World Religions Unit 4

WHAT IS Religion? Religion: a unified system of beliefs A supernatural power or creator Sacred animals, objects, people, etc.

What is Religion continued… Religion is a very sensitive subject and can cause extreme passion among its believers. Armed Conflicts can arise between competing religions, which can boil over to Countries fighting wars. EXAMPLE: Israel Vs. the Middle East

The Sociological Study of Religion Involves looking at set of meanings attached to a world that’s beyond human observation How can we find evidence for something that we cant see? Therefore, sociologists avoid the spiritual side of religion and focus on the social aspects of religion that can be observed.

What is Led Zepplin really saying in the song “stairway to heaven?” TABLE TALK What is Led Zepplin really saying in the song “stairway to heaven?” Discuss how songs, poems, hymns, etc. connect us to a religion?

Major World Religions Judaism- Concentrated in Israel, America, & Europe Founded by Abraham Followers are called Jews Holy Book is the Torah Oldest Monotheistic Religion

Major World Religions Christianity- Concentrated in North America, South America, & Europe Based on Judaism Founded by Jesus Christ Holy Book = The Bible Roman Catholic, Protestant, & Eastern Orthodox are all called Christians

Major World Religions Islam- Concentrated in the Middle East & Africa Founded by the Prophet Muhammad Followers are called Muslims Holy Book = the Quran / Koran Believe in One God = Allah Some similarities to Judaism and Christianity

Major World Religions Hinduism- Concentrated in India Oldest world religion Concentrated in India Believe in many Gods Believe in the Caste System Strive to achieve dharma Which is a code of living that emphasizes good conduct and morality.

Major World Religions Buddhism- Concentrated in Asia & Indonesia Based on Hinduism Founder Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Goal is to reach Nirvana Clarity into the nature of reality, no more suffering   Existence is endless because individuals are reincarnated over and over again There is no belief in a personal God.

Table talk List some facts about a religion that you learned today that is different from your own religion or one that you already knew about?