Dis Jesus ever call himself God? Not directly but he used the following statements: “For unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins” “Before Abraham was, I am”. “I and the Father are one.” The Seven I am statements in John’s Gospel “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12). “I am the door” I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:7-9). “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep…I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:11, 14). “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John 11:25). “ I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). “I am the true vine , you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:1-5). Why are these statements important? Jesus was letting the first century Jews, who were familiar with God’s definition of Himself (“I am that I am”), know that He truly was God incarnate (in human form).

How was the universe created? Vishnu asleep in a cobra surrounded by nothingness Vishnu grows a lotus flower from his naval to create Brahma. Brahma creates heaven/earth/sky and all living things. How was life created? Brahma infatuated with Saraswati and grows five heads so he can gaze at her. Saraswati turns into every living creature to hide from Brahama Brahma turns into male version of every creature to be with her. This is how life was created. Rig Veda 3,500-3,000 years old creation story about Brahman and creation: “Whence all creation had its origin, he, whether he fashioned it or whether he did not, he, who surveys it all from highest heaven, he knows – or maybe even he does not know.”

Old Testament Prophecies Micah Messiah will be born in Bethlehem Isaiah Messiah will be born to a virgin woman Will be a King and be of the line of David He will be beaten, mocked and killed New Testament prophecies fulfilled Matthew An angel told Joseph that Mary a Virgin will have a son and Joseph is from the line of David Jesus had insults from people when on the cross Luke Mary gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem Mark Jesus was whipped, beaten and nailed on a cross Atheist View Coincidence Translation issues No evidence that events in the Bible happened The New Testament gospel writers could have wrote their story of Jesus to fit these 700 year old prophecies. Jewish View Jews are still waiting for the messiah Messiah is supposed to bring world peace; which hasn’t happened yet. Therefore, Jesus is not the messiah

Polytheistic? No - each God/deity is one aspect or characteristic of Brahman. As Brahman is impossible to describe; having so many Gods helps Hindus understand part of the nature of Brahaman. Avatars of Vishnu There have been nine avatars of Vishnu to help with different world events. The tenth avatar is yet to come and Hindus believe this incarnation will recreate the world. Ganesh The Goddess Pavarti created a son to guard her home. Pavarti’s husband, the God Shiva, came home and tried to get past Ganesh, who wouldn’t let him. Shiva cut off Ganesh’s head. Pavarti told Shiva to go and fetch the head of the first animal he saw in the forest, to replace Ganesh’s head. The first animal Shiva saw was an elephant, which is why Ganesh has an elephant’s head. Significance of the Elephant Big Head = Think Big Large ears = listen better Small eyes - Increase concentration Large stomach - Digest all good and bad in life Small mouth - Talk less

Where did Jesus live? Jesus lived in Palestine approximately 2000 years ago, at the start of the 1st century CE. During Jesus’ time Palestine was part of the Roman Empire What was life like in Palestine? Houses were normally small and simple, made of mud and bricks and consisting of 2-4 rooms.Most households would have owned animals such as sheep, donkeys, goats and cattle. Two meals a day was the norm, and the main food people ate was bread. Jewish merchants and traders could speak some Greek, but the primary language of the Palestinian Jews was Aramaic (a language closely related to Hebrew). Hebrew was also spoken widely. What was Jesus’ religion? Jesus was a Jew. The Jews were different from most others in the ancient world in that they believed there was only one God. The Jewish leaders did not like Jesus very much; they accused him of blasphemy (disrespecting God) because he did not deny claims that he was the Son of God. Evidence for the existence of Jesus TRANQUILUS SUETONIUS - He wrote about Jesus being responsible for disturbances in the Jewish community in Rome in his book, The Life of the Deified Claudius: “Christ urged on the Jews, who kept causing a disturbance, so Claudius sent them away from Rome.” FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS - Those who followed him thought he was God’s chosen leader. When he was condemned to the cross, he appeared alive at the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold.” CORNELIUS TACITUS - Tacitus provides an early non-Biblical account of Christians: “Nero blamed and tortured a group of people hated for their evil practices - a group popularly known as Christians. Christ Jesus, from whom this group took their name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, one of the Roman governors, during the reign of the Emperor Tiberius.” THE GOSPELS - The Gospels record many different things about Jesus and his life. They record miracles, teachings and key events that happened to Jesus THE TALMUD - “On the eve of the Passover they hanged Jesus. He practiced black magic and led Israel astray.” THE QUR’AN - The Quran recalls his miraculous birth, his teachings, the miracles he performed by God’s permission, and his life as a respected prophet of God. The Quran also repeatedly reminds that Jesus was a human prophet sent by God, not part of God Himself.

