WHII 2a; page 8
5 Major World Religions Notes
Buddhism

Founded by: __________________________, who lived in India from 563 to 483 BCE. He is also known as _____________, or “Enlightened One.”
Spread of Buddhism:

Originated in ______________.

Spread to China due to ________________________ and
Ashoka.
Beliefs:
Understanding the Four Noble Truths + following the Eightfold Path =_____________________.
Nirvana=___________________________________________

First Noble Truth: Everything in life is suffering and sorrow.

Second Noble Truth: The cause of all suffering is people’s selfish desires for the temporary pleasures of the world.

Third Noble Truth: The way to end all suffering is to end all desire

Fourth Noble Truth: The way to end all desire is by following the Eightfold path that leads to Nirvana.
Hinduism
Hinduism is ___________________: meaning Hindus worship many gods and goddesses, not just one.
Hindus believe in _____________________________. In other words, after you die, you come back as another human or animal. What you come back as depends on your ______________________.
Karma: ___________________________________
The goal of a Hindu is to achieve ________________________ or salvation.
Caste System:
Priests/Scholars
Warriors, Nobles,
Rulers
Merchants, Farmers, Workers
Servants
Untouchables
Location:
Originated in ______________________.
In 1500: Primarily in India, but followers in Indonesia, Africa,
Europe, and the Western Hemisphere.

WHII 2a; page 9
Judaism
Founding:

Judaism was founded by_____________

Founded in the Middle East (Israel/Jerusalem)
The Facts:

Judaism is monotheistic, meaning Jews believe in _______________.

Sacred Texts of Judaism o 10 Commandments (Holy Laws)
 Brought to the Jews by _____________ o Torah (Scripture)
Beliefs:

God loves and protects human beings, but they are punished for their sins

Serve God by studying the _______________ and living its teachings
Christianity
Founding:

Christianity founded by _____________________.

Originally founded in the ______________________________, but has since spread to North and South America
The Facts:

Polytheistic or Monotheistic?_______________________________

Sacred Text: ______________________ o Old and New Testament
Beliefs:

Jesus is believed to be the __________ of God, and he died to save humanity from itself

How do people achieve salvation?
Islam
Founding:

Islam was founded by ______________

Originated in the Middle East (Mecca and Medina), but has spread to
North Africa, Asia, and North America
The Facts:

Monotheistic/Polytheistic?__________________________

Sacred Text: __________________
Major Division:

Sunni:________________________

Shi’a: ________________________
Beliefs:
1. Fasting
2.
3.
The Five Pillars
4. Faith (There is only one God, and that God is
Allah)
5.