The Five Major Religions

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU BluePrint Skill: Compare and contrast the tenets of the five major world religions (i.e., Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism).

Main Menu Christianity Islam Hinduism Judaism Buddhism

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUChristianity The early Hebrews who eventually developed into the Jewish religion became the foundation of Christianity. Jesus, or the Messiah, was a Jewish boy who disagreed with some of the Jewish principles of his day began to profess a new way of thinking. This eventually led to the beginning of the Christian religion. The early Hebrews who eventually developed into the Jewish religion became the foundation of Christianity. Jesus, or the Messiah, was a Jewish boy who disagreed with some of the Jewish principles of his day began to profess a new way of thinking. This eventually led to the beginning of the Christian religion.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Event A: Birth of Jesus Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar, ordered a census Joseph & Mary have to travel 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem No room in the inn so forced to stay in a stable Little is know of Jesus childhood Jesus begins his 30 years old after he was Baptized by John the Baptist Jesus goes into wilderness for 40 days John proclaims Jesus as the messiah, the savior-king that Jews believed God would send. Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar, ordered a census Joseph & Mary have to travel 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem No room in the inn so forced to stay in a stable Little is know of Jesus childhood Jesus begins his 30 years old after he was Baptized by John the Baptist Jesus goes into wilderness for 40 days John proclaims Jesus as the messiah, the savior-king that Jews believed God would send.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Event B: Jesus’ Teachings Chose 12 disciples or followers Most important teachings were to “love God” & “your neighbor” Taught in parables- simple stories that contained important messages Could gain eternal life following God’s will Performed miracles: cured diseases, restored sight, raised the dead, calming storms, changing water to wine, walking on water Chose 12 disciples or followers Most important teachings were to “love God” & “your neighbor” Taught in parables- simple stories that contained important messages Could gain eternal life following God’s will Performed miracles: cured diseases, restored sight, raised the dead, calming storms, changing water to wine, walking on water

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Event C: The Crucifixion & Resurrection Jesus went to Jerusalem when he was 33 to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover Pharisees & Sadducees (Jewish religious leaders) resented and feared Jesus’ popularity as a teacher Jewish authorities found Jesus guilty of Blasphemy b/c he called himself the Son of God They took Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect, for sentencing Jesus went to Jerusalem when he was 33 to celebrate the Jewish festival of Passover Pharisees & Sadducees (Jewish religious leaders) resented and feared Jesus’ popularity as a teacher Jewish authorities found Jesus guilty of Blasphemy b/c he called himself the Son of God They took Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect, for sentencing

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUChristianity Christianity started about 2000 years ago about the same time of Jesus. The central point of Christian belief is that God, the Father, entered into human history as the Son, Jesus of Nazereth, and arose as the Holy Spirit. Christianity started about 2000 years ago about the same time of Jesus. The central point of Christian belief is that God, the Father, entered into human history as the Son, Jesus of Nazereth, and arose as the Holy Spirit.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Christian Philosophy God is the Creator of the universe. There is one God, Who is Three Persons- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus is both fully man and fully God. He was born of the Virgin Mary Crucified, resurrected from the dead, and ascended to the Father. God is the Creator of the universe. There is one God, Who is Three Persons- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus is both fully man and fully God. He was born of the Virgin Mary Crucified, resurrected from the dead, and ascended to the Father.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Christian Philosophy Sin and Evil are realities in our existence. The Bible is the Holy Book that records God's revelation. All believers are promised life everlasting. The leader of Christianity was Jesus, and the followers was his 12 disciples. Sin and Evil are realities in our existence. The Bible is the Holy Book that records God's revelation. All believers are promised life everlasting. The leader of Christianity was Jesus, and the followers was his 12 disciples.

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NEXTBACK MAIN MENU CHRIST IMAGES-AFTER 3RD C MORE REALISM AS TEACHER –BREAKING LOAVES –RAISING LAZARUS –VARIOUS MIRACLES

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU CHRIST IMAGES AFTER 4TH C BEARDED, CLOTHING STYLE CHANGES

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Early Christians were pacifists and would not serve in the army Christians held monogamous marriages to be sacred Roman officials blamed and punished Christians for plagues, famines, and other disasters Most Roman emperors continued to persecute Christians (Nero, Dacius, Valerian, Diocletian) Early Christians were pacifists and would not serve in the army Christians held monogamous marriages to be sacred Roman officials blamed and punished Christians for plagues, famines, and other disasters Most Roman emperors continued to persecute Christians (Nero, Dacius, Valerian, Diocletian)

