World ReligionsWorld Religions

The Western ReligionsThe Western Religions

RELIGIONRELIGION

a set of beliefs concerning a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe. purpose of the universe. usually involving devotional usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and and ritual observances, and often containing a moral often containing a moral code governing human code governing human activity and conduct. activity and conduct.

PolytheisticPolytheistic Believing in MANY godsBelieving in MANY gods

MonotheisticMonotheistic Believing in ONE godBelieving in ONE god

DeityDeity A godA god

Sect Sections within a religion usually

separated by subtle differences in their beliefs within the same religion

prophetprophet a person who speaks for God or a

deity, or by divine inspiration.

Judaism Judaism Founded about 2000 BC Founded about 2000 BC

Judaism's Deity Judaism's Deity

Monotheistic Monotheistic Call God “Yahweh” – to Call God “Yahweh” – to

scholarsscholars Called “Adonai” – in the Called “Adonai” – in the

worship services.worship services. No images of Yahweh No images of Yahweh

Judaism’s Key BeliefsJudaism’s Key Beliefs Belief in Yahweh (God)Belief in Yahweh (God) 10 Commandments given by Yahweh (God) 10 Commandments given by Yahweh (God)

to Moses who is a prophet (someone who to Moses who is a prophet (someone who speaks the word of God). Includes: speaks the word of God). Includes: Do not steal, kill, or lie Do not steal, kill, or lie Honor (respect your parents) Honor (respect your parents) There is only one GodThere is only one God

Believe in AfterlifeBelieve in Afterlife A person serves Yahweh (God) by studying A person serves Yahweh (God) by studying

the Torah and living by its teachings.the Torah and living by its teachings.

Judaism's Holy Book Judaism's Holy Book

Bible Bible First 5 books are called the First 5 books are called the

Torah Torah Different than complete Different than complete

Christian Bible Christian Bible

How is it Practiced? How is it Practiced? Bar Mitzvah—at age 13 Bar Mitzvah—at age 13

boys celebrate their boys celebrate their entrance into adult entrance into adult religious community religious community (girls=Bat Mitzvah) (girls=Bat Mitzvah)

Several holidays that honor Several holidays that honor their history and their God. their history and their God. PassoverPassover recalls events from recalls events from

the departure of the Jews the departure of the Jews from Egypt where they had from Egypt where they had been enslaved. been enslaved.

Sacred Place Sacred Place

Jerusalem Jerusalem Western Wall: Remains of Jewish Temple Western Wall: Remains of Jewish Temple

destroyed by Romans in 70 AD. Believe when destroyed by Romans in 70 AD. Believe when Messiah (savior) comes, temple will be Messiah (savior) comes, temple will be rebuilt. rebuilt.

Worship ServicesWorship Services Place of worship: Synagogue Place of worship: Synagogue Holy day (Sabbath or Shabbat) Holy day (Sabbath or Shabbat)

is from sundown Friday to is from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday sundown Saturday

Services led by a Rabbi (Jewish Services led by a Rabbi (Jewish spiritual leader)spiritual leader)

Divisions (Sects) Divisions (Sects)

Orthodox Orthodox Conservative Conservative Reform Reform

Other Other Information Information

First monotheistic religion First monotheistic religion Founded by Abraham Founded by Abraham Same God as Christians and Same God as Christians and

Muslims Muslims Kosher = Various dietary Kosher = Various dietary

restrictions as interpreted in restrictions as interpreted in the Hebrew Biblethe Hebrew Bible

Christianity Christianity Founded: 30 ADFounded: 30 AD

Christianity’s Key BeliefsChristianity’s Key Beliefs Belief in GodBelief in God Believe Jesus as son of GodBelieve Jesus as son of God Believe in Ten Commandments and Believe in Ten Commandments and

that they were given to Moses that they were given to Moses Believe that Jesus died and then Believe that Jesus died and then

rose from the dead to save people rose from the dead to save people from sin.from sin. Call him “Christ” or “Messiah”Call him “Christ” or “Messiah”

