World Religions

5 Major Belief Systems

14.5

364

828

1226

2039

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

Judaism Buddhism Hinduism Islam Christianity

Millions of Followers

Judaism

Star of David

Judaism – Fast Facts

• Oldest monotheistic religion– Both Islam and Christianity developed from it

• Followers called Jews

• Began circa 2000 BCE in Mesopotamian area (then Canaan) with covenant between God and Abraham

Central BeliefJudaism began with

covenant between God and Abraham.

Jews believe in an all-loving, all-powerful God who is the creator and ruler of the universe.

Jews are different from Christians because they do not believe Jesus was the Messiah or believe in the Trinity.

Sacred Writings/TextsTorah:

God’s law and guidance

Includes the same 5 books that are the first 5 in the Hebrew Bible, Old Testament

The 10 Commandments

Talmud:

Important Jewish laws and traditions

Judaism WorshipLeaders are known as

rabbis.

Worship is in a synagogue also called a ‘shul’ andsometimes a temple.

Holy SiteWestern (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem

It is part of the, now destroyed, 2nd temple that was built by King Herod

Christianity

Cross

Christianity - Fast Facts

• Monotheistic Religion– Developed from Judaism

• Followers called Christians

• Began circa 45 CE in Jerusalem

Central BeliefChristians believe in an all

loving, all powerful God as in Judaism, but Christians also believe in Jesus as the Son of God being crucified and dying to be the messiah or savior for mankind.

Christians believe in the Trinity.

Sacred Writings/Texts

Bible:

Old and New Testaments

O.T. is from Jewish scriptures which tell about creation and the history of ancient Israel.

N.T. includes the 4 Gospels and various epistles. Gospels written by Jesus’ disciples.

Christian WorshipWorship services are

generally led by priests or ministers.

Worship is in churches.                         

Holy SiteThe Holy Land – generally

refers to areas of Israel and Palestine. These are the lands of Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. Included in these areas are many holy sites such as the cities of Jerusalem (Jesus’ teachings, Last Supper, Golgotha), Bethlehem (birth), Nazareth (hometown), River Jordan, and Sea of Galilee.

Islam

Crescent and Star

Islam - Fast Facts• Monotheistic Religion

– Developed from Judaism

• Followers called Muslims, which means “obedient ones.”

• Believe that Allah, has no earthly form so representations of Allah (or Muhammad) are not permitted.

• Began circa 600 CE in Mecca, Arabia when Muhammad was said to have received a revelation from God that he was to be God’s prophet.

Central Belief-developed from Judaism

5 Pillars of Islam:1. Testimony of Faith

“There is no true god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the messenger (Prophet) of God.

2. Prayer5 times a day: dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night

3. Support of the Needy4. Fasting the month of

Ramadan5. Pilgrimage to Mecca

Sacred Writings/TextsKoran (Qur’an):

Literal word of God given to Prophet

Muhammad. It tells God’s will.

Islam WorshipWorship is led by

imam (a Muslim prayer leader).

Worship in mosques.

Holy SiteKaaba in Mecca – place of worship which

according to the Qur’an, God commanded his Prophets Abraham and Ishmael to build.

Hinduism

The Om symbol is a sacred syllable representing Brahman

Hinduism - Fast Facts

• Polytheistic Religion• Followers called Hindus• Began circa prior to 2000 BCE in India• Does not have 1 founder, rather religion

gradually evolved as exchange of ideas over time and because of this the beliefs and practices vary widely in this religion.

Central BeliefTeaches there are many

paths to god – this contributes to the many different beliefs and worshiping practices.

There is a basic belief in reincarnation and some common gods.

Hindu gods and goddesses:Stand for different parts of a single spirit/all powerful

force known as brahman (absolute truth)

3 Important gods:

Brahma – the creator

Vishnu – the preserver

- a kindly god concerned with

the welfare of humans.

Shiva – the destroyer

Reincarnation• Rebirth of one soul (atman) into many

bodies over time.

• Samsara is the endless cycle of death and rebirth.

• Dharma is a code of ideal behavior, but it varies according to one’s societal status and stage of life.

Reincarnation (cont.)• Hindus believe that the actions of a person in

this life affect their fate in the next. How good or bad someone behaves in this life will determine what they are born as in their next life.

• Hindus must obey their dharma or code of moral behavior.

• Hindus believe that all things must be treated with respect because all things are part of brahman. Many plants and animals are considered sacred.

Many Sacred Writings/Texts

Upanishads –

questions by pupils and answers by teachers

Vedas –

first religious writings

spiritual truths

Hinduism WorshipWorship in temples during

holy days and other festivals.

Worship everyday at shrines built in homes of believers to the gods of their choice.

Worship leaders calledBrahmin

Holy Sites

Incredibly numerous amount of holy cities, rivers, temples.

Many are based on legends regarding the gods/goddesses.

Like many aspects of Hinduism, the holy sites differ given the various beliefs and practices.

Kumbh Mela

Buddhism

Dharma Wheel/Wheel of LawSymbol of Buddha’s teachings

Buddhism - Fast Facts

• Not a religion in the same way as the previous ones.– Buddhism is a philosophy or way of life in

order to relieve human suffering.

• Followers called Buddhists.

• Began circa 500 BCE in India.

Central BeliefFounded by Buddha,

Siddhartha Gautama, as he sought the answer to the meaning of life.

Answer to human suffering is in right thinking and self-denial – the way to do this is The Middle Way.

BuddhismThe Middle Way would

eventually lead to nirvana, or lasting peace. To find this people must treat others fairly and give up selfish desires. The should also avoid violence and tell the truth at all times.

The Eightfold Path• Right Understanding• Right Intention• Right Speech• Right Action• Right Livelihood• Right Effort• Right Mindfulness• Right Concentration

Sacred Writings/TextsTripitaka – made up of

three texts:

1. Vinaya Pitaka – rules for monks and nuns.

2. Sutra Pitaka – words of Buddha

3. Abhidharma Pitaka – commentaries on

Buddha’s teachings

Buddhism WorshipBuddhists can worship

both at home or at a temple.

Monks are leaders that can assist in worship.

Holy SiteLumbini – birthplace of Buddha