World Religions
A Lesson for 7th Grade Geography
State Standards
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*7.1.02 Recognize the role of major religions.
Define religion.
Describe the beliefs of the world's major
religions.
Evaluate the role of religious beliefs on local,
regional, nation-state, and global levels.
*Blue Book Rhetoric: Compare and contrast the
tenets of the five major world religions (i.e.,
Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and
Judaism).
Comparison of types:
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Monotheistic: belief in 1 God
Polytheistic: belief in many
gods/goddesses
Non-Theistic: religion that does not focus
on a god
Atheist: a non-believer in afterlife nor a
god
Introduction
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There are five major world religions.
There are several religious groups that have
beliefs that are different from these five major
religions, but are historically anchored in the
same roots.
In the following slides, we will look at the
following characteristics of the five major world
religions: founders, holy books, beliefs, history,
customs/traditions, and icons.
Christianity: MONOTHEISTIC
Founder
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Christianity is based upon the teachings
of Jesus, a Jew who lived his life in the
Roman province of Palestine. Roman
communications networks enabled
Christianity to spread quickly throughout
the Roman empire and eventually to the
rest of Europe, and finally the entire
globe.
Locations Found
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USA
Brazil
Mexico
Russia
China
Germany
The Phillipines
United Kingdom
Italy
France
and Nigeria
*All over the World!
Holy Book
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Christians can read of the life of Jesus, as
well as his ancestors in the only Christian
holy text, the Bible. It consists of the Old
Testament (which is also considered
sacred to Judaism and Islam) and the New
Testament…The King James Bible.
Beliefs
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Christianity believes in one God, while the
central figure in Christianity is Jesus (or
Christ), a Jew who came into this world
by immaculate conception to a virgin
named Mary. His birth is celebrated at
Christmas with hymns and gift giving.
It's believed that Jesus was not only man,
but also the son of God and lived his life
without sin.
Beliefs Continued
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The Apostle's Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ,
His only Son, our Lord;
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
Was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell;
The third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
The holy Christian Church,
The Communion of Saints,
the Forgiveness of sins,
The Resurrection of the body,
And the Life everlasting.
Amen.
Branches
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Eastern Christians are mostly "Eastern Orthodox," but some are
Nestorians ("Church of the East") or Monophysites ("Oriental Orthodox").
The divisions among these Eastern Churches go back almost 1500 years,
stemming from disagreements in the fifth century CE.
Long after the East/West divisions of 1054, some Eastern Churches reunited
with the Roman Catholic Church (thus called "Uniate" Churches).
Catholic Christians are mostly "Roman Catholic"; yet some groups still call
themselves "Catholic," but are no longer united with Rome.
The "Old Catholic Church" broke away in 1870, disagreeing with the decrees
from the First Vatican Council about "papal infallibility."
Various groups of "Traditionalist Catholics" or "Tridentine Catholics" broke
after 1965, disagreeing with reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
Other groups of "Progressive Catholics" broke since 1965, thinking the
reforms instituted by Vatican II did not go far enough.
Protestant Christians are subdivided into thousands of different
denominations, as well as "independent" or "non-denominational" groups.
The historically earliest were founded in the 16th century by Martin Luther
("Lutherans") and by John Calvin ("Reformed" or "Calvinist" Christians).
The Anglicans, or "Church of England," separated from the Roman Catholic
Church for political, not theological reasons; thus, "Anglo-Catholic" beliefs
and practices are similar to Roman Catholics, but Anglicans don't
acknowledge the leadership role of the Bishop of Rome (the "Pope").
History
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As time progressed, Christianity divided into
three major branches. The Roman Catholic
branch of Christianity is the successor of the
church established in Rome soon after Christ's
death. It traces its spiritual history to the early
disciples of Jesus. The Pope, or spiritual leader,
traces his office's lineage back to St. Peter, the
first Pope, one of Jesus' disciples. Roman
Catholicism was originally predominately
practiced in Ireland, Poland, France and Spain.
History
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During the fourth century, the Roman Catholic church split and
the Eastern Orthodox branch was formed.
'Romanian Church' © MIT Orthodox Christian Fellowship
The split was primarily a political one due to the division of the
Roman Empire into western and eastern components. The two
churches became officially separate in 1054. Orthodox churches
are largely national, each associated with a particular country.
Orthodoxy is common in Russia, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, the
Ukraine, and Armenia.
