1. Religions of the World The problem to be faced is: how to combine loyalty to one's own tradition with reverence for different traditions. ~Abraham Joshua Heschel

2. Baha’i The youngest of the world’s independent religions Central theme of Bahá’u’lláh Humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its unification in one global society More than 5 million members, in 189 countries and 46 territories According to http://www.bahai.org:

3. Christianity This term includes, but is not limited too: African Independent Churches, Amish, Anglicans, Catholics, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Churches of Christ, Lutherans, Methodists, Seventh-Day Adventists, Shakers, and many more Regard Jesus as in some sense God’s presence in human form Monotheistic-belief in one God http://geneva.rutgers.edu/src/christianity/major.htm\

4. Chinese Traditional Religion Blend of ancestor worship, Chinese folk religion, Confucianism, and Taoism Approximately 225 million members worldwide

5. Islam According to Wikipedia World’s 2 nd largest religion Six basic beliefs are shared by all Muslims: –Belief in God –Belief in Angels –Belief in the Books (sent by God) –Belief in all the Prophets and Messengers –Belief in the Day of Judgment and in the Resurrection –Belief in Fate

6. Neo-Paganism Groups of religions that share common theme: –Duo theistic or polytheistic belief system –Solitary practitioners –Celebrate four main seasonal days –Conduct religious rituals outdoors –Concern for environment

7. Judaism Focuses on the relationship between God and mankind, between God and he Jewish nation, the Jewish nation and the land of Israel Follow the Commandments given in the Torah as well as laws instituted by the rabbis (religious leaders)

8. Scientology Addresses the spirit, not just the body or mind An individual discovers how Scientology works for themselves First church established 1954

9. Shinto Ancient Japanese religion Does not have a real founder, no written scriptures, no body of religious law, but does have a loosely-organized priesthood Believe in Shinto deities (gods) Many followers are followers of Buddhism as well

11. By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them. To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.

12. To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue... gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness. Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

13. Different traditions of Marriage "A happy marriage has in it all the pleasures of friendships, all the enjoyment of sense and reason - and indeed all the sweets of life.” -Joseph Addison

14. The wedding ceremony can last up to 12 days Bride and groom do all the rituals with the aid of a priest The bride steps three times on a grinding stone as a sign of loyalty to her husband and family The wedding begins with a signing of the Ketubah (a contract) The ceremony takes place under a chuppah (a cloth wedding canopy) The groom breaks a glass as a symbol of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem

15. Usually takes place within a church The bride and groom make solemn vows to each other The intent of lifelong commitment is symbolized by the exchange of rings The ceremony can be at the bride or groom’s house or the local mosque During the ceremony there are readings from the Qur’an and usually a blessing The groom gives the bride jewels, money or other gifts

16. The vows must be made in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib The bride and groom walk around the Guru Granth Sahib four times The ceremony is concluded by eating the traditional karah parshad

18. All of the information on wedding ceremonies was found in The Usborne Encyclopedia of World Religions