1. Major Religions of the World Judaism Christianity Islam Buddhism Hinduism Daoism

2. What does religion mean to you? What does religion mean to you? something one believes in and follows devotedly something one believes in and follows devotedly usually has some form of “higher power” usually has some form of “higher power” Why do you think religion causes so many conflicts and wars in the world when it is supposed to promote peace? Why do you think religion causes so many conflicts and wars in the world when it is supposed to promote peace? What religion are you? What religion are you? Why do you practice that religion? Why do you practice that religion?

3. 3 Religion religions are universal and found in every culture. religions are universal and found in every culture. Religion was defined by Emile Durkheim as a “unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things” Durkheim stressed the social impact of religion Durkheim stressed the social impact of religion Interested in religious behavior within a social contextInterested in religious behavior within a social context

4. 4 Durkheim and the Sociological Approach to Religion █ Sacred: Elements beyond everyday life that inspire awe, respect, and even fear █ Profane: Includes the ordinary and commonplace

5. 5 Functionalism Functions of Religion Manifest functions  Religion defines the spiritual world and gives meaning to the divine  Religion also provides an explanation for events that are difficult to understand 1. the purpose of life, 2. why people suffer, and 3. the existence of an afterlife

6. 6 Religion - Functionalism  Those answers give people a sense of purpose  Strengthened by such beliefs, people are less likely to collapse in despair when confronted by life’s calamities

7. 7 The Integrative Function of Religion Durkheim viewed religion as an integrative force in human society Gives meaning and purpose to people’s lives Gives people ultimate values and ends to hold in common Strengthens social integration within specific faiths and denominations In some instances, religious loyalties are dysfunctional

11. Numbers Christianity: 1.9 billion people Christianity: 1.9 billion people Islam: 1.1 billion Islam: 1.1 billion Hinduism: 800 million Hinduism: 800 million Buddhism: 325 million Buddhism: 325 million Judaism: 13 million Judaism: 13 million

13. Christianity Based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ Based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ Originated in Palestine in the 1st century AD Originated in Palestine in the 1st century AD Believe that Jesus was the son of God who came and died for people’s sins and then rose so that all people could be saved. Believe that Jesus was the son of God who came and died for people’s sins and then rose so that all people could be saved. Believe in one God(monotheistic) who created the universe and all things in it. Believe in one God(monotheistic) who created the universe and all things in it. Christianity originally developed as a part of Judaism. Christianity originally developed as a part of Judaism. Christians believe the one and only true God, Jesus who is one being and exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. Christians believe the one and only true God, Jesus who is one being and exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one. Jesus is the human Messiah sent to the save the world. Jesus is the human Messiah sent to the save the world.

14. Physical Geography of Palestine Jordan valley and Ghawr Jordan valley and Ghawr Coastal and inner plains Coastal and inner plains Mountain and Hills and Southern Desert. Mountain and Hills and Southern Desert. Seas Seas

16. Christian Way of Life Fellowship with God Fellowship with God Our relationships with others Our relationships with others Obedience to God's commands Obedience to God's commands Discipline Discipline Following the holy Bible-added from the original Jewish writings. Following the holy Bible-added from the original Jewish writings. Respect for the environment of the world. Respect for the environment of the world.

17. Important Days Ash Wednesday-Lent Ash Wednesday-Lent Palm Sunday Palm Sunday Maundy Thursday Maundy Thursday Good Friday Good Friday Easter Easter Ascension Ascension Pentecost Pentecost Advent Advent Christmas Christmas Epiphany Epiphany

20. Judaism Is a monotheistic religion Is a monotheistic religion Judaism is the oldest and smallest of the world's five great religions Judaism is the oldest and smallest of the world's five great religions Being a part of a Jewish community and living one's life according to Jewish law and traditions is very important. Being a part of a Jewish community and living one's life according to Jewish law and traditions is very important. The fundamental beliefs of Judaism are: The fundamental beliefs of Judaism are: -There is a single, all-powerful God, who created the universe and everything in it. -God has a special relationship with the Jewish people due to covenant that God made with Moses on Mount Sinai, 3500 years ago.

21. Founding of Judaism Abraham is the father of the Jewish people. Jews see Abraham as a symbol of trusting and obeying God. Abraham is also important to followers of Christianity and of Islam. Abraham is the father of the Jewish people. Jews see Abraham as a symbol of trusting and obeying God. Abraham is also important to followers of Christianity and of Islam. Holy book is called the Torah. Holy book is called the Torah. The story of Abraham is told in the Book of Genesis (the first book of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles). The story of Abraham is told in the Book of Genesis (the first book of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles).

