World Religions

 Time to review the major religions of the world so far….

Buddhism

Buddhism  Diety- not a personal diety  Founder- Buddha  Holy book- no one sacred book  Leadership- Buddhist monks and nuns  And….the basic beliefs…

 Nirvana  Noble Eightfold Path –Right views –Right aspirations –Right speech –Right conduct –Right livelihood –Right endeavor –Right mindfulness –Right meditation

Christianity

Christianity  Deity- God- Jehovah  Founder- Jesus Christ  Holy book- Bible  Leadership- clergy- priests, ministers  And….basic beliefs…..

 There is only one God  He watches over and cares for his people  Jesus was God’s son  He died to save humanity from sin  His death and resurrection made eternal life possible.

Hinduism

Hinduism  Deity- three main gods- Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva  No one founder  No one sacred text- Vedas, Puranas  Leadership- Guru, Holy man, Brahmin priest  And…basic beliefs…

 The soul never dies, but it continues to be reborn.  Enlightenment comes after freed from earthly desires.  Freedom comes from a lifetime of worship, knowledge, and virtuous acts

Islam

Islam  Deity- Allah  Founder- Muhammed  Holy book- Qur’an  Leadership- no clergy  And…basic beliefs…

 Salvation through five pillars  Faith  Almsgiving/ charity  Fasting  Pilgrimage  Prayer

Judaism

Judaism  Deity- Yahweh  Founder- Abraham  Holy Book- Torah  Leadership- Rabbis  And….basic beliefs…

 There is only one God who watches over and cares for his people.  God loves and protects his people  God holds people accountable for their sins and shortcomings  Persons serve God by studying the Torah and living by it’s teachings.

Do you remember the others we’ve looked at?  From Persia?  From China?  Others?

Time to compare….  and “think” about it….