The beliefs and practices that were prevalent in ancient cultures are commonly called "old religion". It is hard to define, but often includes Christianity and other forms of Islam. It also includes the religions in India and Arabia. While they may not be fundamentally distinct, they do share some common characteristics. While most religions are based on the power and logic of reason, there is also the possibility that they may rely on revelation or intuition in order to form a belief structure.
The ancient religions
There were many religious beliefs and practices in ancient times. These religions' charismatic leaders traveled extensively across Europe and along itinerant routes. They were the major determinants in human culture and life. Religions were common and widespread in antiquity.
These beliefs are deeply rooted in diverse cultural traditions. This MA course, Ancient Religions MA, explores these traditions from ancient China and the Mediterranean, providing new insights into how ancient religious systems functioned. Individual students can customize the MA program to suit their research interests.
Hinduism
Hinduism, an ancient religion has many traditions. Its beliefs center on the sanctity of life and the concept of Brahman, the supreme soul. Hindus believe strongly in karma (rebirth) and salvation. Hindus are very religious.
Hinduism has no historical founder. However, it has developed over the centuries through periods of ritual and enlightenment. The tradition of Hinduism is not based on a single text.
Buddhism
Buddhists believe that the life of the Buddha is both eternal and subject to suffering. They seek truth within their own lives and the understanding of Buddha's teachings. They are constantly reborn, reliving past lives. Their lives are continuously improved as a result. In Buddhism, there is no one right answer.
Buddhism is a major global religion that has 376 million believers. It began in India around the sixth-century B.C.E. and has since spread to Southeast Asia (China, Korea, Japan) and Korea (Korea). Buddhists are found today in over 170 countries.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism can be considered an ancient religion. Avesta is the oldest text. The Avesta is made up of sacred verses called Gathas that Prophet Zarathushtra orally transmitted to his followers. The Avesta is composed of five Gathas that each contain seventeen hymns. Zoroastrian scholars emphasize the centrality of Gathas. Gathic principles advise against excessive ritualism. They also stress the importance human reason and ethical behaviour as co-workers with God.
Zoroastrianism may be more than 4,000 years old and its roots are in ancient Persia. During the Persian dynasties, Zoroastrianism was the state religion. Many Zoroastrianism followers fled Iran to India where they practice it as a minority. Zoroastrianism boasts 100,000 to 200 000 followers in the world today. It has a long and varied history and has survived by influencing other religions.
Maya
Earth and sky were considered two opposing entities in ancient Maya religion. Maya considered the earth to be the back of a gigantic crocodile. The sky, however, was a double headed serpent. The sky is named after the word for serpent, and the constellations can be identified with cross-bands. Mayas also considered the sun or moon symbolic of the celestial bodies.
Maya art contains many symbols that represent death and the underworld. The symbols and glyphs they used include crossbones, disembodied eyes as well as crossed jaws, putrefaction marks, and defleshed teeth. Pawahtun, the patron of scribes, was another god they had. Other Maya deities included Ix Chel, a goddess of childbirth and healing. Chak Chel was her sister and was a weaver. She was also the patroness for the Cozumel islands.