World Religions Define these words Cult Polytheism Monotheism Prophet Messiah Sect Reincarnation

five characteristics world religions seem to share: 1.a belief in some kind of deity or supreme being (ex. God or Jehovah) 2.a code of conduct for individuals and groups of people (ex. prohibition against murder) 3.religious rituals or ceremonies (ex. baptism or marriage) 4.a doctrine of salvation (ex. being forgiven for sins) 5.a sacred text of stories of a holy book (ex. Bible or Quran) Comparing World Religions

Hinduism India 900 Million worldwide 3rd largest combination of local beliefs and customs with immigrating ideas

Polytheistic supreme spirit – Brahman utilizes many forms – different gods. Main 3 Brahma – Creator Vishnu – Preserver Siva – Destroyer Hinduism

Reincarnation – rebirth of soul progressing Enlightenment - Goal Karma – actions in this life affects position in next Varna – cast or class each individual Dharma – Religious rules to be followed in each class Hinduism

Cross between philosophy and religion Approx. 360 Mil worldwide Started – India around 500BCE by Siddharta Gautama Indian Prince

The Four Noble Truths 1 Life is Suffering 2 All suffering is caused by ignorance of the nature of reality. 3 Suffering can be ended by overcoming ignorance and attachment. 4 The path to the suppression of suffering is the of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path Noble Eightfold Path

Enlightenment = Nirvana May be attained in 1 lifetime Main way to achieve is through meditation