Religions 101

• Judaism• Christianity• Islam• Hinduism• Buddhism• Sikhism

What’s in a Symbol?

The cross is the central symbol of Christianity. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross and three days later rose from the dead. The cross is a symbol of victory over death, promising eternal life.

The Cross

The Crescent Moon

The crescent moon is a common symbol of Islam. Muslims believe that when Muhammad received his first revelation, the moon was in its last stage, appearing as a waning crescent.

The Mogen David

The Mogen David, or Star of David, is the central symbol of Judaism. The star is the sign of the house of David, the family that produced the kings of Biblical Israel.

The Aum

In Hinduism the AUM (OM) is a symbol of the Supreme God. Hindus believe that it was the first sound produced at the creation of the universe, the Big Bang. The sacred syllable AUM is the name of God. It is uttered at the beginning and the end of most Hindu prayers.

Dharmachakra or "wheel of law"

The wheel is one of the most important symbols of Buddhism. The eight spokes of the wheel symbolize the Noble Eightfold Path set out by the Buddha in his teachings. The wheel also represents the endless cycle of samsara, or rebirth, which can only be escaped by means of the Buddha's teachings.

KHANDA

In Sikhism the Khanda is made up of three key symbols.•The double-edge sword in the middle links to the knowledge of God

•The inner circle reflects the oneness of God and the link to humanity.

•The outer swords represent truth and willingness to preserve what is right.

Place of Origin & Holy Sites

Judaism: Middle East-----Jerusalem

Christianity: Middle East-----Jerusalem and Bethlehem

Islam: Middle East-----Jerusalem, Mecca, and Medina

Hinduism: India------Ganges River

Sikhism: India -----PunjabBuddhism: India---Bodh Gaya

Holy Book and Sacred Language

Judaism-----TeNaKh-----Hebrew

Christianity-----Bible-----No sacred language

Islam----Koran------Arabic

Hinduism------Veda------Sanskrit

Sikhism----- GRANTH SAHIBBuddhism--------scriptures greatly

variety---none

Their God

Judaism----God of Abraham-----Adonai

Christianity----God of Abraham----Yawah---- exists in three parts (father, son and holy spirit)

Islam-----God of Abraham-----Allah

Hinduism----Brahma------exists in many forms

Sikhism-----God----same God of all mankindBuddhism-----The Buddha----no one god, but

Buddhists try to live like the Buddha did.

Holy Building & Worship

Judaism----Synagogue-----Prayer, reading from holy book, sermon

Christianity-----Church/Cathedral----Prayer, reading from holy book, sermon

Islam------Mosque------Prayer, reading from holy book, sermon

Hinduism------Temple-------Prayer and meditation, sacrifice

Sikhism-----Temple-----Prayer, meditation, baptismBuddhism-------Temple, Stupa--------------- Prayer and

meditation; following the 4 Noble Truths

JudaismBeliefs

• God made an agreement with Abraham that his descendants would be God’s chosen people in exchange for their faith & obedience.

• God gave the Torah to Moses and tells them how to worship and live. Moses is their most important prophet.

• Their goal is to live a good life according to the laws of the Torah

• Jews are required to keep the Sabbath day holy, to give to the needy, and to fast.

• Jews believe that God’s teachings continue to be revealed.

• The Torah tells the Jews what they can eat.

ChristianityBeliefs

• They believe that God made an agreement with Abraham that his descendents would be God’s chosen people.

• Religion is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ• Belief that God has three parts: Father, Son, and Holy

Spirit• Belief in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and that he was

part of God.• The goal of Christianity is to achieve Salvation.• They require specially trained religious leaders• They believe that God’s teachings continue to be

revealed.

Islam Beliefs

• They believe that God made an agreement with Abraham that his descendents would be God’s chosen people.

• Islam is based on God’s teachings and the example of the life of Muhammad as revealed in the Koran

• Muslims accept all of the teachings of the prophets including Moses and Jesus

• Muslims do not believe that Jesus was divine• They consider Muhammad to be God’s final prophet

HinduismBeliefs

• One all-powerful god with many variations in the form of gods and goddesses

• Reincarnation• Ritual purification – both internal and

external• Observe sacred occasions

- followers are called Buddhists• They believe that wanting leads to suffering • The goal of life is to follow the 4 Noble Truths - meditate

and study so that they will not want and can escape the cycle of rebirth.

• Buddhists believe that by following the Buddha’s example they can achieve nirvana, or not wanting, and know peace.

• Through doing good in this life (karma), people can improve their soul in the next (dharma).

• In Buddhism, there is no caste, or class system

Buddhism’s Basic Beliefs

Sikhismbeliefs

• Everyone should have a personal relationship with God.• Humans should control their tendencies toward anger,

greed, false pride, materialism• All souls go through a reincarnation.• Caste systems are not acceptable.• The 5 K’s:

– Kesa (long hair, which is never cut). This term is sometimes used to refer to the turban that is used to cover the hair.

– Kangah (comb) – Kacha (short pants) – Kara (metal bracelet) – Kirpan (a ceremonial dagger)