23.  Mountains and plains  Fertile land  Desert, hills  Rivers, Seas Geography of Israel

24. 13 Principles of the Jewish Faith 1. God exists 2. God is one and unique 3. God is incorporeal 4. God is eternal 5. Prayer is to be directed to God alone and to no other 6. The words of the prophets are true 7. Moses’ prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets 8. The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral Torah were given to Moses 9. There will be no other Torah 10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of men 11. God will reward the good and punish the wicked 12. The Messiah will come 13. The dead will be resurrected

25. The Jewish place of worship is called a Synagogue The Jewish place of worship is called a Synagogue The religious leader of a Jewish community is called a Rabbi The religious leader of a Jewish community is called a Rabbi Unlike leaders in many other faiths, a rabbi is not a priest and has no special religious status Unlike leaders in many other faiths, a rabbi is not a priest and has no special religious status The Jewish holy day, or Sabbath(Shabbat), starts at sunset on Friday and continues until sunset on Saturday The Jewish holy day, or Sabbath(Shabbat), starts at sunset on Friday and continues until sunset on Saturday During the Sabbath, Jews do not work(drive, cook, etc) During the Sabbath, Jews do not work(drive, cook, etc) Jews believe people are responsible to take care of the environment because God created it for us. Jews believe people are responsible to take care of the environment because God created it for us.

26. 7 Holy Days Rosh Hashanah-Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah-Jewish New Year Yom Kippur-A day of fasting and praying which occurs 10 days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah. The holiest day in the year Yom Kippur-A day of fasting and praying which occurs 10 days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah. The holiest day in the year Sukkot-8 day festival of thanksgiving Sukkot-8 day festival of thanksgiving Hanukkah-The Feast of Lights is an 8 day Feast of Dedication. It recalls the war fought by the Maccabees in the cause of religious freedom Hanukkah-The Feast of Lights is an 8 day Feast of Dedication. It recalls the war fought by the Maccabees in the cause of religious freedom

27. Purim-The Feast of Lots recalls the defeat by Queen Esther of the plan to slaughter all of the Persian Jews, circa 400 BC Purim-The Feast of Lots recalls the defeat by Queen Esther of the plan to slaughter all of the Persian Jews, circa 400 BC Pesa(Passover)-The 8 day festival recalls the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt circa 1300 BCE. A holiday meal, the Seder, is held at home Pesa(Passover)-The 8 day festival recalls the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt circa 1300 BCE. A holiday meal, the Seder, is held at home Shavouth-Pentecost recalls God's revelation of the Torah to the Jewish people Shavouth-Pentecost recalls God's revelation of the Torah to the Jewish people

28. Menorah-It is a symbol of the nation of Israel and a mission to be "a light unto the nations. Menorah-It is a symbol of the nation of Israel and a mission to be "a light unto the nations.

29. A Yarmulke is worn during prayer to shoe respect to God A Yarmulke is worn during prayer to shoe respect to God

30. The Star of David is the international symbol of Judaism The Star of David is the international symbol of Judaism Flag of Israel has it Flag of Israel has it

31. Kosher Foods Foods are kosher when they meet all criteria that Jewish law applies to food Foods are kosher when they meet all criteria that Jewish law applies to food Characteristics that make a food non- kosher: Characteristics that make a food non- kosher: the mixture of meat and milk the mixture of meat and milk the use of cooking utensils which had previously been used for non-kosher food the use of cooking utensils which had previously been used for non-kosher food The type of animal it is The type of animal it is

32. Leviticus 11:3 says that Jews may eat all animals that have cloven hooves and chew their cud Leviticus 11:3 says that Jews may eat all animals that have cloven hooves and chew their cud Leviticus 11:4 explicitly prohibited the consumption of animals that do not have these characteristics designating them "unclean to you." Leviticus 11:4 explicitly prohibited the consumption of animals that do not have these characteristics designating them "unclean to you." Six mammals are specifically not allowed: Six mammals are specifically not allowed: The camel The camel The hyrax The hyrax The hare The hare The pig The pig Whales and dolphins Whales and dolphins

