1. World’s Major Religions

2. Monotheistic Religions
They believe in ONE god.
Judaism
Christianity
Islam

3. Judaism Jewish people believe in one god Yahweh
Religious Holy Book is called the Torah

4. Founders of Judaism
Abraham received the 1st covenant from god. Led the Jews to Canaan (Modern day Israel)
Moses led Jewish people out of Slavery in Egypt & received the 10 Commandments (the core of Jewish religion & teachings)

5. Religious Holidays Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year
Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement
Passover – Festival each year to remember their freedom from slavery in Egypt
Hanukkah means "dedication," and it commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces. The celebration also reaffirms the continuing struggle to live by God's commandments and to lead Jewish lives.

6. The religious center of Judaism is the city of Jerusalem
The “Wailing” or Western Wall (the last remaining part of King Solomon's Temple

7. The 10 Commandments The core of Jewish religion & teachings
Have no other gods
Don’t worship false images
Don’t swear by Gods name
Honor the Sabbath day (Sat) & keep it holy
Honor your mother & father
Don’t murder
Don’t commit adultery
Don’t steal
Don’t lie
Don’t covet

8. Christianity An offshoot of Judaism

9. Jesus
Christians believe that Jesus (who was born a Jew) is the son of God and his teachings are written in the New Testament
Bible – Christian holy book

10. Similarities & Differences with Judaism
Both Christians & Jews believe in
one god (monotheism)
the stories in the Old Testament
Differences
According to Jewish belief, the Messiah is a special leader to be sent down by God to set up his rule on earth. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah & Jews believe that he wasn’t & their still waiting for the Messiah to arrive.

11. Islam Means to submit to the will of God in Arabic
Followers of Islam are called Muslims

12. Muhammad
Muhammad is the founder of Islamic laws & teachings. (it is forbidden for any likeness of Muhammad to be made)
Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca around 570 AD. Muslims believe that he is the last Prophet to be sent down by God. They believe in Moses & Jesus, but think they were Prophets just like Muhammad.

13. Koran Islamic Holy Book

14. 5 Pillars of Islam basics of Islamic laws & teachings
Pray 5 Times a day toward the city of Mecca
Believe in one god (Allah) and Muhammad was his last prophet
Pay alms
Make a pilgrimage to Mecca called the Hajj
Celebrate Ramadan (fast during daylight)

15. Hajj

16. Kabba The foundation of the Kabba is said to have been built by Abraham

18. Pray 5 Times a Day toward Mecca

19. Mosque Islamic House of Worship

20. Polytheistic Religions
They believe in MANY gods
Hinduism
Buddhism

22. Hinduism
It is one of the oldest known religions in the world

23. Hinduism is directed towards selfless living, a fundamental belief being that the soul or atman survives death.
All Hindus aspire to develop a positive karma which will influence a better rebirth.
God assumes many forms in Hinduism of which Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are most central.

24. Brahma - The Creator

25. Vishnu
The Preserver

26. Shiva
The Destroyer

27. Hindu holy books are called Vedas

28. Buddhism Is an offshoot of Hinduism
Buddhism arose from the inspiration and teachings of Buddha (624 BC).
It is a complete way of life concerned with the wholesome development of the individual.
Buddhism can be best summarized by the words of Buddha himself:
Learn to do good, Cease to do harm, Control the mind, And benefit others.

29. The Buddha Siddhartha Guatama was born into a noble family in Nepal.
He left the palace to seek enlightenment, or wisdom.
After 49 days of meditation he achieved an understanding of the cause of suffering in the world.
Many worship him as a god
He did not claim to be a god.

30. The 4 Nobel Truths (i) the world is full of suffering
(ii) suffering is caused by desire
(iii) suffering can be removed
(iv) in order to remove suffering one has to overcome desire by following the Eight Fold Path, which is called the Middle Way between desires and self denial.

31. Both Hindus & Buddhist believe in reincarnation, the consent cycle of birth, death & rebirth

32. Once this is achieved the cycle of Reincarnation is over.
The Final Goal
Nirvana is the Buddhist word for the release from selfishness and pain
Achieved by following the Eight Fold Path
Moksha is the Hindu word for the goal of the faith
Achieved through right thinking, right action, or religious devotion
Once this is achieved the cycle of Reincarnation is over.