CHAPTER 9

Origins of World Belief Systems

IN THIS CHAPTER

Summary: The period from 8000 BCE to 600 CE saw the beginnings of many of the world’s major
belief systems. Both Hinduism and Buddhism originated in India. The philosophies of Confucianism
and Daoism profoundly affected traditional Chinese culture. In the Middle East, the Hebrew faith gave
the world the concept of monotheism . Christianity emerged from the Hebrew belief in a Messiah , or
a savior from sin. Followers of Jesus as the Messiah spread their faith throughout the Roman world.

Key Terms

Analects
animism
bodhisattvas
Brahmin
dharma
disciple
Edict of Milan
filial piety
karma
Messiah
moksha
New Testament
nirvana
pope
reincarnation
shamanism
yin and yang