Religions of the Ancient World

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at the emergence of the four major world religions: Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, by studying the historical background from which they emerged and the way in which they developed.

From the Paper:

"Religions of the ancient world were in a state of constant flux. Karl Jaspers states that between the eighth and fourth centuries B.C.E, "great changes took place in all the civilized world" (qtd. in Basham 36), and the great thinkers of these times began thinking independently and individually. Moreover, "after these great thinkers the world was never the same again" (qtd. in Basham 36-37). These times were dubbed the "axial period" (qtd. in Basham 37). The axial religions that emerged during this period were profound and lasting. In fact, the religions discussed in this paper Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity are considered the most practiced religions to this day. Although these religions have changed over time, their underlying structure remains intact."

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