2. Religion Terms Monotheistic- believing in 1 God Polytheistic- Believing in more than one God Deity- a god

3. Five Major World Religions HinduismBuddhismJudaismChristianityIslam

4. Hinduism Developed in India One of the oldest religions of humanity. 3 rd largest religion in the world. Gave rise to Buddhism 2500 – 250 BC Brahman

5. What do Hindus believe? 1. Brahman -the eternal being - created and preserves the world. Everything in the world is part of Brahman. 2. Atman - the soul – each person has one that is an aspect of Brahman. Can’t ever be destroyed. 3. Devas– Parts of Brahman that are active in the world and who help to maintain order. – 3 of the most common—Brahma, Vishnu, & Siva 4. Reincarnation – being reborn into this world lifetime after lifetime (Samsara) 5. Karma – the sum effect of a person’s actions, good and bad, which helps shape future experiences 6. Moksha - goal of human existence, escape from the cycle of reincarnation to join with the Brahman. 7. Dharma – set of spiritual duties and obligations that must be fulfilled to achieve moksha. 2500 – 250 BC

6. Who do Hindus worship? – 3 Most Important Devas Brahma, the creator 2500 – 250 BC Siva, the Destroyer Vishnu, the Preserver

7. What are the religious practices of Hinduism? Vary greatly because worship can take place anywhere—usually a temple or in the home. Spiritual leaders - gurus or sages. Yoga-integrated physical and mental exercises. Pilgrimage to Ganges River (thought it flows through 2 devas so its water is holy. Bathing in it will purify them and remove bad karma). Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman (Moksha) 2500 – 250 BC

8. All these deities are but Aspects of the impersonal Brahman All these deities are but Aspects of the impersonal Brahman

9. Buddhism Message: people can escape the suffering of the world. Developed - India in 520 BCE and spread to other parts of Asia 4 th largest religion in the world 2500 – 250 BC

10. Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)  Founder: Siddhartha Gautama.  Prince of a small kingdom; he lived a sheltered life and sought the answer to ending suffering.  After years of meditation and searching, he sat under a Bodhi tree where he became Enlightened.  He transformed into the Buddha-the Enlightened One.

11. What is the fundamental cause of all suffering? Desire!  Therefore, don’t focus on your own problems or wants. Give up all materials and possessions of the world. 2500 – 250 BC The Teachings of Buddhism

12. Four Noble Truths  There is suffering in the world. To live is to suffer.  The cause of suffering is people’s desires for pleasure and material goods.  The solution is to eliminate desire and attachments. This is called achieving Nirvana. To get there, one must follow the Eightfold Path. 2500 – 250 BC

13. Eightfold Path Right Understanding Right Speech Right Livelihood Right Concentration Right Mindfulness Right Effort Right Action Right Intention 2500 – 250 BC

14. Eightfold Path Nirvana  Nirvana is a state of perfect peace in which the soul would be free from suffering forever. It would escape from the cycle of rebirth.  If nirvana is not achieved, then the soul would be reborn to live through the cycle of suffering again.  Spiritual leaders are called monks or lamas.  Worship takes place in a temple or meditation hall. 2500 – 250 BC

15. Judaism, Christianity, & Islam

16. Abraham is the connection between Judaism, Islam, and Christianity

17. Brief History Judaism- Founded by Abraham around 1300 B.C. Judaism is the oldest of the monotheistic faiths (religions with one God). Christianity - Founded by Jesus Christ, who was crucified around A.D. 33 in Palestine in the city of Jerusalem. Islam - Founded in Arabia by Muhammad in A.D. 622.

18. Judaism Briefly Judaism is over 3000 years old and is the oldest of the world's monotheistic religions (religions with only one God). It's also the smallest, with only about 14 million (7 th ) followers around the world. Its holy city is Jerusalem.

19. Judaism Beliefs Jews believe that there is a single God (Yahweh) who not only created the universe, but with whom every Jew can have an individual and personal relationship. They await the Messiah, who will be an earthly king. They believe in heaven, but that God determines where they go after life on earth. Ten Commandments is the basic code of law.

20. Judaism Holy Book The most holy Jewish book =Torah (the first five books of the Christian Bible). Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

21. Judaism Place of Worship Jews worship in Synagogues or temples. Men and women usually sit separately. Worship is led by a Rabbi. Saturday (begins at sundown on Friday) is time for worship. Stamford Hill, London

22. Christianity briefly Christianity is the world's largest religion, with about 2.2 billion followers worldwide. It is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who lived in the Holy Land 2,000 years ago.

23. Christianity Beliefs Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. That He sent his Son to earth to save humanity from the consequences of its sins. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his Crucifixion (the Resurrection). Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah (Savior) promised in the Old Testament. Most Christians believe that there is only one God, but that this one God consists of 3 “entities“-God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost--Trinity Christians believe that God made the world.

24. Christianity Beliefs Christians believe that they can have a personal relationship with God, and that they are saved by faith, and good works. They believe in heaven and hell. They believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God.

25. Christians Holy Book The Bible is the Christian holy book. It is divided into the Old and New Testaments. Parts of the writing contained in the Old Testament are also sacred to Jewish and Muslim people.

26. Christian Place of Worship The Christian places of worship are called a churches. Altars usually face east towards the rising sun. Services are led by a priest, pastor, minister, or reverend. Day of worship is normally Sunday. Westminster Abbey London

27. Islam Briefly Islam is the second most popular religion in the world with 1.3 billion followers. Islam began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad. Those who follow Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe that there is only one God, called Allah.

28. Islam Holy Book The Muslim scripture is the Holy Qur'an. It is 'the word of God'. Muslim beliefs and practices are rooted in the Qur'an. Muslims treat the Qur'an with great respect because they believe that the Qur'an is from Allah, and every word and every letter is sacred. Muslims regard the Qur'an as the unaltered word of God.

29. Islam Place of Worship The Muslim building for communal worship is called a Mosque. The word comes from the Arabic for "place of prostration". Worshippers are called to prayer 5 times a day They contain only designs, no people or animals or furniture. Normal day of worship is Friday. Religious leaders are called Imams. Grand mosque in Mecca

30. Five Pillars Belief system/law code Shahadah: declaration of faith "I bear witness that there is no god, but God; I bear witness that Muhammad is the prophet of God." By reciting this, one enters Islamic faith. Salah: Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca Muslims are required to pray five times a day, washing themselves before prayer and facing in the direction of Mecca while praying. Zakat: Give a fixed proportion to charity Muslims are required to give away a percentage of their earnings to those less fortunate, regardless of their religion. Saum: Fast during the month of Ramadan Muslims fast for one lunar month each year, a period called Ramadan. During this time, Muslims reflect on their behavior and strive to purify their thoughts. Hajj: Make a pilgrimage to Mecca If it is financially possible, Muslims are required to travel to Mecca once in their lifetime.

31. The Hajj-A journey to Mecca Hijja: The month of pilgrimage during which all Muslims, at least once in their life, should try to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and worship at the Kaaba

32. The Ka’aba is now the holiest site in Islam, and is often called by names such as the House of God or the House of Allah