Human Geo 6.3 Questions Flashcards
Describe Christian churches.
- Church attendance is considered important, and in some communities, it was the largest/tallest building
- Since Christianity split, no single construction style is prominent, but they reflect cultural values.
- Orthodox churches’ style is Byzantine (5th century): highly ornate, prominent domes.
- Many Protestant churches are simple (the church is an assembly hall for preaching to the congregation).
-Availability of building materials influence churches.
Describe Islamic mosques.
Found primarily in larger cities of the Islamic world; simple structures are the places of prayer in rural villages. Organized around a central courtyard, with the pulpit at the end facing Makkah, and surrounding it is a cloister used for schools/nonreligious activities. The minaret is a tower where a man (known as a muezzin) summons people to worship.
What are Sikh Gurdwaras?
Where the Sikhs come together for worship. The most important one is the Golden Temple, in India, which houses Sikhism’s holiest book. Most gurdwaras imitate the layout of the Golden Temple, and they are identified by a Sikh flag flying.
What are Jewish synagogues?
“Assembly.” Referred to by the Yiddish word “shul,” similar to “school.” It is a place for study, public assembly, and prayer. Unknown origin, possibly in the 6th century BCE when Jews were exiled in Babylonia. Synagogues became more important as the place for communal prayer after 70 CE.
Describe Bahá’í houses of worship.
Built in every continent to emphasize the universalizing religion. (IL, Australia, Uganda, Germany, Panama, Samoa, India, etc.) The first one was built in Russia in 1908, turned into a museum, then demolished in 1962 after an earthquake. All must be built in shape of a nonagon (9-side).
Describe Buddhist Pagodas, more meant for individual meditation.
Contain relics that are a “portion of Buddha’s body or clothing.” They carried these relics to other countries after Buddha’s death and built pagodas for them. Pagodas include tall, many-sided towers with tiers, balconies, and slanting roofs. They aren’t for congregational worship. Individual prayer or meditation is more likely at a monastery or at home.
Describe Hindu temples, more meant for individual meditation.
Important religious functions are likely to happen at home, but a temple is designed to bring people closer to their gods (a shrine, place for reflection & meditation). The origin of temples are unknown, but detailed evidence dates from 1st century BCE. Size and amount of them are determined by locals.
What are some important cities in Islam?
- Holiest city is Mecca, which now has a meaning in English as a goal sought or a center of activity. Mecca has 1.7 million inhabitants, and every healthy & financially able Muslim is expected to undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca. They all dress alike (plain white robes) to emphasize common loyalty and equality. Millions anually migrate to Mecca, but not many come from Indonesia due to the long distance.
- Madinah (Medinah): 1.3 million people, and the 1st to give support to Muhammad, who became their chief administrator.
What holy object is located within Mecca?
The holiest object in Islam is the Ka’ba, a cube-like structure encased in silk at the center of the Great Mosque, containing a black stone that was given to Abraham by Gabriel as a sign of a covenant. It had existed before Islam’s origin, but Muhammad captured it, cleared it of idols, and rededicated it to Allah. The Great Mosque also has the well of Zamzam (which comes from the same source as the water given to Hagar).
Describe Buddhist Shrines.
8 places in India & Nepal are holy due to their association with events in Buddha’s life. Lumbini in Nepal is the holiest, where Buddha was born. 4 other sites are sacred because they were locations of principal miracles. There is a site where he reached perfect wisdom, where he gave his first sermon, where he died, and where he announced his impending death as well. Many sanctuaries, temples, and momuments once built in these places are now in ruins or are very old surviving structures.
What is the local autonomy in Islam?
Islam has the most local autonomy, with neither a religious hierarchy nor a formal organization. A mosque is is led by an imam, but everyone participates equally and prays privately. The only formal organization of territory in Islam is when territory coincides with states. Some Islamic countries’ govt’s may include Islamic administrators in their bureaucracy. The Islamic world is unified and maintained by communication and migration (pilgrimage to Makkah) & Islamic doctrine.
How do protestant denominations vary widely in whether or not they are autonomous?
The Episcopal, Lutheran, & Methodist churches are hierarchical, led by bishops, but Baptists and United Church of Christ are self-governing congregations that each have a precise form of worship and leadership. Presbyterian churches are in the middle: individual churches are united in a presbytery, a few of which are governed by a synod, with a general assembly as ultimate authority. Elected board, etc.
How is Hinduism autonomous?
Hinduism is highly autonomous because worship is usually done alone or with others in the household. They share ideas primarily through undertaking pilgrimages and reading traditional writings. Hinduism has no centralized structure of religious control.
Describe the hierarchical Latter-Day Saints religion:
Strong organization of landscape. Mormon territory is organized into wards (a few 100 ppl each), and they are combined into a stake of 5,000 people. The highest authority frequently redraws the boundaries in rapidly growing areas (for ideal population standards).
Describe the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and its current distribution:
- All are ultimately accountable to the pope in Rome. Province (archbishop)»Diocese (bishop, HQ at “see”, usually largest city)»Parish (Priest).
- US RC pop is growing in the Southwest & suburbs of some large cities with low densities of parishes & dioceses, so the territory must be adjusted.
- New units can be created, but funds for everything may be scarce. The RC pop is declining in innter cities and rural areas due to maintenence costs.
