World’s Five Major Religions

HinduismOldest living tradition

“scriptures” – The Vedas

Prevails in the Indian subcontinent and some parts of South Asia

Believe in polytheism (many gods)

“karma” = deeds they do

birth, death, re-birth

Caste system

Buddhism based on the teachings of the Buddha (Gautama) – “The enlightened one”

Major religion in China, Japan, India, Tibet

teaches the Five Nobel Truths

Believe in Reincarnation

“karma” is also believed in

Dali Lama – Buddhist Monk (Tibet)

Islam

means “surrender to God”

Prophet was Muhammad; was an Arab; born in Mecca

Their God is Allah

holy book – Quran (Koran)

followers are called Muslims

“Five Pillars of Islam” – the duties they are to do

Judaism Adherents are Jews

They believe in God; Who created and rules the earth

The “Torah” (five books of the Hebrew Bible)

Abraham the father of the Jews

Moses the law giver

Place of worship is a synagogue

Rabbi = teacher

Christianity It is the religion of Jesus

followers are called Christians

book: Bible both Old Testament & New Testament

Beliefs: born of a virgin, taught, crucified, buried, resurrected, ascended

Heaven & Hell