 Hinduism is the Oldest major religion  Islam is the youngest major religion  Monotheistic Faiths studied -Judaism -Zoroastrianism -Christianity -Islam  Polytheistic Faiths studied -Hinduism-Jainism-Shintoism  Abrahamic Religions = Judaism, Christianity, Islam

 These are the 5 actions Muslims must make  5 Pillars of Islam  1. Shahadah – Statement of Faith (I believe in Allah)  2. Salat – Pray 5 times a day  3. Sawm – Fasting (giving up food/drink, something)  4. Zakat – Giving $ to needy (or donating in Mosque)  5. Hajj – Must make 1 trip to Mecca in your life

 These are not meant to be depressing or sad  This is a belief-system about overcoming suffering and becoming enlightened  Just know the 4 truths, you will not need to explain the 8-fold path (look up if interested)  The 4 Noble Truths of Buddhism  1. Life is suffering  2. Suffering comes from Desires  3. If you end desire, you can end suffering  4. The 8-fold path is the path to ending desire

 Hinduism believes in the Caste-System  Buddhism and Jainism believe in Equality of all life.  Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism are all Indian.  Believe in not harming any life form? 1). Buddhism 2). Jainism (yes, pronounced Ji-niz-um)

 1). Similarities/Differences -Hinduism is pro-caste system -Buddhism/Jainism are against it b/c of equality -All 3 are Indian Religions, believe in Karma, and believe in Reincarnation -Buddhism have no gods/deities in their religion -Jainism & Hinduism can have many gods

 2). Divisions of religions Christianity (hardest one for this question) = Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant; divisions are based on differing beliefs about Christianity. Protestants believe in a personal relationship with God instead of needing a church to build the relationship with God.

 Islam (easier) = Sunni – Believe the Caliph (leader of Islamic Faith) should be elected after Muhammad’s Death Shi’ite (or Shi’a) – Believe the Caliph should be a relative of Muhammad (Ali) instead of elected

 Buddhism (easier) = Theravada (less religious branch)– These Buddhists believe in the old teachings and do not think Buddha should be worshipped or include lots of rituals. Mahayana (more religious branch) – These Buddhists believe that there should be rituals and practices to guide followers of Buddha

 3). Relationship between Gov’t and religions -Government sometimes adopt religions and then they become more popular and spread. -Examples: Christianity in Rome Hinduism in India -Government sometimes oppress religions because their beliefs don’t fit with the culture -Examples: Rome oppressing Jews/Christians Buddhism oppressed in India

 4). Why do some religions die and some don’t? -Diffusion: spread of religion through trade/war -Government adopts religion and it therefore spreads throughout the culture -Missionaries spread religion