Middle East Religion Reading Guide
Name:
Non-Western Cultures
Date:
Directions: Answer the following questions as your read the assigned sections. Pay close attention
to the page numbers so you can find the information easily. Answer in complete sentences when
appropriate.
Page 50-51 “Judaism”
1. Define monotheistic:
2. According to Jewish beliefs, what does God expect from people?
3. What special rules are in the Torah (the Jewish holy book)?
4. What types of behaviors were bad according to the Jewish prophets?
5. List two ways Judaism was different than other religions of the time.
Middle East Religion Reading Guide
Page 226-227 “Judaism”
6. According to Judaism, what will be God’s reward if people live good lives?
7. What information is located in the Torah?
8. What is the most sacred spot in Jewish religious traditions?
9. Describe 2 Jewish Holidays.
Pages 170-173 “Development of Christianity”
10. Who was Jesus?
11. List 2 lessons that Jesus taught his followers.
Middle East Religion Reading Guide
12. What do Christians believe happened to Jesus after he was executed by the Romans?
13. Who helped spread Jesus’ teachings after his death?
14. Why did Romans persecute Christians?
15. What was the importance of Constantine and Theodosius the Great?
Pages 218-219 “Christianity”
16. Who do Christians believe Jesus was?
17. Are Christians a united group? Explain.
Middle East Religion Reading Guide
Pages 188-191 “The Rise of Islam”
18. Why were Arabs nomads?
19. What was the Black Stone kept at the Kaaba?
20. Who was Muhammad?
21. What is contained in the Quran?
22. Why did Muhammad leave Makkah (Mecca) for Madinah (Medina)?
23. What did Muhammad do with his new followers and power?
Middle East Religion Reading Guide
24. List the 5 Pillars.
25. What is shari’ah?
Pages 224-225 “Islam”
26. What are followers of Islam called?
27. Are Muslims a united group? Explain.
28. What is Ramadan?