WORLD

GR7 World History

RELIGIONS

CHRISTIANITY

Origins – founded by Jesus Christ in 30 A.D., in Israel

Approx 2 billion followers - Catholics, Protestants and Eastern Orthodox (Greek and Russian Church)

Holy text is called the Bible

Symbols

CHRISTIANITY

Basic Beliefs and Philosophy

Monotheistic - One GodHoly Trinity – God the Father, Son and Holy SpiritSalvation is through faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins so that we may have everlasting life (John 3:16)

JUDAISM

Origins – religion of the Hebrews or Jewish people, 1300 B.C., in Israel

Approx 14 million followers

Holy text is called the Torah

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JUDAISM

Basic Beliefs and PhilosophyMonotheistic - One God (Yahweh)Obey God’s commandments & live ethicallyFocus is more on this life rather than life after deathTemple service is on Saturdays; eat only Kosher foods; no consumption of porkHolidays – Hanukah, Passover, Yom Kippur

ISLAM

Origins – founded by Muhammad in 622 A.D., in Saudi Arabia

Approx 1.3 billion followers – Sunni and Shiite

Religious text is called the Qur’an

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ISLAM

Basic Beliefs and PhilosophyMonotheistic – god is called “Allah” in Arabic

Humans must submit to the will of god to gain paradise after death

Must follow the Five Pillars (faith, prayer, alms, pilgrimage, fasting)Holidays – Ramadan and Hajj

BUDDHISM

Origins – founded by Siddharta Gautama (the Buddha) in 520 B.C., in India

Approx 360 million followers

Religious text is called Pali Canon

Symbols

BUDDHISM

Basic Beliefs and PhilosophyPolytheistic – purpose is to avoid suffering and gain enlightenment through reincarnationPurpose is personal spiritual development and deeper insight into the true nature of life through meditation, mantras (chants) of devotion to deities (gods)Holidays – New Year (February) & Vaishakha Festival

HINDUISM

Origins – in the Indus Valley (Pakistan) around 1500 B.C.; there is no founder

Approx 900 million followers

Religious text is called Reg Vega

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HINDUISM

Basic Beliefs and PhilosophyPolytheistic – universal eternal soul which is present in everything

Their existence is a cycle that include birth, death and rebirth (reincarnation) that is governed by karma (your works)

Holidays – Festival of Lights and Diwali

CONFUCIANISM

Origins – founded by Confucius in 551-479 B.C., in China

Approx 5-6 million followers

Famous writings called Analects

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CONFUCIANISM

Basic Beliefs and PhilosophyNon-theistic (no belief in God); human nature is focus

Purpose of life is to fulfill one’s role in society with propriety (proper behavior), honor, honesty, politeness and loyalty to family and nation

Holidays – Confucius birthday (Sept 28th)

SHINTOISM

Origins – founded by , in Japan

Approx 3-4 million followersImportant historical texts called Kojiki

records

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SHINTOISM

Basic Beliefs and PhilosophyNon-theistic – way of the gods

Belief that everything contains “kami” (god or spirit) thus should be worshipped including mythological creatures, spirit figures and human ancestors

Holiday – Harvest Festival

TAOISM

Origins – founded by Lao-Tze in 550 B.C., in China (also called Daoism)

Approx 20 million followers

Important text called Tao-te Ching

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TAOISM

Basic Beliefs and PhilosophyNon-theistic –Belief that they are born in a state of purity, imperfect but capable of seeking the Tao and doing goodPurpose is to seek inner harmony and peace through the Tao, then revert back to a state of non-beingHolidays – Chinese New Year, Lantern & Dragon Festivals