GLST 392 Lecture 13: Coptic Church in Egypt – soon Islam would take over c
29 Sep 2016
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Coptic church in egypt soon islam would take over c. western empire. Reduced level of civilization crude, cities shrank, Dark ages: literacy falls sense of inferiority to classical rome forgotten, the new religious mapa. End of classical period led to rise of major religions unprecedented growth: devastating plagues provided solace for death2. Growing political instability christianity > mediterranean, buddhism > asia: islam arose in 600 ce and became most dominant force 3. Common focus: spiritual concerns beyond daily life, hope of better existence after death4. Hundreds of thousands underwent conversion process: syncretism religions changed to incorporate features of civilization, yet, remained different, buddhism1. Buddhism altered more than hinduism as it expanded across asia: monks pushed conversionb. Two groups minority who abandoned earthly life & others doing best they could: bodhisattvas attain nirvana through meditationa. Could lead in prayer and advise on spiritual matters: changed from religion based on ethics to emotional cult offering salvation 4.
