particular religion, or to believe in something that you cannot see. humankind. Belonging to a
However, many people feel that it would be harder still to believe that group of people also helps
pl
there is no meaning to life and that our experiences are insignificant. to bring identity.
Not believing in any god is called atheism. Religion gives purpose to 3 Many followers of religion
life, with all of its challenges, pain, sorrows and joys. Believing that have found that ultimate
whatever happens to us can be used for good – either to strengthen personal fulfilment can only
m

us or to help someone else or to bring us closer to God – brings come from a relationship
comfort and strength. Knowing that there is life after we die, and with God.
that how we respond to events on earth can impact our eternal life,
affects how we live and the decisions we make. 4 Religion teaches that
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we should respect our

Providing moral codes as a guide for life environment and fellow
human beings.
As touched on already, religion provides guidelines for life. The
Tenakh contains the Ten Commandments, the Bible contains the 5 Religion can bring meaning
Sermon on the Mount, the Qur’an contains teachings on good to life. Religion teaches that
conduct and how to treat others. Caribbean Hindus rely on the God can use our situations
Vedas, the Ramcharitmanas and Bhagavad Gita, among others, as for good purposes – even if
their main guides for living a moral life. All of the world’s religions it is only to strengthen our
regard human life as precious and as coming from God. Therefore, all faith. Many people who
people should be respected, cared for and treated with dignity. In this follow a religion believe that
sense, religion is a positive contributor to society. God ultimately shapes and
directs our life if we allow
ACTIVITY Him to.

Write a short summary of your personal beliefs. What do you see 6 Religion can provide moral
as your religion? codes to live by.

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 2 God in religion
2.1 A Christian
understanding of God
LEARNING OUTCOMES Creator
Christianity derives much of its understanding about God from Jewish
In this topic you will learn to:
beliefs, since Christianity grew out of Judaism. Christians believe in
• describe how Christians a single creator, God, who made the world and all living things in it.
express their understanding Belief in a single God is called monotheism.
of God.
The Bible describes how God created order from chaos just by

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speaking His instructions:
• On the first day, God created periods of light and darkness, which
DID YOU KNOW? became day and night.
‘With the Lord a day is like • On the second day, He created the sky.

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a thousand years, and a • On the third day, He gathered the water into oceans and created
thousand years are like a day.’ areas of dry land. On this dry land He commanded plants and trees
2 Peter 3:8 to grow.
Some people believe that • On the fourth day, He created the sun, moon and stars to give light
verses such as this one show to the earth and create the seasons.
how the biblical creation • On the fifth day, He created fish and birds and told them to
account and the science of
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multiply and fill the skies and the oceans.
evolution (animals and humans
developing and changing over • On the sixth day, God created animals and people. God was very
millions of years) can work pleased with all that He had made.
pl
together. • On the seventh day, He rested.
Christians believe that God created a
perfect world where God and human beings
m

were in harmony. Sin entered the world as

a result of Adam and Eve (the first humans)
disobeying God. With the arrival of sin came
sickness, disaster and evil. The Old Testament
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section of the Bible is full of accounts of how

God’s people suffered in a broken world, and
of the troubled relationship between God
and man.
Despite all of their sin, God loved His people
(the Israelites). He delivered them from slavery
in Egypt and led them to freedom in a land He
had promised them (Exodus 3:7–8). Even after
God’s people reached this new land though,
it did not take long for sin, disobedience and
separation from God to build again. To break
this cycle, the Old Testament promises a future
deliverer or liberator who will bring freedom
from sin for ever.

The Bible says that God created the world and everything in it in six days

Chapter2.indd 8 5/18/12 10:42 AM

 Jesus Christ – Deliverer and Liberator DID YOU KNOW?
Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Deliverer and Liberator that The Holy Spirit can cause people
the Old Testament speaks about. Christians believe that God came to to speak in unknown languages
earth in the human form of Jesus. Christians call this ’incarnation’. (called speaking in tongues).
God came to earth in human form to restore the relationship This first took place when
between God and people and to bring freedom from sin, sickness God sent the Holy Spirit to the
and death. While he was on earth, Jesus healed people, forgave disciples following Jesus’ death.
their sins and even brought people back to life after they had died. Christians refer to this language
(You can read about these things in the biblical gospels Matthew, as a ‘heavenly language’. When
Mark, Luke and John.) But Jesus’ ultimate act was his death and someone speaks in tongues
resurrection. Christians believe that the consequence of sin is death – during a church meeting, an
physically and spiritually. Through his sacrificial death, Jesus, who interpretation is often given as
was perfect and had never sinned, defeated sin and therefore death. well so that the whole group
Jesus’ sacrifice shows that God could forgive people’s sin and He can benefit from the message.

