7 major Religions

What is religion? Religion is a set of beliefs about the meaning of life, the nature of the universe, and the existence of the supernatural including God or a Supreme Being. Religion is a set of customs and practices that relates to the worship of God or several gods with a set of rules for the conduct of a good life. Religion is an organization that worships in a church, temple, or other places. Most religions designates some special places as sacred (special) or holy.

There are 7 major religions around the world. Animism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism Monotheism is the belief in a single God. Polytheism is the belief in more than one God or many Gods.

Animism Believes that all things have their own spirits. Earliest from of religion. Tribes in sub-Saharan Africa tribes believe that animals, plants, and even places had their own spirits. Medicine man would try to contact the spirit world. Native American societies believed that animals and objects in nature had their own spirits. In ancient Japan, they believed that many spirits existed in nature. There is no holy book or holidays that they celebrate.

buddhism This religion started in Nepal where Prince Gautama lived a life of great luxury (rich). One day, he left his palace and saw human suffering. He left his family to find the truth. Six years later, he came to the conclusion that it was caused by human desires. He became “Buddha”. Buddhists believe in people should accept the world as it is and block out selfish desires. Buddhists do not believe in a single God and they do not have a holy book but they have basic beliefs in a book called Sutras. You may find Buddhism in India, China, Korea, and Japan. There are about 350 million Buddhists in the world.

hinduism Hinduism has no single holy book, but Hindu writings called Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita provide guidance and inspiration. Hindus believe that there are many gods and goddesses. Each god is a manifestation (form) of one Supreme Being. Hindus believe in reincarnation, an endless cycle of rebirth for each soul. People who live a good life are reborn into a higher caste system. They also believe in karma, a person’s behavior in life, determines that person’s next life. They celebrate Diwali and Holi. You may find Hinduism being practiced mainly in modern India and Nepal. There is about one billion Hindus today.

judaism Judaism is the first religion known to have one God. According to Jewish tradition, the ancient Hebrews migrated from Israel to Egypt to escape food shortages from drought. They stayed in Egypt for hundreds or years and became slaves. A man named Moses led the Jews out of Egypt and back to Israel. According to the Bible when the Jews left Egypt, Moses presented the Jews with the 10 commandments, which he said came directly from God. They believe there is only one God the creater. They follow the first five books of the Old Testament, Torah. Their main holidays are Yom Kippur, Chanakah, and Rosh Hashana. There are about 17 million Jews today, 40% live in Israel, 40% live in the US, the other 20% is spread around the world.

christianity This religion began about 2,000 years ago. It is based upon the teachings of Jesus, a Jew born in Bethlehem. Jesus preached forgiveness, mercy, and sympathy for the poor and helpless. The Romans crucified Jesus for claiming he was the Messiah or Savior. After his death, followers known as the Apostles, believed Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead to redeem mankind. There are many different forms of Christianity, however, they all follow the Bible. Main holidays Christian’s celebrate are Christmas and Easter. There are about two billion followers around the world but it is the main religion in the Americas, Europe, Greece, Russia, Africa, and parts of Asia.

islam A follower of Islam is called a Muslim. Islam was founded by Mohammed, around 600 A.D., Mohammed had a vision that commanded him to convert Arab tribes to the belief in a single God, known as “Allah”. His followers believed Mohammed was God’s last and greatest prophet. Every Muslim follows the 5 Pillars of Faith. Confession of Faith-there is only one God, “Allah”, Prayer-pray 5 times a day facing the city of Mecca, Charity-give money to the poor and pay taxes to the mosque, Fasting-during Ramadan, cannot eat or drink during daylight hours, and Pilgrimage-is physically able, you must make a religious trip to Mecca. You may find his teachings in the Quran (Koran). There are over one billion people who follow the Islamic faith. About one-fifth of them live in Arabic-speaking countries. Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

sikhism Sikhism is a combine religion of Hindu and Muslim beliefs. Like in Hindus, Sikhs believe in reincarnation. Like in Muslims, Sikhs believe in one God. They believe that God can be known through mediation (deep contemplation). Their goal is to build a close and loving relationship with God and that everyone has equal status in the eyes of God. They follow the religious teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib. They celebrate Gurpurbs. Sikhs do not have a castes system and men do not cut their hair which is worn under a turban. There are about 16 million Sikhs mainly found in Northern India.