MAJOR BELIEF SYSTEMS

Animism Founder: no one founder Holy Book: none Major Beliefs: Polytheistic objects in nature each have their own spirits ancestor worship because they watch over the living Similar to Shinto Nations/Regions: Africa & Natives in Americas

Shinto Founder: no one founder Holy Book: n/a Major Beliefs: Polytheistic Spirits in nature (kami) and in forces of nature (ex: tsunami) shrines usually by sites of natural beauty ancestor worship similar to animism Nations/Regions: Japan

Hinduism Founder: no one founder Holy Book: no one book (sacred text include the Vedas) Major Beliefs: Polytheistic (most important: Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu) Reincarnation based on karma Social caste system by birth Priests Warriors Landowners Peasants Untouchables Nations/Regions: India

Buddhism Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Holy Book: no one book Major Beliefs: reincarnation until you reach nirvana (enlightenment) Four Noble Truths life is full of suffering human desire causes suffering end desire = end suffering end desire by following Eight Fold Path Nations/Regions: India, spread to China & Japan (by way of Korea – cultural bridge)

Confucianism Founder: Confucius Holy Book: The Analects Major Beliefs: preserving social order & moral standards Five Relationships – superior person & inferior person Ruler – subject Husband – wife Father – Son Old bro. – young bro. Friend – friend filial piety (respect for elders) civil service exams based on Confucius teachings Nations/Regions: China

Judaism Founder: Abraham & Moses Holy Book: Torah (Old Testament of Bible) Major Beliefs: Monotheistic (first one!) Is the basis for Christianity & Islam Follow the 10 Commandments (forbids stealing, murder, adultery) Faced anti-semitism throughout history Nations/Regions: Middle East, spread worldwide

Christianity Founder: Jesus Christ Holy Book: Holy Bible (Old & New Testament ) Major Beliefs: Monotheistic Follow the 10 Commandments Jesus was the son of God & is the savior church was a unifying force during middle ages Nations/Regions: Middle East, spread worldwide

Islam Founder: Mohammed Holy Book: Koran (Qu’ran) Major Beliefs: Monotheistic Believers are called Muslims & worship Allah Follow the Five Pillars Confess Faith – one God, Allah Prayer – 5x a day facing Mecca Charity – give alms to the poor Fasting – during Ramadan Pilgrimage – hajj to Mecca Nations/Regions: Middle East, spread worldwide

Sample Multiple Choice Questions 4 3 2 1