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goes on forgiving today.

Holy Spirit ACTIVITY

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After Jesus’ death, the Bible teaches that he came back to life and Some Christians would call the
returned to heaven. Christians believe that God then sent His spirit, Trinity a mystery of faith. Why do
the Holy Spirit, to be His presence in the world. The Holy Spirit is one think it is considered a mystery?
of the three persons of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit came to the first In your own words, how would
Christians at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit lives in the believer and brings you explain the Trinity?
comfort, guidance, peace and strength.
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God as father and mother DID YOU KNOW?

The Bible says that human beings were made in God’s image. This The island of Trinidad was
pl
means that the human qualities we have – such as a conscience, named after the Trinity.
morality, spirituality, love, personality, dominion and creativity – are When Columbus was on
reflections of God. Since God made both man and woman in His his way to America, he saw
image, many Christians believe that He must have both male and what he thought were three
m

female characteristics. islands in the distance. As he

approached, he realised that
Christians believe that God loves them as a loving parent loves their they were not three individual
child and that, like a parent, He also has to discipline them, teach islands but one larger one
them and help them to grow. In Matthew 23:37 the Bible describes joined by a strip of low-lying
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God as wanting to gather His people under His wings as a mother land. He named the island
hen gathers her chicks. And Matthew 7:11 compares God to a loving Trinidad (Spanish for Trinity).
father who wants to give good gifts to His children. He said that when we see God
from afar we only see three
KEY POINTS persons, but when we see God
as He really is then we discover
Christians believe that God: the three persons are one.
• created the world and all living beings
• liberated/delivered humankind from sin and death, and LINK
restored the relationship between people and God
There is more about God as
• came to earth in human form as Jesus Christ
creator, Jesus Christ His son,
• is still with us on earth today through the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit and the Trinity in
• loves, cares for, disciplines and guides human beings just as a Section 6, Major teachings and
father and mother guide their children. beliefs, starting on page 46.

Chapter2.indd 9 5/18/12 10:42 AM

 2.2 Major manifestations
of God in Hinduism

The majority of Hindus believe in many different deities (male

LEARNING OUTCOMES
and female divinities) who have appeared in different forms or
In this topic you will learn to: incarnations. Each of these gods and goddesses derive from
Brahman, who is the Ultimate Reality or God. Some people see
• identify some major Hinduism as a polytheistic or pantheistic religion (believing in more
manifestations of God in than one god). Others see Hinduism as a monotheistic religion, since
Hinduism. all Hindu gods descend from Brahman.
The central Hindu gods, as descended from Brahman, are Brahma,

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Vishnu and Shiva (called the Brahman Trinity or Trimurti). The central
goddess is Shakti. All other gods and goddesses are incarnations,
spouses or offspring of these major gods and goddess. There are
many different traditions or branches of Hinduism and different

Te
traditions may believe slightly different things about the gods. Also,
not all Hindus worship all of the gods. Generally, Hindus choose one
or two of the Hindu gods to focus on and worship, and will probably
build a shrine to these deities in their home, as per family tradition or
personal choice.

Brahma
e
Brahma is the Creator. Hindus believe Brahma created
the world but, once creation was complete, Brahma’s
work was finished. Brahma is not worshipped as it is
pl
thought that he is responsible for distracting people
from nourishing their soul and thinking instead about
their physical desires.
m

Vishnu
Vishnu is the preserver and protector of creation. He
is full of mercy and goodness. Vishnu maintains life
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and the cosmic order of creation. Vishnu has many

incarnations to redress the balance of dharma and
adharma.

Shiva
Hindus believe Shiva (or Mahesh) is the destroyer god.
Along with Brahma and Vishnu, he is responsible
for the ongoing cycle of creation, preservation and
destruction of the world. Shiva is considered the god
of change. His destruction is not always bad – it may
bring death but it can also bring freedom from our
ego (self) and from bad habits.

The Trimutri: Brahma (left), Vishnu (middle) and Shiva (right)

10

Chapter2.indd 10 5/18/12 10:42 AM

 Lakshmi
Lakshmi is the goddess of health, beauty, wealth and good
fortune. She is Vishnu’s wife and is very beautiful. Each
time Vishnu incarnates, Lakshmi incarnates with him as his
companion (or consort).

