The Five Major ReligionsThe Five Major Religions

Compare and contrast the elements of the five major world religionsCompare and contrast the elements of the five major world religions More than 730 Religions which have broken out into more than 4,200 More than 730 Religions which have broken out into more than 4,200

branchesbranches  

Christianity Judaism Islam

BuddhismHinduism

Restrictions on Religion by the Governments of World Countries

Social Hostilities Involving Social Hostilities Involving ReligionReligion

Learning about Learning about religions will help religions will help us understand us understand each other each other better. If we better. If we understand each understand each other better, we other better, we may be able to may be able to avoid conflicts avoid conflicts and come to and come to peaceful peaceful resolutions.resolutions.

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Beginnings of ReligionsBeginnings of Religions

Religion by the NumbersReligion by the Numbers

Religion DistributionReligion Distribution

ChristianityChristianity

The early Hebrews who eventually The early Hebrews who eventually developed into the Jewish religion became developed into the Jewish religion became the foundation of Christianity. the foundation of Christianity.

Jesus, or the Messiah, was a Jewish boy Jesus, or the Messiah, was a Jewish boy who disagreed with some of the Jewish who disagreed with some of the Jewish principles of his day began to profess a principles of his day began to profess a new way of thinking. new way of thinking.

This eventually led to the beginning of the This eventually led to the beginning of the Christian religion. Christian religion.

ChristianityChristianity

Christianity started about 2000 years Christianity started about 2000 years ago about the same time of Jesus. ago about the same time of Jesus.

The central point of Christian belief is The central point of Christian belief is that God, the Father, entered into that God, the Father, entered into human history as the Son, Jesus of human history as the Son, Jesus of Nazareth, and arose as the Holy Nazareth, and arose as the Holy Spirit. Spirit. 

Christian PhilosophyChristian Philosophy MonotheisticMonotheistic – One God – One God

who is the Creator of who is the Creator of the universe. This one the universe. This one God is also thought of God is also thought of as the Father, Son and as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit.

Jesus is both fully man Jesus is both fully man and fully God.  He was and fully God.  He was born of the Virgin Mary , born of the Virgin Mary , crucified, resurrected crucified, resurrected from the dead, and from the dead, and ascended to the Father. ascended to the Father.

Christian PhilosophyChristian Philosophy Sin and Evil are Sin and Evil are

realities. realities. The Bible is the Holy The Bible is the Holy

Book that records God's Book that records God's revelation. revelation.

All believers are All believers are promised life promised life everlasting. everlasting.

The leader of The leader of Christianity was Jesus, Christianity was Jesus, and the followers were and the followers were his 12 disciples.his 12 disciples.

Christian DenominationsChristian Denominations CatholicCatholic Protestant (Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Protestant (Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist,

Pentecostal, etc.)Pentecostal, etc.) OrthodoxOrthodox Others (Latter Day Saints/Mormon, Non-Others (Latter Day Saints/Mormon, Non-

Trinitarian/Unitarian, etc.)Trinitarian/Unitarian, etc.)

What is _______? 

History

Beliefs     

  

Christianity Largest Monotheistic Religion 

was born 2,000 years ago. Christians are the of Jesus Christ People brought with them as they moved around the world.Monotheism is the belief in one  Christians believe in the Trinity: father, , and holy spirit.  is all powerful Believe Jesus on the cross.  is to turn your back on God. 

Jesus

followers

religion

God

son

God

died

Sin

 

Sacred Writings   Places of Worship(Spiritual Places) Practices & Traditions

 Holidays  

Christianity  The is a collection of sacred books and writings. Churches: Share one way in which churches are decorated:   A Sacrament is something you do to receive a

Name another tradition of Christianity: 

 Christmas is the of Jesus Christ.  is the holiest day of the Christian year.

Bible

Old & New Testaments

Altar, Cross, Pews, Statues

blessing

Baptism, confirmation, communion,Prayer, Making sign of the cross

birth

Easter

JudaismJudaism People who practice in the religion People who practice in the religion

JUDAISM are called Jews. JUDAISM are called Jews. JUDAISM was the JUDAISM was the firstfirst to teach belief in to teach belief in

only one God (only one God (MonotheisticMonotheistic). ). Two other important religions developed Two other important religions developed

from Judaism: Christianity and Islam.from Judaism: Christianity and Islam.

JudaismJudaism

Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah. The Jewish people do not agree; they anticipate the Messiah’s arrival in the future.

Judaism teaches that death is not the end and that there is a world to come.

