1. Major Religions of Europe
Copyright © 2002 Glenna R. Shaw and FTC Publishing
All Rights Reserved

2. Essential Question
What are the 3 major religions in Europe and how are they similar and different?

3. Christianity
Christianity began about 2000 years ago

4. Christian Beliefs
Christians believe that God entered into history as Jesus and arose from the dead as the Holy Spirit. 

5. Christian Beliefs All believers are promised life everlasting.
The leader of Christianity was Jesus, and his followers were known as disciples (12).

6. The Christian Holy Book is known as the Bible.

7. Christians worship in a Church.
Place of Worship
Christians worship in a Church.

8. Christian Population in Europe

9. Islam
Islam began around 600 A.D.

10. Islam Beliefs
ISLAM is the name given to the religion preached by the prophet Muhammad
Allah is the Islamic God.
People who believe these ideas are called Muslims.

11. Islam Beliefs Muslims pray five times daily
All Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

12. The holy book of Islam is the Qur’an or Koran.

13. Muslims worship in a Mosque.
Place of Worship
Muslims worship in a Mosque.

14. Islam Population in Europe

15. Judaism began about 3,000 years ago

16. Jewish Beliefs
Jews think that God will send a Messiah (a deliverer) to unite them and lead them in His way.
Judaism teaches that death is not the end and that there is a world to come.

17. Jewish Beliefs
Judaism was the first to teach belief in only one God. Two other important religions developed from Judaism: Christianity and Islam.

18. The Jewish Holy Book is known as the Torah.

19. Jews worship in a Synagogue.
Place of Worship
Jews worship in a Synagogue.

20. Jewish Population in Europe
Country
Jews
 % of all Jews
France
483,000
3.6%
United Kingdom
292,000
2.2%
Russia
205,000
1.5%
Germany
119,000
0.9%
Ukraine
71,500
0.5%
Belgium
30,300
0.2%
Netherland
30,000
0.18%
Italy
28,400
0.05%
Spain
12,000
0.002%

21. What do these religions have in common?
They are all monotheistic. This means they believe in only ONE God.
Jesus has a place in all three religions.
All are “Abrahamic” religions