1. Religions of the World Characteristics

3. Characteristics of Religion When we talk about the “major religions” of the world we are referring to the following: Christianity Judaism Islam Buddhism Hinduism

5. Characteristics of Religion Each of these religions share what we call a set of ‘characteristics’. These characteristics are common to all, but at the same time are unique for each of the traditions. Such characteristics allow us to compare and contrast these traditions and so help us to understand more about them.

7. Characteristics of Religion These characteristics are: 1.Beliefs 2.Sacred Stories 3.Sacred texts 4.Rituals 5.Sacred Symbols 6.Social Structures 7.Religious Rites 8.Religious Experience

9. Characteristics of Religion BELIEFS: All traditions share a belief in God or Gods as well as beliefs about human nature and the meaning and purpose of life and the proper way to live one’s life.

11. Characteristics of Religion SACRED STORIES: Religions express their beliefs in statements or creeds or in ‘stories’. These can include myths, legends and parables. They help ‘tell’ others about the tradition

13. Characteristics of Religion SACRED TEXTS : These may include writings that are believed to be the actual copies of the words of God or words written down by people inspired by God.

15. Characteristics of Religion RITUALS: A ritual is a prescribed pattern of religious behaviour. They contain definite structures and use symbols to make them work.

17. Characteristics of Religion SACRED SYMBOLS: All religions have their symbols. They attempt to capture in visual form something that is important or central to the tradition. They are a sort of visual summary of the whole religion.

19. Characteristics of Religion SOCIALSTRUCTURES These include sacred time, space and persons. This involves the when and where people worship as well as important people within the tradition – past and present

21. Characteristics of Religion RELIGIOUS ETHICS: All religions have some sort of code of approved moral conduct. This code may be derived through sacred texts, doctrines or traditional leadership

23. Characteristics of Religion RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE: When a person participates in a religious tradition, holds its beliefs and is conscious of sacred time and space – he or she is open to religious experience.