Religion and Philosophy

How does the topic of religion relate to AP World History? Where are religions distributed throughout the world? Where did the world religions originate? To what extent does religion affect the relationships among various groups of people?

Religion Religion distinguishes itself from other belief systems by its emphasis on the sacred and divine. Religions usually explain the relationship of the individual to the world, as well as the meaning of life and death.

General Information About Religions Universalizing religion: attempts to be global and to appeal to all people with no specific ties to a culture or location Statistics: 58% of the world’s population adheres to a universalizing religion. 23% follow an ethnic religion. 19% follow no religion.

Universalizing Religions Each universalizing religion is divided into subgroups: Branches are large and basic divisions within a religion. Denominations are divisions of branches that unite local groups in a single administrative body. Sects are small denominational groups which have broken away from the established church.

Universalizing Religions The three main universalizing religions are: Christianity Islam Buddhism Each attempts to be global in its appeal to all people, not just to those living in one location.

Major Religions of the World as a Percentage of World Population NOTE: Percentages do not add up to 100% due to rounding up for all categories.

Christianity This universalizing religion has the most followers and the most widespread distribution. It is the predominant religion in: North America South America Europe Australia

Branches of Christianity Roman Catholic (50% of Christians): believe in the teachings in the Bible as they are interpreted by the church hierarchy; headed by the Pope in Vatican City; believe in the seven sacraments which are rituals that convey God’s grace to humanity Protestant (24% of Christians): begun by Martin Luther in Germany [1517] when he posted the 95 Theses on a church door; believe in direct communication with God rather than performance of the sacraments; believe that grace is achieved through faith rather than the sacraments

Branches of Christianity (continued) Eastern Orthodox (11% of Christians): formed with the split of the church in Rome in the fifth century; reject the doctrines of the Roman Catholics; do not accept the Pope as the leader of the Church The remaining 15% are affiliated with a variety of African, Asian, and Latin American churches that cannot be categorized within the three major branches.