Saraswati
Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, music and the creative
arts. During their examinations, students worship this goddess
in the hope she will help them do well!

Ganesh
Ganesh is an elephant-headed god who represents wisdom and

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intellect. Many Hindus worship him when they want to remove
obstacles in their life – perhaps obstacles to belief or to their
happiness or success. The fact that Ganesh has an elephant
head encourages Hindus to look beyond outer appearances and

Te
to the spiritual side of life. Ganesh is the god who is called on at
the start of every Hindu ritual.
Saraswati (left), Lakshmi (middle) and Ganesh (right)
Hanuman
Hanuman is the monkey god, an incarnation of Shiva. He is known KEY POINTS
for his courage, strength and devotion. Hanuman teaches Hindus of
the power that lies in every person. In times of trouble, many Hindus 1 Brahman is the Ultimate
e
will chant the name Hanuman or sing his chalisa (hymn) to gain Reality or God in Hinduism.
strength and perseverance. All other gods are
manifestations of Brahman.
pl
Surya Each of these gods, in
turn, has multiple avatars
Surya is the Hindu sun god. Since Surya controls light and warmth, or incarnations. Although
he is an important god in terms of influencing the seasons and Hinduism is often described
m

therefore is worshipped in relation to blessing crops. as polytheistic because of its

many gods, this labelling is
Durga not strictly true since all gods
The goddess Durga was created by Hindu gods who each formed a derive from a single God.
Sa

different part of her body. Durga is the warrior aspect of Shakti and 2 The central Hindu gods
was created to fight evil forces who were overpowering the gods. are Brahma, Vishnu
Durga signifies the unity of all the gods. In some Hindu traditions, and Shiva (the Brahman
Durga is the wife of Shiva. Trinity) and the central
goddess is Shakti. All other
gods and goddesses are
manifestations, spouses
or offspring of these main
gods and goddess.
3 Different traditions of
Hinduism prioritise different
gods. Hindus worship
different gods at different
times in their lives, although
many Hindus also have a
Hanuman Surya Durga favourite god.

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 2.3 Relationship with Allah
in Islam

Muslims, like Christians and Jews, believe in only one God. Their
LEARNING OUTCOMES
belief in the Oneness of God is called Tawhid. They call God Allah,
In this topic you will learn to: the Arabic word for God. The Qur’an and Hadith refer to Allah in 99
different ways, each revealing something about His attributes.
• describe a Muslim’s
relationship with Allah.
Creator and created
Al-Khaaliq means Allah the Creator. Muslims believe that Allah
created the universe and everything in it. Humans are the most

xt
important part of Allah’s creation. The Qur’an states that the first
human was made out of clay. Today Allah continues to create human
beings through the human reproduction process, which He oversees
(see Surah 23:12–14).

Te
All living things depend upon Allah for their existence, therefore
humans should submit to Allah as a servant submits to his master.
This is such a central belief to Muslims that the word ‘Islam’ literally
means submission to Allah. Submission is not meant to be difficult
or painful. The relationship between Allah and His servants is one
of obedience and love. Submitting to Allah is to put your life into
the hands of an all-powerful God who loves and cares deeply for
e
you. Hadith number 19 of An-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith speaks of how
everything that happens is under Allah’s control.
pl
Allah’s love and mercy for man
Surah 2:21–22 gives examples of how Allah shows love for His people
m

through providing for them. These verses also tell readers that they
should love Allah. Although Allah is all-powerful and holy, He does
not judge people harshly when they
do wrong. Surah 3:31 tells how Allah
is ready to forgive and show mercy. In
Sa

response, Muslims should show their

love for Allah by living lives dedicated
to Him. Surah 9:24 talks about how
Allah should be more important to
Muslims than any worldly wealth,
possession or pleasure. Man should
value his relationship with Allah above
The all else. This means loving Allah, living
Salah Zakah Sawm Hajj
Shahadah a life that pleases Him and following
the Five Pillars of Islam (Shahadah – the
Muslim declaration of faith; salah –
prayer; zakah – giving to the poor;
Figure 2.3.1 The five pillars support the ‘House of Islam’. Through putting sawm – fasting; and hajj – pilgrimage
the five pillars into practice, Muslims uphold their religion. to Makkah).

