Major Religions in South and East Asia 7th Grade Social Studies
SS7G12 The student will analyze the diverse cultures of people who live in South and East Asia
SS7G12b Compare and Contrast the prominent religions in Southern and Eastern Asia: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism, and the philosophy of Confucianism.
Buddhism
Buddhism
SS7G12b Buddhism- Created 2,500 years ago Practiced in China, Vietnam, and surrounding nations Based on four noble truths (followers are trying to achieve states of peace (nirvana) while rejecting desires
Hinduism
Hinduism Hinduism – Began thousands of years ago (near the Indus River) 1 billion followers mostly in India One God – takes the form of thousands of other Gods Based on concepts of Dharma, Karma, and reincarnation
Islam
Islam Islam – created in the 600s (in SW Asia) Although most followers are in the Middle East, it is also practiced (by hundreds of millions) in Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other nations in Southeast Asia
Shintoism
Shintoism Shintoism: Began thousands of years ago (in Japan) Mostly practiced in Japan Polytheism (many gods) and animism (spirits) All living things have spirits Often mixed with Buddhism in Japan
Confucianism
Confucianism Confucianism: Created 2,500 years ago (in China) Practiced in China and surrounding countries Based on behavior and ethics More of a philosophy than a religion: No Gods or Spirits