1. World Religions

2. Judaism Began 2000 B.C. in Judea - Founder Abraham
- Pray in a Synagogue under a Rabbi
- Torah is Jewish Bible
Beliefs
- Only one God
- God loves and protects his people, but
holds them accountable for their sins
- Serve God by studying the Torah

3. Hinduism Began in 750 B.C. - Northern India by the Aryans
- Pray in a Mandir
- Books: Vedas or Puranas
- 3 main Gods: Brahma the Creator, Krishna the
Sustainer, and Shiva the Destroyer
Beliefs
- Soul never dies, but is reborn (reincarnation)
- Person achieves happiness only when free from
Earthly desires
- Freedom from earthly desires comes from
knowledge, virtuous acts, and worship

4. Confucianism Began 551 B.C. in China - Founder K'ung-fu-tzu/ Confucius
- Ethical reformer when China was in disorder
- Pray in Pagoda
- Books: Analects, Doctrine of Mean, The Great Learning,
and Mencius
Beliefs
- Social order, harmony, and good government should be
based on strong family relationships
- Respect for parents and elders in vital to an ordered
society
- Education is important to both the individual and the society

5. Buddhism Began in 563 B.C. in China
- Founded by Guatama Buddha/ The Buddha
- Pray in Buddha Church
- Book: The Dhammapada
Beliefs
- People can achieve complete peace and
happiness (nirvana) by getting rid of
worldly things
- Nirvana is reached by following the
eightfold path

6. Christianity Began in 33 A.D. in Jerusalem - Founded Jesus Christ
- Pray in Church
- Holy Bible
Beliefs
- There is only one God, who cares for
and looks after his people
- Jesus Christ was the son of God. He
died to save humanity from sin.
Several divisions: Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist,
Lutheran, Evangelist, etc.

7. Islam Began in 600 A.D./633 A.D. in Mecca - Founder Mohammed
- Pray in Mosque
- Pray five times a day
- Book: Koran
Beliefs
- Achieve salvation by following the Five Pillars
of Islam and leading a just life.
- Pillars are:
- faith, prayer, charity to the poor,
fasting and pilgrimage to Makkah
Two Major Divisions: Shiite and Sunni