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 The Qur’an on Allah
O you people! Adore your Guardian-Lord, who created you and
those who came before you, that you may have the chance to
learn righteousness. Who has made the earth your couch, and
the heavens your canopy; and sent down rain from the heavens;
and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; then do
not set up rivals unto God when you know (the truth).
Surah 2:21–22

Worshipped and worshipper DID YOU KNOW?

xt
The relationship between Allah and Muslims is one of worshipped Muslims follow a lunar
and worshipper. To worship means to show obedience, adoration and calendar (controlled by cycles
devotion to God. Muslims believe that Allah should be worshipped of the moon). Each year in the
as the one true God who is above all things. He is holy, almighty, Islamic calendar is designated

Te
compassionate and all-knowing. He is far beyond our understanding AH (which stands for the Latin
or our power. He is infinitely bigger than us and therefore our only term Anno Hegirae (in the
response should be to worship him. Worship can come in many year of the Hijra)) or BH (before
forms – it is shown through the rites and ceremonies that Muslims Hijra). AH time began the
perform such as salah (prayer) and wudu (ritual washing). But year Muhammad migrated
worship is also shown through the way Muslims live their lives – from Makkah to Medina (this
through zakah, through kind acts and through living honourably and migration, or journey, is called
e
peacefully. In these ways, Muslims worship Allah. the Hijra).

Hadith
pl
The Hadith are the sayings, actions and silent approvals of
Muhammad, which do not appear in the Qur’an but which were
written down by his followers. An-Nawawi was an Islamic scholar
m

who lived in Damascus. He was born in AH 631 (1234 CE) and died KEY POINTS
in AH 676 (1278 CE). During his 44 years of life he wrote many
Islamic texts. The best known is the An-Nawawi 40 Hadith. This is a Muslims believe that:
collection of 42 Hadith that An-Nawawi collected and sourced. These • there is one God, Allah,
42 Hadith are considered the core Hadith for Muslims.
Sa

who created the world and

humanity
Human and race relations • we should worship Allah and
As well as loving and worshipping Allah, Muslims show their faith submit to His will. All of life is
by the way they treat other human beings, regardless of their race or controlled by Him
religion. Islam teaches that Muslims should not intentionally cause • Allah is full of love and mercy
harm to anyone. A well-known Hadith is: ‘Fear Allah wherever you towards mankind and He
are, and follow up a bad deed with a good one and it will wipe expects His followers to show
it out, and behave well towards people’ (An-Nawawi 40 Hadith love towards each other.
number 18).

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 2.4 The nature of God
in Judaism

LEARNING OUTCOMES The one and only God

Like Christians and Muslims, Jews believe in a single God. A very
In this topic you will learn to:
important verse of the Tenakh to Jews is Deuteronomy 6:4. Jews call
• summarise Jewish beliefs on this verse Shema. It declares that the Jewish God, Yahweh, is the one
the nature of God. God. The verse also reminds Jews that they are God’s chosen people
(elected). Jews say this verse twice a day (morning and evening).

One in His works

xt
Jews believe that Yahweh is the single creator of the world. Genesis
1:1 states that ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the
earth’. As well as scriptural evidence, Jews believe that the beauty and

Te
complexity of nature prove that God must have designed it. As well
as creating the world, Jews believe that God controls and sustains it.

One in His attributes

Jews believe that God is incorporeal – that is, He is spirit rather than
a physical being. The fact that He is spirit means that He is not bound
by time and space – He can be everywhere at the same time.
e
Hear O Israel, the Lord is
Jews also believe that God is eternal. God has existed since before
our God, the Lord is One.
time began and will go on existing forever. God’s nature is also
Deuteronomy 6:4 eternal in the sense that He never changes.
pl
Omni is the Latin word for ‘all’. Jews believe that God is omnipotent
(all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipresent (all-present/
everywhere) by His spirit. The Tenakh tells of powerful acts of God, such
m

as when He divided the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and created the world.
God also knows His creation intricately. He knows the movements of
planets and when volcanoes will erupt, as well as the thoughts and
desires of every human heart. Psalm 139 is a very well-known passage
Sa

that talks about God knowing everything about us.

Finally, since God is omnipresent, Jews believe He can be everywhere,
with everyone, at the same time. Jews also believe that, since all of
nature was created by God, all of nature must reflect His handiwork.
God’s judgement
The righteousness of the Compassionate and merciful judge
righteous will be credited to The Tenakh states that God is compassionate and merciful. However,
them, and the wickedness of the God is also holy and all-powerful. Two of the Hebrew names for God,
wicked will be charged against ‘Elohim’ and ‘Adonai’, describe God’s authority and role as Master.
them. But if a wicked person He demands obedience and devotion and judges all actions.
turns away from all the sins they
have committed and keeps all Sacredness of God
my decrees and does what is
just and right, that person will The sacredness of God’s name is very important in Judaism. The
surely live; they will not die. Hebrew name for God is Yahweh. Jews believe that God’s name is
so holy that it cannot be spoken or written down. Therefore, when
Ezekiel 18:20b–21
writing God’s name, Jews write YHWH or G-d. Another example of

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 Jews respecting God’s sacredness is that, when they read the Torah,
they use a silver pointer (a yad) to follow the words so that their
fingers do not touch the sacred pages.

