Major World ReligionsMajor World ReligionsOverviewOverview

BUDDHISM

Of the major religions, Buddhism is the Of the major religions, Buddhism is the fourth largest, being exceeded in numbers fourth largest, being exceeded in numbers only by Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. only by Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.

Buddhism began around the year 535 BC in Buddhism began around the year 535 BC in India and since then has amassed about India and since then has amassed about 376 million followers. 376 million followers.

The founding person of Buddhism The founding person of Buddhism is Guatama, the Buddha.is Guatama, the Buddha.

Buddhism can be traced back to Gautama Buddhism can be traced back to Gautama Siddhartha (c. 620-540 BC) who is titled The Siddhartha (c. 620-540 BC) who is titled The Buddha (Sanskrit for "The Awakened").  He was Buddha (Sanskrit for "The Awakened").  He was born a prince and lived in luxury. As Siddhartha born a prince and lived in luxury. As Siddhartha continued living in the luxury of his palaces, he continued living in the luxury of his palaces, he grew increasing restless and curious about the grew increasing restless and curious about the world beyond the palace walls.  He finally world beyond the palace walls.  He finally demanded that he be permitted to see his demanded that he be permitted to see his people and his lands.  The king carefully people and his lands.  The king carefully arranged that Siddhartha would not see any arranged that Siddhartha would not see any suffering when he left the palace. suffering when he left the palace.

However, he chanced to see a couple of old men who had However, he chanced to see a couple of old men who had accidentally wandered near the parade route.  Amazed accidentally wandered near the parade route.  Amazed and confused, he chased after them to find out what they and confused, he chased after them to find out what they were.  In his chase he came across the ill and the dead. were.  In his chase he came across the ill and the dead. For the first time in his life saw death.  He learned that all For the first time in his life saw death.  He learned that all of us get old, sick, and eventually die. of us get old, sick, and eventually die.

At the age of 29, Siddhartha came to realize that he could At the age of 29, Siddhartha came to realize that he could not be happy living as he had been.  He had discovered not be happy living as he had been.  He had discovered suffering, and wanted more than anything to discover suffering, and wanted more than anything to discover how one might overcome suffering. He renounced his how one might overcome suffering. He renounced his princely title and became a monk, depriving himself of princely title and became a monk, depriving himself of worldly possessions in the hope of comprehending the worldly possessions in the hope of comprehending the truth of the world around him. truth of the world around him.

Seeking the solution to human sufferingSeeking the solution to human suffering

He first tried meditation. He first tried meditation. He then fasted severely for six years. Siddhartha then He then fasted severely for six years. Siddhartha then

realized that these extreme practices were leading him realized that these extreme practices were leading him nowhere, that in fact it might be better to find some nowhere, that in fact it might be better to find some middle way between the extremes of the life of luxury middle way between the extremes of the life of luxury and the life of self-mortification. and the life of self-mortification. 

He determined that a better path to achieve the state of He determined that a better path to achieve the state of Nirvana -- a state of liberation and freedom from Nirvana -- a state of liberation and freedom from suffering -- was to pursue a "suffering -- was to pursue a "Middle Way.Middle Way." This way was " This way was largely defined by moderation and meditation. largely defined by moderation and meditation.

Key BeliefsKey Beliefs

ReincarnationReincarnation

The concept that one must go through many The concept that one must go through many cycles of birth, living, and death. After cycles of birth, living, and death. After many such cycles, if a person releases many such cycles, if a person releases their attachment to desire and the self, their attachment to desire and the self, they can attain Nirvana  - a state of they can attain Nirvana  - a state of liberation and freedom from suffering. liberation and freedom from suffering.

Virtue, good conduct, morality Virtue, good conduct, morality

The principle of equality: that all living The principle of equality: that all living entities are equal. entities are equal.

