1. MAJOR BELIEF SYSTEMS

2. Animism Founder: no one founder Holy Book: none Major Beliefs:
Polytheistic
objects in nature each have their own spirits
ancestor worship because they watch over the living
Similar to Shinto
Nations/Regions: Africa & Natives in Americas

3. Shinto Founder: no one founder Holy Book: n/a Major Beliefs:
Polytheistic
Spirits in nature (kami) and in forces of nature (ex: tsunami)
shrines usually by sites of natural beauty
ancestor worship
similar to animism
Nations/Regions: Japan

4. Hinduism Founder: no one founder
Holy Book: no one book (sacred text include the Vedas)
Major Beliefs:
Polytheistic (most important: Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu)
Reincarnation based on karma
Social caste system by birth
Priests
Warriors
Landowners
Peasants
Untouchables
Nations/Regions: India

5. Buddhism Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Holy Book: no one book
Major Beliefs:
reincarnation until you reach nirvana (enlightenment)
Four Noble Truths
life is full of suffering
human desire causes suffering
end desire = end suffering
end desire by following Eight Fold Path
Nations/Regions: India, spread to China & Japan (by way of Korea – cultural bridge)

6. Confucianism Founder: Confucius Holy Book: The Analects Major Beliefs:
preserving social order & moral standards
Five Relationships – superior person & inferior person
Ruler – subject
Husband – wife
Father – Son
Old bro. – young bro.
Friend – friend
filial piety (respect for elders)
civil service exams based on Confucius teachings
Nations/Regions: China

7. Judaism Founder: Abraham & Moses
Holy Book: Torah (Old Testament of Bible)
Major Beliefs:
Monotheistic (first one!)
Is the basis for Christianity & Islam
Follow the 10 Commandments (forbids stealing, murder, adultery)
Faced anti-semitism throughout history
Nations/Regions: Middle East, spread worldwide

8. Christianity Founder: Jesus Christ
Holy Book: Holy Bible (Old & New Testament )
Major Beliefs:
Monotheistic
Follow the 10 Commandments
Jesus was the son of God & is the savior
church was a unifying force during middle ages
Nations/Regions: Middle East, spread worldwide

9. Islam Founder: Mohammed Holy Book: Koran (Qu’ran) Major Beliefs:
Monotheistic
Believers are called Muslims & worship Allah
Follow the Five Pillars
Confess Faith – one God, Allah
Prayer – 5x a day facing Mecca
Charity – give alms to the poor
Fasting – during Ramadan
Pilgrimage – hajj to Mecca
Nations/Regions: Middle East, spread worldwide

10. Sample Multiple Choice Questions4 3 2 1