1. Major World Religion Characteristics Set of beliefs about the meaning of life, nature of universe and existence of the supernatural. Set of Customs/practice relate to the worship of God (or several gods) w/a set of rules for the conduct of a good life. An organization which oversees the conduct of religious practices. Designation of sacred or holy places. – Vatican City – Catholicism; Mecca - Islam

2. Major World Religions Hinduism Buddhism Judaism Christianity Islam Sikhism

3. Major Beliefs of Hinduism 599-527 B.C. Many gods, each create one supreme being. Reincarnation: After death, soul is reborn as another living thing. Located in modern India.

4. Major Beliefs of Hinduism Cont’d Karma: Live a good life, reborn in a higher caste system (hereditary social classes). Sacred Objects: Ganges River and the Cow – Hindus do not eat beef.

5. Major Beliefs of Buddhism 563-483 B.C. Leading religion in Tibet, Japan, Thailand, and China. Follows the teachings of Buddha. – Selfish desires are the source of suffering.

6. Major Beliefs of Buddhism Cont’d Eightfold Path: give up wealth, act worthily, live righteously, and respect all living things. Nirvana: achieve final reincarnation by following the Eightfold Path.

7. Key Features of Judaism 2000 B.C. 1 st religion to teach monotheism – belief in 1 God. History of Jewish people found in Old Testament. 10 Commandments: moral code of conduct, live justly. – 1 God, honor one’s parents – Do not kill, steal, commit adultery

8. Major Beliefs in Christianity 6 B.C. – 30 A.D. Begun by Jesus, a Jew born in Bethlehem. Jesus is son of God, sent to save mankind. – Rose from the dead, went to Heaven. Christians will be saved, go to Heaven – Have faith in Jesus, treat others with love/respect.

9. Major Beliefs in Christianity Cont’d Includes Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox Christians. – Major influences are found in Europe, the Americas, areas of Africa and Asia. World’s most popular religion.

10. Beliefs of Islam 570 A.D. - 632 A.D. Founded by Mohammed around 600 A.D. Believe in one God, Allah. Qu’ran: Holy Book containing God’s message as given to Mohammed.

11. Beliefs of Islam Cont’d Five Pillars of Faith: religious requirements No other God but Allah; Pray 5 times/day facing Mecca Must give $$$ to the poor; Fast during holy month of Ramadan; Pilgrimage to Mecca. Popular religion in Middle East, South/Southeast Asia.

12. Beliefs of Sikhism Found mostly in Northern India. – Combines beliefs from Hinduism/Islam. – Believe in reincarnation. Believe in 1 God. – Everyone has equal status in eyes of God. Men do not cut their hair and wear turbans.