The principle of reciprocity: This is the The principle of reciprocity: This is the ""Golden RuleGolden Rule" in Christianity -- to do onto " in Christianity -- to do onto others as you would wish them do onto others as you would wish them do onto you. It is found in all major religions.you. It is found in all major religions.

Concentration, meditation, mental Concentration, meditation, mental development development

Developing one's mind is the path to wisdom Developing one's mind is the path to wisdom which in turn leads to personal freedom. which in turn leads to personal freedom. Mental development also strengthens and Mental development also strengthens and controls our mind; this helps us maintain controls our mind; this helps us maintain good conduct. good conduct.

Discernment, insight, wisdom, Discernment, insight, wisdom, enlightenment enlightenment

This is the real heart of Buddhism. Wisdom This is the real heart of Buddhism. Wisdom will emerge if your mind is pure and calm. will emerge if your mind is pure and calm.

SummarySummary

The aim of Buddhist practice is to end the The aim of Buddhist practice is to end the suffering of cyclic existence, by awakening suffering of cyclic existence, by awakening the practitioner to the realization of true the practitioner to the realization of true reality, the achievement of liberation - reality, the achievement of liberation - Nirvana. Nirvana.

To achieve this, one should purify and train To achieve this, one should purify and train the mind and act according to the laws of the mind and act according to the laws of karma: perform positive, wholesome karma: perform positive, wholesome actions and avoid negative, harmful actions and avoid negative, harmful actions.actions.

HINDUISM

Most people believe that Hinduism began as early Most people believe that Hinduism began as early as 3100 BC in the region around the Indus River as 3100 BC in the region around the Indus River in India. Hinduism is generally regarded as the in India. Hinduism is generally regarded as the world's oldest organized religion. Hinduism is world's oldest organized religion. Hinduism is different from most world religions, because it different from most world religions, because it does not have a founder. Rather it is a faith does not have a founder. Rather it is a faith tradition that has evolved in India over tradition that has evolved in India over thousands of years. thousands of years.

Today Hindu believers number about 900 million Today Hindu believers number about 900 million and is the third largest religion in the world.and is the third largest religion in the world.

The Nature of GodThe Nature of God

Hindus believe in the universal Hindus believe in the universal soul (Brahman), as the sole reality soul (Brahman), as the sole reality who is present in all things. who is present in all things.

Brahman has no form, and is Brahman has no form, and is eternal. eternal.

Brahman is creator, preserver and Brahman is creator, preserver and transformer of everything. transformer of everything.

Brahman appears in the human Brahman appears in the human spirit as atman, or the soul. spirit as atman, or the soul.

God or gods?God or gods?

Contrary to popular understanding, Hindus Contrary to popular understanding, Hindus recognize one God, Brahman. The gods of recognize one God, Brahman. The gods of the Hindu faith represent different the Hindu faith represent different expressions of Brahman. expressions of Brahman.

Hindus recognize three principal gods:Hindus recognize three principal gods: BrahmaBrahma, who creates the universe, who creates the universe VishnuVishnu, who preserves the universe, who preserves the universe Shiva,Shiva, who destroys the universe. who destroys the universe.

The VedasThe Vedas

These are the most ancient religious texts These are the most ancient religious texts which define truth for Hindus and are which define truth for Hindus and are written in the sacred language, Sanskrit.written in the sacred language, Sanskrit.

Hindus believe that the texts were received Hindus believe that the texts were received by scholars direct from God and passed by scholars direct from God and passed on to the next generations by word of on to the next generations by word of mouth. mouth.

Key BeliefsKey Beliefs

DharmaDharma

Hindus themselves refer to their beliefs as Hindus themselves refer to their beliefs as dharma, which means law or a way of life.dharma, which means law or a way of life.

It represents the individual's internal law, to It represents the individual's internal law, to which obedience must be given if that which obedience must be given if that individual life is to live in accordance with individual life is to live in accordance with a Divine Will. This is what Hindus consider a Divine Will. This is what Hindus consider the sole or primary purpose of life. the sole or primary purpose of life.

