19 Sept 2011 Objective: Introduction to the Big 5 Religions Warm-up: 1.What is religion? 2.Name as many religions as you can.

Religion is…. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially 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.

Supreme Being

Founder, Date and Place Jesus, 32 A.D., Israel Mohammed, 622 A.D., Saudi Arabia Abraham, 586 B.C.E., Israel Siddhartha Gautama, 500 B.C.E., India Many, 1500 B.C.E., India

Sacred Writing Bible Quran Torra Tipitaka Bhagavada gita

Place of Worship Church Mosque Synagogue Temple

Main Beliefs Christianity- Jesus was son of God (Heaven) Islam – 5 Pillars (Heaven) Judaism – 10 commandments (Heaven) Buddhism – 4 noble truths (8 fold path) to reach Nirvana Hinduism – reincarnation to attain Moksha

4 noble truths

8 fold path Correct thought: avoiding covetousness, the wish to harm others and wrong views (like thinking: actions have no consequences, I never have any problems, there are no ways to end suffering etc.) Correct speech: avoid lying, divisive and harsh speech and idle gossip. Correct actions: avoid killing, stealing and sexual misconduct Correct livelihood: try to make a living with the above attitude of thought, speech and actions. Correct understanding: developing genuine wisdom. (The last three aspects refer mainly to the practice of meditation:)meditation Correct effort: after the first real step we need joyful perseverance to continue. Correct mindfulness: try to be aware of the "here and now", instead of dreaming in the "there and then". Correct concentration: to keep a steady, calm and attentive state of mind

Symbol

Sects Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox Sunni, Shiite Orthodox, Conservative, Reformed Mahayana, Theravada, Tibetan Vaishnavites, Shaivites

World population %, number 1.9 Billion  33% China, India, United States 1.1 Billion  21% Indonesia, Pakistan 13 Million .22 % Israel, United States 325 Million  6% China, Thailand 793 Million  14% India, Nepal