Believe in heaven, hell, and Believe in heaven, hell, and afterlifeafterlife

Christians believe that they can Christians believe that they can serve God and achieve salvation by serve God and achieve salvation by following the teachings of Jesusfollowing the teachings of Jesus

Christianity’s Deity Christianity’s Deity

Monotheistic Monotheistic Same God as Jews and MuslimsSame God as Jews and Muslims

Christianity’s Holy Book Christianity’s Holy Book

Bible –divided into two sections Bible –divided into two sections Old Testament Old Testament

very similar to the Jewish Bible very similar to the Jewish Bible New Testament New Testament

about the life and teachings of Jesus about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as well as his followers after Christ as well as his followers after his death his death

How is it Practiced? How is it Practiced? Many Christians also Many Christians also

have a practice of have a practice of Baptism where they Baptism where they are initiated into are initiated into ChristianityChristianity

Holidays that Holidays that celebrate Jesus such celebrate Jesus such as Christmas (birth) as Christmas (birth) and Easter and Easter (resurrection after (resurrection after being crucified) being crucified)

Christianity’s Sacred Christianity’s Sacred Place Place

Jerusalem Jerusalem Church of the Church of the Holy SepulchreHoly SepulchreChurch built Church built where Jesus was where Jesus was crucifiedcrucified

Other sites as Other sites as well well

Worship ServicesWorship Services

Place of worship: Church Place of worship: Church Holy Day: SundayHoly Day: Sunday Religious Leader: Priest; Religious Leader: Priest;

bishop; archbishop; bishop; archbishop; patriarch; pope; pastor; patriarch; pope; pastor; minister; preacher; deaconminister; preacher; deacon

Christianity’s Divisions Christianity’s Divisions (Sects) (Sects)

Some examples:Some examples: Roman Catholics Roman Catholics Eastern Orthodox Eastern Orthodox Baptist Baptist Lutheran Lutheran Presbyterian Presbyterian Church of Jesus Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-Christ of Latter-day Saints day Saints

And many moreAnd many more

Other Information about Other Information about Christianity Christianity

For many sects the cross For many sects the cross represents symbol of victory represents symbol of victory over deathover death

IslamIslamFounded: 622 AD Founded: 622 AD

Islam’s Key BeliefsIslam’s Key Beliefs Belief in heaven, hell, and Belief in heaven, hell, and

afterlife afterlife 5 Pillars: 5 Pillars:

1)Only one God-Allah and 1)Only one God-Allah and Muhammad is his prophet Muhammad is his prophet

2)Pray 5x/day 2)Pray 5x/day

3)Charity 3)Charity

4)Fast during Ramadan 4)Fast during Ramadan

5)Pilgramage to Mecca5)Pilgramage to Mecca

Islam’s Deity Islam’s Deity Monotheistic Monotheistic Belief in God Belief in God Allah: Arabic word for Allah: Arabic word for

God God Forbidden to draw images Forbidden to draw images

of Muhammad and Allah of Muhammad and Allah Colorful mosaics insteadColorful mosaics instead

Same God as Jews and Same God as Jews and ChristiansChristians

Islam’s Holy Book Islam’s Holy Book Qur’an Qur’an

Word of Allah as given to Word of Allah as given to Muhammad Muhammad

Muslims believe Muhammad Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to heaven over a period ascended to heaven over a period of time where he received of time where he received messages from Allah through the messages from Allah through the angel Gabriel angel Gabriel

How is it How is it Practiced? Practiced?

Only Arabic can be used in worship as Only Arabic can be used in worship as Muslim’s believe the Arabic version to be Muslim’s believe the Arabic version to be true word of Allahtrue word of Allah

Ablution—cleansing before prayer Ablution—cleansing before prayer Don’t eat pork or drink alcoholDon’t eat pork or drink alcohol Halal-dietary restrictions based on the Halal-dietary restrictions based on the

slaughtering of meatslaughtering of meat Holidays such as Id al-Fitr the celebrates Holidays such as Id al-Fitr the celebrates

the end of Ramadan (fasting month). the end of Ramadan (fasting month).

