Major Religions of Europe Copyright © 2002 Glenna R. Shaw and FTC Publishing All Rights Reserved

Essential Question What are the 3 major religions in Europe and how are they similar and different?

Christianity Christianity began about 2000 years ago

Christian Beliefs Christians believe that God entered into history as Jesus and arose from the dead as the Holy Spirit. 

Christian Beliefs All believers are promised life everlasting. The leader of Christianity was Jesus, and his followers were known as disciples (12).

The Christian Holy Book is known as the Bible.

Christians worship in a Church. Place of Worship Christians worship in a Church.

Christian Population in Europe

Islam Islam began around 600 A.D.

Islam Beliefs ISLAM is the name given to the religion preached by the prophet Muhammad Allah is the Islamic God. People who believe these ideas are called Muslims.

Islam Beliefs Muslims pray five times daily All Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

The holy book of Islam is the Qur’an or Koran.

Muslims worship in a Mosque. Place of Worship Muslims worship in a Mosque.

Islam Population in Europe

Judaism began about 3,000 years ago

Jewish Beliefs Jews think that God will send a Messiah (a deliverer) to unite them and lead them in His way. Judaism teaches that death is not the end and that there is a world to come.

Jewish Beliefs Judaism was the first to teach belief in only one God. Two other important religions developed from Judaism: Christianity and Islam.

The Jewish Holy Book is known as the Torah.

Jews worship in a Synagogue. Place of Worship Jews worship in a Synagogue.

Jewish Population in Europe Country Jews  % of all Jews France 483,000 3.6% United Kingdom 292,000 2.2% Russia 205,000 1.5% Germany 119,000 0.9% Ukraine 71,500 0.5% Belgium 30,300 0.2% Netherland 30,000 0.18% Italy 28,400 0.05% Spain 12,000 0.002%

What do these religions have in common? They are all monotheistic. This means they believe in only ONE God. Jesus has a place in all three religions. All are “Abrahamic” religions