World Religions Copyright © 2002 Glenna R. Shaw and FTC Publishing All Rights Reserved

Five Major World Religions Christianity Buddhism Islam Hinduism Judaism

Five Main Questions When or How did this religion start? What is their philosophy/ beliefs? Who is their god or gods? What is their sacred texts or holy book? How many followers and where in the world?

Christianity Christianity started about 2,000 years ago, mid 1st century CE (1) Jesus, or the Messiah, was a Jewish boy who disagreed with some of the Jewish principles of his day began to profess a new way of thinking. (1) This eventually led to the beginning of the Christian religion. (1)

Christianity Jesus was the son of God. (2) Faith in Jesus Christ will save you from sin. (2) God is the Creator of the universe. There is one God, Who is Three  Persons-      Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (3)

Christianity The Bible is the Holy Book that records God's revelation. (4) All believers are promised life everlasting. (2) The leader of Christianity was Jesus, and the followers was his 12 disciples. Approximately 2.2 billion Christians in the world. (5)

Buddhism 6-4th Cent. BCE (1) Founding person of Buddhism is Siddhartha Guatama, in NE India (1) He became the Buddha (3) One Buddha, many images (3) Buddhism is a major religion in China, Japan, India, and Tibet. (5)

The Major Philosophy of Buddhism Buddhism states that existence is a continuing cycle of death and rebirth called reincarnation. (2) Each person's position in life is determined by his or her behavior in the previous life. This is known as their "karma" (also a Hindu belief). (2)

The Major Philosophy of Buddhism (2) Believe in 4 Noble Truth Life is suffering Suffering is caused because of cravings and aversions True happiness is possible Follow 8 Fold Path to happiness

Buddhism Buddhism is the second fastest growing religion. Approximately 376 million Buddhists (5) Various holy books First holy book, Tripitaka (4)

Islam ISLAM is the name given to the religion preached by the prophet Muhammad in the 7th Century CE. (1) The Islamic religion started in the area known as Palestine. (1) most Muslims are in the Middle East, South Asia, Indonesia, and parts of Africa. (5)

Islam The holy book of Islam is the Koran/Qur’an. Muslims believe its words to be those of Allah himself, spoken to Muhammad by an angel. (4) Allah, is the Islamic God. (3)

Islamic Philosophy 5 Pillars of Islam (2) No God but God Pray 5 times a day Alms Fasting (Ramadan) Pilgrimage to Mecca

Islam Muslims learn that life on earth is a period of testing and preparation for the life to come. People should behave themselves and help others, trusting in Allah's justice and mercy for their reward. Approximately 1.5 billion Muslims (5)

Hinduism HINDUISM is one of the world's oldest religions, began in India. 17th Century BCE (1) Over 2/3's of the world's Hindus live in India; large numbers reside in Africa also. (5)

Hindu Philosophy Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. They recognize one supreme spirit called Brahman (the Absolute). (3) The Goal of Hindus is moksha. Until that union takes place, believers are in a continuous process of rebirth called "reincarnation.“ (2)

Hinduism At death, the Hindu's deeds (karma) determine what the next life will be. Hinduism has many sacred books, the oldest being a series called the "Vedas.“ (4) Traditional Hindu society was divided into groups of four classes (or varnas). This was known as the "caste system." (2) Approximately 900 million Hindus (5)

Judaism About 18th Century BCE. JUDAISM was the first to teach belief in only one God. Two other important religions developed from Judaism: Christianity and Islam. (1)

Judaism Jews think that God will send a Messiah (a deliverer) to unite them and lead them in His way. (2) Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah. The Jewish people do not agree; they anticipate His arrival in the future. (3) Judaism teaches that death is not the end and that there is a world to come. (2)

Judaism The "Torah," the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is the most important Jewish scripture. (4) It contains the basic laws of Judaism. Another important book is the "Talmud," serving primarily as a guide to the civil and religious laws of Judaism. (4)

Jewish Philosophy We have the obligation to worship The Torah is God's law God is judge The Messiah will come. (2)

Judaism The Jewish house of worship is called a synagogue. Rabbis (spiritual leaders) conduct services, act as interpreters of Jewish laws, and deliver sermons. Today there are over 18 million followers of Judaism scattered throughout the world. A large number live in the Jewish nation of Israel. Over six million live in the United States. (5)