Islam’s Sacred Places Islam’s Sacred Places Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia

Cities of Mecca and Medina Cities of Mecca and Medina JerusalemJerusalem

Dome of the Rock: Muhammad ascended Dome of the Rock: Muhammad ascended to heaven to receive messages from to heaven to receive messages from AllahAllah

this is in the exact this is in the exact

same area as same area as

Western Wall Western Wall

Worship ServicesWorship Services

Place of worship: Mosque Place of worship: Mosque Holy Day: Friday Holy Day: Friday Religious Leader: Imam; Religious Leader: Imam;

SheikhSheikh

Islam’s Divisions Islam’s Divisions (Sects) (Sects)

Sunni and Shi’a (Shiites)Sunni and Shi’a (Shiites) The division among Muslims began The division among Muslims began

with disagreements about who with disagreements about who should lead after the death of should lead after the death of Muhammad. Muhammad.

Sunnis believe that anyone with a Sunnis believe that anyone with a deep understanding of Islam and deep understanding of Islam and the Qur’an can lead Muslims the Qur’an can lead Muslims

Shi’as believe that only direct Shi’as believe that only direct descendants of Muhammad can descendants of Muhammad can lead Muslimslead Muslims

Other Information about Other Information about Islam Islam Muhammad is the founder, but Muhammad is the founder, but

trace many beliefs back to trace many beliefs back to AbrahamAbraham

22ndnd largest world religion largest world religion Consider Jews and Christians to be Consider Jews and Christians to be

“People of the Book” “People of the Book” Both have a holy book with many of Both have a holy book with many of

the same messages as Qur’an the same messages as Qur’an Muslims think of Moses and Jesus as Muslims think of Moses and Jesus as

prophets, with Muhammad being the prophets, with Muhammad being the final prophet final prophet

World ReligionsWorld Religions

Part 2 Part 2

Hinduism Hinduism Founded about 2000 BC Founded about 2000 BC

Holy Book Holy Book

Veda’s Veda’s Collection of texts Collection of texts Rig Veda: oldest Rig Veda: oldest

Hindu writings Hindu writings Oldest writings of the Oldest writings of the

major religions major religions UpanishadsUpanishads

Hindu teachers Hindu teachers comments on the comments on the Vedas written about Vedas written about 750 and 550 BCE. 750 and 550 BCE.

Hinduism’s Deity Hinduism’s Deity

Polytheistic Polytheistic Examples of main gods areExamples of main gods are

Brahma: creator of universe Brahma: creator of universe Vishnu: preserver of universe Vishnu: preserver of universe Shiva: destroyer of universe Shiva: destroyer of universe Devi; a great mother goddessDevi; a great mother goddess

Hindus free to choose Hindus free to choose which god or gods they which god or gods they worship or none at allworship or none at all

Key BeliefsKey Beliefs Goal of religion is to reach enlightenment Goal of religion is to reach enlightenment

(true understanding and happiness)—(true understanding and happiness)—MokshaMoksha Three paths to moksha: path of right thinking, Three paths to moksha: path of right thinking,

path of right action, or the path of religious path of right action, or the path of religious devotion devotion

Reach enlightenment after freeing Reach enlightenment after freeing themselves from earthly desires themselves from earthly desires

Belief in reincarnation: Individual soul is Belief in reincarnation: Individual soul is born again and again until perfect born again and again until perfect understanding of all things is achieved understanding of all things is achieved

Karma (good and bad deeds) follows you Karma (good and bad deeds) follows you from one life to another and influences from one life to another and influences your circumstancesyour circumstances

How is it Practiced?How is it Practiced? Many use deep meditation and prayer to Many use deep meditation and prayer to

reach enlightenment reach enlightenment Achieve enlightenment through worship, Achieve enlightenment through worship,

attainment of knowledge, and virtuous actsattainment of knowledge, and virtuous acts

Sacred Place Sacred Place

Ganges River in India Ganges River in India Bathe in water to cleanse and purify themselves Bathe in water to cleanse and purify themselves Sick and disabled come in the belief that the holy Sick and disabled come in the belief that the holy

water might cure their illnesses. water might cure their illnesses. Several other rivers Several other rivers Sacred city of Varansai in India—city of Sacred city of Varansai in India—city of

