Religions Of The World

An Introduction To Religions Abrahamic Religions are by far the largest group Indian religions tend to share a few key concepts like Dharma and Karma Far Eastern religions consist of several East Asian religions which make use of the concept of Tao.

Buddhism Buddhist’s follow the concept of the three jewels: – Buddha (The Awakened One) – Dharma (Teaching of the Buddha) – Sangha (Community of Buddhists) Goal: To end suffering through study, meditation, cultivation of wisdom, altruistic behavior, and ethical conduct. Siddhartha Gautama – Encountered the “Four Sights” at a young age Led to his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree Must find a “middle way” between self indulgence and self mortification Died eventually of food poisoning Karma is a central concept – Cause and effect play into everyday life

Buddhism Continued The “Four Noble Truths” The path of enlightenment and of humanity – 1. Suffering – 2. Arising of Suffering – 3. Cessation of Suffering – 4. The Path Leading to the End of Suffering (Noble Eightfold Path) The Noble Eightfold Path 8 Concepts to follow in everyday life The way to the end of suffering and to the achievement of enlightenment Bodhisattva- Religious personnel who has the dharma within reach, but “stays behind” to talk with others and share with them the path to enlightenment. Rebirth By the ways of Karma, and the succession of lives, a person travels through many realms Shakyamuni Buddha Not a god Religious icon Shares with the people through text, the ways to enlightenment.

Christianity Monotheism Centered on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth Presented in the New Testament Jesus Of Nazareth Son of God, “Messiah” A teacher, and model of virtuous life Savior of humanity Suffered, Died, and Resurrected for salvation from sin Most Christians accept that he ascended into “Heaven” Will return to judge the world, and to grant his followers everlasting life Spoken messages in the “Gospel” Began as a Jewish sect, spread through many kingdoms and religious empires Creeds Concise Doctrinal Statements or Confessions Different among different sects of Christianity Trinity Three co-existing persons – Father, Son, Holy Spirit

Christianity Cont. Bible Main religious text Interpreted differently among different Christian faiths Afterlife Depending upon your conduct on the Earth, you are sent either to Eternal Salvation, “Heaven” Eternal Damnation, “Hell” Practices Sacraments A rite instituted by Christ that “mediates grace” Churches Followers typically go to church on a specified day of the week Co-worship, with other followers Active religion

Confucianism Ethical and Philosophical system Based on the teachings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius