1. Foundations of Social Studies Human Geography
Religion
Foundations of Social Studies
Human Geography

2. Why is it important to learn about other religions besides your own?

3. Definitions
An organized set of beliefs humans use to explain the universe
Explains why things happen from the perspective of faith
Looking toward a higher power to bring healing, comfort, and understanding

4. Types Ethnic Universalizing Monotheistic: belief in ONE god OR
Believe they have the truth
for all people, and try to convert
others OR
Ethnic
Do not try to convert others,
focusing on their own ethnic group
Monotheistic: belief in ONE god OR
Polytheistic: belief in MULTIPLE gods

6. **Christianity and Islam find their roots in Judaism**
Founded in 1800 BCE by Abraham
Place: Middle East (Israel)
Monotheistic
Teachings in the Old Testament (Torah)
Leaders are called Rabbis
Ethnic religion
Basic beliefs
God’s chosen people and Israel is the holy land
Made a promise (covenant) with God
**Christianity and Islam find their roots in Judaism**

7. Christianity Began in 30 CE in Jerusalem
Believe Jesus is the Son of God and they follow him
3 branches: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant
Basic beliefs:
The bible, one God, Jesus saved the world, need faith in him to be saved, Ten Commandments
Universalizing
**Largest religion in the world( 2.1 billion)**

8. **2nd largest universalizing religion**
Islam
Place: Middle East ( Mecca)
Teachings are in the Quran
2 branches: Sunni and Shi’a
Basic Beliefs:
5 pillars
1-belief in Muhammad (prophet/founder) & Allah (God)
2-praying 5 times a day
3-giving charity / paying alms ($)
4-fast during the month of Ramadan
5-traveling to Mecca at least once
**2nd largest universalizing religion**

9. Hinduism Began in India around 2000 BCE Ethnic religion found mostly
Basic Beliefs:
Reincarnation- come back as another being
Polytheistic
Gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva
Orally passed on
Karma
Third largest religion

10. Buddhism Began in North India around 600 BCE
Founder: Siddhartha Gautama “Budda”
He saw suffering and wanted it to stop
Through meditation he became enlightened
“Life is hard because of human desire for material goods”
3 branches: Theravada, Mahayana, & Vajrayana
Basic beliefs:
Eightfold path- rules and guidelines to live life
Nirvana- a perfect state of being
4th largest religion

11. Utah’s Religious Demographics
The self-identified religious affiliations of Utahns over the age of 18 as of 2008 are:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 58%
(labeled as Mormon on survey)
Unaffiliated 16%
Catholic 10%
Evangelicals 7%
Mainline Protestants 6%
Black Protestant Churches 1%
No Answer 1%
Other Faiths 1%
Buddhism <.5%
Eastern Orthodox <.5%
Hinduism <.5%
Islam <.5%
Jehovah's Witnesses <.5%
Judaism <.5%
According to a report produced by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life