Jews think that God will send a Messiah (a savior) to unite them and lead them in His way.

JudaismJudaism

The "Torah," the first five books of the The "Torah," the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is the most important Hebrew Bible, is the most important Jewish scripture. Jewish scripture.

It contains the basic laws of Judaism.It contains the basic laws of Judaism. Another important book is the "Talmud," Another important book is the "Talmud,"

serving primarily as a guide to the civil serving primarily as a guide to the civil and religious laws of Judaism.and religious laws of Judaism.

JudaismJudaism The Jewish house of worship is The Jewish house of worship is

called a synagogue. called a synagogue. Rabbis (spiritual leaders) Rabbis (spiritual leaders)

conduct services, act as conduct services, act as interpreters of Jewish laws, and interpreters of Jewish laws, and deliver sermons.deliver sermons.

Today there are over 18 million Today there are over 18 million followers of Judaism scattered followers of Judaism scattered throughout the world. A large throughout the world. A large number of those people live in number of those people live in the Jewish nation of Israel. Over the Jewish nation of Israel. Over six million live in the United six million live in the United States.States.

Jewish Jewish PhilosophyPhilosophy

God is one and uniqueGod is one and unique God is the creator God is the creator God is lawgiverGod is lawgiver God is judgeGod is judge We have the obligation to worshipWe have the obligation to worship The Torah is God's law The Torah is God's law The Messiah will come. The Messiah will come.

What is _______?

History

Beliefs

JudaismFirst Monotheistic Religion 

Abraham lived over years ago and is the _ of a great nation.First religion to worship  led the people out of Egypt to freedom. The ten commandments are the of the Jewish people.  Anti-Semitism is the against Jews.  was founded as a homeland for Jews. 

Important to learn the language.Belief that Jews should live and act like people. are the rules to live by.

 

4,000father

Moses

one god.

laws

prejudice

Israel

Hebrew

God’s

10 Commandments

 

Sacred Writings

Places of Worship(Spiritual Places) Practices & Traditions

Holidays  

JudaismTorah is  The is another sacred book.

A Temple and are places of prayer and study.A Cantor sings or chants the A means teacher; he/she leads the services.A is always kept burning. The prayer shawl is called theThe Yarmulke is is a way to prepare food.Tell what each holiday is:Rosh Hashanah- Yom Kippur- Hanukkah- Passover-

The Jewish Laws/ how you should behaveTalmud

synagogue

rabbiprayers

lighttallit

head coveringKosher

New Year- repent sins

Atonement – make up for sins “fix it”

Victory in Israel – menorah

Freed from slavery

IslamIslam

ISLAM is the name given to the religion ISLAM is the name given to the religion preached by the prophet Muhammad in the preached by the prophet Muhammad in the 600s A. D.600s A. D.

MuslimMuslim is the name given to the people who is the name given to the people who practice the Islam religionpractice the Islam religion

The Islamic religion started in the area known The Islamic religion started in the area known as Palestine in the year 600AD. as Palestine in the year 600AD.

It has millions of followers, most of them in the It has millions of followers, most of them in the region north and east of the Mediterranean region north and east of the Mediterranean Sea.Sea.

Islamic PhilosophyIslamic Philosophy

Allah, is the one Islamic God; Allah, is the one Islamic God; MonotheisticMonotheistic Muslims learn that life on earth is a period of testing Muslims learn that life on earth is a period of testing

and preparation for the life to come. and preparation for the life to come. Angels record good and bad deeds.Angels record good and bad deeds. People should behave themselves and help others, People should behave themselves and help others,

trusting in Allah's justice and mercy for their reward. trusting in Allah's justice and mercy for their reward.

IslamIslam

The holy book of Islam is the The holy book of Islam is the "Koran" or Quran. Muslims "Koran" or Quran. Muslims believe its words to be those of believe its words to be those of Allah himself, spoken to Allah himself, spoken to Muhammad by an angel.Muhammad by an angel.

Muslims pray five times daily in Muslims pray five times daily in their mosques (churches).their mosques (churches).

While praying, they face the While praying, they face the holy city of Mecca (in Saudi-holy city of Mecca (in Saudi-Arabia) and sometimes kneel Arabia) and sometimes kneel with faces to the ground.with faces to the ground.

IslamIslam All Muslims are required to make a All Muslims are required to make a

pilgrimage pilgrimage (trip to a sacred place) to (trip to a sacred place) to Mecca at least once in Mecca at least once in their lifetime.their lifetime.

