Where are the Religions?

Judaism First Monotheistic religion Founders Abraham Moses • God is called Yahweh • Followers called Jews • Origin and Spread –Started in Middle East (Canaan, Israel Palestine) –Today most followers live in Israel and the United States Abraham & Isaac Moses & the 10 Commandments Torah

Beliefs and Customs • Holy City – Jerusalem Holy Books The Torah: It teaches Jews how to act, think and even feel about life and death. Ten Commandments: Moral and religious code Talmud: Other Writings of the Jewish Tradition Religious Customs Prayer 3 x a day Worship on the Sabbath day Saturday Diet Food must be Kosher

Icon depicting the First Council of Nicaea Basic Christianity Monotheistic Founder Jesus of Nazareth • Followers called Christians • Followers believe that Jesus is the son of God • Origin and Spread –Started in Middle East (Canaan, Israel Palestine) –Today most followers live in Europe and the Americas Christ on the Cross, Velazquez Icon depicting the First Council of Nicaea The Holy Trinity, Albrecht Duerer

Basic Christianity Texts The New Testament: Life and teachings of Jesus Bible Beliefs The Holy Trinity Immaculate Conception The Afterlife and heaven Customs & Holidays Weekly Worship Good Friday Easter Christmas

Islam • Monotheistic • Muhammad is known as “The Prophet” • God is known as “Allah” • Followers are called Muslims • Origin and Spread –Started in Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Mecca) –Today most followers live in North Africa and the Middle East. • Holy Cities: Mecca, Medina. Jerusalem • Text: Quran

Islam: The 5 Pillars Faith There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger Prayer (Salat) 5 x daily Charity (Zakat) All Things belong to God so we should donate to the Needy Fast During Ramadan, form sun up to sundown. Pilgrimage (Hajj) Once in a lifetime trip to Mecca and the Ka’ba

Hindu Gods: Many Forms of One God Hinduism Polytheistic Brought to India by Aryans Followers called Hindus Origin and Spread: India Texts: Vedas & Upanishads Beliefs: Caste system Reincarnation Karma Moksha Hindu Gods: Many Forms of One God Brahma: The Creator Siva: The Destroyer Vishnu: The Preserver

Buddhism Founder: Siddartha Gautama • Origin and Spread –Started in India –Today most followers live in China and South east Asia Buddhist Beliefs No Real Gods or Deities Goal: Nirvana not Brahma Four Noble Truths Life is Suffering Suffering is caused by desire & resistance to change We can end suffering by ending desire We can end desire and suffering by following the eightfold path Eight Fold Path Right Understanding 5.Right Livelihood Right Effort 6. Right Thought Right Mindfulness 7.Right Speech Right Concentration 8. Right Action Asoka: 273-232 BC