HIS120: WORLD HISTORY I

M5D1: Universalized Religions

The large-scale empires that we studied last week, namely the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty, were effective in unifying large numbers of people over huge distances and geographical areas. As they collapsed, however, a new unifying force began to take hold more formally in Europe and Asia: religion.

As we’ve read about this week, universalized religions drew diverse people together under a shared belief system. In this discussion, we will be exploring the implications of this shift through some of the primary sources in the textbook:

• “Eusebius: In Praise of ‘One Unity and Concord’” (Christianity)
• “The Laws of Manu: Castes and Occupations” (Hinduism/Brahmism)
• “The Art of Religious Fervor in China: The Pagoda” (Buddhism)

Your Initial Post:

Begin by viewing the Module Presentation and continue by reading Chapter 8 in your textbook.  Then, as you review the sources, consider the following questions in a post of at least 250 words: 

Select one of the primary sources listed above and discuss what it can tell us about the religion as a universalizing force.

• How would it unite people across different areas?
• Why might it appeal to people in former imperial territories?
• Then, broaden your analysis beyond the primary source:  How did the religion mentioned in your primary source develop from 300-600 CE and how did it rise to prominence?