1. Mrs. Shegog 7th Grade Geography Central Middle School
World Religions
Mrs. Shegog 7th Grade Geography Central Middle School

2. 5 World Religions There are 5 main world religions: Christianity Islam
Judaism
Buddhism
Hinduism
For the purpose of addressing the Oklahoma State Standards, we will add Daoism to this lesson.

3. Christianity The world’s most widespread religion
More than a billion members
mainly divided between the Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Leader – Jesus Christ
Originated in Jerusalem
Follows the teachings of the Bible – New and Old Testament.

4. Islam 2nd Largest organized religion in the world.
3 types Muslims (mostly based off political views) - Sunni Islam, Shia Islam, and Kharijites
Leader – the Prophet Muhammad
Originated in Mecca
Bases its teaching of the Qur’an
Believes in God or Allah

5. Judaism One of the oldest religions in the world.
Founded by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, known as the Patriarchs, are both the physical and spiritual ancestors of Judaism. Their descendants are the Jewish people. 
Leader - Abraham
Originated in Israel
Follows the Torah

6. Buddhism Forms of Buddhism Theravada, Mahayana & Vajrayana.
Founder - Buddha Shakyamuni
Leader - The Dalai Lama (Tibetan Buddhism)
The Buddha
Originated in India
Follows the 4 Noble Truths and the Eighth Fold Path
It is a philosophy on how to live your life more than an organized religion.

7. Hinduism
the world's oldest religion, has no beginning--it precedes recorded history.
It has no human founder.
It is a mystical religion, leading the devotee to personally experience the Truth within, finally reaching the pinnacle of consciousness where man and God are one.
Hinduism has four main denominations--Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and Smartism.
Common purpose: to further the soul's unfoldment to its divine destiny.
Believes in karma and reincarnation.

8. Daoism A Chinese philosophy and religion
Founder - Lao Tzu started around 500 B.C.
It is used to guide individuals to live a simple life that is in harmony with nature. It is a concept that is neither good or evil.
Daoist do not worship a specific person.
Believes in reincarnation.