ReincarnationReincarnation

the rebirth in another body (after physical the rebirth in another body (after physical death) death)

cycle of birth and death, until it attains cycle of birth and death, until it attains liberation (moksha)liberation (moksha)

KarmaKarma

Karma is central to the Hindu faith.Karma is central to the Hindu faith.Hindus believe that the soul passes through Hindus believe that the soul passes through

a cycle of successive lives and its next a cycle of successive lives and its next incarnation is always dependent on how incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived.the previous life was lived.

So if you behave badly in this life, your next So if you behave badly in this life, your next incarnation is likely to be more unpleasant incarnation is likely to be more unpleasant than your current one—you reap what you than your current one—you reap what you sow.sow.

The Caste SystemThe Caste System

Traditionally, there were four main castes, plus one group Traditionally, there were four main castes, plus one group of outsiders: of outsiders:

The BrahminsThe Brahmins, or priests: the highest caste, believed to , or priests: the highest caste, believed to have emerged from Brahma’s mouth. have emerged from Brahma’s mouth.

The KshatriyasThe Kshatriyas, the warrior or ruling class who were , the warrior or ruling class who were made from Brahma’s arms. made from Brahma’s arms.

The VaishyasThe Vaishyas, merchants or artisans who came from , merchants or artisans who came from Brahma’s thighs. Brahma’s thighs.

The ShudrasThe Shudras, the unskilled laborers and servants who , the unskilled laborers and servants who emerged from Brahma’s feet. These were the lowest emerged from Brahma’s feet. These were the lowest class. class.

The Untouchables, tThe Untouchables, those too lowly to be within the hose too lowly to be within the system were known as the untouchablessystem were known as the untouchables

Caste TodayCaste Today

Members of the upper castes consider the lowest Members of the upper castes consider the lowest castes to be ritually unclean, therefore marrying castes to be ritually unclean, therefore marrying someone from a different caste, while not someone from a different caste, while not officially outlawed, is generally not recognized.officially outlawed, is generally not recognized.

Today, caste barriers have largely broken down in Today, caste barriers have largely broken down in the large cities. "Untouchability" has been the large cities. "Untouchability" has been abolished by law. abolished by law.

However, loyalty to a caste is much harder to However, loyalty to a caste is much harder to eliminate and it still provides a sense of eliminate and it still provides a sense of community and belonging, particularly in country community and belonging, particularly in country areas. areas.

ISLAM

The Islamic religion started in Saudi The Islamic religion started in Saudi Arabia in the year 622 AD.Arabia in the year 622 AD.

It has about 1.5 billion followers, most of It has about 1.5 billion followers, most of them in the Middle East.them in the Middle East.

Islam means “to submit to the will of Islam means “to submit to the will of God”God”

Muslim – a person who follows the Muslim – a person who follows the religion of Islamreligion of Islam

Holy BookHoly BookThe holy book of the Muslims is the Qur'an, 114 chapters of The holy book of the Muslims is the Qur'an, 114 chapters of

Muhammad's divinely inspired revelations.Muhammad's divinely inspired revelations.

Followers of Islam believe that God (Allah) revealed his direct Followers of Islam believe that God (Allah) revealed his direct word for mankind to Mohammad and other prophets, word for mankind to Mohammad and other prophets, including Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Muslims including Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Muslims believe that parts of the Gospels and Torah have been believe that parts of the Gospels and Torah have been misinterpreted or distorted by their followers. Muslims view misinterpreted or distorted by their followers. Muslims view the Qu’ran as corrective of Jewish and Christian scriptures.the Qu’ran as corrective of Jewish and Christian scriptures.

MohammedMohammed

Mohammed was born around 570 A.D. in Mohammed was born around 570 A.D. in the city of Mecca in what is today Saudi the city of Mecca in what is today Saudi Arabia. Arabia.