Dome of the RockDome of the Rock It was completed in 691-692, It was completed in 691-692,

making it the oldest existing making it the oldest existing Islamic building in the world.Islamic building in the world.

The Foundation Stone, is in The Foundation Stone, is in the center. the center.

According to Islamic According to Islamic tradition, this rock is the tradition, this rock is the spot from where Muhammad spot from where Muhammad ascended to Heaven .ascended to Heaven .

According to Jewish tradition, According to Jewish tradition, the stone is the site where the stone is the site where Abraham prepared to Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac.sacrifice his son Isaac.

An Islamic shrine and An Islamic shrine and major landmark located major landmark located on the Temple Mount in on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel.Jerusalem, Israel.

What is _______? 

History

Beliefs     

Islam Monotheistic; Muslims are the people who

practice Islam is the spiritual messenger.  is a city of great importance to the Muslim people. Palestine    is the language of the Muslim religion.Allah is the name of the Islamic  Muslims dress the same to show   

determine your after-life.

Muhammad

Mecca

Country/land that was given to the Jews

Arabic

God

we are all equal in the eyes of God.

Actions

 

Sacred WritingsPlaces of Worship(Spiritual Places) Practices & Traditions

 

Holidays  

Islam

(“Koran”) is written in Arabic

Mosque: Share some facts:

Five are duties a Muslim must perform:1.Testimony of faith2.Pray times a day facing3.Give $$ to the 4.FAST5.Trip to leads prayer.No alcohol or

is a holiday in which daytime fasting is done for 1 month.  is a holiday to end the fasting. Gifts are exchanged.

Qur’an

Friday – holy dayWash when enter; no shoes, boys & girls apart, no statues or picturespillars

5 Meccapoor

Mecca

Imampork

Ramadan

Eid-al-Fitr

•Jesus is divine•Trinity•Sacraments•Ordained Ministry

•No Sacred Language•Church is Holy Building•Weekly Holy Day is Sunday

•Liturgical practice of breaking bread and wine•Ongoing revelation

•Hebrew is Sacred Language•Canaan is Promised Land•God is Adonai•Synagogue is Holy Building•Holy Day is the Sabbath (Friday Night to Saturday Night)

•Salvation and Damnation•Recitation of Creed•Story of Jesus’ Life

•Arabic Sacred Language•Mecca Holy City

•Muhammad Final Prophet•Koran is Holy Book•5 Pillars- To Attain Salvation

•God is Allah•Mosque is Holy Building•Friday prayer•Hajj to Mecca

•Dietary Laws•Fasting- Ramadan and Yom Kippur•Almsgiving•Sacred Language

•One God- God of Abraham•Special Relationship with God•History of Ancient Hebrews•Importance of Prophets•Religion is Divided into groups•Prayer occurs during religious service•Services held in Holy Building•Jerusalem is Holy City

Venn Diagram:Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Jerusalem: Whose Holy Jerusalem: Whose Holy City?City?Both groups claim this territory as their Holy Land.

The name Jerusalem itself is part Arabic part Hebrew that means city of peace.

Wailing wall = believed by many people to be the remains of one wall of a great Jewish temple, which was torn down by the Romans.

BuddhismBuddhism Founding person of Founding person of

Buddhism is Guatama, Buddhism is Guatama, the Buddhathe Buddha

The Dalai Lama is a The Dalai Lama is a Buddhist monk who Buddhist monk who remains the leader of the remains the leader of the Tibetans.Tibetans.

Buddhism Buddhism Buddhism is a major religion in China, Japan, Buddhism is a major religion in China, Japan,

and Tibet.and Tibet.

Buddhism is the second fastest growing Buddhism is the second fastest growing religion. 488 million Buddhists worldwide*religion. 488 million Buddhists worldwide*

      

The Major Philosophy of The Major Philosophy of BuddhismBuddhism

Love: without conditions Love: without conditions Compassion: or feeling at one with the Compassion: or feeling at one with the

person who is suffering person who is suffering Sympathetic Joy:Celebrate the happiness Sympathetic Joy:Celebrate the happiness

of others, and do not resent their good of others, and do not resent their good fortune. fortune.

Impartiality: Treat everyone equally, and Impartiality: Treat everyone equally, and do not use others for personal gain or to do not use others for personal gain or to win approval.win approval.

The Major Philosophy The Major Philosophy of Buddhismof Buddhism

Buddhism states that existence is a Buddhism states that existence is a continuing cycle of death and rebirth continuing cycle of death and rebirth called reincarnation. called reincarnation.

