Organizational Template – Writing about a
world religion
Introduction: What religion are you writing about? How
many people follow this religion in the world today?
Where can you find most of these people?
Origins: What is the origin story of this religion? Where
did this religion come from? Does it follow somebody’s
teachings? Do they believe in one God (monotheistic) or
many gods (polytheistic)? Are there different types of this
same religion (for example, Catholics, Baptists, Church of
Christ are ALL Christian)?
The “Church” and its Leaders: Do followers go to a
building to worship? Who are the spiritual leaders of this
church today? Is there a “social pyramid” of people or
leaders within this belief system?
Tenets: What is the foundational belief of this religion?
What MUST true followers of this religion believe? How
does this religion guide the lives of its followers?
Rituals and Customs: Do followers of this religion have to
follow a special diet? If so, why? Are there daily practices
and rituals of prayer or meditation they must follow? Do
they attend a “church service” on a particular day of the
week?
Holidays: What are the major holidays of this religion?
What is the story behind these holidays? What do
followers of this religion do on these holidays?
Conclusion – Wrap up all your ideas. Restate key points
about the religion you studied and its followers.