5 Religions of the World

Religion

an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods

Types of Religions

1. Monotheistic religions believe in one god.

2. Polytheistic religions believe in many gods.

Religions of the World

Religions of the World

Religions of the World

Red = Christianity, Green = Islam

Religions of the World

Religion Followers

Christianity 1.9 billion

Islam 1.1 billion

Hinduism 781 million

Buddhism 324 million

Sikhism 19 million

Judaism 14 million

MONOTHEISTIC RELIGIONS

3 Monotheistic Religions

1. Judaism (2000 BCE)

2. Christianity (26-36 CE)

3. Islam (610 CE)

Judaism • Monotheism - There is one god

• Abraham- is the ‘father’ of the Jewish people.

• God revealed his laws to his people through Moses and the ten commandments.

Judaism Symbol- Star of David

Judaism Holy Book- Torah

Western Wall

The Western Wall is

located in the Old City

of Jerusalem

Construction started:

19 BC

Height: 62' (19 m)

Christianity

• Christianity was heavily influenced by Judaism.

1. Monotheism - There is one god 2. Jesus Christ (son of God) died for the sins of

humankind. 3. Salvation comes from faith in God.

Christianity Holy Book- Bible

• Christians believe the Old and New Testaments of the Bible are holy books. The first four books of the New Testament were written by followers of Jesus.

Christianity Symbol- Cross

The 2 Parts of Christianity 1. Roman Catholic

2. Protestant

Originally it was the Great Schism separating Catholic (west) & Orthodox (east)

Islam • Islam is a monotheistic religion

• Developed in Saudi Arabia in the early 600s.

• Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammed.

Islam

Islam 5 Pillars of Faith

The five pillars or central teachings of Islam are:

1. A statement of faith

2. Prayer (five times a day in the direction of

Mecca)

3. Charity

4. Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your lifetime (called the Hajj)

5. Fasting (during the month of Ramadan)

Islam Holy Book- Qur'an (Koran)

• The teachings of Muhammed were collected into a book called the Qur’an (Koran).

Islam Place of Worship- Mosques.

Islam Symbol-Crescent and Star

Mecca

Video Clip

• Monotheistic Religions

• 5 World Religions

POLYTHEISTIC RELIGIONS

2 Polytheistic Religions

1.Hinduism

2.Buddhism

Hinduism • Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the

world.

• It is a polytheistic religion

• Originated in South Asia, present day India, around 2500 B.C.E.

Hinduism • Atman- is the spirit or soul of a person

• Brahman- refers to a supreme spirit.

• Hindus believe that the goal of life is to reach nirvana.

• Hindus believe in reincarnation and karma.

▫ A person dies, then lives again, until they finally reach nirvana.

Hinduism Holy Books-

Several holy books called

1. Vedas

2. Upanishads

3. The epics the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Hinduism Caste System

• The caste system is a system of social organization in India.

• When a person is born they are born into one of four castes.

• This system has led to discrimination and has been outlawed in India. Hindus still debate whether the caste system is part of Hinduism or an outdated social custom.

Hinduism Caste System 1. Brahmins: Teachers and

priests.

2. Kshatriyas: Warriors, nobles, and kings.

3. Vaishyas: Farmers, merchants, and businessmen.

4. Shudras: Servants and laborers.

Buddhism

• Buddhism is related to Hinduism and shares many of the same basic beliefs.

• Buddhism was founded by a man named Siddhartha who was born as a prince.

• The relationship between Buddhism and Hinduism is similar to the relationship between Christianity and Judaism.

Eight Fold Path

Buddhist must

follow the 8 fold

path to reach

nirvana

Buddhism