Focus Activity Which of the following religions believes that there is one God, that there is a Heaven & Hell, a final day of judgment for all, and that Abraham is the founder of their belief system? A. Christianity B. Muslims C. Judaism D. All of the Above

What do these symbols mean to you?

Religions Objective: - The student will understand the major world religions as well as their impact on world history. - In what ways are the world’s major religions both the same and different?

Buddhism Wheel of the Law

History of Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama= The Buddha - Raised a devout Hindu, but thought that there was more to life that just living a life of repeated birth after birth…Must be an easier way to Heaven. Journeys to a place in the wilderness to “talk to God” - Here in the wilderness he has a revelation from God in which he is given orders to found a new religion. Because of his revelation from God, Siddhartha Gautama changes his name to the “Buddha” which means “Enlightened One”. Since then 354 million followers worldwide have become Buddhist. They are found mostly in SE Asia, Sri Lanka, and Japan. Buddha’s teachings = Dharma

Principal Beliefs of Buddhism People achieve complete peace and happiness, known as nirvana, by eliminating their attachment to worldly things. 3 Cardinal Faults Greed - Pig Hatred - Snake Delusion - Rooster Sacred Writings Perfection of Wisdom Sutra – has 8,000 verses that relate the life and teachings of the Buddha

Relevance Using the paper provided, and the markers at your table, come up with a symbol that you think describes Buddhism. Remember, Buddhism is a religion based on Peace, Happiness, and Calmness.

Confucianism Yin-Yang – represents opposite forces in the world working together. It symbolizes the social order and harmony that Confucianism stresses.

History of Confucianism Not what you would consider a religion like most others. Has no clergy, no gods to worship, but is rather an ancient philosophy that guides the actions and beliefs of millions of Chinese and others. Led by a man named Confucius, who became the father of Confucianism and is viewed by many as a deity, or God. Confucius’ Golden Rule: “Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.” Confucianism stresses social and civic responsibility. It is a way of life, that respects its family & elders. Analects (Written Record of Confucianism) Around 400 B.C., Confucius’ students compiled his words in this book which is the earliest and most authentic record of his ideas.

Principal Beliefs of Confucianism Confucius was a teacher, and believed that education was an important part of a fulfilled life. Confucius’s birthday is celebrated on September 28 in East Asia. It is known in Taiwan as Teacher’s Day. People build shrines in their homes to honor deceased relatives. Family offers prayers and food at the shrine. Principal Beliefs of Confucianism Social order, harmony and good government should be based on strong family relationships. Respect for parents and elders is important to a well-ordered society Education is important both to the welfare of the individual and to society.

Relevance Using the paper provided, and the markers at your table, come up with a symbol that you think describes Confucianism. Remember, Confucianism is a religion based on Balance… Good v. Evil.

Hinduism The World’s Oldest Religion Sacred Om Most sacred syllable for Hindus. It is used in prayers

It is recorded by tradition (oral and written) Three main Gods: Brahma Vishnu Shiva It is recorded by tradition (oral and written) Spread by holy men (gurus who travel from village to village sharing the god’s words) Never spreads out of India – evangelically – no attempts at conversion Ritual India’s Ganges River – considered a sacred site in the religion. Most Hindus come to bathe in the water, an act they believe will cleanse and purify them

Sacred text 3 Main Beliefs Vedas – Oldest of Hindu Scriptures Older than the sacred writings of any other major religion Contains prayers and hymns It is the nature of reality, morality, eternal life, and the soul 3 Main Beliefs The soul never dies, but is continually reborn (reincarnation) Persons achieve happiness and enlightenment after they free themselves from their earthly desires Freedom from earthly desires comes from a lifetime of worship, knowledge, and virtuous acts

Relevance Using the paper provided, and the markers at your table, come up with a symbol that you think describes Hinduism. Remember, Hinduism is a religion based on life as a cycle that repeats.

Islam Crescent Moon May be related to the new moon that begins each month in the Islamic lunar calendar, which orders religious life for Muslims

Followers of Islam are called Muslims. History of Islam Followers of Islam are called Muslims. This religion was founded by Muhammad, who Muslims feel is the true prophet of God. Muslims believe that God (known as Allah) teaches about all prophets of Judaism & Christianity. The religion split into 2 groups in the 7th century – Shi’i and Sunni Muslims Shi’i accept only the descendants of Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law, as true rulers of the Islamic religion Sunni are the larger group, believing in Muhammad and other Islamic prophets Muslims are forbidden to gamble, eat pork, drink alcoholic beverages, and practice dishonesty

5 times a day Muslims face Mecca (the holy city) and pray to Allah. The Life of a Muslim Muslims are forbidden to gamble, eat pork, drink alcoholic beverages, and practice dishonesty. 5 times a day Muslims face Mecca (the holy city) and pray to Allah. The Qur’an is required to be read each day by Muslims. Sacred book of Muslims Five Pillars of Islam Faith – in 1 God and Muhammad is the messenger Prayer – 5 times a day Almsgiving (charity) Fasting – refraining from food and drink from dawn to sunset during holy month of Ramadan Pilgrimage – making a once in a lifetime visit to Mecca.

Relevance Using the paper provided, and the markers at your table, illustrate the Five Pillars of Islam. Be sure to include what is required at each pillar.

Judaism The Star of David -Shield of David -Refers to King David who ruled the Kingdom of Israel from 1000-962 B.C.

The Jews are what’s known as “God’s Chosen People” History of Judaism Comes about in the year 2000 B.C….Abraham is the father of the Hebrew people. The Jews are what’s known as “God’s Chosen People” All through the Torah – first of five books of the Hebrew bible – the savior is coming, the savior is on his way. 10 Commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai Judaism teaches that a person serves God by studying the Torah and living by its teachings. Main Beliefs There is only one God, who watches over and cares for his people God loves and protects his people, but also holds people accountable for their sins and shortcomings Persons serve God by studying the Torah and living by its teachings Some follow strict dietary laws based on passages from the Hebrew Bible. Kosher laws forbid the eating of animals considered unclean.

God is also known as Yahweh – first religion to teach the existence of only one god. When Jesus is born, most Jews reject him as their Savior…Accusing him of blasphemy they crucify him. About 14 million followers practice Judaism centering mostly in Israel. These people still await their kings arrival. Customs and Beliefs A Rabbi- head of the church -performs ceremonial duties in the Synagogue Some follow strict dietary laws based on passages from the Hebrew Bible. Kosher laws forbid the eating of animals considered unclean.

Christianity

History of Christianity Christianity is simply the Jewish religion that believes Jesus was the Savior of the world. When Jesus comes to earth, and proclaims his “kingship” people who accept that are called Christians. God is considered the “Father” of Jesus, and Christians are followers of Jesus. The Bible Most sacred book of the Christian religion. Series of “books” written to prophesy about the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. 2 parts – Old Testament and New Testament Ministers Clergymen are the leaders of religious ceremonies and practices in the church. They are called pastors, bishops, clergy and other names. Beliefs There is only one God, who watches over and cares for his people Jesus Christ was the son of God. He died to save humanity from sin. His death and resurrection made eternal life possible for others

The three main groups of Christianity are: Today, there are approximately 1.9 Billion followers worldwide. The majorities being in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Former U.S.S.R. It is the world’s largest religion – having people on all seven continents being followers of Jesus. The three main groups of Christianity are: Eastern Orthodox Roman Catholic Christianity Protestant

Creating Your Own Religion Using the information you have collected in your notes, create your own religion. It must contain the following: Name of your God Symbol of your religion (Not used already) What you call your believers How do you spread it? 5 Core Beliefs