Foundations of Social Studies Human Geography

An organized set of beliefs humans use to explain the universe Explains why things happen from the perspective of faith Looking toward a higher power to bring healing, comfort, and understanding

1.Universalizing Believe they have the truth for all people, and try to convert others 2. Ethnic Do not try to convert others, focusing on their own ethnic group Monotheistic: belief in ONE god Polytheistic: belief in MULTIPLE gods

Founded in 1800 BCE by Abraham Place: Middle East (Israel) Monotheistic Follow the Old Testament (Torah) Rabbis are the leaders (ethnic religion) Basic beliefs God’s chosen people and Israel is the holy land Made a promise (covenant) with God **Christianity and Islam find their roots in Judaism**

Began in 30 CE in Jerusalem Believe Jesus is the Son of God and they follow him 3 branches: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant Basic beliefs: The bible, one God, Jesus saved the world-faith in him to be saved, Ten Commandments Universalizing **Largest religion in the world( 2.1 billion)**

Place: Middle East ( Mecca) Teachings are in the Quran 2 branches: Sunni and Shi’a Basic Beliefs: 5 pillars 1-belief in Muhammad (prophet/founder) & Allah (God) 2-praying 5 times a day 3-giving charity / paying alms ($) 4-fast during the month of Ramadan 5-traveling to Mecca at least once **2 nd largest universalizing religion**

Began in India around 2000 BCE Ethnic religion found mostly in India Basic Beliefs: Reincarnation- come back as another being Polytheistic- Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva 0rally passed on Third largest religion

Began in North India around 600 BCE Founder: Siddhartha Gautama “Budda” saw suffering and wanted it to stop through meditation he became enlightened Life is hard because of human desire for material goods 3 branches: Theravada, Mahayana, & Vajrayana Basic beliefs: Eightfold path- rules and guidelines to live life Nirvana- a perfect state of being