33. Islam Islam is the world's second most followed religion Islam is the world's second most followed religion It began around 1400 years ago in Arabia, but swiftly become a world faith, and now has around 1.2 billion people It began around 1400 years ago in Arabia, but swiftly become a world faith, and now has around 1.2 billion people "Islam" is an Arabic word which means “surrendering oneself to the will of God” "Islam" is an Arabic word which means “surrendering oneself to the will of God” One will achieve peace and security by doing so One will achieve peace and security by doing so A person surrenders to the will of Allah by living and thinking in the way Allah has instructed. A person surrenders to the will of Allah by living and thinking in the way Allah has instructed. Islam is more than a system of beliefs. The faith provides a social and legal system and governs things like family life, law and order, ethics, dress, and cleanliness, as well as religious ritual and observance—Islamic Republic Islam is more than a system of beliefs. The faith provides a social and legal system and governs things like family life, law and order, ethics, dress, and cleanliness, as well as religious ritual and observance—Islamic Republic

35. Geography of Saudi Arabia Plateau, mountains, dessert Wide gullies, called wadis Surrounded by seas

36. Where is Islam practiced? The countries with the largest Islamic populations are not in the Middle East as most would think The countries with the largest Islamic populations are not in the Middle East as most would think The largest are Indonesia (170 million), Pakistan (136 million), Bangladesh (105 million), and India (103 million) The largest are Indonesia (170 million), Pakistan (136 million), Bangladesh (105 million), and India (103 million) Islam's three holiest places, the cities of Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, are all in the Middle East Islam's three holiest places, the cities of Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, are all in the Middle East

37. The present form of Islam began in Arabia in 622 AD The present form of Islam began in Arabia in 622 AD It is based on the ministry of a man named Muhammad and on the words that Allah gave to the world through him It is based on the ministry of a man named Muhammad and on the words that Allah gave to the world through him Muslims regard Adam as the first Muslim Muslims regard Adam as the first Muslim Muhammad was the final messenger through whom Allah revealed the faith to the world Muhammad was the final messenger through whom Allah revealed the faith to the world There had been earlier messengers, among them Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus. There had been earlier messengers, among them Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.

40. 5 Pillars of Islam 1. Shahada(witness) is the Muslim profession of faith - "I witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is the prophet of Allah" Muslims say this when they wake up in the morning and just before they go to sleep at night Muslims say this when they wake up in the morning and just before they go to sleep at night

41. 2. Salat(daily prayer) is a prayer ritual performed 5 times a day by all Muslims over the age of 10 2. Salat(daily prayer) is a prayer ritual performed 5 times a day by all Muslims over the age of 10 Between first light and sunrise Between first light and sunrise After the sun has passed the middle of the sky After the sun has passed the middle of the sky Between mid-afternoon and sunset Between mid-afternoon and sunset Between sunset and the last light of the day Between sunset and the last light of the day Between darkness and dawn Between darkness and dawn

42. 3. Sawm(fasting) is abstaining each day during Ramadan. Sawm helps Muslims develop self-control, gain a better understanding of God's gifts and greater compassion towards the deprived. Sawm helps Muslims develop self-control, gain a better understanding of God's gifts and greater compassion towards the deprived. Ramadan is the holiest day for Islam. It marks when Muhammad had the Qur-an revealed to him Ramadan is the holiest day for Islam. It marks when Muhammad had the Qur-an revealed to him Sawm is usually described as fasting, but it actually involves abstaining from all bodily pleasures between dawn and sunset Sawm is usually described as fasting, but it actually involves abstaining from all bodily pleasures between dawn and sunset Not only is food forbidden, but also things like smoking, chewing gum, negative thoughts and sexual activity Not only is food forbidden, but also things like smoking, chewing gum, negative thoughts and sexual activity

43. 4. Zakat (Giving of Alms) is giving to the poor. This is a compulsory gift of 2.5 % of one's savings each year This is a compulsory gift of 2.5 % of one's savings each year Giving in this way is intended to free Muslims from the love of money Giving in this way is intended to free Muslims from the love of money It reminds them that everything they have really belongs to God. It reminds them that everything they have really belongs to God.

44. 5. Hajji is the pilgrimage to Mecca that all physically/financially able Muslims should make at least once in their life Mecca is the most holy place for Muslims Mecca is the most holy place for Muslims Takes place during days 8-13 of the 12 th month of the Islamic Lunar calendar Takes place during days 8-13 of the 12 th month of the Islamic Lunar calendar They circle the Kaaba seven times on three occasions, say prayers, drink from a holy spring, walk to Mount Arafat to pray, feast, cast stones at three pillars(to fight Satan’s temptations), shave hair, run seven times between some hills They circle the Kaaba seven times on three occasions, say prayers, drink from a holy spring, walk to Mount Arafat to pray, feast, cast stones at three pillars(to fight Satan’s temptations), shave hair, run seven times between some hills

