*World Religions Why did early civilizations have a need for or turn to religion? What do you think are the 5 major world religions across the world.

Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. World Religions Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

Religion An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, practices, and worship that centers on one or more gods. Religion has had a significant impact on world history. Religion has: Guided the beliefs and actions of millions worldwide. Brought people together Torn them apart.

Religion continues to thrive today! Today religion continues to be a dominant force throughout the world. Religion affects: What people wear How people behave So on and so forth (etc.)

A Global View

Why Religion?? There is no definite answer to why religion was born. Some thoughts and theories: People searched for an explanation for human existence. Many seek enlightenment (education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge ) People desire an explanation to the unexplainable

5 Major Religions of the World Hinduism Buddhism Judaism Christianity Islam

Hinduism Hinduism is the world’s oldest Religion. Hinduism is a collection of religious beliefs that forms no one system. Was not founded by one single person. Major religion of India. Hindu Beliefs Each person has a soul. Hindus Worship several gods which represent the most divine spirit Brahman. Brahman is the most divine spirit in the Hindu Religion. Brahman brings together all the individual souls.

Hinduism Stresses that in order to reach enlightenment or true happiness people must free themselves from earthly desires. Achieve this goal through Worship Attainment of knowledge Lifetime of virtuous acts. Hindus believe that the soul is born again into another body after death. In the next life the soul has another chance to learn its lessons. How a person behaves in one life will effect the person’s next life.

Buddhism Buddhism has been a dominant religious, cultural and social force throughout Asia. Buddhism started around 528 B.C. Buddhists are united in their belief of the Buddha’s teachings known as the dharma. Buddha means the “enlightened one”

Buddhism Buddhism is based on 4 noble truths. Life is filled with suffering and sorrow. Suffering is caused by people pursuing the immediate pleasures of the world. The way to end suffering is to end all desires. The way to end all desires is to follow the Eightfold path leading to nirvana. Nirvana= a release from selfishness. Much like Hinduism Buddhists believe that the soul would be born into a new life until the soul reached understanding.

Judaism Judaism is the religion of more than 13 million Jews throughout the world. Was the 1st major religion to teach the existence of only 1 god. Basic Laws and teachings of Judaism come from the Torah. Torah—first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Judaism teaches that a person serves god by studying the Torah and living its teachings.

Christianity Christianity is the largest religion in the world with about 1.9 billion followers. Based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Believe that Jesus is the son of God and entered the world and died to save humanity from sin. Believe they will reach salvation by following the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Christianity Three main groups of Christians Roman Catholic Protestant Eastern Orthodox Many other sects of Christianity would break off of these three main groups.

Islam Religion based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad. Followers of Islam are known as Muslims Live throughout the world. Muslims believe in all prophets of Judaism and Christianity.

Islam Muslims show their devotion by performing lifelong acts of worship known as the Five Pillars. The Five Pillars Faith Prayer Almsgiving(charity) Fasting Pilgrimage

This is just a glimpse at the five major religions of the world This is just a glimpse at the five major religions of the world. There are many other religions world wide, but in most cases these religions arose as a spin off of one of these five major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Writing Prompt: On a separate sheet of paper answer the following question: Why do you think so many people across the world choose to practice some sort of religion?