By Mrs. Agosta and Mrs. Page RELIGION By Mrs. Agosta and Mrs. Page

Christianity (2.1 billion) Top 5 World Religions Religion Believers are called… Christianity (2.1 billion) Christian Islam (1.5 billion) Muslim Hinduism (900 million) Hindu Buddhism (376 million) Buddhist Sikhism (23 million) Sikh DON’T WRITE

Definition A set of beliefs about the nature of the universe, the existence of one or more gods, and the meaning of life. A set of customs related to the worship of god(s) and rules for proper conduct.

Religious Concepts: Creation Salvation

Belief in many gods Oldest form of religion I. Polytheism Belief in many gods Oldest form of religion

A. Animism Animism categorizes a plethora of traditional religions in the world. worship nature & believe all living things have spirits/ souls.

Ancestors watch over them from the spirit world.

Strong oral traditions Ceremonies conducted by Shaman No sacred text Strong oral traditions Ceremonies conducted by Shaman An early 20th century Igbo 'medicine man' in Nigeria, West Africa. Igbo people, also referred to as the Ibo(e) are an ethnic group living chiefly in southeastern Nigeria.

Examples: Native Americans African tribes Voodoo in the Carribean

DON’T WRITE Animists believe in a world of spiritual powers- gods (creators), demons (destroyers), the forces of nature, the deceased (ancestors), and the living (healers or witches).  Through rituals, sacrifices and trance, these powers can be influenced.

B. Shintoism Traditional religion in Japan. focuses on nature and ancestor worship. EVERYTHING has a spirit called Kami

The entrance to shrines is a torii gate. Shintos worship at shrines or places of natural beauty (like waterfalls or mtns). The entrance to shrines is a torii gate. Mr. and Mrs. Page at Disney World

Torii Gate, Miyajima Island

Torii Gate in Winter

C. Other Polytheistic Religions Riv Civs Ancient Greek gods Ancient Roman Pantheon

Hinduism

Religions of India DON’T WRITE Jain .5% Religion Percentage in India Hindu 82.6% Islam 11.4% Christian 2.4% Sikh 2.0% Buddhist .7% Jain .5% DON’T WRITE

A. FACTS About 80% India is Hindu. There’s no founder and no formal religious leaders.

Hindus may worship at a temple The Ganges River is considered sacred.

B. BELIEFS 1. Brahman The all-powerful, spiritual force in everything. It’s like the world’s soul. Hindus worship many gods that represent the many forms of Brahman:

Brahma –the Creator Vishnu- the Preserver Shiva- the Destroyer

2. Reincarnation Rebirth of the soul in another form A person’s soul never dies. It reappears after death in another person or animal. Symbol: wheel of life

3. Moksha The end of the reincarnation cycle The soul is free of pain and merges with Brahman. It’s like heaven and is the goal of Hindus. It cannot be achieved in one lifetime. One must go through reincarnation.

4. Karma Actions in this life that determine your status in the next life. GOOD deeds = HIGHER status in next life BAD “ “ = LOWER “ “ “ “

5. Dharma Religious and moral duties done in this life to acquire merit for the next life. These vary based on class (caste), gender, job and age You must overcome your own desires to do your duty.

Karma = Actions Dharma = Duties

6. The Caste System It’ s a rigid social class system in Hindu society. You are born into your caste and cannot change it until you are reincarnated!

6. Ahimsa Non-violence All people and things are aspects (parts) of Brahman and should be respected UN Declares Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary As “International Non-Violence Day” The United Nations General Assembly has decided to declare October 2 - the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi—as ‘International Day of Non-Violence’ in recognition of his role in promoting the message of peace around the world.

7. Sacred Texts The Vedas The Upanishads The Mahabharata (the Bhagavad Gita) The Ramayana Scene from the Ramayana. Prince Rama wins the heart of Princess Sita and obtains her hand in marriage after stringing and breaking the mighty bow belonging to Shiva, which no other man could even lift.