WORLD RELIGIONS REVIEW

WORLD RELIGIONS JUDAISM

Place of Origin and Founder Judaism is the world’s oldest religion. It was founded in the Middle East by Abraham. Today, the nation of Israel is the homeland of the Jewish people.

GOD OF JUDAISM Jews believe in the God (Yahweh) of the Old Testament of the Bible. Jews believe God is the Creator of everything and that He is eternal.

SACRED BOOK OF JUDAISM The most sacred book of Judaism is called the Torah. The Torah is the first 5 books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and was written by Moses in the Hebrew language. The Talmud is a guide that explains the laws of the Torah.

JEWISH HOUSE OF WORSHIP The Jewish house of worship is called a synagogue. The synagogue has 3 functions: House of Prayer House of Assembly House of Study Rabbis (give the sermon) and cantors (lead music) help lead Jewish services.

GENERAL BELIEFS Monotheistic (belief in only one God) Jews believe God will someday send a Messiah to unite them and lead them in His way. Jews do not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Judaism teaches that death is not the end and that there is a world to come. (Precise details of the afterlife are not part of the Jewish belief.)

WORLD RELIGIONS CHRISTIANITY

PLACE OF ORIGIN & FOUNDER Christianity developed in the Middle East. Historically, the religion began with the birth of Jesus Christ in the city of Bethlehem. Jesus’ birth is the dividing point for B.C. and A.D. eras.

GOD OF CHRISTIANITY Christians believe in the same God that Jews worship. Christians believe that God is a trinity (3 persons): God the Father God the Son (Jesus) God the Holy Spirit

SACRED BOOK OF CHRISTIANITY The most sacred book of Christianity is the Bible. It is divided into the Old and New Testaments. OT: describes life before Jesus’ birth. NT: describes Jesus’ life and teachings, the early church, and what faith in Jesus means

CHRISTIAN HOUSE OF WORSHIP The Christian house of worship is called a church. Most Christian denominations hold worship services on Sundays. It is the first day of the week and the day Jesus arose from the dead.

GENERAL BELIEFS Monotheistic (belief in only one god) Christians believe that God sent His Son, Jesus, to save people from their sins and give them eternal life. Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah. Christians believe that death is not the end of life because Jesus promised eternal life to all believers. Christians believe that after death, they will be judged and either rewarded or punished.

WORLD RELIGIONS ISLAM b9

PLACE OF ORIGIN AND FOUNDER Islam is the name given to the religion preached by the prophet Muhammed in the 600s C.E. Islam in Arabic means submission. It began in the Middle East in the country of Saudi Arabia.

GOD OF ISLAM The God of Islam is Allah. Muslims believe Allah is the sole god, the creator, sustainer, and restorer of the world. According to Islam, the overall purpose of life is to serve and worship Allah and live a moral lifestyle.

SACRED BOOK OF ISLAM The most sacred book of Islam is the Qur’an (Koran). Muslims believe its words are those of Allah, spoken to Muhammed by an angel. The Qur’an is written in the Arabic language. Parts of the Qur’an are similar to the Christian Bible.

ISLAMIC HOUSE OF WORSHIP The Islamic house of worship is called a mosque. Muslims are expected to pray 5 times daily. All prayers are said facing the holy city of Mecca. The imam gives the call to prayer and sermons are often given on Fridays by the khatib.

BELIEFS: THE 5 PILLARS OF ISLAM Profession of Faith: There is no God but Allah and Muhammed is his prophet. Prayer: 5 times daily (facing Mecca) The Zakat: tax paid to the gov’t yearly Fasting: no food or drinks from daybreak to sunset during the month of Ramadan Hajj: pilgrimage (religious trip) to Mecca at least once during lifetime B4

WORLD RELIGIONS HINDUISM B5

PLACE OF ORIGIN AND FOUNDER Hinduism was named for the Indus River in India where it began over 4,000 years ago. In Hinduism, the first man was Manu. Therefore, he is sometimes viewed as the founder of the religion.

GOD OF HINDUISM Hindus believe in many gods, or forms of the gods, numbering in the thousands. Brahman is the supreme being or highest god. The three most well-known gods are Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva.

Sacred Book of Hinduism Hinduism has many sacred books. The oldest sacred book is the Vedas. The Vedas were written in the Sanskrit language.

Hindu House of Worship The Hindu house of worship is called a temple. Most Hindu homes also have a shrine where family members worship.

GENERAL BELIEFS Hinduism is a polytheistic religion (belief in many gods). The goal of Hindus is to someday join with Brahman, the supreme being. Hindus believe in reincarnation, the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Hindus work to achieve moksha (spiritual perfection) so that they break the cycle of reincarnation and join with Brahman.

WORLD RELIGIONS BUDDHISM B6,7,8

PLACE OF ORIGIN AND FOUNDER Buddhism was founded in India about 2,500 years ago. The founder of Buddhism was Prince Siddhartha Guatama. Guatama’s followers called him The Buddha. Buddha means “the enlightened one.”

GOD OF BUDDHISM Buddhists do not believe in a god or gods. Buddhists do not believe in the existence of a human soul.

SACRED BOOK OF BUDDHISM Tripitaka Means “Three Baskets” because the manuscripts were kept in 3 woven baskets Includes conversations the Buddha had when he was teaching

HOUSE OF WORSHIP The Buddhist house of worship is called a temple. Meditation and chanting form an important part of Buddhist devotional practices. Most followers recognize the existence of many different Buddhas.

GENERAL BELIEFS Faith in 3 Jewels: Belief in Buddha Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) Sangha (religious community or order of monks Buddha founded) In order to find enlightenment, Buddhists must recognize the Four Noble Truths: All life is suffering. Suffering stems from desire. There can be an end to desire. The way is the Eightfold Path.