God’s covenants with Abram, Moses and David

Throughout history, God made covenants with His people. A
covenant describes an exchange of promises. God promised Abram
(Abraham), that he would be the patriarch (father) of a great nation
and that the Jews would bring blessing to the earth. The covenant
Jews use a yad (a silver pointer) when they
was renewed with Abram’s son Isaac and Isaac’s son Jacob. God read from the Torah. This is so that their flesh
also promised that He would be with Abram and his descendants. In does not touch the Jewish scriptures, which are
return, Abram and his descendants must always remember God and considered sacred.
keep His laws, including being circumcised. Abram also had to go to
a land that God directed him to. In Abram’s old age, his wife Sarah

xt
gave birth to a son, Isaac – this was the start of the Jewish nation.
When Abram died, God’s blessings were passed on to Isaac and then
to Isaac’s son, Jacob. God told Jacob:
you will have descendants as many as dust! … and all the nations

Te
of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants.
Genesis 28:13–14
Although God promised to bless Abram, Isaac, Jacob and their
descendants, this did not mean that life would always be easy. One
period when it may have seemed to the Jews that God had forgotten
His promise was when the Jews were slaves in Egypt.
e
After helping the Israelites to escape from Egypt, God gave Moses
instructions for how the Jewish people should live. These form the
Torah that Jews follow today. The best known of these laws are the
pl
Ten Sayings (Christians call these the Ten Commandments) recorded
in Exodus 20:1–17.
David was a Jewish king who ruled Israel for 40 years. He made
m

mistakes, but God was with him, and blessed him and the Jewish
people through him. God promised that David’s son would make the
Jewish kingdom strong. He again renewed His promise to be with
the Jewish people and to love them, and He promised that the Jewish
Sa

people would have an Everlasting Kingdom. It was through David’s

lineage that the Messiah would come. David’s son, Solomon, built
a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Today, only one wall of the Temple
remains after it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. This wall is God kept His covenant with Moses and
known as the Western or Wailing Wall. led the Jews out of Egypt to a land He had
promised them
KEY POINTS

Jews believe that:

• there is one God, Yahweh, who created the world
• God is incorporeal (spirit), eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful ACTIVITY
and present everywhere
Read in Exodus about how God
• God is a compassionate judge kept His covenant with the Jews
• God is holy and should be worshipped but He also wants a during their time of slavery and
relationship with His people. He has made covenants through led them out of Egypt. What
the ages that outline His promise to bless Israel and be with the were the 10 plagues that God
Jewish people, in exchange for obedience and love from them. sent on Egypt?

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 2.5 The concept of God in
Caribbean indigenous
religions
LEARNING OUTCOMES Rastafari
Rastafari believe that Ras Tafari is the living God, Jah. This is the same
In this topic you will learn to:
God that Christians and Jews believe in. Some Rastafari believe that
• identify the roles of each Jesus Christ was God on earth. However, unlike Christians, orthodox
major divinity and the lesser and theocratic Rastafari believe that Haile Selassie, the final Emperor
divinities as well as the of Ethiopia, was the reincarnated Christ.
ancestors, spirits, elders
The belief in God coming to earth in various forms is one that the
and other humans in each
Rastafari religion shares with Hinduism. Rastafari believe in the Trinity

xt
Caribbean indigenous
of God as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (the name Haile Selassie
religion.
means ‘the power of the Trinity’). They believe that God lives in the
human heart and soul in the form of the Holy Spirit. This presence
of the Holy Spirit creates oneness with God and oneness (equality)

Te
with other people. This concept is expressed in the term ‘I and I’ that
Rastafari use instead of ‘we’.
Bible verse that Rastafari
believe refers to Haile Rastafari believe Emperor Haile Selassie to be the Supreme Being.
Selassie Rastafari believe that the titles ‘King of Kings’, ‘Lord of Lords’
I, Jesus, have sent my angel and ‘Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah’, given to him at his
to you to tell the churches all coronation, link Selassie to the biblical use of the titles, and therefore
e
these things. I am both David’s confirm him as a deity. Other titles for him are His Imperial Majesty
root and his descendant. I am or HIM. Rastafari believe that Haile Selassie was divine. They cite
the bright morning star. verses such as Revelation 22:16 and Psalm 87:4 as evidence of Haile
pl
Revelation 22:16
Selassie’s divinity.
Rastafari, like Christians and Jews, believe that God (Jah) created the
world and everything in it. However, unlike Christianity and Judaism,
Rastafari believe that Jah created the plant marijuana, which is used
m

as a sacrament in some of their services, to be used to help gain

spiritual enlightenment.