The Resurrection Matthew: Mary Magdalene and other Mary went to tomb. Earthquake. Angel appeared and told them Jesus has risen from the dead. Women went to tell the disciples but Jesus appeared to them and spoke to them. Mark: Mary Magdalene, Mary and Salome went to annoint Jesus’ body. The stone in front of tomb had been rolled away. A man (dressed in white) was sitting inside. He told them that Jesus had risen and to go and tell the disciples. Jesus then appeared first to Mary Magdalene - she told people and they did not believe. Jesus then appeared to two other disciples in a different body. They did not believe him. Jesus then appeared to all the disciples. He was annoyed that none had believed he had risen. Jesus told them to go and spread his message to the world. Luke: Women took spices to Jesus tomb and found the stone rolled away from the entrance. Two men appeared beside them.they told them Jesus had risen. They told their story to the other disciples. They did not believe the women. Peter, ran to the tomb to see for himself. John: Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb and noticed the stone had been moved. She went and told Peter and another disciple that someone had taken Jesus’ body. They went to the tomb to see for themselves. They found the stips of linen on the floor. Mary Magdalene stood crying and two angels in white appeared in the tomb. Jesus then appeared to her. She thought he was the gardener until he spoke and said “Mary.” She cried out “Teacher!” mary then went and told the disciples what had happened. Jesus that night appeared to the disciples in a room that had been locked. He breathed on them the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thomas had not been present when Jesus had appeared and he did not believe. He said "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Jesus then appeared a week later and told Thomas "Stop doubting and believe.” The Ascension Christians belive that Jesus ascended into heaven. This is only mentioned in Mark and Luke’s gospel. Luke: While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven." Why is the resurrection and ascension of Jesus important to Christians? By Jesus dying on the cross he took away the sins of mankind. By Jesus’ resurrection it shows Christians that he is the son of God and gives them proof of an life after death. They believe that if they lead a good life and follow Jesus they will be resurrected too and then rewarded in the afterlife by spending eternity with God in heaven,

Purusharthas Four Aims: Dharma - Moral duty to make the right decision Kama - Achieve pleasure through sports/culture/sex Artha - Achieve propsperity and wealth whch incldes marerial wealth Moksha - Break from the cycle of samsara (death and rebirth) through good actions and deeds Reincarnation (Life after Death) Hindus do not necessarily believe in life after death - rather it is the atman that ls eternal and not the physical body. Most Hindus believe that humans are in a cycle of death and rebirth called samsara. When a person dies, their atman (soul) is reborn in a different body. Hindus believe that an atman may enter swarg (Hindu heavenly realm) or narak (Hindu hellish realm) for a period before rebirth. Some Hindus believe that humans may be reborn in animal form - punishment for how lives previous life Some Hindu scriptures describe moksha as the atman becoming absorbed with Brahman some think he atman will just be in the presence of Brahman. moksha is achieved through: Karma yoga - being selfless Bhakti yoga - love/devotion to God Jnana yoga - meditation leading to knowledge Raja yoga - silent/spiritual meditation

Trimurti Hindus believe in one Supreme God called Brahman. He can be found in everyone and everything, including the manifestations of him (other gods). Some of the important other gods include ‘Brahma’ (the creator), ‘Shiva’ (the destroyer), and ‘Vishnu’ (the protector). These three together form the Trimurti.

Four Aims: Dharma - Moral duty to make the right decision Kama - Achieve pleasure through sports/culture/sex Artha - Achieve propsperity and wealth which includes material wealth Moksha - Break from the cycle of samsara (death and rebirth) through good actions and deeds

Mandir The Hindu building for communal worship is called a Mandir (temple). The temples are dedicated to different gods and are the focus of religious life. At Mandirs, Hindu people often recite the names of gods and goddesses. Puja Many Hindus worship at home in their own shrine – this could be anything from a room, an altar, or simply pictures and statues. Puja means worship and Hindus have a Puja Tray (Five senses) - Incense/Light/Offering Bells/Water/Kum Kum Powder Hindus offer water, fruit and flowers to the gods.

