1. Hinduism Judaism Christianity Islam Buddhism
World Religions
Hinduism – p.38
Buddhism – p
Judaism – p
Christianity- p
Islam – p
Hinduism Judaism Christianity Islam Buddhism

2. Hinduism Origins/History: Indigenous religion of India as developed
to present day.
Adherents worldwide: 900 million
God(s) and Universe: One Supreme Reality (Brahman) manifested in many gods and goddesses
Human Situation and Life’s purpose: Humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion, but are able to escape. Purpose is to gain release from rebirth, or at least a better rebirth.
Afterlife: Reincarnation until gain enlightenment.
Practices: Yoga, meditation, worship (puja), devotion to a god or goddess, pilgrimage to holy cities, live according to one's dharma (purpose/ role).
Texts: The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, etc.

3. Buddhism
Origins/History: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama in
520 BCE in NE India
Adherents worldwide: 376 million
God(s) and Universe: (Varies) Theravada atheistic; Mahayana
more polytheistic. Buddha taught nothing is permanent.
Human Situation and Life’s purpose: Purpose is to avoid suffering and gain enlightenment and release from cycle of rebirth, or at least attain a better rebirth by gaining merit.
Afterlife: Reincarnation until gain enlightenment
Practices: Meditation, mantras, devotion to deities (in some sects), mandalas (Tibetan), Eight-fold Path
Texts: Tripetka or Pali Canon; Mahayana sutras like the Lotus Sutra; others.
– top 10 misconceptions

4. Judaism
Origins/History: 2000 B.C.E., Hebrews lived in Mesopotamia. Abraham was father of Hebrews. Jews that live in Israel are called Israelites (Biblical name).
Adherents worldwide: 14 million
God(s) and Universe: One god
Human Situation and Life’s purpose: expression of the covenantal relationship God established with the Children of Israel.
Afterlife: Heaven or Hell
Practices: Prayer, participate in holidays, dietary laws (kashrut)
Texts: The Torah, The Ten Commandments

5. Christianity
Origins/History: Based on the Jewish teachings and ideas of Jesus
(Born between 6-4 BCE and Died 33 A.D.)
Adherents worldwide: 2.1 billion
God(s) and Universe: One god created universe, or the holy trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
Human Situation and Life’s purpose: Humans live by the will of God/must obey the 10 Commandments to reach Heaven after death.
Afterlife: Heaven or Hell
Practices: Prayer, follow the Ten Commandments, participate in holidays (Christmas & Easter)
Texts: The Bible, The Catechism (Catholics), The Ten Commandments

6. Islam Origins/History: Muhammad, 622 AD, Saudi Arabia
Adherents worldwide: 1.5 billion
God(s) and Universe: One God (Allah)
Human Situation and Life’s purpose: Humans must submit (islam) to the will of God to gain Paradise after death.
Afterlife: Paradise (Heaven)
Practices: Five Pillars: Faith, Prayer, Alms, Pilgrimage, Fasting. Mosque services on Fridays. Ablutions before prayer. No alcohol or pork. Holidays related to the pilgrimage and fast of Ramadan.
Texts: Qur'an/Koran (Scripture); Hadith (tradition)