Revivalism
Sa

Revivalism has many ties to Christianity. It believes in the Bible and, in

this sense, believes some of the same things about God as Christianity
does. There are two forms of Revivalism – Zion and Pukumina. Zion
has closer links to Christianity and Pukumina has closer links to
African religion. Unlike Christianity though, Revivalism focuses on
three levels of spirits: heavenly, ground
and earthbound spirits.
Heavenly spirits in Revivalism are the Christian deities such as God,
archangels, saints and angels. Earthbound spirits are fallen angels
who have been expelled from heaven. These include Satan and
evil spirits. Finally, ground spirits are spirits of people’s ancestors.
Revivalists believe that if ground spirits are honoured they will take
Haile Selassie was the final Emperor of care of you in this life. However, of the three types of spirit, Zion
Ethiopia. Rastafari believe he was the final Revivalism mainly focuses on the heavenly spirits, while Pukumina
incarnation of God on earth. focuses on ground and earthbound spirits.

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 Vodun
Vodun has much of its roots in ethnic African practices and Roman
Catholic Christianity. However, it veers away from Christianity in
some of its practices – particularly animal sacrifice and possession by
many spirits.
Vodun believes in one God who is known as Grand Maitre (the
Great Master/Creator) or Bon Dieu (Good God). Grand Maitre has
many helpers (or orishas). Vodun believes that the chief God, DID YOU KNOW?
Olorun, authorised a less-powerful God, Obatala, to create the
Followers of Orisha (devotees)
earth.
believe that the different
Vodun believes in hundreds of minor spirits that are present in nature gods enter the world through
and can possess human beings. These spirits are known as loas or possessing them. The purpose
lwas. Some of these loas came with Vodun from Dahomey (what is of this is for the person being

xt
now the West African country Benin). Dahomey spirits are called Rada possessed to dance or act out
loas. Other loas were added to Vodun at a later date. Many of these stories, guided by the spirit, to
are thought to be the spirits of deceased leaders. These are called advise other Orisha followers.
Petro loas.

Te
Orisha
Like many of the Caribbean indigenous religions, Orisha originated
from Africa. However, when it arrived in the Caribbean, it mixed
with the beliefs and practices of Roman Catholicism to form its own
distinct religion.
e
Orisha believes in one Supreme Being – Olodumare. Followers of
Orisha believe that Olodumare has many smaller gods (or orishas)
who carry out his work. The god Obatala created the world and
pl
Spiritual Baptists dance, drum, ring bells, sing
humanity. Shango is the warrior god of thunder, lightning, fire, and shout in their worship. Their churches
drums and dance. The god Oshun rules over the waters of the world can be very loud and lively places!
and embodies love and fertility.
m

KEY POINTS
Spiritual Baptist
1 Rastafari, Revivalists,
Spiritual Baptists have the same view of God as Christians. They
Spiritual Baptists and
believe in the Trinity of God with an emphasis on the Holy Spirit. They
followers of Vodun and
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believe that there are other spirits, such as the Orisha spirits, but they
Santeria all believe in a
do not believe that any god should be worshipped other than the
single Supreme God.
God of Christianity.
2 However, many of these
Caribbean indigenous
Santeria
religions also believe in
Santeria, like Orisha, also believes in Olodumare as the one Supreme lesser gods or spirits called
God. Followers of Santeria believe that Olodumare is the source of orishas.
Ashe – the life force that runs through all things and controls what
3 Many of the beliefs
happens in life. Followers of Santeria obtain Ashe through their
about God in Caribbean
conduct and good character, which also gives them inner peace.
indigenous religions
Santeria also believes in orishas (lesser gods). Male and female priests originate from Christian
in the religion are thought to have been possessed by a particular beliefs and have been mixed
orisha. This gives them spiritual powers, such as being able to see with African tradition.
into the future and bring healing to people.

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