1. The Five Major Religions

3. Basics of Judaism People who follow the religion Judaism are called Jews. The symbol of Judaism is the Star of David, or Mageim David. There is approximately 14,000,000 Jews all over the world. The majority of Jews come from The United States and Israel. Jews, like almost every other religion, have their own sacred writings, or ”guide book”. Theirs is called the Torah, which is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. The 3 rd largest religion in the world. Most Jews are located in Israel. Judaism is a monotheistic religion.

4. Beliefs 1. Jews believe in one God, Yahweh. 2. They also believe that if they follow the main laws in their book, the Torah, then they will have peace with God and others. 3. They also believe that there will be no other God, and that the messiah will come. 4. They believe that the good will be rewarded and the bad will be punished. 5. They are not to pray to any other God but Yahweh.

5. Beginnings The founder of Judaism is Abraham. Judaism began in Mesopotamia, which is Currently known as Iraq and spread to Palestine. * Judaism began sometime around 1900 B.C.

6. The goals of Jewish people are to represent a covenant community based on the Torah, and on the relationship between the Israelites and Yahweh. The world views Judaism as a religion which feels that they are the chosen people to represent Yahweh to all nations. Their identity is rooted in their historical relevance, and their long history of conflict with their neighbors.

7. History First, God spoke to Abram, who later was known as Abraham, and told him; The Lord said to Abram, “ Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s family. Go to the land I will show you. I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you. I will place a curse on those who harm you, and all the people on earth will be blessed through you.’’ - Genesis 12:1-3 After Abraham started a new nation, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, and received the ten commandments from Yahweh. Moses and Joshua led the people to Palestine, which is now Israel. Yahweh sent Jewish prophets to bring messages of direction, guidance, hope, and judgment while there was conflict and invasion by surrounding countries. The Romans enslaved the Israelites and eventually forced them to leave Palestine, or Israel. Once they left Israel, they dispersed to different parts of the world.

8. The proper way to wear a Tallit, is very complex, because Jews are commanded by the Torah to wear them. The difference between the two is that the tzitzit is the tassle on the Tallit, and the Tallit is the actual clothing. Believe it or not, the tzitzit is much more important than the tallit. A tefillin is a physical reminder of a scripture in the Torah, Bind [the words that I command you today] as a sign on your arm, and they shall be ornaments between your eyes. -Deuteronomy 6:8 Yarmulke is usually worn during prayers as a sign of respect. Yarmulke is a Yiddish word, meaning skullcap.

10. Basics of Christianity *The symbol of Christianity is the cross that Jesus was crucified on. *The Christian population is around 2 billion. *Christian’s sacred writing is called The Bible. *Largest religion in the world. *Christianity is a monotheistic religion. *Most of the Christian population is in Mexico.

11. Beliefs Christians believe that Jesus was sent to earth by God, and died on the cross so that one can live with God eternally in heaven. They also believe that Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth and the life. Once they make a profession of faith they are assured eternal life with God. Christians believe in one God, who they call God, Father, or Jehovah.

12. Beginnings Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ. Christianity started with the ministry of Jesus Christ, in 30 A.D. Jesus started his ministry in Israel, or Palestine.

13. The goal for Christians is to become more like Christ, and teach the gospel to others. The world views Christianity as a religion which is called to be Christ like, but fails on most occasions because they still make mistakes and are not perfect. When Christians do good throughout the world, they are living out their faith by serving others and being a representative of Jesus.

14. History Christianity was based upon Jesus’s teachings, and ministry. It began as a part of Judaism, but separated from Judaism when Jesus reinterpreted the Jewish laws. He healed sick people, and taught them about how God’s Kingdom was coming. Jesus emphasized that love for God, and others were important in the process of the coming of The Kingdom. Jesus was crucified, dead and buried. On the third day after his death, he was resurrected and appeared to his disciples and followers repeatedly. The early church faced persecution for their beliefs. There were two parts of Christianity, Roman Catholicism, and Eastern Orthodox. Catholicism was lead by The Pope, Orthodoxy was more spiritual instead of ritualistic. Later on, Protestantism became another branch of Christianity, which emphasized the authority of the scriptures, and the grace of God. There are at least two accepted sacraments, or rituals. The first is baptism, and the second sacrament is the Lord’s Supper. Baptism shows death to the old self, and new birth to the new person you have become. The Lord’s Supper helps believers to remember the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

15. Clothing At most churches, people dress nicely. There are some churches were people dress however they want, but usually, people wear nicer clothing because they want to give their best to God, and to show respect. In churches, the choirs always have matching robes that they perform in while singing. Not all robes are the same. Different churches have different robes, but there is an example above.

18. Basics of Buddhism The name of the Buddhist God is Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha. The symbol of Buddhism is the Eight Spoked Wheel. There are about 350,000,000 Buddhists in the entire world. The sacred writings of Buddhism are called the Tripitaka. 4 th largest religion in the world. Buddhism is a polytheistic religion. Most Buddhists are in Pakistan.

19. Buddhists believe that people must follow the Eightfold Path so that they will have a life of good thought, morality, and wisdom. They also believe that there is no soul, instead people are made of Psychological forces called Skandas, which don’t last forever. They believe that Karma in transferred to your next life. Karma also affects what you turn into in your next life. Buddhists believe that there are four truths of Buddhism, all life is suffering, all suffering is from desire, if there is no desire, there is no suffering, and the way to avoid suffering is the Eightfold path.

20. Beginnings Buddhism originated in Northeastern India. Buddhism began around 2,500 years ago in about 500 B.C. Siddhartha Guatama is the founder of Buddhism.