Hindu god Shiva Hindu god Shiva

Worship ServicesWorship Services Place of worship: home or at temples Place of worship: home or at temples Temples contain shrines to important Temples contain shrines to important

gods or goddesses gods or goddesses Annual festivals at temples to honor Annual festivals at temples to honor

gods gods At home, worship around a shrine to a At home, worship around a shrine to a

god that is important to the familygod that is important to the family Spiritual Leader = Guru, Saga - These Spiritual Leader = Guru, Saga - These

are not service leaders, but guide are not service leaders, but guide people on how to manage their lives people on how to manage their lives around god.around god.

Divisions (Sects) Divisions (Sects) Haktism Haktism Reform Hinduism Reform Hinduism

(monotheistic) (monotheistic) Vaishnavites Vaishnavites Shaivites Shaivites

Other Information Other Information No single founder No single founder Began as a blending of cultures when the Aryans Began as a blending of cultures when the Aryans

(people from area between Aral and Caspian Seas (people from area between Aral and Caspian Seas (Modern day Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and (Modern day Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan) moved into the Indus River Valley Turkmenistan) moved into the Indus River Valley

Major religion of India Major religion of India Caste system: Rigid class system that dictates jobs Caste system: Rigid class system that dictates jobs

and positions within society—nearly impossible to and positions within society—nearly impossible to change caste. change caste.

Religion is a way to free soul from illusions, Religion is a way to free soul from illusions, disappointments, and mistakes of life. disappointments, and mistakes of life.

33rdrd largest world religion largest world religion

Buddhism Buddhism Founded: Approx. 530 BCFounded: Approx. 530 BC

Buddhism's Key BeliefsBuddhism's Key Beliefs The Three signs of BeingThe Three signs of Being

duhkha – life is unsatisfactoryduhkha – life is unsatisfactory anitya – nothing is permanentanitya – nothing is permanent anatman – there is no such thing as a soulanatman – there is no such thing as a soul

Four Noble Truths Four Noble Truths Life is filled with suffering and sorrow Life is filled with suffering and sorrow The cause of all suffering is desire The cause of all suffering is desire The way to end all suffering is to end all desires. The way to end all suffering is to end all desires. You can overcome desires and attain enlightenment by You can overcome desires and attain enlightenment by

following the Eightfold Path. following the Eightfold Path. Nirvana (enlightenment) —release from selfishness Nirvana (enlightenment) —release from selfishness

and pain.and pain. Belief in reincarnation : living beings, after death Belief in reincarnation : living beings, after death

are reborn and continue to exist are reborn and continue to exist All living things possess the potential for spiritual All living things possess the potential for spiritual

growth and the possibility of rebirth as humansgrowth and the possibility of rebirth as humans

Buddhism’s DeityBuddhism’s Deity

No personal deityNo personal deity Buddha is not a god, but a title Buddha is not a god, but a title

of someone who has reached of someone who has reached Nirvana Nirvana

Buddhism’s Holy Book Buddhism’s Holy Book

The first written collections of The first written collections of Buddha’s teachings, were called Buddha’s teachings, were called canons and written in two different canons and written in two different languages.languages. Dhammapada – “Verses of Dhammapada – “Verses of

Righteousness” Righteousness” Memorable sayings of Buddha IncludingMemorable sayings of Buddha Including

Four Noble TruthsFour Noble Truths Eight fold path Eight fold path

How is it How is it Practiced?Practiced?

