Human Geography Religions of the World

Religion How are religions similar? Different?

Why is religion important? Religions establish beliefs and values of a group It tells them how to behave toward each other

Types of Religions Monotheistic religions believe in one god. Polytheistic religions believe in many gods. Animistic or traditional religions believe in divine forces in nature.

Types of Religions Judaism Christianity Islam Monotheistic Religions Polytheistic Religions Hinduism Buddhism

Religions of the World Religion Followers Christianity 1.9 billion Islam 1.1 billion Hinduism 781 million Sikhism 356 million Buddhism 324 million Judaism 14 million

Where are they located? Sikhism

Southwest Asia The three monotheistic religions began in Southwest Asia: Judaism (2000 BCE) Christianity (26-36 CE) Islam (610 CE)

How did these religions spread? Diffusion The movement of people helped spread religions Trade War/conquest

Judaism Oldest monotheistic religion Abraham is the ‘father’ of the Jewish people. Ethnic religion Followers are called Jews Israel is the homeland of the Jews

Western Wall

Star of David

Christianity Christianity evolved from the teachings of Judaism It is monotheistic (one God) Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ

Saint Basil’s

Islam Islam is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad who lived from 570 to 632 in Saudi Arabia. Islam is directly related to Judaism and Christianity. Islam is a monotheistic religion Muslims worship God, who in Arabic is called Allah

Islam

Islam The five pillars or central teachings of Islam are: A statement of faith Prayer (five times a day in the direction of Mecca) Charity Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime (called the Hajj) Fasting (during the month of Ramadan)

Dome of the Rock

Mecca

Crescent and Star

India The two polytheistic religions began in India: Hinduism Buddhism

Hinduism Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Hinduism has no founder and is based on traditions that developed over a long period of time.

Angkor Wat

Buddhism Buddhism is related to Hinduism and shares many of the same basic beliefs. Buddhism developed about 563 B.C. Its founder, Siddhartha Gautama, is called the Buddha, or Enlightened One.

Buddhism spread quickly to other parts of Asia

Buddha

Sikhism It is Monotheistic Found mainly in Northern India/Southern Pakistan Believes in Equality of everyone Rejects the caste system.

Sikhism