1. Belief Systems
Established, orderly ways to look at faith, life and death
Animism/ Shinto
Hinduism
Judaism
Christianity
Islam
Buddhism
Confucianism
Taoism

2. Animism Belief that spirits live in the natural world
Mountain and lake worship is common
Practiced by many around the world, including Native Americans
Similar to Shintoism and Taoism of Southeast Asia

3. Hinduism India Polytheistic
Reincarnation – rebirth into a different Caste
Karma and Dharma- live a good life
Caste system (social structure)
Moksha- release from world into peace
Upanishads, Gita, Vedas- holy books

4. Buddhism No gods Reincarnation Karma and Dharma No caste system
4 Noble Truths and 8 Fold Path- life is suffering caused by desire. Use 8 fold path to end desire.
Nirvana- heaven
3 Baskets of Wisdom

5. Islam Allah- God Muhammad- founder and prophet 622 AD
5 Pillars (Hajj, Ramadan)
Mosque- their holy structure
Quran (Koran)
Practiced throughout the Middle East

6. Taoism and Shintoism
Means
“The Way”
Balance and harmony
NATURE
Japan

7. Confucianism Philosophy China
5 Relationships (set examples and follow them)
Filial Piety- respect your elders
Order, structure in society
The Analects (sacred book)

8. Judaism “Jews” Torah- holy Book Synagogue – place of worship
Saturdays are Sabbath day (holy day)
They do not believe the prophet has come (Jesus)
10 commandments

9. Christianity Bible- Holy book Church Jesus is prophet for God
Monotheistic (one God)
10 commandments