He is considered by Muslims to be God's He is considered by Muslims to be God's last and greatest prophet. last and greatest prophet.

The Muslim creed:The Muslim creed:

"I believe in God; and in His Angels; and in His "I believe in God; and in His Angels; and in His Scriptures; and in His Messengers; and in Scriptures; and in His Messengers; and in The Final Day; and in Fate, that Good and The Final Day; and in Fate, that Good and Evil are from God, and Resurrection after Evil are from God, and Resurrection after death be Truth.death be Truth.

"I testify that there is nothing worthy of worship "I testify that there is nothing worthy of worship but God; and I testify that Muhammad is His but God; and I testify that Muhammad is His Messenger."Messenger."

Some of the  religious beliefs are:Some of the  religious beliefs are:

Allah (God) alone is worthy of worship.Allah (God) alone is worthy of worship. The Entire universe is created by Allah, and nothing The Entire universe is created by Allah, and nothing

is unrelated to Him.is unrelated to Him. Allah provides the material resources necessary to Allah provides the material resources necessary to

maintain life.maintain life. Allah has raised up prophets for humanity's needs, Allah has raised up prophets for humanity's needs,

and revealed to them the straight path of life.and revealed to them the straight path of life. Allah gives to humanity freedom of choice.Allah gives to humanity freedom of choice. All Muslims are equal before Allah.All Muslims are equal before Allah. There will be a day of judgment. Allah has sovereign There will be a day of judgment. Allah has sovereign

rights to judge whether all people have followed the rights to judge whether all people have followed the straight path, as described in the Qur'an, during their straight path, as described in the Qur'an, during their lifetime.lifetime.

Five Pillars of Islam Five Pillars of Islam

Faith - There is none worthy of worship except Faith - There is none worthy of worship except God and that Mohammed is his messenger. God and that Mohammed is his messenger.

Prayer -Establishing of the five daily PrayersPrayer -Establishing of the five daily Prayers Charity -The giving of charity (almsgiving)Charity -The giving of charity (almsgiving) Fasting- from dawn to dusk in the month of Fasting- from dawn to dusk in the month of

RamadanRamadan Hajj- The Pilgrimage to Mecca, which is Hajj- The Pilgrimage to Mecca, which is

compulsory once in a lifetime for one who has compulsory once in a lifetime for one who has the ability to do it. the ability to do it.

Countries with Muslim populations Countries with Muslim populations in excess of 10% in excess of 10%

CHRISTIANITY

The Founding People of The Founding People of Christianity Christianity

Christianity is a monotheistic religion based Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Nazareth as presented in the New Testament writings of his early followers. Testament writings of his early followers.

The Christian religion began about 30 AD.The Christian religion began about 30 AD.

It is the world's largest religion, with an It is the world's largest religion, with an estimated 2.1 billion adherents, or about estimated 2.1 billion adherents, or about one-third of the total world population. one-third of the total world population.

Place of Origin Place of Origin

Christianity started out in Judea, during the early Christianity started out in Judea, during the early Roman Empire. It was in this area where Jesus Roman Empire. It was in this area where Jesus was born, that the first true beginnings of was born, that the first true beginnings of Christianity began to develop. Christianity began to develop.

Christianity spread throughout the world when it Christianity spread throughout the world when it was adopted as the religion of the Roman was adopted as the religion of the Roman Empire 300 years after Jesus was crucified.  Empire 300 years after Jesus was crucified. 

Followers/Leaders of Christianity Followers/Leaders of Christianity

The leader of Christianity was Jesus, and The leader of Christianity was Jesus, and the followers were his 12 disciples.  After the followers were his 12 disciples.  After Jesus was crucified the disciples took over Jesus was crucified the disciples took over full control and found other people that full control and found other people that were interested in practicing the Christian were interested in practicing the Christian religion. religion.

