World Belief Systems Regents Review Spring 2012

Characteristics A set of beliefs about the universe, the existence of one God or several gods, the meaning of life and what happens after death A set of customs and practices that relate to the worship of one God or several gods, and a set of rules for proper conduct An organization, such as church or a synagogue, that oversees the conduct of religious practices

Classifying World Religions JudaisimIslamChristianity

Classifying World Religions Christianity Roman Catholic Protestant Churches Eastern Orthodox Great Schism, 1054 Protestant Reformation, 1517

Buddhism Basic Beliefs – Based on philosophy of self-denial and meditation – Belief in reincarnation Gods & Holy Books – Do not believe in singular supreme being or God – No primary holy book – Basic beliefs found in books called Sutras

Buddhism Four Noble Truths – Explain life’s meaning – Pain & suffering caused by desire – Peace & harmony achieved when desires are abandoned

Buddhism Eightfold Path The way Buddhists believe that desires can be abandoned and peace & harmony can be achieved Nirvana The goal for Buddhists; state of eternal peace and harmony Can be achieved by following Eightfold Path

Islam Founded 632 AD by Mohammed, a prophet of Allah Allah is the one, all powerful God in Islam – There is only God, Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet Holy Book – The Koran (Qu’ran) – Believed by Muslims to be the verbatim words of Allah

Islam Jihad – Anyone who died in a holy war to spread the faith would be assured of a place in paradise The Five Pillars – The basic religious duties of all Muslims – Confession of Faith, Prayer (5x daily), Charity (Zakat), Fasting and the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)

Judaism Key Ideas of Judaism – Monotheism, or the belief in only 1 God – All ancient peoples were polytheistic while Hebrews monotheistic – 10 Commandments, given to Moses by God as rules to live by Holy Book – Torah (Old Testament of the Bible)

Judaism Chosen People Jews believe they are God’s “chosen people’ because they have a covenant with God – Worship God and God will protect

Hinduism Gods – Hindus believe in many gods and goddesses – Each of these many gods/goddesses is a part of one larger supreme being Reincarnation – Shared belief with the Buddhists – Based on karma and dharma – Determines level in Caste System

Hinduism Sacred Objects – Ganges River & Cows Holy Books – Vedas

Christianity Major Beliefs – Jesus was son of God; crucified and resurrected – Christians will go to Heaven after death if they have believed in Christ and have followed his teachings – New Testament of the bible is the account of Christ’s life and teachings

Confucianism Major Beliefs – Confucius is not a god – There is a natural order to universe and human relationships – If relationships are in harmony then all will be right with the universe – Belief in filial piety & Mandate of Heaven