1. What are the Characteristics of Major Belief Systems of the World
Global History and Geography
Br. Siraj
June 10, 2018

2. Animism
The Belief that every living and non-living thing in nature has a spirit is called animism
Shinto in Japan
Religious Belief of Shang China &
Some traditional African religions
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

3. Hinduism Major Religion of India
Grew and shaped over 3000 years of Age
Major Characteristics
Belief in the universal Spirit –Brahman
3 major gods: Brahma – creator, Vishnu – preserver, & Shiva – Destroyer.
Belief in reincarnation – rebirth of the soul in a new body.
Target is to achieve Moksha – union (Yoga) with Brahman
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

4. Hinduism Major Characteristics Sacred Texts:
Karma: All the deeds of a person’s life that affects his/her existence in the next life
Dharma: Moral and religious duties that one should follow.
Caste System: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra. A group of untouchables (Harijan)
Sacred Texts:
Vedas and Upanishadas
Bhagvad Gita
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

5. Buddhism Founder: Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha – enlightened one.
Main Ideas:
Belief in 4 noble truth
Follow an eight-fold path
Target is to achieve Nirvana to be freed from reincarnation of sorrow
Nonviolence
Sacred Text: Tripitaka
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

6. Confucianism Not really a religion Based on the teachings of Confucius
Main Ideas:
5 Key relationships based on duty (loyalty) & responsibility [ruler-subject, father-son, Husband-Wife, Older Brother-Younger Brother, & Friend to Friend
People are naturally good
Education should be road to achievement
Individuals must find his/her proper place in society
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

7. Taoism/Daoism Based on the ideas of Laozi Main Teachings:
People to learn to live in harmony with nature
Yielding and acceptance
The world is a place of struggle between Yin & Yang
Rejection of World & Human Government
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

8. Homework Describe the main teachings of Confucianism in a short essay.
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

9. What are the Characteristics of Major Belief Systems of the World
Global History and Geography
Br. Siraj
June 10, 2018

10. Judaism Belief system of the descendants of Abraham
Believed in Monotheism
Guided by Prophets
Followed the Torah (Old Testament of Bible) for Moral and ethical guidance.
Ten Commandments of Moses were very important
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

11. Christianity Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ
Jesus was born to a Jewish mother in Palestine
He taught about love and mercy
The teachings were popularized by Paul
Roman Empire helped it grow faster
Believes in Bible (emphasis is given on Gospels of new testament)
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

12. Islam
Founded in its present form by Prophet Muhammad (SAAS) in Arabia during the 7th century.
Based on the teachings of the Qur’an
Prophetic tradition also plays an important role.
There are five pillars of Islam based on the 6 pillars of faith
Shari‘ah (laws derived from the Qur’an and prophetic teachings) guides ethical and moral behavior.
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

13. Other Religions Sikhism Bahai: A blend of Islam and Hinduism
Guru Granth Sahib is the book
Mainly located in Indian State of Punjab
Bahai:
Founded by Baha Allah
Blended Islam with Persian traditions.
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj

14. Homework
Explain the similarities and differences between Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
10 June 2018
USH&G Br. Siraj