1. Religions & Philosophies In order of Adherents: Christianity Islam Hinduism Buddhism Animism Sikhism Judaism

3. Christianity

4. CHRISTIANITY Followers are Christians Believe in one God Central/Sacred Figures: God & Jesus Sacred Site: Jerusalem, Bethlehem Areas of concentration: North & South America, Europe Russia Australia New Zealand the Philippines Sub-Saharan Africa

5. Map of Islam, Hinduism, & Buddhism Concentrations

6. ISLAM Followers are Muslims Believe in one God Sacred/Central Figures: Allah (God) & the Prophet Muhammad Sacred Site: Jerusalem, Mecca Areas of Concentration: The Middle East, Africa & Europe, as well as the US, and both Central & South Asia, China

7. HINDUISM Followers are Hindu. Belief in many (1000’s) gods: polytheism. Areas of Concentration: India & Nepal Central Figure is the highest Caste Member, the Brahmin as well as the many gods. The Caste System: Although the practice has been banned in India, many still follow the traditions of the caste system which states that you can not marry outside of the class you were born into. Sacred Site: Ganges River in India. For Hindus is a sacred duty to bathe in the holy waters at least once in your lifetime. It is believed that it cleanses the bathers mind and spirit.

8. BUDDHISM Typically referred to as a philosophy, as Buddhism does not believe in a “God” Sacred Figure: an Indian prince named Buddha (Siddhartha Guatama) also known as “The Enlightened One” Buddhism: Concentrated in China, Tibet, and Japan, Australia, Russia. Spread throughout Asia in various forms: (Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism) The Dalai Lama - Buddhist monk, leader of the Tibetans (more about the Dalai Lama and the struggles in Tibet soon).

9. animism Followers: animism is found in the religions of indigenous peoples including Shinto, & some forms of Islam Hinduism, Buddhism, Pantheism, Christianity, & Neopaganism. Central Beliefs: refers to the belief that non-human entities are spiritual beings, or at least embody some kind of life-principle. Spirits exist in everything, animals, plants and people. The Inuit Tribe in Canada is animist.

10. Sikhism Followers: Sikh Believe in one God Sacred/Central Figures: God & the founder Guru Nanak Sacred Places: The Golden Temple in Punjab, India Areas of Concentration: India, SE Asia, Pakistan, UK, Europe.

11. JUDAISM Followers are Jews Believe in one God Central/Sacred Figure: God Sacred Site: Jerusalem Areas of concentration: widely scattered, however, an overwhelming majority are located in the US & Israel