21. The goals of Buddhists are to make every one become enlightened. The world view of Buddhism is that it’s teachings are trying to solve the universal human problem of suffering, without success. Buddhism does however offer its own version of hope to its followers.

22. History When Siddhartha Gautama was a young prince, his father wanted him to stay happy forever. So Siddhartha was spoiled, and was never anxious, angry, sad, or disappointed, and stayed inside the palace walls for his childhood. Until one day, he realized that he wanted to go beyond the palace and see what other people go through when they are not always given what they want, when they want it. When Siddhartha was a young man, he left home, and wandered in the forest. He encountered a wounded man, an elderly man and a holy man. He later had the moment called “The Enlightenment”, when the question, how do you get rid of suffering, was answered. Siddhartha Guatama became known as The Buddha from then on. Buddha taught the people that the cause of suffering is want, or desire. The solution to suffering is to follow the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path. Buddha eventually gathered disciples to form the first monastery. Buddhism originated from India, and spread to other countries. Then Buddhism started changing because it was exposed to the Native population. Temples were built along with offerings and prayers to the Buddha, because his followers wanted to be like him. Buddha became “the Blessed One”. As Buddhism spread over to China, Korea, and Japan, people started to believe that they themselves could become enlightened like Buddha, and live eternally to help others become enlightened too. Today certain groups of Buddhists believe that they gain salvation by believing in Buddha, and being faithful to him.

23. Clothing Above, there is a picture of Buddhist monks wearing robes, but these are not the only kind of robes for monks, there are many different types of robes. The type of Buddhist you are depends on what kind of robe you would wear. For example, if you were a Theravada monk, you probably would wear a saffron or ochre robe. If you were a Mahayana monk, your robes would vary, depending on climate, and geography. Unless you are a monk, or other important leader of Buddhism, you would dress normally like the family below.

25. Basics of Hinduism The symbol of Hinduism is called Aum. They also believe Aum is the very first sound. There are around 940,000,000 Hindu’s. Hindu’s sacred writings are known as the 4 Vedas. 5 th largest religion in the world. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion. Most Hindus are in India.

26. Beliefs Hindus believe in a cycle of life,death, and birth,or reincarnation. Another belief of Hindus is that Brahman can be thought of in many different ways. They also believe that only a priest can feed, clean, and take care of the statues of their Gods.

27. Beginnings Hinduism was not founded by any one. Hinduism began in the Indus River Valley in India. Hinduism started in 3000 B.C.

28. The goals of Hinduism is to offer the Indian people different choices for dealing with life and faith. Also, to share their faith and religious heritage with the world. The world views Hinduism as a multiple choice approach to solving life’s problems. Due to the large number of gods, goddesses, and spirits, it offers individuality within the religion.

29. History Two very important movements have described Hinduism. One of the movements deal with the beginning of the world and has developed laws of life dealing with communities, and behavior. The other movement is based on worship, beliefs, prayer, and temples, which revolves around many different gods and goddesses. Rivers, shrines and temples are places where the Hindus can meet with different gods or goddesses. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AYL9_-PQyQ&feature=related

30. Clothing This type of clothing is called a sari. Saris are worn by Hindu women. Even though saris have been around for centuries, they are still popular today. A sherwati is a type of Hindu men’s clothing. Sherwatis are usually only worn during ceremonies and celebrations.

33. Basics of Islam Their god is Allah. Their symbol is called the star and crescent. There are about 1,500,000,000. Their sacred writings are the Qu’ran. Second largest religion in the world. Islam is a monotheistic religion. Most of their population is in Pakistan.

35. Beliefs Muslims believe that Muhammad is the final prophet. They also believe that the Qu’ran is the final revelation, even more than the Torah and the Gospel. They believe that Allah is a spirit, and think of angels as messengers from their God. They believe the greatest sin is idolatry or shirking. Which means to keep focus off of their God. The greatest good is total obedience to Allah, and the law.

36. Beginnings Islam originated in Arabia. It began around 700 A.D. Islam was founded by Muhammad the prophet.

37. The goals for Muslims are to promote togetherness, sameness, and for a small portion of the believers,to rid the world of non-believers. The world view of Islam depends upon the geographical location of the nation. The western culture views parts of Islam as inhumane. For example, the women have very few rights, and laws are strictly enforced. The middle eastern culture is mostly Islamic, and religion is tied very closely to the government.

38. History Islam began in Mecca, when Muhammad received a message from Allah in a cave. When Muhammad told others about the message, which was that Allah was the higher power, and all about prayer, fasting, holidays, etc., he was shamed by other people, including his own family. When he reached the age of twenty-five, he got married, and converted his wife and her cousin, and they became the first Muslims. He then led his followers to Medina, and this became known as The Flight to Medina. He then tried to interact with tribal groups, including The Jews. He was forced to form a group of warriors, because the tribes were not interested in working with him. That is when he built the first mosque, from where he ruled. He later died in 632 A.D. After his death, Islam split into groups, based upon leadership. Islam spread to Palestine, India, North Africa, Spain, Persia, China, and the U.S.

39. Clothing The man above is a sheikh, he is wearing a traditional head scarf called a yishamagh, a garment called a dishdash, and a “cape” known as an abaya. A jilbab is a traditional garment for Muslim women. The headdress is called hijab. The clothing is very modest for Muslim women, as you can see above.

42. 2085 B.C.Abraham started Judaism. 1500 B.C.Hinduism began 833 B.C.Jewish temple is built 560 B.C.Buddha started Buddhism 30 A.D.Jesus started Christianity 325 A.D.Christianity became legal 610 A.D.Islam was started by Muhammad 1650 A.D.Tibetan Buddhism-Dalai Lama 1930 A.D.Black Muslims 1965 A.D.Assembly of Yahweh