Main Philosophy Main Philosophy

The main points of Christian beliefs are: The main points of Christian beliefs are: God is the Creator of the universe.God is the Creator of the universe. God is a Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.God is a Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus is both fully man and fully God.  He was born of Jesus is both fully man and fully God.  He was born of

the Virgin Mary, crucified, resurrected from the dead, the Virgin Mary, crucified, resurrected from the dead, and ascended to the Father.and ascended to the Father.

Salvation from spiritual death, a separation from God Salvation from spiritual death, a separation from God due to mankind's sin, is available to believers only due to mankind's sin, is available to believers only through the person and work of Jesus Christ and by the through the person and work of Jesus Christ and by the grace of God. grace of God.

Sin and Evil are realities in their existence.Sin and Evil are realities in their existence. The Bible records God's revelation.The Bible records God's revelation. All believers are promised life everlasting.All believers are promised life everlasting.

Holy Book Holy Book

The holy book for the Christian religion is the The holy book for the Christian religion is the Holy Bible that contains an Old Testament Holy Bible that contains an Old Testament and a New Testament. and a New Testament.

The Old Testament is actually a part of the The Old Testament is actually a part of the Jewish religious writings at the time. Jewish religious writings at the time.

JUDAISM

Founder Founder

The founder of the Jewish religion was The founder of the Jewish religion was Abraham around the year 2000 BC. The Abraham around the year 2000 BC. The God of the ancient Israelites established a God of the ancient Israelites established a divine covenant with Abraham.divine covenant with Abraham.

The concentration of these people began in The concentration of these people began in the area of the world east of the the area of the world east of the Mediterranean Sea in a region called Mediterranean Sea in a region called Palestine. Palestine.

There are about 14 million Jewish believers There are about 14 million Jewish believers in the world today.in the world today.

Holy BookHoly Book

The sacred writings of the Jewish people is The sacred writings of the Jewish people is found in the Tenakh. found in the Tenakh.

The Tenakh corresponds to the Jewish The Tenakh corresponds to the Jewish Scriptures, (often referred to as the Old Scriptures, (often referred to as the Old Testament by Christians).Testament by Christians).

Jewish PracticesJewish Practices

Observation of the weekly Sabbath as a day of Observation of the weekly Sabbath as a day of rest, starting at sundown on Friday evening. rest, starting at sundown on Friday evening.

Strict discipline, according to the Law, which Strict discipline, according to the Law, which governs all areas of life governs all areas of life

Regular attendance by Jewish males at Regular attendance by Jewish males at Synagogue Celebration of the annual festivals Synagogue Celebration of the annual festivals including Passover, Rosh Hashanah (Sep. 30) including Passover, Rosh Hashanah (Sep. 30) (Jewish New Year) and Hanukkah.(Jewish New Year) and Hanukkah.

The local synagogue is governed by the The local synagogue is governed by the congregation and is normally led by a rabbi who congregation and is normally led by a rabbi who has been chosen by the congregation. A rabbi is has been chosen by the congregation. A rabbi is a teacher who has been well educated in Jewish a teacher who has been well educated in Jewish law and tradition. law and tradition.

Basic Philosophy of JudaismBasic Philosophy of Judaism

1.1. God is one and unique, God is the creator God is one and unique, God is the creator 2.2. God is lawgiver God is lawgiver 3.3. God is personal God is personal 4.4. We have the obligation to worship We have the obligation to worship 5.5. The Torah is God's law The Torah is God's law 6.6. God is judge and will reward the good and punish the wickedGod is judge and will reward the good and punish the wicked7.7. The Messiah will come.The Messiah will come.8.8. Prayer is to be directed to God alone and to no other Prayer is to be directed to God alone and to no other 9.9. The words of the prophets are true and Moses was the greatest of The words of the prophets are true and Moses was the greatest of

the prophets the prophets 10.10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of men God knows the thoughts and deeds of men 11.11. The dead will be resurrectedThe dead will be resurrected