45. The Kaaba

50. Other Info The Qur’an is the Islamic holy book The Qur’an is the Islamic holy book The Qur'an is the actual word of God, and contains the fundamental beliefs of Islam The Qur'an is the actual word of God, and contains the fundamental beliefs of Islam Mecca, Medina and Jerusulem are holy cities Mecca, Medina and Jerusulem are holy cities According to tradition, the Qur'an was dictated to Muhammad According to tradition, the Qur'an was dictated to Muhammad Two major sects Two major sects Sunni-920 million people(everywhere else) Sunni-920 million people(everywhere else) Shiite-120 million people(Iran) Shiite-120 million people(Iran) Comparing the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam Comparing the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam Comparing the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam Comparing the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam

51. Islamic Law The Sharia outlines all of the laws(comes from the Koran) The Sharia outlines all of the laws(comes from the Koran) 5 Major Crimes: 5 Major Crimes: theft, highway robbery, intoxication, adultery and falsely accusing another of adultery theft, highway robbery, intoxication, adultery and falsely accusing another of adultery

52. Food Laws Very similar laws to the Jewish kosher foods Very similar laws to the Jewish kosher foods No alcohol, pork, blood, no pork fat products, scavenger animals No alcohol, pork, blood, no pork fat products, scavenger animals Food must be prepared similarly to the Jews Food must be prepared similarly to the Jews Slice to the jugular Slice to the jugular Drain blood Drain blood

53. Hinduism Hinduism includes a very wide range of beliefs and practices, so there aren't many things that are common to all Hindu groups Hinduism includes a very wide range of beliefs and practices, so there aren't many things that are common to all Hindu groups Hinduism has no founder, no single book of faith, no creed, and no single source of authority(such as Jesus) Hinduism has no founder, no single book of faith, no creed, and no single source of authority(such as Jesus) Hinduism is very individualistic but a big part of a person’s everyday life Hinduism is very individualistic but a big part of a person’s everyday life There are 750 million Hindus in the world, mostly in India There are 750 million Hindus in the world, mostly in India

54. The most ancient sacred texts of the Hindu religion are written in Sanskrit and called the Vedas.

55.  India is a peninsula that extends into the Indian Ocean.  World’s tallest mountains, the Himalayas.  Indus River in the west and the Ganges River  Deccan plateau. Dessert, plains and valleys. Geography of India

56. For many Hindus, religion is a matter of practice rather than of beliefs. It's more what you do than what you believe. For many Hindus, religion is a matter of practice rather than of beliefs. It's more what you do than what you believe. Behind Hindu practice is the belief that every soul is trapped in a cycle of birth-death- rebirth(reincarnation). Every Hindu wants to escape from this cycle. Behind Hindu practice is the belief that every soul is trapped in a cycle of birth-death- rebirth(reincarnation). Every Hindu wants to escape from this cycle. Hindus aim to live in a way that will cause each of their lives to be better than the life before. Hindus aim to live in a way that will cause each of their lives to be better than the life before. Whether one is reborn into a better life, a worse life, or even to live as an animal, depends on Karma, which is the value of a soul's good and bad deeds. Whether one is reborn into a better life, a worse life, or even to live as an animal, depends on Karma, which is the value of a soul's good and bad deeds.

57. Dharma is a “cosmic natural law” that forms the basis for Hindu philosophies, beliefs and practices and holds everything together Dharma is a “cosmic natural law” that forms the basis for Hindu philosophies, beliefs and practices and holds everything together People that live in harmony with Dharma proceed more quickly toward Moksha People that live in harmony with Dharma proceed more quickly toward Moksha Hindus ultimate aim is escape from the life cycle altogether and achieve the ultimate liberation—Moksha Hindus ultimate aim is escape from the life cycle altogether and achieve the ultimate liberation—Moksha Hindus believe the universe doesn't have a beginning and an end. It's a cyclical pattern, so once it ends, it begins again. Hindus believe the universe doesn't have a beginning and an end. It's a cyclical pattern, so once it ends, it begins again. One attains Moksha when one has "overcome ignorance" and no longer desires anything at all(and yes, that includes the desire for Moksha) One attains Moksha when one has "overcome ignorance" and no longer desires anything at all(and yes, that includes the desire for Moksha)

58. Hindu Beliefs All good things in life are gifts from God All good things in life are gifts from God Finding out what your life’s calling is as Dharma suggest/requires is a very important goal Finding out what your life’s calling is as Dharma suggest/requires is a very important goal Being a fair and decent person is very important Being a fair and decent person is very important Wealth, power and material belongings are good goals as long as they don’t become all important Wealth, power and material belongings are good goals as long as they don’t become all important Moksha is the ultimate goal Moksha is the ultimate goal It is very important to respect the and nurture the environment because it is apart of the Brahman, and composed of the 5 elements, space, air, fire, water, and earth. It is very important to respect the and nurture the environment because it is apart of the Brahman, and composed of the 5 elements, space, air, fire, water, and earth.

