Browse Exhibits (3 total)
Abrahamic Religions
Abrahamic religion, known collectively as Abrahamism, are a group of Semitic-religion that claim descendants from the worship of the God of Abraham by the ancient Israelites. These religions are monotheistic, originating from the patriarch Abraham, a biblical figure recognized by Jews, Christians, Muslims, and others. Abrahamism spread globally in two waves, first by Christianity after it was adopted as a state religion by the Roman Empire in the 4th century, and second by Islam through Islamic conquest across the Middle East and North Africa in the 7th century. Together, Abrahamism has the most significant number of adherents, Christianity being the number one religion worldwide, followed by Islam. The Abrahamic beliefs also included other faiths that claim descended from the worship of the God of Abraham, which include Yazdanism, Samaritanism, Babism, Baha’ I Faith, Rastafari, and the Druze faith.
Dharmic Traditions
Dharmic religion, known as Indian religions, are traditions that originate from the Indian subcontinent. These traditions share common core beliefs, methods of worship, and related practices. The central core philosophy of Indian traditions centers around the concept of Dharma, which is a Sanskrit term means “law” or “Duty,” mainly in the spiritual sense. In the development of these traditions in their travel across Asia the core belief in this natural law remained but became known by different names and ways of practice to achieve this true way differed. These dharmic religions are interrelated due to them sharing a rich history and religious text. While Dharmic traditions can be viewed as a belief system, they are known to emphasize the interconnectedness of both social and theological aspects of society.
Indigenous Artifacts / Cultural Artifacts
Cultural traditions are the handing down of information, beliefs, and customers by word of mouth, artifact, or other examples from one generation to another which are indigenous to a specific culture. Every culture has its cultural norms that operate as standards, social attitudes, customs, and institutions. They tend to shape societal behavior and beliefs, which eventually leads them to become traditions. This section of the exhibit highlights cultural artifacts that play a role in daily life and their significance.