Why do children believe in Santa Claus?  A Buddhist Santa 

What is religion?

Which is the definition? A commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance The service and worship of God or the supernatural A personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs and practices Source: Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, 1977.

Atheism Atheism is the non-belief in gods or any supernatural power https://atheists.org/activism/resources/what-is-atheism While it is often included in comparative religious studies… Atheism is not a religious tradition like other world religions. Sunday Assembly — whose motto is Live Better, Help Often, Wonder More — taps into that universe of people who left their faith but now miss the community church provided. Data from 2012 show that 2.4% of American adults say they are atheists when asked about their religious identity, up from 1.6% in 2007.

Characteristics of Religion Beliefs Monotheism/Polytheism Afterlife View of messiah or supernatural Origins and Development History and Characters Religious Texts Sects and Denominations Rules for Behavior Religious Regulations Social Customs Practices Religious ceremonies and rituals Holidays Worship/ Sabbath Sacred Places and Spaces Holy Sites Places of Worship Religious Leaders

Key Vocabulary Religion Atheism Monotheism Polytheism Sect Cult

Religions of the Middle East There are 3 main religions of this region… Christianity Judaism Islam How are these religions similar to each other?

Period 6 1 Matthew Nik Aidan Autiana Noelle 2 Lana Emalee Brooke Derek 3 Amri Josiah Kailee 4 Bri Sophia Mason Megan 5 Bailey Sadie Cania Hannah 6 Brady Marissa Bella Connor 7 Amanda Nate Skyelar Noah