Influence of World Religions in the Contemporary World

Five World Religions Five world religions have had a profound impact on culture and civilization. What are some characteristics of the five major world religions?

Monotheism Began in Palestine with the Jews Abraham is the founder of: Judaism Islam

Monotheism Begun by Abraham about 2000 BCE Common Beliefs: God created the universe God continues to govern the universe The Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God on Mt. Sinai and must be followed

Judaism Monotheism Ten Commandments of moral and religious conduct Torah: Written records and beliefs of the Jews Founder: Abraham

JUDAISM Followers are called Jews Believe that God made a covenant with Abraham and his people (Israelites) Adherents are worldwide, but most are in Israel Holy book is the Torah (= the first five books of the Old Testament of Christian Bible) Worship in a Synagogue

Christianity Monotheism Jesus as Son of God Life after death New Testament: Life and teachings of Jesus Establishment of Christian doctrines by early church councils Worship in a church Holy Book: Bible

Islam Monotheism Muslim name for their God is Allah Muhammad, the prophet Holy Book: Qur’an (Koran) Mecca and Medina Started his religion in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This is the holiest city in Islam.

ISLAM Muslims worship in a mosque Muslims must follow the Five Pillars of Islam: Stating the Faith Prayer 5 times/day facing Mecca Charity to poor Pilgrimage (Hajj) Fast during Ramadan

Buddhism Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Four Noble Truths Eightfold Path to Enlightenment Spread of Buddhism from India to China and other parts of Asia, resulting from Asoka’s missionaries and their writings

Buddhism Basic Tenets of Buddhism The world is full of suffering Meditation is our only escape Nirvana is the ultimate goal Follow the Eightfold Path

Eightfold Path Right Understanding Right Thought Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration

Images of Buddha

Polytheism Polytheism is the worship of more than one god. May accept gods from other religions Choose your favorite god!

Hinduism Many forms of one god Reincarnation: Rebirth based upon karma Karma: Knowledge that all thoughts and actions result in future consequences

Polytheism Hinduism From India around 1700 BCE No single founder 3rd largest religion Holy Book: Rig Veda Brahman is the source of all divinity (holiness) Believe in reincarnation (soul is reborn many times based on Karma).

Caste System Good Karma OK Karma Bad Karma Untouchables

Hindu Gods SHIVA VISHNU BRAHMA

Essential Understanding and Question Five world religions have had a profound impact on culture and civilization. These religions are found worldwide, but their followers tend to be concentrated in certain geographic areas. (pp. 700-714) Where are the followers of the five world religions concentrated?

Geographic Distribution of World’s Major Religions Judaism: Concentrated in Israel and North America Christianity: Concentrated in Europe and North and South America Islam: Concentrated in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Hinduism: Concentrated in India Buddhism: Concentrated in East and Southeast Asia

Contemporary Political issues…ethic/religious conflicts Developed and developing nations face many challenges. These include migrations, ethnic and religious conflicts… What are some challenges faced by the contemporary world?

Ethnic and Religious Conflicts Middle East – Muslim infighting (Sunni vs. Shi’a), Muslims (Arabs) vs. Jews (Israel), Strict vs. moderate, Muslims vs. Christians (United States) Northern Ireland – Protestants vs. Catholics Balkans – Serbs, Bosnians, and Croats fight one another for land (their own nation) 1990s

Ethnic and Religious Conflicts Horn of Africa – Consists of Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Drought, disease, and piracy has been a problem in this region. South Asia – Consists of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, et al… India and Pakistan have a history of disputes and with the war on terror Afghanistan and Pakistan are in the news.