RELIGION=  People's beliefs and opinions about the existence, nature, and worship of a god or gods  What do we know about world religions?

 What is religion What does religion do for us? What makes up a religion?  Three types of religion  Six major world religions (overview) identifying similarities and differences

Religion helps people to answer the BIG questions of life, like….. The big questions religion help answer are… 1. Is there a God? 2. Can I talk to God? 3. How was the world created? 4. What happens when people die? 5. How should I live my life? 6. Why do bad things happen? 7. How do we celebrate good times? 8. Why are some objects and places special?

 Founder or Leader– People who started or are important in a religion  Holy Book - a text or writing that explains the rules of a religion.  Symbols-items associated with their religion  Place of worship – Places where people go to celebrate their religious beliefs  Major Beliefs/Teachings – fundamental principles of what people believe is right and wrong and how to live their lives  Rituals and Traditions— actions and celebrations that center around the god/gods

MONOtheism = believing in ONE supreme god/deity (ONE GOD) POLYtheism= believing in MORE than one god/deity (MANY GODS) Atheism = DENYING the existence of ANY god/deity (NO GOD)

ReligionTextBeliefsMono/Poly Judaism Torah Believe in God – Yahweh God made Jews His chosen people They believe their Messiah ‘Savior’ is still yet to come. Mono

ReligionTextBeliefsMono/Poly Islam Koran Believe in God– Allah Five Pillars of Islam 1.Declare their faith 2.Pray five times a day 3.Fast during Ramadan 4.Give to the poor 5.Travel to Mecca Mono

ReligionTextBeliefsMono/Poly Christianity Bible Believe in God– Jesus Jesus was killed and came back to life. He died for the sins of people to be forgiven. God is the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Spirit Mono

ReligionTextBeliefsMono/Poly Sikhism Adi Granth or Guru Granth There is one God “simran” the remembrance of God’s name by constant repetition and a presence in all things Reincarnation– you will be rewarded for good works by being born into a better life after you die Serving others (working for the goodness of mankind – “brotherhood” “humility” “gratitude” etc.) Mono

ReligionTextBeliefsMono/Poly Buddhism The Four Noble Truths Eightfold Path Their texts gives them steps to follow so they can reach Nirvana— eternal happiness Poly

ReligionTextBeliefsMono/Poly Hinduism Vedas Believe that all gods are a part of a Spirit called Braham Believe that Karma is a consequence for how people live their lives Believe in reincarnation– you will be rewarded for good works by being born into a better life after you die Poly

 Time-line, spread of and population totals of the six major world religions