Monotheistic Religions- Judaism, Christianity, Islam

Religion

A set of beliefs o existence of a higher power, spirits, or godo an explanation of the origins and purpose of humans and their role on eartho Involves rituals, festivals, and rites of passage

Ethnic Religionso Judaism and Hinduism

Universalizing Religionso Christianity, Islam, Buddhism

Monotheismo Belief in existence in one god

Polytheismo Belief in existence in more than one god

How do Universalizing and Ethnic Religions Differ?

Universalizing Religions

Appeals to people everywhere Individual founder (prophet) Message diffused widely

(missionaries) Followers distributed widely Holidays based on events in

founder’s life

Ethnic Religions

Has meaning in particular place only

Unknown source Content focused on place and

landscape of origin Followers highly clustered

Why isn’t Judaism a universalizing religion? They are NOT actively looking for followers. It’s actually pretty difficult to become a Jew. Universalizing Religions: Diffused from specific hearths by followers / missionariesThe Geography of Religion

Three Abrahamic Religions

Judaism: Nuts and Bolts

Monotheistic Current Adherent: 14 million, 12th largest religion Adherents: Jews Major concentration: Israel, Europe, USA Sacred Text: Torah Religious Law: 10 Commandments Clergy: Rabbis House of Worship: Synagogue View of other Abrahamic Religions: Islam and Christianity are false interpretations-

extensions of Judaism

Christianity: Just the Basics

Monotheistic Current Adherent: 2 Billion, largest religion Adherents: Christians Major concentration: Europe, North/South America, rapid growth in Africa Sacred Text: Bible Religious Law: 10 Commandments Clergy: Priests, ministers, pastors, bishops House of Worship: Church, chapel, cathedral View of other Abrahamic Religions: Judaism is a true religion, but with incomplete

revelation; Islam is a false religion

Islam: All you need to know

Monotheistic Current Adherent: 1.3 Billion, 2nd largest religion Adherents: Muslims Major concentration: Middle East, South/ Southeast Asia Sacred Text: Koran

Religious Law: 5 pillars Clergy: imams / ayatollah (informal) House of Worship: mosque View of other Abrahamic Religions: Jews and Christians are respected as “people of

the book,” but they have wrong beliefs and only partial revelation

Religious Divisions

Branch : A large and fundamental division within a religion. Denomination : A division within a branch of a religion. Sect : A relatively small denominational group that has broken away from an

established church.