European Culture Religions

Major Religions The three major religions practiced in Europe are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Followers of each of these religions believe in only one God. This is known as monotheism... which is the belief in only one god. The three major religions practiced in Europe are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Followers of each of these religions believe in only one God. This is known as monotheism... which is the belief in only one god. Each of these religions started in the Middle East and share some common characteristics. Each of these religions started in the Middle East and share some common characteristics.

Christianity By far the most predominant religion in Europe, By far the most predominant religion in Europe, Christianity dates back to the First Century when Jesus of Nazareth began preaching and teaching throughout the ancient land of Israel. His followers were called Christians in honor of his title, Jesus the Christ. The Roman Emperor Constantine declared Christianity the Official religion of the empire in the year 313 A.D. and soon Christianity began to spread quickly throughout Europe. throughout Europe.

Christian Denominations Although most Christians accept the Bible as their holy book and follow the teachings of Jesus, they do differ in some of their other beliefs. For this reason, Christians are often divided into groups called denominations. The largest three denominations found in Europe are Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic. Although most Christians accept the Bible as their holy book and follow the teachings of Jesus, they do differ in some of their other beliefs. For this reason, Christians are often divided into groups called denominations. The largest three denominations found in Europe are Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic.

Christian Customs Most Christians worship in churches Most Christians worship in churches They follow the teachings of Jesus in their holy book called the Bible They follow the teachings of Jesus in their holy book called the Bible Abraham is one of their important patriarchs (like a founding father) Abraham is one of their important patriarchs (like a founding father) They celebrate Christmas & Easter They celebrate Christmas & Easter View Jerusalem as a holy city since Jesus taught there on the Mount of Olives View Jerusalem as a holy city since Jesus taught there on the Mount of Olives

Judaism People who practice this religion are called Jews and make up about 1/10 of the population of Europe. Jews believe that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments to live by and that God revealed His truths in the Torah, the Jewish Holy Book also known as the Old Testament. People who practice this religion are called Jews and make up about 1/10 of the population of Europe. Jews believe that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments to live by and that God revealed His truths in the Torah, the Jewish Holy Book also known as the Old Testament. Jews do not accept the New Testament as their holy book. They believe that Jesus was a good man and a good teacher, but do not acknowledge him to be the Son of God. Jews do not accept the New Testament as their holy book. They believe that Jesus was a good man and a good teacher, but do not acknowledge him to be the Son of God.

Jewish Customs Most Jews worship in synagogues (temples) Most Jews worship in synagogues (temples) They follow the teachings of Moses as written in their holy book the Torah They follow the teachings of Moses as written in their holy book the Torah Abraham is one of the patriarchs Abraham is one of the patriarchs They celebrate Passover, Chanukah & Yom Kippur They celebrate Passover, Chanukah & Yom Kippur They view Jerusalem as a holy city since it is the site of the Western Wall, the only remaining wall of their ancient Temple. They view Jerusalem as a holy city since it is the site of the Western Wall, the only remaining wall of their ancient Temple.

Islam People who practice this religion are called Muslims. Muslims follow the teachings of Muhammad as written in their holy book the Qur’an or Koran. Muslims learn the five pillars of Islam which are faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage which is journey People who practice this religion are called Muslims. Muslims follow the teachings of Muhammad as written in their holy book the Qur’an or Koran. Muslims learn the five pillars of Islam which are faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage which is journey a Muslim makes. a Muslim makes.

Islamic Customs Most Muslims worship in mosques. Most Muslims worship in mosques. They follow the teachings found in their holy book the Koran (Qur’an). They follow the teachings found in their holy book the Koran (Qur’an). Abraham is one of their patriarchs Abraham is one of their patriarchs They celebrate the holiday of Ramadan and make a pilgrimage to one of their holy cities at least once in their lifetime. They celebrate the holiday of Ramadan and make a pilgrimage to one of their holy cities at least once in their lifetime. They view Jerusalem as a holy city since it is the site of one their greatest mosques, the Dome of the Rock. They view Jerusalem as a holy city since it is the site of one their greatest mosques, the Dome of the Rock.

The Holy City of Jerusalem

Use these terms to complete your chart. synagogueJewsJesus Western WallJerusalemKoran MosesMuhammadBible Torahreligious teacherEaster AbrahamRamadanchurch mosqueSon of GodChristmas Mount of OlivesDome of the RockPassover Yom KippurChristiansMuslims Chanukah You will use some of these terms more than once.