Who was he? Expert in the Bhagavad Gita Turned down invitation to lecture in the USA. Gave up job and traveled India from village to village. He transformed the lives of over 20 million people in 100,000 Indian villages. What did he do? God’s boats: Fishing boats for the community to use and give the fish ti those in need. 100,000 God’s boats across India. God’s fields: Farmland set aside to be shared by all. Over 90,000 fields of god in India now. Open Temples: Temples for anyone to use regardless of wealth or social status. Encourages community. 100,000 open temples now across India. Being clean for God: Thousands of Indians no longer drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. They used the money on their friends/family/charity instead. God’s trees: Baron land transformed by planting million of trees across India. It is about preserving the environment. Prizes and Rewards: Gave all of his prize money away, Has won countless awards across his life including the Gandhi Prize.

How do you use a Bible? Book Chapter Verse Where did Jesus perform his miracles? Cana - Turned water into wine Bethsaida - Healing a blind man Galilee - Feeding the 5,000. Healing of a deaf and mute man. Walking on water. Jericho - Healing a blind man Jerusalem - Jesus rose from the dead Bethany - Jesus brought Lazarus back from the dead

Shruti The Shruti texts are the most ancient in Hindu scripture. They include the Vedas, which are collections of poems and hymns from over 3,000 years ago. Rig Veda Oldest of the Hindu religious texts Direct words from God (Brahman) Originally passed onto each generation by word of mouth before being written down Smriti The Smriti texts interpret the Vedas and provide ideas on how they can be applied to people’s lives. Ordinary Hindus tend to read these scriptures more often than the Vedas. The Ramayana - Meaning: Good overcoming evil

Who are the Hindus? People living East of the Indus River. People were originally known as Hindos or Indos. Sanatana Dharma Many Hindus who would rather call the religion something different. They believe Hinduism is more than a religion. It is a culture, a way of life, and a code of behavior. Some Hindus use ‘Sanatana Dharma’ instead, which means eternal law. Eternal means forever and never ending. Laws are rules people have to live by. Indus Valley Civilsation Located in an area known as Pakistan and part of NW India. Farming from around 3200 BCE Cities began around 2500 BCE 100 settlements have been located along the Indus River Did the Indus Valley Religion? No site of a temple has been found. Religious artifacts reveal links to modern Hindu culture. Figures show what may be early representations of Shiva, a major Hindu god. Other figures relate to a mother goddess, fertility images, and the worship of the bull. All of these became part of later Indian civilisation. Who were the Ayrans? Around 1500 BCE a group of people descended onto the land that lies between the tributaries of the River Indus. These people were tall, fair skinned, prominent nosed, proud people who called themselves Aryans. They would have looked and spoke very differently to the native people of the Indus Valley. These invaders mixed with the Indus Valley people to create a new Indian civilisation. It is from this new civilisation that the religion of Hinduism was first formed. How did Hinduism begin? According to recent theories, the Indus Valley peoples migrated to the region of India near the River Ganges. The Aryan peoples also migrated from further north to the same area near the Ganges. The cultures and beliefs of these peoples mixed and became what we now know as Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma.

Researchers Moody and Greyson What do many NDE have in common? Out of body experience/floating Light at the end of a tunnel Void of darkness Angels/other beings Voices Meet dead relatives No fear of death BBC Documentary ‘The Day I died’ Pam Reynolds: The experience seemingly occurred during a complete shutdown of her brain and body functions that had been instigated purposely to allow delicate surgery on a brain aneurysm. It included accurate views of the operating room and equipment, hyper-awareness, visions of light, and interactions with deceased relatives. Her case is regarded by many as convincing evidence of survival, since her vital signs were monitored continuously, providing certainty that she was clinically dead at the time. What are the alternative explanations? Supernatural - It is the work of satan/devil Scientific a) Pharmacological - Caused by drugs b) Physiological - Lack of oxygen to the brain in death causes brain to create this NDE c)Neurological - Caused by malfunctions to the nervous system in death Psychological a) Isolation - People can experience strange phenomena similar to NDE when exposed to long stretches of extreme isolation eg shipwrecked sailors and those on polar expeditions. b) Dreams/hallucinations/delusions - wishful thinking/fantasies

Against Humanism: They believe the only way we can live on is: Through people’s memories The work we have done while we were alive In our children Our molecules which will still remain part of the natural world. For Near death experiences Reincarnation Ghosts and Mediums

