Ch 6.2c&d BellworkBased on what you have read in Ch 6.2c&d, explain the difference between universalizing and ethnic religions regarding holy places and the calendar.

Universalizing Ethnic

6.2 Why Do Religions have Different Distributions?

C. Holy Places• Universalizing – mostly in cities, tied to

founder’s life, not usually tied to physical features of land• Ethnic – less widespread, usually tied to

distinctive physical features of land• BOTH – making a pilgrimage (religious

journey) is important

6.2 Why Do Religions have Different Distributions?

C. Holy Places in Universalizing ReligionsBuddhism & Islam • Emphasis on important events in the founders’ lives –

become shrines (holy places)• Buddhism – 8 places of important events in the

Buddha’s life all in NE India & S Nepal (birthplace, reached enlightenment, 1st sermon, reached Nirvana (death), miracles…)

• Islam – cities associated with founder’s life (Makkah-birth place, Medina-first followers from, Jerusalem-vision & went to Heaven)

Buddhist Holy Places

6.2 Why Do Religions have Different Distributions?

C. Holy Places in Universalizing ReligionsSikhism• Golden Temple in Punjab: base for launching

attacks in support of Sikhism, 1000 Sikhs were slaughtered by Indian army, Gandhi was assassinated by a Sikh body guard