"Old religion" is often used as a term to describe beliefs and practices from ancient cultures. It is hard to define, but often includes Christianity and other forms of Islam. It also includes religions from India and Arabia. Although they are not fundamentally similar, they share certain characteristics. Although the older religions relied on reason and revelation to create belief systems, they could also use intuition or revelation.
Ancient religions
The ancient world was permeated with religious practices and beliefs. These religions' charismatic leaders traveled extensively across Europe and along itinerant routes. They were the major determinants in human culture and life. Religion was widespread and universal in antiquity.
These beliefs are deeply rooted in diverse cultural traditions. The Ancient Religions MA course explores these traditions from ancient China to the Mediterranean and offers new insights into how ancient religions functioned. The MA programme can be tailored to the research interests of individual students.
Hinduism
Hinduism is an ancient religion that has many traditions. Its beliefs centre on the sanctity or life and Brahman as the supreme being. Hindus believe both in rebirth and karma. They also believe salvation. Hindus are therefore very religious.
Although there is no known historical founder of Hinduism it has developed over time, through periods of ritual, enlightenment and reformations. Hinduism does not have a single central text, so the tradition is a mixture of several religions.
Buddhism
Buddhists believe life is eternal, but subject to suffering. They search for truth within themselves, and seek to understand Buddha's teachings. They are continually reborn and relive past lives. This is why they strive to improve their lives. Buddhism does not have a single right answer.
Buddhism is a major worldwide religion, with 376 millions followers. Its origins are in India, around the sixth century B.C.E. The religion spread to Southeast Asia as well as China, Korea and Japan. Today, Buddhists can be found in more than 170 countries around the world.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion. Avesta is one of the earliest texts. The Avesta contains sacred verses called Gathas. They were written by Prophet Zarathushtra to be orally transmitted and recited to his followers. The Avesta consists of five Gathas, each containing seventeen hymns. Zoroastrianism's scholars emphasize the centrality and importance of the Gathas. Gathic principles forbid excessive ritualism and emphasize the importance of ethical behavior and human reason as co-workers with God.
The Zoroastrian religion has its roots in ancient Persia and may be 4,000 years old. Zoroastrianism, the state religion, was the rule religion during the Persian dynasties. Many of the followers fled Iran to India to practice the religion today as a minority. Today, Zoroastrianism has 100,000 to 200,000 followers around the world. It has a rich, varied history and has been influential in other religions.
Maya
The ancient Maya religion considered earth and sky two distinct entities. Maya considered the earth to be the back of a gigantic crocodile. The sky, however, was a double headed serpent. The sky's name is similar to that of a snake. Cross-bands are used to identify the constellations. The Maya also saw the sun and moon as symbolic of the celestial bodies.
Maya art features many symbols related to death and underworld. Disembodied eyes, crossed bones, cross bones and marks of putrefaction are some of the symbols they used. Pawahtun was also a patron of scribes. Other Maya deities included Ix Chel, a goddess of childbirth and healing. Chak Chel, her sister, was a weaver and was patroness to the islands of Cozumel.