Major World Religions
Buddhism
Name of
god
Name of
symbol and
meaning
Founder
Holy book
Basic
Beliefs
Christianity
Hinduism
Islam
Judaism
Confucianism
No god
God
Brahman
Allah
God
No god
Dharmachakra (wheel
of law); The wheel's
motion is a metaphor
for the rapid spiritual
change engendered by
the teachings of the
Buddha, The eight
spokes of the wheel
symbolize the Noble
Eightfold Path set out
by the Buddha in his
teachings and the
cycle of rebirth
The Buddha
Many sacred books,
including the
Dhammapada
Followers can achieve
enlightenment by
understanding The
Four Noble Truths and
by following the Noble
Eightfold Path of right
opinions, right desires,
right speech, right
action, right job, right
effort, right
concentration, and
right meditation.
Cross; Jesus of
Nazareth was crucified
on a cross when he
died to save humanity.
Aum/Om: three states
of consciousness –
waking, dreaming, and
deep sleep. The entire
symbol represents the
fourth state, which is
the awareness of one's
own spiritual identity
Arabic script for
“Allah”: Certain words
in Arabic script or
characters can be
regarded as visually
representing Islam.
Star of David: refers
directly to God, who
shielded the Biblical
David in battle during
his flight from Saul.
Water Symbol: it has
no standard symbol or
icon representing its
belief system. Quite
often, though, this
Chinese ideogram for
water is utilized. It
represents the 'source
of life' in Chinese
philosophy.
Jesus of Nazareth
Bible, Old and New
Testament
No founder
Many sacred texts,
including the
Upanishads
The soul never dies
but is continually
reborn until it becomes
divinely enlightened.
Persons achieve
enlightenment after
they free themselves
from their earthly
desires, which comes
from many lifetimes of
worship, knowledge,
and virtuous acts.
Spread by Muhammad
Qur’an
Abraham
Hebrew Bible,
including the Torah
Confucius
Analects
Persons achieve
salvation by following
the Five Pillars of
Islam and living a just
life. The pillars are
faith, prayer, charity,
fasting, and pilgrimage
to Mecca.
There is only one God
who watches over and
cares for his people.
God loves and protects
his people but also
holds people
accountable for their
sins and shortcomings.
Persons serve God by
studying the Torah and
living by its teachings.
Social order, harmony,
and good government
should be based on
strong family
relationships.
Respect for parents
and elders is important
to a well ordered
society.
Education is important
for both the individual
and society.
There is only one God
who watches over and
cares for his people.
Jesus is the Son of
God. He died to save
humanity. His death
and resurrection made
eternal life possible for
others.