59. Four Stages of Life 1. Ages 12-24 you get educated and trained 2. Ages 24-48 you get married, raise a family, make money, get involved in many things 3. Ages 48-72 you become a mentor to a young person and start isolating themselves from the outside world 4. At age 72 you end ties to the outside world and get rid of your worldly possessions. Prayer and devotion become very important. Mostly aimed at men and is not followed as much as it used to be Mostly aimed at men and is not followed as much as it used to be

60. Hindu Gods One would think Hinduism is polytheistic. Most Hindus would say they worship one God. One would think Hinduism is polytheistic. Most Hindus would say they worship one God. There is only one ultimate God, Brahman, but shows itself in many forms There is only one ultimate God, Brahman, but shows itself in many forms The gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, for example, are different aspects of Brahman: The gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, for example, are different aspects of Brahman: Brahma reflects God's divine work of creating the universe Brahma reflects God's divine work of creating the universe Vishnu reflects God's work in keeping the universe in existence Vishnu reflects God's work in keeping the universe in existence Shiva reflects God's work in destroying it Shiva reflects God's work in destroying it

61. Buddhism

62. Founded in India around 500 BC by Siddhartha Guatama Founded in India around 500 BC by Siddhartha Guatama Became Buddha, the Enlightened One, when he was 29 Became Buddha, the Enlightened One, when he was 29 He was trying to find the true meaning of life and eventually, through four trance-like stages of meditation, he was enlightened to the Buddhist was of life He was trying to find the true meaning of life and eventually, through four trance-like stages of meditation, he was enlightened to the Buddhist was of life His main teachings was to eliminate human wants as they are the cause of suffering in the world His main teachings was to eliminate human wants as they are the cause of suffering in the world

63. World’s tallest mountains, the Himalayas. Indus River in the west and the Ganges River Deccan plateau. Dessert, plains and valleys.

64. Buddhism has no unique creed, no single authority and no single sacred book, Pali Tipitika, Mahayana, Vajrayana Canons Buddhism has no unique creed, no single authority and no single sacred book, Pali Tipitika, Mahayana, Vajrayana Canons Buddhism focuses on each individual seeking to attain enlightenment Buddhism focuses on each individual seeking to attain enlightenment Key beliefs and values are contained in "The Four Noble Truths“ Key beliefs and values are contained in "The Four Noble Truths“ 1. Life means suffering 1. Life means suffering 2. The origin of suffering is attachment to worldly things 2. The origin of suffering is attachment to worldly things 3. The end to suffering is attainable through eliminating physical wants/needs 3. The end to suffering is attainable through eliminating physical wants/needs Eventually can achieve Nirvana(no wind) Eventually can achieve Nirvana(no wind) Nirvana means freedom from all worries and troubles Nirvana means freedom from all worries and troubles

65. 4. The path to the end suffering and achieve Nirvana is to follow the Eight Fold Path. 4. The path to the end suffering and achieve Nirvana is to follow the Eight Fold Path.

66. Eight Fold Path 1. Right View 1. Right View To see and view things as they really are To see and view things as they really are Attained true wisdom Attained true wisdom 2. Right Intention 2. Right Intention Think and do the right things at all times Think and do the right things at all times 3. Right Speech 3. Right Speech Do not lie, curse, slander, or gossip Do not lie, curse, slander, or gossip 4. Right Action 4. Right Action Do not harm yourself or others, do not steal, and no sexual misconduct Do not harm yourself or others, do not steal, and no sexual misconduct

67. 5. Right Livelihood 5. Right Livelihood No jobs dealing in weapons, in living beings (including raising animals for slaughter as well as slave trade and prostitution), working in meat production and butchery, and selling alcohol and drugs No jobs dealing in weapons, in living beings (including raising animals for slaughter as well as slave trade and prostitution), working in meat production and butchery, and selling alcohol and drugs 6. Right Effort 6. Right Effort Give 100% effort in what you do Give 100% effort in what you do 7. Right Mindfulness 7. Right Mindfulness Having the power to control our thought process and see the truth behind things Having the power to control our thought process and see the truth behind things 8. Right Concentration 8. Right Concentration Ability to have deep concentration and ability to focus on wholesome thoughts and actions Ability to have deep concentration and ability to focus on wholesome thoughts and actions