Worlds Major Religions

Judaism

Religious Holy Book is called the Torah

Jewish people believe in one god (monotheism)

Founders of Judaism Abraham received the 1st covenant from god. Led the Jews to Canaan (Modern day Israel)

Moses led Jewish people out of Slavery in Egypt & received the 10 Commandments (the core of Jewish religion & teachings)

Religious Holidays Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year

Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement

Passover – Festival each year to remember their freedom from slavery in Egypt

Hanukkah means "dedication," and it commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces. The celebration also reaffirms the continuing struggle to live by God's commandments and to lead Jewish lives.

Jerusalem

The religious center of Judaism is the city of Jerusalem

The “Wailing” or Western Wall (the last remaining part of King Solomon's Temple)

The 10 Commandments The core of Jewish religion & teachings

• Have no other gods • Don’t worship false images • Don’t swear by Gods name• Honor the Sabbath day (Sat) & keep it holy • Honor your mother & father• Don’t murder • Don’t commit adultery• Don’t steal• Don’t lie• Don’t covet

ChristianityBranched off from Judaism

Jesus Christians believe that Jesus (who was born a Jew) is

the son of God and his teachings are written in the New Testament

Bible – Christian holy book

Similarities & Differences with Judaism Both Christians & Jews believe in

one god (monotheism)

the stories in the Old Testament

Differences

According to Jewish belief, the Messiah is a special leader to be sent down by God to set up his rule on earth. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah & Jews believe that he wasn’t & their still waiting for the Messiah to arrive.

Islam Means to submit to the will of God in Arabic

Followers of Islam are called Muslims

Muhammad Muhammad is the founder of Islamic laws

& teachings. (it is forbidden for any likeness of Muhammad to be made)

Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca around 570 AD. Muslims believe that he is the last Prophet to be sent down by God. They believe in Moses & Jesus, but think they were Prophets just like Muhammad.

Koran Islamic Holy Book

5 Pillars of Islambasics of Islamic laws & teachings

• Pray 5 Times a day toward the city of Mecca

• Believe in one god (Allah) and Muhammad was his last profit

• Pay alms

• Make a pilgrimage to Mecca called the Hajj

• Celebrate Ramadan (fast during daylight)

Hajj

Kabba The foundation of the Kabba is said to have

been built by Abraham

Pray 5 Times a Day toward Mecca

Mosque Islamic House of worship

Hinduism is one of the oldest known religions in the world

• Hinduism is directed towards selfless living, a fundamental belief being that the soul or atman survives death.

• All Hindus aspire to develop a positive karma which will influence a better rebirth. God assumes many forms in Hinduism of which Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer are most central.

Brahma

Vishnu

Shiva

Hindu holy books are called Vedas

Buddhism Is an offshoot of Hinduism

• Buddhism arose from the inspiration and teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni (624 BC).

• It is a complete way of life concerned with the wholesome development of the individual.

• Buddhism can be best summarized by the words of Buddha himself:

• Learn to do good, Cease to do harm, Control the mind, And benefit others.

The 4 Nobel Truths • (i) the world is full of suffering (ii) suffering

is caused by desire (iii) suffering can be removed (iv) in order to remove suffering one has to overcome desire.

Both Hindus & Buddhist believe in reincarnation, the constant cycle of

birth, death & rebirth

A monk is someone who devotes his entire life to religious study