World’s Major Religions

WHAT IS RELIGION? A SYSTEM OF ORGANIZED BELIEFS, PRACTICES, AND WORSHIP OF A SUPREME BEING OR BEINGS.

What has the role of religion been in history? Promises happiness, salvation, security, purpose. Answers the basic questions of life: why are we here, what happens when we die?

WHY IS RELIGION IMPORTANT TO STUDY? Shapes the lives of people and cultures. Inspired art and music.

Has been a source of conflict between people. Helps to understand other cultures and people.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RELIGION. Belief in a deity or deities Code of conduct Five Pillars of Islam Ten Commandments

Doctrine of salvation Sacred writings

Religious rituals

Growth of major religions Religions map

Monotheism Belief in a single deity (God) Christianity Judaism Islam

Polytheism Belief in two or more deities (gods)

Religions in Europe, Asia, and Africa Major religions in Europe, Africa, and Asia

Religions by land area

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all have their hearth in the Middle East  come from SW Asia, #1, 18

Beliefs/ foundation of each religion is centered around the key figures of Abraham, Jesus, and Muhammad

Where does the split between Christianity, Judaism, and Islam begin? Jews and Christians believe Abraham was told by God to sacrifice his son ISAAC. The angels stopped Abraham from killing his son. Muslims believe God told Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael. The angels stopped him. The split BEGINS here.

Monotheistic religions: Judaism The Jews, while being very few in number worldwide, exert a great deal of influence on world affairs due to the positions of importance held by Jews in the West.

Monotheistic religions: Christianity Christianity has three major branches: Catholic

Branches of Christianity: Protestant Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Church of God, and various other denominations.

Branches of Christianity: (Eastern) Orthodox Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox