1.) Christianity 2.) Judaism 3.) Islam 4.) Hinduism 5.) Buddhism Major World Religions 1.) Christianity 2.) Judaism 3.) Islam 4.) Hinduism 5.) Buddhism

Christianity Monotheistic Religion Holy Book: Bible (Both Old & New Testaments) Major Ideology: Salvation through faith and good works Foundations: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Reformation Founders: Jesus, Martin Luther, John Calvin Laws based on Jesus’ teachings Holy Sites: Jerusalem, Middle East

Judaism Monotheistic Religion Holy Book: Torah (The history of the Jewish people; it is the Old Testament of the Bible) Major Ideology: God made a covenant (agreement) with the Hebrews as the Chosen people Founders: Abraham and Moses Law based on the Ten Commandments Major Cities and Sites: Founded in Judea (Palestine), Jerusalem; religion today concentrated in Israel and North America

Islam Monotheistic Religion Holy Book: Qur’an (Koran) Major Ideology: Salvation is by a just life of belief in one true God Foundations: Shi’ite, Sunni, Hegira Founders: Muhammad Government is based on principles from the Koran; all people are equal before God Major Cities and Sites: Founded in Mecca, Jerusalem an important site

Hinduism Polytheistic faith with many deities (gods) Holy Book(s): Vedas--sacred Hindu writings Major Ideology: One God has many forms Foundations: Caste System Founders: Aryans The Caste System organizes society into classes Major Cities and Sites: Founded in India

Buddhism Difficult to classify Holy Book: None Major Ideology: the religion believes that the nature of God is found in Human interactions with nature; humans are to struggle to achieve the virtuous life of Buddha Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Buddhism is based on the 4 Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path set by Buddha Major Cities and Sites: Founded in India, spread into East and Southeast Asia