5 Major World Religions

Objective I can recognize the major beliefs of the five major world religions. (7.1.spi.3)

Focus Question In your own words, define what religion means.

Definition of Religion from Dictionary.com 1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. 2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion. 3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions. 4. the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion. 5. the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith. 6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.

Key Terms Monotheism Polytheism Reincarnation

Monotheism Definition is the belief in the existence of a single (one) GOD. Christians, Muslims, and Jews believe in 1 God. Michelangelo’s God

Polytheism belief in or worship of more than one god Hinduism and Buddhism believe in more than 1 god.

Reincarnation Reincarnation (rebirth) best describes the concept where the soul or spirit, after the death of the body, is believed to return to live in a new human body, or, in some traditions, either as a human being, animal or plant.soulspirit death Buddhist and Hindus believe in this concept

I. Christianity There are over 2.1 billion followers of this world religion. Largest religion in the world. Including: Catholic, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterian, Church of God, Church of Christ, Church of Ladder Day Saints, etc.

Christianity This world religion is followed throughout the world. Most churches throughout Manchester would fit under this subdivision. This is the major religion of the United States.

Believes of Christianity Believe in 1 God (monotheism) Believe Jesus is the son of God Follow the Bible Go by the teachings of the New Testament worship in a church The Pope is a key leader for Catholics

Beliefs of Christians Believe in repentance believe in eternal life Major Leader: Jesus

II. Buddhism Has million followers founded by Siddhartha Gautama (known more commonly as Buddha) Karma is one of their beliefs

Beliefs of Buddhism Goal of life is to escape the cycle of birth and death by achieving Nirvana. Nirvana is a spiritual height Reincarnation Found most in Asia

Beliefs of Buddhism Followers are called Buddhist to achieve Nirvana, followers follow a 8 step process have no book they go by Polytheism (belief in many gods.

Dalai Lama: Key Leader in Buddhism

III. Hinduism Founder is unknown believe in a spiritual force known as Brahman million followers Believe the body is a temple Polytheism (Belief in many gods)

Beliefs of Hinduism Making life better for others (living a good life makes things better for themselves) Believe in reincarnation Come back to life in another form: animal, plant, etc. Found mainly in Asia

IV. Islam 1.3 billion followers 2 nd largest religion in the world founded by Muhammad Quran is their major book (text)

Beliefs of Islam Followers are called Muslims Believe in monotheism (1 God) (Allah) and Muhammad is his prophet. Worship in a Mosque

Beliefs of Islam 5 Pillars of Islam are: 1) Profession of Faith 2) 5 prayers daily 3) giving to the poor (alms giving) 4) fasting during Ramadan 5) pilgrimage to Mecca

V. Judaism Has 15.1 million followers major leader/founder: Abraham Israel, Jerusalem major places for this religion

Beliefs of Judaism Believe in monotheism ( 1 God) Recognize Jesus but do not believe he is God’s son. Maintain he was a prophet of God. Called Hebrews

Beliefs of Judaism Go by the Hebrew Bible (Torah) Use primarily the first 5 books of the Old Testament (Torah) Follow the 10 Commandments

Beliefs of Judaism Also called Jews Worship in a Synagogue Major celebration is Hanukkah (celebrated right around Christmas) 8 Days The Passover is another major holiday.

Closing Name two things that you learned about world religions today.