The Protestant branch split from Roman Catholicism during
the Reformation, a sixteenth and seventeenth century series
of church reforms in doctrine and practice. This movement
challenged the authority of the Pope, and became popular in
Scandinavia, England, and the Netherlands. Protestantism
eventually divided into many denominations which arose in
response to disputes over doctrine, theology, or religious
practice. Some of the large denominations today are Lutherans,
Methodists and Baptists.
Customs & Traditions
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The Date of Christmas
The idea to celebrate Christmas on December 25 originated
in the 4th century. The Catholic Church wanted to eclipse the
festivities of a rival pagan religion that threatened
Christianity's existence. The Romans celebrated the birthday
of their sun god, Mithras during this time of year. Although it
was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate people's
birthdays in those times, church leaders decided that in order
to compete with the pagan celebration they would themselves
order a festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Although the actual season of Jesus' birth is thought to be in
the spring, the date of December 25 was chosen as the
official birthday celebration as Christ's Mass so that it would
compete head on with the rival pagan celebration. Christmas
was slow to catch on in America. The early colonists
considered it a pagan ritual. The celebration of Christmas was
even banned by law in Massachusetts in colonial days.
Icons
Judaism: monotheistic
Founder
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Circa 2000 BCE, the God of the ancient
Israelites established a divine covenant
with Abraham, making him the patriarch
of many nations. The term Abrahamic
Religions is derived from his name. These
are the three or four major religions which
trace their roots back to Abraham:
Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i
Faith.
Location Found
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Israel
United States
Holy Book
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The Tanakh corresponds to the Jewish Scriptures,
(often referred to as the Old Testament by Christians). It
is composed of three groups of books:
the Torah (aka Pentateuch): Genesis, Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. the Nevi'im:
Joshua, Judges, Samuel (2), Kings (2), Isaiah, Jeremiah,
Ezekiel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah,
Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zachariah, and
MalachiIsaiah. the Ketuvim, the "Writings" including
Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes,
Ruth, Esther, Lamentations, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah,
Chronicles (2).
Beliefs
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God exists.
God is one and unique.
God is incorporeal.
God is eternal.
Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and to no other.
The words of the prophets are true.
Moses was the greatest of the prophets, and his
prophecies are true.
The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral
Torah (teachings now contained in the Talmud and other
writings) were given to Moses.
There will be no other Torah.
God knows the thoughts and deeds of men.
God will reward the good and punish the wicked.
The Messiah will come.
The dead will be resurrected.
History
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The book of Genesis describes the events
surrounding the lives of the three
patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
(Joseph, who is recognized as a fourth
patriarch by Christians is not considered one
by Jews). Moses was the next major leader
of the ancient Israelites. He led his people
out of captivity in Egypt, and received the
Mosaic Law from G-d. After decades of
wandering through wilderness, Joshua led
the tribes into the promised land, driving
out the Canaanites through a series of
military battles.
History Continued
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Division into the Northern kingdom of Israel and
the Southern kingdom of Judah occurred shortly
after the death of Solomon in 922 BCE. Israel
fell to Assyria in 722 BCE; Judah fell to the
Babylonians in 587 BCE. The temple was
destroyed. Some Jews returned from captivity
under the Babylonians and started to restore the
temple in 536 BCE. (Orthodox Jews date the
Babylonian exile from 422 to 352 BCE).
Alexander the Great invaded the area in 332
BCE. From circa 300 to 63 BCE, Greek became
the language of commerce, and Greek culture
had a major influence on Judaism. In 63 BCE,
the Roman Empire took control of Judea and
Israel.
Customs and Traditions
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Observation of the weekly Sabbath as a
day of rest, starting at sundown on Friday
evening. Strict discipline, according to the
Law, which governs all areas of life
Regular attendance by Jewish males at
Synagogue Celebration of the annual
festivals including:
Passover, or Pesach is held each Spring
to recall the Jews' deliverance out of
slavery in Egypt
Hanukkah or the Feast of Lights is an 8
day feast of dedication.
Icons
Islam: monotheistic
Founder
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Most religious historians view Islam as
having been founded in 622 CE by
Muhammad the Prophet (peace be upon
him). He lived from about 570 to 632. The
religion started in Mecca.
