A Study of the World’s Religions Grade 8

Religions of the World Christianity: 2.1 billion Islam: 1.5 billion Hinduism: 900 million Chinese traditional religion (includes Taoism): 394 million Buddhism: 376 million Sikhism: 23 million Judaism: 14 million Baha'i: 7 million Shintoism: 4 million

Christianity Main Points Video Belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God Belief that Jesus rose from the dead to save us from our sins (The Resurrection) Sacred text is the Bible, made up of the Old Testament and the New Testament Belief that God is three persons in one - Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Christian Denominations Include: Roman Catholic Protestant Religions Anglican United Church of Canada Salvation Army Pentecostal Presbyterian Seventh Day Adventist Mormons - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Jehovah's Witness

Islam Main Points Video Belief that Allah is the one true God Mohammed was Allah's prophet Followers of Islam are called Muslims Muslims must pray 5 times a day Muslims must visit the holy city of Mecca at least once during their lifetime Their Sacred Text is the Qu'ran Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan Their place of worship is a mosque

Hinduism Main Points Video Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world Hinduism originated in India Hindus believe in one supreme being "Brahman". "Brahman" is represented by many gods and goddesses. Hindus believe in reincarnation Hindus believe in karma Hindus see the cow as sacred, as a symbol of life. Hindus do not eat beef. They have many sacred texts Their place of worship is a temple

Buddhism Main Points Video Buddhists do not believe in one God, but follow the spiritual practices set out by the Buddha. The Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) was a man who lived in India between 500-400 BCE. He was considered an "enlightened one". Buddhist sacred texts include the Sutras, which were the teachings and writings of the Buddha. Buddhist practices are set out in the Eightfold Path. Buddhist spiritual practices include meditation and mindfulness - living in the moment, and mental discipline. Buddhists believe in Karma - a law of cause and effect set in motion by human actions and thoughts. There are no special places set aside for Buddhist worship, as Buddhists do not worship a God. They are more concerned with their philosophy and way of life, and this can be practiced anywhere.

Judaism Main Points Video There is one God Jesus was a great prophet, but he was not the Son of God. The Jewish people are still waiting for their Messiah Their sacred text is the Torah Their place of worship is the synagogue Their religious feasts include Chanukah, Rosh HaShana, and Yom Kipper Jewish people follow certain dietary laws - kosher

Group Research Project on World Religions Your group must create a poster that provides information on your assigned World Religion. Include the following: Main beliefs Place of origin Customs and Traditions Founder Religious Symbols Major Festivals The Sacred Text Other interesting facts Place of Worship