Each person's position in life is Each person's position in life is determined by his or her behavior in determined by his or her behavior in the previous life. This is known as the previous life. This is known as their "karma" (also a Hindu belief).their "karma" (also a Hindu belief).

What is _______? 

History

Beliefs     

  

Buddhism Polytheistic – Many Gods

Guatama was a prince who started the religion and became the  A Buddha is a god like figure who has reached  

A Buddha has realized that sadness and suffering is caused by

is the law of Buddhism.  is the belief that when you die you are reborn again. The life form you take on is determined by your actions on Earth or your   is the place you go when you become a Buddha.

Buddha

enlightenment – left cycle of rebirth

wanting

Dharma

Reincarnation

karmaNirvana

 

Sacred Writings

Places of Worship(Spiritual Places) 

Practices & Traditions

 

Holidays  

Sutras

Shrines in your TempleShare some facts:1. wheels are used while praying.2. 3. Four Truths: desire or wanting creates

Show Compassion No No Put others Dalai is a spiritual leader.  shave their heads. Meditation is to free your of thought.  : hang lanterns to guide spirits  :Buddha’s birth, death, enlightenment.

Tripitakahome

Pagoda

DharmaBurn incense or candles, Buddha statuesPrayer Flags. Bodhi trees, lotus flowers

NOBLE

Gossipbullying

First – think, speak, act

Lama

Monks

mind

O-bon

Vesak

HinduismHinduism HINDUISM is one of the world's oldest polytheistic religions.HINDUISM is one of the world's oldest polytheistic religions.

Over 2/3's of the world's Hindus live in India; large numbers Over 2/3's of the world's Hindus live in India; large numbers reside in Africa also. reside in Africa also.

Hindu BeliefsHindu Beliefs Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands.

They recognize one supreme god called Brahman (the Absolute).They recognize one supreme god called Brahman (the Absolute).

Hindus believe in a continuous process of rebirth called "reincarnation."Hindus believe in a continuous process of rebirth called "reincarnation."

Hindu BeliefsHindu Beliefs

At death, the Hindu's deeds (karma) determine what the next life will be.At death, the Hindu's deeds (karma) determine what the next life will be.

Followers work to break this cycle--birth, death, re-birth-- (referred to by writers as the "Wheel of Life") and gain release. Followers work to break this cycle--birth, death, re-birth-- (referred to by writers as the "Wheel of Life") and gain release.

The Hindu's soul then merges with Brahman in a condition of spiritual perfection (moksha). This is the goal of Hindus.The Hindu's soul then merges with Brahman in a condition of spiritual perfection (moksha). This is the goal of Hindus.

HinduismHinduism Hinduism has many sacred books, the Hinduism has many sacred books, the

oldest being a series called the "Vedas.“oldest being a series called the "Vedas.“

Traditional Hindu society was divided Traditional Hindu society was divided into groups of four classes (or varnas). into groups of four classes (or varnas). This was known as the "caste system." This was known as the "caste system."

What is _______? History

Beliefs     

  

HinduismOLDEST; Polytheistic  

is the country where Hinduism is primarily practiced.  System divides people into classes and doesn’t allow them to cross the lines.  was a great leader who preached tolerance and nonviolence.  is the divine God. and Shiva are also Gods. Cows are believed to be and beef is not eaten.  is when you have left the cycle of reincarnation (samsara). 

India

Caste

Gandhi

Brahman

Vishnu

sacred

Moksha

 

Sacred Writings   Places of Worship(Spiritual Places) Practices & Traditions

 Holidays  

Hinduism are written in the language of Sanskrit.

Temple called a Mandir. Share some facts:  Shrines can be found in a person’s The forehead is marked with a bindi –dot- or tilak to:1. 2. 3.  Sacred River: Raksha Bandhan:  A Rakhi is a given to a sibling to show commitment.  ;festival of lights to honor the God of wealth & good fortune.  ;return of spring

VedasUpanishads

No shoes; wash feet, bells, statues washed, Flowers, incense, candles

home

Good Luck; be humbleBefore prayerMarriage

Ganges

Honor your siblings

bracelet

Divali Lakshmi

Holi

Religious SymbolsReligious Symbols

ChristianityBuddhism

JudaismIslam

Hinduism

How much have you How much have you learned?learned?

Hopefully you understand religions better Hopefully you understand religions better and we can avoid conflicts and come to and we can avoid conflicts and come to peaceful resolutions.peaceful resolutions.

Focus on similarities not differences. Focus on similarities not differences.