5 Major Religions of the World
Religion?
“Explorers of Spirit” left kingdoms behind in order to
discover more about the heavenly world.
All religions began with one person wondering about the
meaning of life.
People of all faiths believe that their religion ties them to a
higher purpose.
Buildings, works of art, and books have been inspired by
religious faith.
Religion helps people figure out the meaning of life and the
mystery of death.
The major religions have things in common, a founder or
leader, sacred scripture or texts, special prayer,
clothing, and symbols, and gives a sense of purpose and
comfort in time of trouble.
Judaism
Judaism believes in one God- Yahweh.
Yahweh spoke to Abraham. Abraham founded Judaism.
Judaism originated in Israel.
Abraham’s descendants are known as Jews.
Judaism was the earliest monotheistic religion that developed in
the area around Jerusalem 3500 years ago.
It is one of the smallest religions with only about 12 million
followers.
The important book is the Torah, the first 5 books of the Bible.
1. Genesis
2. Deuteronomy
3. Numbers
4. Leviticus
5. Exodus
**(no one is allowed to touch the Torah, so a special pointer
is used)
The Jews created a set of laws for responsible behavior called the
Ten Commandments. These became the center of their faith.
Jews believe that everyone can have an individual & personal
relationship with God.
Major Traditions –
Bar Mitzvah – a special ceremony where Jewish boys aged
13 can become adults in the Jewish religion.
Bat Mitzvah- a ceremony for Jewish girls aged 12.
Major Holidays –
Passover – is the time when Jewish people remember how
children if Israel left slavery behind them when they
left Egypt.
Hanukkah – is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It is an eight day
holiday starting in December.
Star of David and Menorah are major symbols of the Jewish
people.
Christianity
Christianity believes in one God. Christianity has its roots in
Judaism.
It originated in Israel – Asia/Middle East.
Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah.
The Bible has 2 parts. Old Testament – Jewish writings(before
Jesus came) & New Testament – stories and writings about
Jesus(after he arrived)
Goals of Christianity – to lead a good life by teaching love and
fellowship and eventually making it into heaven.
Christianity also follows the Ten Commandments as a set of rules.
I – Thou shalt have no other gods before me
V – Honor thy father & mother
The Major Holidays –
Christmas – celebrates when Jesus was born on Earth occurs
on Dec. 25th
Easter – celebrates when he was crucified, died, and was
resurrected. Occurs in the spring and the date changes
depending on the full moon.
Major traditions –
Baptism – where a person is blessed using water and it
symbolizes the entrance into the church
First Communion – a ceremony where a person receives the
“body” of Christ in the form of a wafer and it
symbolizes being closer to Jesus
The major symbols of Christianity are the cross, the dove, and the
fish.
John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
Jesus traveled the countryside preaching a religion of love and
forgiveness.
Jesus was killed because some believed he had to much power.
Islam
Islam believes in one God (Allah).
Muhammad’s teachings were written in the Qur’an. The Qur’an is
the holy book of Islam.
The major symbols of Islam are the flag with the crescent + star
and the cube in Mecca called the Kabah.
The five most important teachings of Muhammad are the called the
Five Pillars of Islam.
The Five Pillars of Islam
1. Stating that there is only one God, and that Muhammad is
God’s prophet.
2. Praying five times a day in the direction of Mecca.
3. Giving to the poor and needy.
4. Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
5. Making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
Islam spread from Mecca, where Islam originated, to much of the
World because of political powers and trade.
Major Holidays –
The Night Journey – the night when Muhammad ascended to
heaven.
Ramadan – a month when Muslims fast between sunrise and
sunset.
Major Traditions Praying 5 times a day in the direction of Mecca.
The Muslim way of life begins at birth. When Dad whispers
Allah into the baby’s ear.
There are 1.3 billion Muslims in the World, 2nd most popular.
Hinduism
Hinduism is a religion that emphasizes the principles of
karma and reincarnation.
Hinduism originated in northern India near the Indus river.
Hinduism has no founder, it developed out of Brahmanism(early
Indian religion)
Hinduism is the earliest religion in the world, it may date back to
prehistoric times.
Hindus do not have just one sacred book but several scriptures.
The stories focus on family and society. They are written in
Sanskrit.
Central belief in Brahman – the universal spirit, who shows
himself in many gods and goddesses.
Hinduism is a polytheistic religion. No god is more important than
another, they are all equal.
Every Hindu can find a special god or goddess to worship.
Hinduism is the 3rd most popular religion with around 750 million
followers.
Hindus believe that we create out own future circumstances.
Karma is the idea that a person’s actions determine future
events. What goes around come around.
Another belief is Dharma, which means fulfilling your purpose in
life. Ultimate goal is to reunite with Brahman.
Major Holidays
Divali – celebrates the New Year, and the triumph of light
over darkness.
Holi – rowdy spring harvest festival, where everyone throws
colored powder at each other.
Janmashtami – Krishna’s birthday,
Major traditions –
They worship everyday at home and have a shrine there.
Buddhism
Buddhism originated in India, 2500 years ago.
Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) – founder of the Buddhist religion,
gained this religious idea through meditation.
Buddha – means the Enlightened One.
Buddha once studied Hinduism and was influenced by Karma and
reincarnation.
Basic teachings of Buddhism are in the Sutras and are called the
Four Noble Truths.
1. Life involves suffering
2. Suffering comes from desire and wanting
3. If people stop desire and wanting, they will no longer
suffer
4. People can escape suffering by following the Middle Way
or the Eightfold Path.
Eightfold Path is a set of Buddhist guidelines for escaping
suffering.
Eightfold Path – right understanding, right purpose, right
speech, right conduct, right means of livelihood, right effort,
right awareness, and right meditation
A Wheel of life, Lotus flower, and Buddha are symbols of
Buddhism.
Buddhists do not believe in God but strive for a state called
Nirvana – joy and freedom. Souls that achieve nirvana don’t
have to be born again.
Major Holidays –
Wesak – celebrated on the full moon in May, remembers
Buddha’s enlightenment. They clean their homes.
Bathing the Buddha – water is poured over the shoulders of
the statue of the Buddha to remind everyone to free
themselves of hatred, greed, and ignorance.
Major Traditions –
Boys and girls become monks and nuns for a short time to
help children understand the Buddha’s teachings.
All Buddhist learn to meditate.
Hinduism vs. Buddhism
Hinduism – Hindus believe that people are reborn many times and
their status in life depends upon how they behaved in
previous lives. The caste system is a major feature of
Hinduism.
Buddhism – originated with the experience and enlightenment of
Siddhartha Gautama, who wanted to relieve people’s
suffering. He believed that life is a cycle of death and rebirth,
but he rejected the caste system.