Locations Found
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North Africa
Southwest Asia (Middle East)
Oceania
Southern Europe
Holy Book
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The Qur'an (Recitation) are the literal words of
God in their original Arabic language. Muslims
believe that it was dictated to Muhammad by the
archangel Jibril over an interval of 23 years. The
text was originally in oral and written form; it
was later assembled together into a single book,
the Qur'an. Its name is often spelled "Koran" in
English. This is not recommended, as some
Muslims find it offensive. It is the only book that
is considered free of tahrif (error).
Beliefs
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Islam considers six fundamental beliefs to be the foundation of their faith:
A single, indivisible God. (God, the creator, is just, omnipotent and
merciful. "Allah" is often used to refer to God; it is the Arabic word for God.)
The angels.
The divine scriptures, which include the Torah, the Psalms, the rest of the
Bible, (as they were originally revealed) and the Qur'an (which is composed
of God's words, dictated by the Archangel Gabriel to Muhammad).
The Messengers of God, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David,
Jesus and Muhammad -- the last prophet; (peace be upon them).
Muhammad's message is considered the final, universal message for all of
humanity.
The Day of Judgment when people will be judged on the basis of their
deeds while on earth, and will either attain reward of Heaven or punishment
in Hell. They do not believe that Jesus or any other individual can atone for
another person's sin. Hell is where unbelievers and sinners spend eternity.
One translation of the Qur'an, 98:1-8, states: "The unbelievers among the
People of the Book and the pagans shall burn for ever in the fire of Hell.
They are the vilest of all creatures." ("People of the Book" refers to
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Christians, Jews and Muslims). Paradise is a place of physical and spiritual
pleasure where the sinless go after death
The supremacy of God's will.
Beliefs Continued
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The Five Pillars of Faith
The five pillars of faith are duties each Muslim performs to demonstrate his
or her faith.
Testimony of Faith (Kalima)- One must state, "There is no God but
Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah." publicly to become a Muslim.
Prayer (Salat)- Prayer must be done five times a day (upon rising, at
noon, in mid-afternoon, after sunset, and before going to sleep) towards the
direction of Mecca. The call to prayer is sounded by the muezzin (Muslim
crier) from a tower (minaret) within the mosque.
Almsgiving (Zakat)- Muslims are legally required to give one-fortieth of
their income to the needy. Since those whom alms are given are helping the
giver achieve salvation, there is no sense of shame in receiving charity.
Fasting (Sawm- During the holy month of Ramadan, faithful Muslims fast
from sunup to sundown each day. This develops self-control, devotion to
God, and identity with the needy.
Pilgrimage (Hajj)- Each Muslim is expected to make the pilgrimage to
Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do it and are
physically capable of the trip. It is an essential part of gaining salvation, so
the old or infirm may send someone in their place. It involves a set of rituals
and ceremonies.
History
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When Muhammad died, he left no document
appointing a successor. Some people thought that one
of the original converts who had taught with
Muhammad, some wanted a member of a powerful
political family in the area, and others felt that 'Ali, the
cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad had been
divinely designated as successor. An early believer,
Abu Bakr was appointed, but died within two years.
Eventually, a power struggle developed as different
groups of Muslims believed their method of
establishing a successor were the best. The largest
argument was over whether the successor should be
elected or chosen through heredity. This controversy
produced the main body of Islam known as the
Sunnis (followers of the prophet's way) and other
numerous sects including the Shi'a and the Sufis.
The Sunnis are the majority in Islam today.
Customs and Traditions
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Hajj literally means 'to set out for a place'.
Islamically however it refers to the annual
pilgrimage that Muslims make to Makkah
with the intention of performing certain
religious rites in accordance with the
method prescribed by the Prophet
Muhammad
Icons
Buddhism: Non-Theistic
Founder
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The Buddha was born Siddhartha Gautama, a
prince of the Sakya tribe of Nepal, in
approximately 566 BC. When he was twentynine
years old, he left the comforts of his home to
seek the meaning of the suffering he saw
around him. After six years of arduous yogic
training, he abandoned the way of selfmortification and instead sat in mindful
meditation beneath a bodhi tree.
Locations Found
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Southwest Asia (Middle East)
Japan Vietnam
Thailand
Cambodia
Holy Book
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Buddhism is based on Buddha's teachings.
At first these were passed down by word
of mouth and later were complied into two
sets of scripture. One set by Council of
Monks of the Theravada school (the
Tripitaka) the other by the Mahayana
school ( the Sutras). Both were similar.