Akhirah Death is not the end but beginning of a new stage called akhriha. Barzach Many Muslims believe that after death the person still has a conscious existence in the grave. This is where they will enter a state of waiting called ‘barzakh’. This term means ‘a barrier’ Muslims believe that when they lie in the grave, God sends two angels to question them about their faith. Day of Judgement and resurrection Israfil will blow a trumpet to announce that the world will destroyed. The present world will be totally transformed into a new world (Akhirah) and then the angel Israfil will blow the trumpet again. Everyone who has ever lived will be raised from the dead (resurrection) and judged by God. People will be given a book of life. Left hand = hell. Right hand = heaven Heaven (Jannah) It is the reward for faith and good deeds. Hell (Jahannam) It is the punishment for those who reject God and do evil. Why is the belief in Akhirah important to Muslims? Muslims will be accountable for actions as God will judge their actions Muslims will have to follow teachings of Qur’an to know how to live their life. Gives hope as those who suffer will have something better to look forward to Will help Muslims accept unjust situations as Allah will provide real justice in afterlife.

Torah No mention in the Torah of an afterlife Why is there no mention in the Torah? Judaism puts far greater focus on people’s actions and purpose in their earthly lives which the call olam ha-ze, than on speculating about what might happen after people die. Mishnah and Talmund In these texts there are references to a belief in life after death. In particular the belief in Olam Ha-Ba (the world to come). “This world is like a lobby before Olam Ha-Ba. Prepare yourself in the lobby so that you may enter the banquet hall.” Resurrection or Reincarnation? Resurrection: Will occur after the coming of the messiah a nd the righteous dead will be brought back to life to experience the new perfect world. the wicked will not be resurrected. Reincarnation: Souls reborn to mend the world or some may have unfinished business. Where will you go when you die? Gan Eden: Garden of Eden or paradise. Only the righteous will go directly here. Gehinnom: Place of punishment OR place to experience remorse for wrong actions and missed opportunities in life. You will only spend 12 months here before ascending into Gan Eden. Utterly wicked: Will not go to Gan Eden and spend eternity in Gehinnom or soul will cease to exist.

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Judgement) Matthew’s Gospel(Matthew 25:31-46) In this parable, Jesus uses the example of a shepherd who separates his sheep from his goats in order to help his followers understand what judgement will be like. Jesus explains that people will be separated into two groups: those who have lived good lives and believed in God will be put on one side and have a place in Heaven (Sheep placed to the right) those who have rejected the belief in God and sinned in their lives will be placed on the other side and will go to Hell (Goats placed to the left) The Parable of the Sheep and Goats strongly encourages Christians to take action to help those in need. In this parable, Jesus makes it clear that a life worthy of the reward of Heaven must involve actively helping people in need. Jesus explains that helping a person, whoever they are, is just the same as helping Jesus himself and is therefore a duty for all Christians. What is the Christian belief about life after death? God will decide the fate of those who die. God will judge a person’s life This is known as the ‘Day of Judgement’ Heaven - It is described as a place of beauty, perfection, and joy, where God’s presence is fully experienced, and those that are saved worship Him for all eternity. Characteristics of Heaven Kingdom Eternal Home Beauty and Perfection God is present Reward New Joy and Celebration Hell - Hell is as a place of torment, darkness, separation, destruction, and eternal punishment. It is described as a destination reserved for the devil and his angels, but also warns of the possibility of human souls being condemned there. Characteristics of Hell Torment Darkness Separation Destruction Fallen Angels and the Devil To be avoided

Lesson exploring the Hindu beliefs in reincarnation Reincarnation (Life after Death) Hindus do not necessarily believe in life after death - rather it is the atman that ls eternal and not the physical body. Most Hindus believe that humans are in a cycle of death and rebirth called samsara. When a person dies, their atman (soul) is reborn in a different body. Hindus believe that an atman may enter swarg (Hindu heavenly realm) or narak (Hindu hellish realm) for a period before rebirth. Some Hindus believe that humans may be reborn in animal form - punishment for how lives previous life Some Hindu scriptures describe moksha as the atman becoming absorbed with Brahman some think he atman will just be in the presence of Brahman. moksha is achieved through: Karma yoga - being selfless Bhakti yoga - love/devotion to God Jhana yoga - meditation leading to knowledge Raja yoga - silent/spiritual meditation Case Study: Shanti Devi