The Eight Fold PathThe Eight Fold Path A guideline for Buddhist to follow to live the best A guideline for Buddhist to follow to live the best

possible life and reach Nirvanapossible life and reach Nirvana Right View, Thought, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Right View, Thought, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort,

Mindfulness, Concentration.Mindfulness, Concentration. Buddhist strive to follow Buddha’s teaching Buddhist strive to follow Buddha’s teaching

through meditation and hopefully achieve through meditation and hopefully achieve enlightenmentenlightenment

Buddhism’s Sacred Buddhism’s Sacred Places Places

Various sites in India that relate to Various sites in India that relate to Buddha’s life Buddha’s life Birthplace: Lumbini Grove Birthplace: Lumbini Grove Place of Enlightenment: Bodh Gaya Place of Enlightenment: Bodh Gaya

Various branches of Buddhism have Various branches of Buddhism have their own sites their own sites

Worship ServicesWorship Services

Place of worship:Place of worship:Many Buddhists make offerings Many Buddhists make offerings at shrines, temples, and at shrines, temples, and monasteries. This is carried over monasteries. This is carried over as part of their cultural and less as part of their cultural and less part of Buddhism itself.part of Buddhism itself.

Buddhism’s Buddhism’s DivisionsDivisions

Two branches are: Two branches are: Theravada: Theravada:

Try to stay as close as possible to Buddha’s recorded Try to stay as close as possible to Buddha’s recorded teachings teachings

Mahayana: Mahayana: More accepting of change More accepting of change

There are also divisions of Buddhism that There are also divisions of Buddhism that are based on their location:are based on their location: Tibetan Buddhism Tibetan Buddhism Zen BuddhismZen Buddhism Pure Land BuddhismPure Land Buddhism

Other Information about Other Information about BuddhismBuddhism

Founded by Siddhartha GautamaFounded by Siddhartha Gautama Searched for religious truth and end to Searched for religious truth and end to

suffering of life suffering of life After 49 days of meditation he After 49 days of meditation he

achieved understanding of the cause of achieved understanding of the cause of sufferingsuffering

Became known as “enlightened one” or Became known as “enlightened one” or BuddhaBuddha

Buddhism was born from HinduismBuddhism was born from Hinduism

Confucianism Confucianism Founded: 500’s BCFounded: 500’s BC

VALUE SYSTEM VALUE SYSTEM

Confucianism's Holy Confucianism's Holy Book Book

The The AnalectsAnalects: : Earliest and most authentic record Earliest and most authentic record

of Confucius's ideas. of Confucius's ideas. Written about 400 BC Written about 400 BC

ConfucianismConfucianism's Deity 's Deity None None

Confucianism Confucianism ’s Key ’s Key BeliefsBeliefs• 5 Relationships: 5 Relationships:

– Social order, harmony, and good government Social order, harmony, and good government could be restored in China if society were could be restored in China if society were organized around 5 relationships: organized around 5 relationships:

1.1. Ruler and Subject Ruler and Subject

2.2. Father and son Father and son

3.3. Husband and wife Husband and wife

4.4. Older brother and younger brother Older brother and younger brother

5.5. Friend and friend Friend and friend

– Golden Rule:Golden Rule: Do not do unto others what you Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto youwould not want others to do unto you

Confucianism’Confucianism’s Practices and s Practices and RitualsRituals

Many of the rituals of ancient Chinese Many of the rituals of ancient Chinese religionreligion Sacrifices to the gods and to ancestors Sacrifices to the gods and to ancestors

Celebrate Confucius’ birthday on Celebrate Confucius’ birthday on September 28September 28 Holiday in some countries (also plays tribute to Holiday in some countries (also plays tribute to

Teachers!) Teachers!)

ConfucianismConfucianism’s Worship ’s Worship Services Services

Moral philosophy—Moral philosophy—way of life, not a way of life, not a religion religion

ConfucianismConfucianism’s Sacred ’s Sacred Places Places China China

Mount Lushan contains many landmarks of Mount Lushan contains many landmarks of ConfucianismConfucianism

Confucianism’s Divisions Confucianism’s Divisions (Sects) (Sects)

• None as it is a way of life (belief system)

Other Information about Other Information about Confucianism Confucianism

Founded by Confucius Founded by Confucius Foundation of Chinese government Foundation of Chinese government

and social order and social order Spread beyond China and Spread beyond China and

influenced civilizations throughout influenced civilizations throughout East Asia East Asia

Education is important for welfare Education is important for welfare of individual AND society of individual AND society

Foundation for bureaucracy—Foundation for bureaucracy—trained civil service (people who run trained civil service (people who run governments)governments)