Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam World Religions Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam

Hinduism Time and Place: Prehistoric India Founder/Leader: Hinduism can not be traced back to one founder with a single set of ideas Text: Vedas and Upanishads— The Vedas, was brought to India by the Aryans. Later, Hindu teachers tried to explain the meaning of the Vedas in the Upanishads Monotheistic or Polytheistic? Brahman (spirit) takes many forms Brahma—The Creator Vishnu—The preserver Shiva—The Destroyer

Basic Beliefs/Teachings Moksha—to achieve union w/ Brahman by freeing yourself from selfish desires Reincarnation—rebirth of the soul in order to meet moksha Karma-- actions of a person’s life that affect his or her fate in the next life (what goes around, comes around) Dharma-- the religious and moral duties of an individual Ahimsa—nonviolence. all people and things are part of Brahman and should be respected

Judaism Time & Place—Palestine (Canaan) around 2000 B.C.E, Fertile Crescent, Hebrews go to Egypt Founder—Abraham Moses led Hebrews on Exodus from slavery in Egypt David united Hebrews into one nation (Jerusalem becomes capital of Israel) Text: Torah (Old Testament) FIRST MONOTHEISTIC RELIGION God = Yahweh

Basic Beliefs/Teachings 10 Commandments Strong moral code of ethics/behavior Abraham makes a covenant : an agreement with God If Abraham and his followers followed God, God would lead them to the promise land Diaspora-The Babylonians conquer Israel and force the Jews out, and they scatter all over the world.

Buddhism Time/Place-- Northern India (500’s BCE) Founder—Siddartha Gautama Texts--Tripitaka (Three Baskets of Wisdom Monotheistic/Polytheistic? NONE! Goal is to reach nirvana/enlightenment (end of reincarnation)

Basic Beliefs/Teachings Four Noble Truths Everyone suffers and knows sorrow We suffer because of our desires We can end our suffering by eliminating our desires We can eliminate our desires by following the Eightfold Path Eightfold Path Right views, aspirations, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and contemplation. Nonviolence towards living things.

Christianity Time/Place-- Palestine C.E. 30. Roman Empire Founder—Jesus Christ (Son of God, Messiah) Paul was 1st missionary foundation of the Christian Church. Apostles/Disciples – Jesus’ followers Text-- The Bible (Old and New Testament) Monotheistic

Basic Beliefs/Teachings Jesus is the son of God and savior for all humankind. Preaches: forgiveness, kindness love, Salvation available to anyone who believes. Also uses the 10 commandments.

Islam Time/Place– Arabian Peninsula C.E. 622 Founder– Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Text– Qu’ran Monotheistic Allah = Arabic word for God

Basic Beliefs/Teachings Five Pillars of Islam Confession of Faith Pray 5x a day, facing Mecca Charity to the poor Fast during Ramadan Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) Consider Jews and Christians “People of the Book” and accepts their prophets