Beliefs
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Four Noble Truths
1. Suffering exists
2. Suffering arises from attachment to
desires
3. Suffering ceases when attachment to
desire ceases
4. Freedom from suffering is possible by
practicing the Eightfold Path
Beliefs Continued
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Noble Eightfold Path
Three Qualities Eightfold Path
I. Wisdom- Right View, Right Thought
II. Morality- Right Speech, Right
Action, Right Livelihood
III. Meditation- Right Effort, Right
Mindfulness, Right Contemplation
History
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Buddhists believe in reincarnation and that one must go
through cycles of birth, life, and death. After many such
cycles, if a person releases their attachment to desire
and the self, they can attain Nirvana. In general,
Buddhists do not believe in any type of God, the need
for a savior, prayer, or eternal life after death. However,
since the time of the Buddha, Buddhism has integrated
many regional religious rituals, beliefs and customs into
it as it has spread throughout Asia, so that this
generalization is no longer true for all Buddhists. This
has occurred with little conflict due to the philosophical
nature of Buddhism.
Customs and Traditions
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Daily Practice of Lay Followers
It has long been a tradition of Japanese lay Buddhists to
observe a short service in front of the family altar every
morning and evening before meals.
At the morning service, the first food of the day and
fresh flowers are offered. Though not many, there are
still quite a few Buddhists who hold a short service at
the family altar daily, since, according to recent survey,
more than sixty percent of the Japanese families possess
a Buddhist alter.
At these daily services, all the family members of the
used to participate and chant a short scripture led by the
head of the family.
Icons
Icons: men spinning prayer
wheels…
Hinduism: polytheistic
Founder
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No known founder!!!
Locations Found
Holy Scriptures
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The Vedas
Beliefs
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One must follow their dharma (life’s
duties), to maintain good karma (life
peace), and be reincarnation into a higher
position in the caste system…then they
can find Nirvana.
History
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Hinduism is based on the concept that human and animal spirits
reincarnate, or come back to earth to live many times in different
forms. The belief that souls move up and down an infinite hierarchy
depending on the behaviors they practiced in their life is visible in
many of the Hindu societal policies. The caste system survives and
charity towards others is unheard of because each individual
deserves to be in the social class they were born in. A person is
born into the highest class because they behaved well in a past life,
and a person is born into poverty and shame because of
misbehaviors in a past life.
Today, a Hindu can be polytheistic (more than one god),
monotheistic (one god), pantheistic (god and the universe are one),
agnostic (unsure if god exists), or atheistic (no god) and still claim
to be Hindu. This open theology makes it difficult to discuss basic
beliefs since there are many ideas about what Hinduism means.
However, these universal ideas must be mentioned.
History Continued
Providing an adequate history for the development of Hinduism is difficult,
since it has no specific founder or theology and originated in the religious
practices of Aryan tribes who moved to India from central Asia more than
three thousand years ago. The Aryans attacked the Harappan people who
lived in modern day India around 1500 BC. Eventually, through adaptation
to the religious beliefs of the other, both groups developed similar religious
belief systems, founded on the polytheism of the Aryans and the sanctity of
fertility of the Harappans.
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Soon, the predominantly Aryan society developed the caste system, which
ranked society according to occupational class. The caste system is as
follows:
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Brahmins priests
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Kshatriyas soldiers, king-warrior class
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Vaishyas merchants, farmers, Sutras laborers, craftspeople
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Harijahns "untouchables"- those thought to be descended from the
Harappan aboriginal people-extremely poor and discriminated against
History Continued
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Hinduism has grown to become the
world's third largest religion, after
Christianity and Islam. It claims about 837
million followers - 13% of the world's
population. 2 It is the dominant religion in
India, Nepal, and among the Tamils in Sri
Lanka.
Customs & Traditions
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The family inheritance is patriarchal and
patrilinear. There are exceptions in certain sects such as
in Kerala (called Marumakkattayam) and South Kanara
district in Karanataka (among the Bunt community called
Aliyasantana), where a matrilineal system is
followed. The father is the head of the house and
administrator. The family usually lived as an extended
group of parents, children, grandchildren, uncles and
their descendents. The group is bound together and
linked with three generations of ancestors through a
ceremony called Shraddha. The ritual consists of
offering balls of rice called pinda to the ancestors. Sons,
grandsons and great grandsons participate and three
generations of deceased are believed to participate in
the benefits of the ceremony.
Icons:
Hinduism is polytheistic (belief in
more than one god/goddess)…