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU What is Buddhism? Buddhism is a major world religion, or in a better sense, philosophy. It is the 4 th largest religion of the world, and has about 300,000,000 people living by it. It explains the purpose of life, injustices and inequality around the world. It also helps people by providing a way of life that will lead to true happiness.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUBuddhism Founding person of Buddhism is Siddhartha Guatama, the Buddha The Dalai Lama is a Buddhist monk who remains the leader of the Tibetans. Buddhism is a major religion in China, Japan, India, and Tibet. Founding person of Buddhism is Siddhartha Guatama, the Buddha The Dalai Lama is a Buddhist monk who remains the leader of the Tibetans. Buddhism is a major religion in China, Japan, India, and Tibet.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU What Did Buddha Teach? He taught the 4 Noble truths which sum up Buddhism religion He also taught the noble eight fold path He taught to lead a moral life, be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions and to develop wisdom and understanding He also taught the 5 precepts He taught the 4 Noble truths which sum up Buddhism religion He also taught the noble eight fold path He taught to lead a moral life, be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions and to develop wisdom and understanding He also taught the 5 precepts

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU What are the Four Noble Truths? The first was that life is suffering You can’t live without death, frustration, etc. The second is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion Getting what you want doesn’t guarantee happiness, it deprives you of it The third is that suffering can be overcome, and true happiness attained If we stop craving useless things, and live each day at a time (not living in the future) we will be happy and free. The fourth is that the Noble eight fold path leads to the end of all suffering The first was that life is suffering You can’t live without death, frustration, etc. The second is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion Getting what you want doesn’t guarantee happiness, it deprives you of it The third is that suffering can be overcome, and true happiness attained If we stop craving useless things, and live each day at a time (not living in the future) we will be happy and free. The fourth is that the Noble eight fold path leads to the end of all suffering

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU The Major Philosophy of Buddhism Love: without conditions Compassion: or feeling at one with the person who is suffering Sympathetic Joy:Celebrate the happiness of others, and do not resent their good fortune. Impartiality: Treat everyone equally, and do not use others for personal gain or to win approval. Love: without conditions Compassion: or feeling at one with the person who is suffering Sympathetic Joy:Celebrate the happiness of others, and do not resent their good fortune. Impartiality: Treat everyone equally, and do not use others for personal gain or to win approval.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU The Major Philosophy of Buddhism Buddhism states that existence is a continuing cycle of death and rebirth called reincarnation. Each person's position in life is determined by his or her behavior in the previous life. This is known as their "karma" (also a Hindu belief). Buddhism states that existence is a continuing cycle of death and rebirth called reincarnation. Each person's position in life is determined by his or her behavior in the previous life. This is known as their "karma" (also a Hindu belief).

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUBuddhism Buddhism is the one of the world's oldest universal religions and it is the second fastest growing religion.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUIslam ISLAM is the name given to the religion preached by the prophet Muhammad in the 600s A. D. Islam began in Saudi Arabia, in the Middle East It has about 850 million followers, most of them in the region north and east of the Mediterranean Sea. ISLAM is the name given to the religion preached by the prophet Muhammad in the 600s A. D. Islam began in Saudi Arabia, in the Middle East It has about 850 million followers, most of them in the region north and east of the Mediterranean Sea.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUIslam The holy book of Islam is the "Koran." Muslims believe its words to be those of Allah himself, spoken to Muhammad by an angel. Allah, is the Islamic God. People who believe these ideas are called Muslims. The holy book of Islam is the "Koran." Muslims believe its words to be those of Allah himself, spoken to Muhammad by an angel. Allah, is the Islamic God. People who believe these ideas are called Muslims.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Islamic Philosophy Muslims learn that life on earth is a period of testing and preparation for the life to come. Angels record good and bad deeds. People should behave themselves and help others, trusting in Allah's justice and mercy for their reward. Muslims learn that life on earth is a period of testing and preparation for the life to come. Angels record good and bad deeds. People should behave themselves and help others, trusting in Allah's justice and mercy for their reward.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUIslam Muslims pray five times daily in their mosques (churches). While praying, they face the holy city of Mecca (in Saudi-Arabia) and sometimes kneel with faces to the ground. All Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage (trip to a sacred place) to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Muslims pray five times daily in their mosques (churches). While praying, they face the holy city of Mecca (in Saudi-Arabia) and sometimes kneel with faces to the ground. All Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage (trip to a sacred place) to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUHinduism HINDUISM is one of the world's oldest religions. Over 2/3's of the world's Hindus live in India; large numbers reside in Africa also. Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. They recognize one supreme spirit called Brahman ("the Absolute.") HINDUISM is one of the world's oldest religions. Over 2/3's of the world's Hindus live in India; large numbers reside in Africa also. Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. They recognize one supreme spirit called Brahman ("the Absolute.")

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Hindu Philosophy Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. They recognize one supreme spirit called Brahman (the Absolute). The goal of Hindus is to someday join with Brahman. Until that union takes place, believers are in a continuous process of rebirth called "reincarnation." Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. They recognize one supreme spirit called Brahman (the Absolute). The goal of Hindus is to someday join with Brahman. Until that union takes place, believers are in a continuous process of rebirth called "reincarnation."

