1. World Religions

2. Animisim/Indigineous
Animism- belief that spirits inhabit natural objects and forces of nature
No basic Religious Text
Found in native cultures throughout the world

3. Buddhism Founded some 2500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama
Buddhists follow his teachings, the Dharma (divine law).
Sacred text is the Tripitaka
Numerous Sects
Key Beliefs: 4 Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Nirvana

4. Christianity Monotheistic religion founded by Jesus Christ in AD 33
Sacred text is the Bible
Main Sects: Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox
Key beliefs: Creation, Holiness of God, Sinfulness of Man, Substitutionary Atonement, Resurrection, Heaven/Hell

5. Confucianism Began more than 2500 years ago in China.
Based on the teachings of Confucius
Focuses on three areas: Social Philosophy, Political Philosophy, and Education
Sacred text is a book called the Analects
Key Beliefs: Balance, Social Ranking

6. Hinduism World’s oldest major religion (polytheistic).
Began in India and spread
Sacred text is the Vedas
Numerous Sects
Key Beliefs: Karma, Dharma, Reincarnation, Heavens/Hells

7. ISlam
Monotheistic religion founded in 610 AD by Muhammad, who began teaching in Mecca
Spread throughout Middle East and North Africa
Religious text is the Quran
Main Sects: Sunni & Shia
Key Beliefs: Five Pillars, Allah, Judgement, Heaven/Hell

8. Judaism First major Monothestic religion Began when God called Abraham
Religious Text is the Torah
Main Sects: Orthodox, Traditional, Reform
Key Beliefs: One God, Jewish Law, Messiah

9. Sikhism Began in the mid 1400’s from the teachings of Guru Nanak
Combines the teachings of Hinduism and Islam
Religious Text is the Guru Granth Sahib
Key Beliefs are Monotheism, Service, Meditation, Honest Labor,

10. Closing For each of the religions covered you need to find:
Place of Worship
Holidays/Celebrations
Symbols