Rachel Alexander

HIST 134

Professor Lark

18 June 2017

Portfolio Reflection

Religion has inspired wars, revolutions, and incredible empires throughout

history. Religious endeavors are pursued with passion and a strong belief in actions and

consequences. Three individuals that have contributed to changes across the world due to

their religious beliefs are Zoroaster, Constantine, and Muhammad.

Zoroaster was a prophet living during 3500 BCE; he inspired one of the first

monotheistic religions in history, Zoroastrianism. In the first ten years after his

revelation, Zoroaster struggled to convert others and bring people to Zoroastrianism,

until, his prince converted and the faith spread rapidly. When Persia conquered Babylon

in 539 BCE, Zoroastrianism became well known and recognized in the Persian Empire.

Zoroastrianism would continue to compete with Judaism until the rise of Islam in 7th

century AD. Zoroastrianism had a large influence in the Persian Empire and connected

the people to a common faith.

Another major influence on the world was Constantines conversion and

induction of Christianity to the Roman Empire in 313 AD. Although Constantine did not

originally convert to Christianity, he allowed for the practice throughout the Roman

Empire. Combined with the acceptance of gentiles, Christianity flourished under

Constantines rule. Later, when Constantine converted to Christianity, Roman citizens

followed his lead and began practicing Christianity as well. This was a major change
from the polytheistic religion of the Romans to a monotheistic view that continues to

shape and influence the modern world.

Lastly, Muhammad revolutionized much of the Middle East with his teachings of

the Islamic traditions. In the 6th century, Muhammad received teaching from God that

would eventually transform into the Islamic religion. Another monotheistic religion,

Islam focuses on the same God from Judaism and Christianity. Although the initial

spread of Islam was slow, with Muhammad military power and conviction in his

teachings, Islam spread throughout Arabia. Eventually Islam would become the official

religion of the reestablished Persian Empire. Islam still plays an influential role in

religion today.

Each of these individuals played a large role in connecting the ancient world.

These religions became common practice in large Empires that spanned most of the

ancient world. It is clear that Christianity and Islam still hold large followings in the

modern world and are major influences in everyday life. Blair Hodges (2012) argues that

the past is not a foreign country but a foundation country. This is clear when looking at

the influence of religion. Faith is a major competent of many ancient civilizations, many

having polytheistic views and worshipping hundreds of gods. Its interesting that the

surviving religions are strongly monotheistic, but understanding the influence of

powerful individuals like Constantine and Muhammad help reveal why these religions

still have such an impact on the modern world.

Another reason history is important in religions is that without understanding

history, one cannot understand religion. In William H. McNeills article Why Study

History? (1985) McNeill talks about history serving as a collective memory. History is
changing and being reinterpreted, similar to personal memories, all the time, without

these memories there would be little understanding of religion. The origins, spread, and

ability to survive hundreds of years would be lost. Religion was built in the past and it

takes studying history to understand it and work towards incorporating religion into the

modern world.

Another important reason for studying the history of religion includes

understanding the differences in religions and being able to respect them. In Michael

Postmas article What Can History Teach Us Today? (2011) Postma asks how children

will celebrate differences, rectify injustices, discuss divisions, or build alliances without

an understanding of the story of human existence?. This brings up an important

discussion in religion. Of course everyone wants to believe their religion is the right one,

so how can one respect others who may not agree? By understanding history we can

understand the origin of religion and the differences between them. For example,

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all stem from the worship of the same God. They hold

different views and traditions, but at the heart of the religion is the same true God. By

understanding how these different views came to be through different prophets like Jesus

and Muhammad, people of faith can honor and respect one another.

Growing up in a religious community, I have always had a sense of religion and

the role it plays in the modern world. As I learn more about the origins of religion I have

been able to truly appreciate the differences between them and the reasoning to put ones

faith in one religion over another. Studying these leaders in history I have seen the

effectiveness of spreading religion through law and military power, but also the

importance of respecting differences. Islamic traditions do not believe in forceful

conversion and that has allowed peace between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. I think

having this kind of view on others and making sure your views are not forced is the best

way to better society. Constantines support of Christianity before conversion also shows

an important role of supporting religious people in society and not persecuting others for

their beliefs. Although each of these individuals had their flaws they allowed major

religions to flourish and connected the ancient world in a time without modern

technology.
 Works Cited

Bropaw2004 Follow. World Religions: Zoroastrianism. LinkedIn SlideShare. N.p.,

21 June 2012. Web. 18 June 2017.

Crashcourse. Christianity from Judaism to Constantine: Crash Course World History

#11. YouTube. YouTube, 05 Apr. 2012. Web. 18 June 2017.

Hodges, Blair. On Rhetorical Uses of History to Understand the Present.

Academia.edu. N.p., 7 May 2012. Web. 18 June 2017.

McNeill, William H. Why Study History? Why Study History (1985) AHA. N.p., 1985.

Web. 18 June 2017.

Postma, Michael. What Can History Teach Us Today? ASCD Express 6.22 What Can

History Teach Us Today? ASCD. n.d. Web. 18 June 2017.

Stearns, Peter N. Islam From The Beginning to 1300. Islam, Muhammad, Prophet Of

Islam. N.p., 1992. Web. 18 June 2017.