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Ganesha, Shiva, and Vishnu

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Son of Shiva and Parvati Human body and an elephant’s head with only one short tusk Worshipped as the remover of all obstacles Milk Miracle – Sept. 25, 1995

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Vishnu has many AVATARS (incarnations)who appear on earth as humans or animals to conquer evil and establish righteousness 7 th - Rama 8 th - Krishna 9 th - Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Hindu Philosophy At death, the Hindu's deeds (karma) determine what the next life will be. Followers work to break this cycle-- birth, death, re-birth-- (referred to by writers as the "Wheel of Life") and gain release. The Hindu's soul then merges with Brahman in a condition of spiritual perfection (moksha). At death, the Hindu's deeds (karma) determine what the next life will be. Followers work to break this cycle-- birth, death, re-birth-- (referred to by writers as the "Wheel of Life") and gain release. The Hindu's soul then merges with Brahman in a condition of spiritual perfection (moksha).

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUHinduism Hinduism has many sacred books, the oldest being a series called the "Vedas.“ Traditional Hindu society was divided into groups of four classes (or varnas). This was known as the "caste system." Hinduism has many sacred books, the oldest being a series called the "Vedas.“ Traditional Hindu society was divided into groups of four classes (or varnas). This was known as the "caste system."

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Caste or Caste System An inherited social system of ranking used in India and some Asian cultures. IN India they include: Brahmins (teachers, scholars and priests), Kshatriyas (kings and warriors)Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas (agriculturists and traders),Vaishyas Shudras (artisans, service providers, laborers).Shudras Untouchables considered impure/unclean An inherited social system of ranking used in India and some Asian cultures. IN India they include: Brahmins (teachers, scholars and priests), Kshatriyas (kings and warriors)Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas (agriculturists and traders),Vaishyas Shudras (artisans, service providers, laborers).Shudras Untouchables considered impure/unclean

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU 4 Paths to Salvation 4 Stages of Life 4 Goals of Life Caste System Puja Upanayana 4 Paths to Salvation 4 Stages of Life 4 Goals of Life Caste System Puja Upanayana Vegetarianism “holy cow” Arranged Marriages Diwali – Festival of Lights Ahimsa – non-violence Yoga – philosophy and exercise together – very spiritual

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Best known Hindu in world Fought to end discrimination against Indians in South Africa Tolerant of all religions Religious ideals on duty, truth, non-violence (ahimsa) and spiritual liberation (moksha) Negotiated independence of India in 1947 Opposed social injustice of Hindu society (ie. untouchables) Assassinated in 1948

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUJudaism JUDAISM is a religion of just one people: the Jews. JUDAISM was the first to teach belief in only one God. Two other important religions developed from Judaism: Christianity and Islam. JUDAISM is a religion of just one people: the Jews. JUDAISM was the first to teach belief in only one God. Two other important religions developed from Judaism: Christianity and Islam.

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NEXTBACK MAIN MENUJudaism Jews think that God will send a Messiah (a deliverer) to unite them and lead them in His way. Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah. The Jewish people do not agree; they anticipate His arrival in the future. Judaism teaches that death is not the end and that there is a world to come. Jews think that God will send a Messiah (a deliverer) to unite them and lead them in His way. Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah. The Jewish people do not agree; they anticipate His arrival in the future. Judaism teaches that death is not the end and that there is a world to come.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUJudaism The "Torah," the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is the most important Jewish scripture. It contains the basic laws of Judaism. Another important book is the "Talmud," serving primarily as a guide to the civil and religious laws of Judaism. The "Torah," the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is the most important Jewish scripture. It contains the basic laws of Judaism. Another important book is the "Talmud," serving primarily as a guide to the civil and religious laws of Judaism.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Historical Overview Ancient Israel is part of the history of the 3 great monotheistic religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity and Islam Ancient Israel dates back approximately 4000 years to the books of the Old Testament Great patriarchs of Judaism: Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua Hebrews, Israelites, Jews, Semites: have all undergone persecution throughout history; from Babylonian Captivity, Exodus, Diaspora, Spanish Inquisition, Holocaust Ancient Israel is part of the history of the 3 great monotheistic religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity and Islam Ancient Israel dates back approximately 4000 years to the books of the Old Testament Great patriarchs of Judaism: Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua Hebrews, Israelites, Jews, Semites: have all undergone persecution throughout history; from Babylonian Captivity, Exodus, Diaspora, Spanish Inquisition, Holocaust

NEXTBACK MAIN MENUJudaism The Jewish house of worship is called a synagogue. Rabbis (spiritual leaders) conduct services, act as interpreters of Jewish laws, and deliver sermons. Today there are over 18 million followers of Judaism scattered throughout the world. A large number of those people live in the Jewish nation of Israel. Over six million live in the United States. The Jewish house of worship is called a synagogue. Rabbis (spiritual leaders) conduct services, act as interpreters of Jewish laws, and deliver sermons. Today there are over 18 million followers of Judaism scattered throughout the world. A large number of those people live in the Jewish nation of Israel. Over six million live in the United States.

NEXTBACK MAIN MENU Jewish Philosophy God is one and unique God is the creator God is transcendent God is immanent. God is lawgiver God is personal We have the obligation to worship The Torah is God's law God is judge The Messiah will come. God is one and unique God is the creator God is transcendent God is immanent. God is lawgiver God is personal We have the obligation to worship The Torah is God's law God is judge The Messiah will come.

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