1. Religions

2. Judaism 1st Monotheistic religion
Founded by Abraham- made covenant with God/ Moses led the people to the promised land
Founded in Israel
Books: Torah (The Law)/ The Nevi’im (The Prophets/ the Ketuvim (The Writings)
Basic Beliefs:
One God
Covenant- Jewish people would follow God’s law and God would make Israel a great nation
Origin of Judaism

3. Christianity Christians were Jews that began to follow Jesus Christ
Founder was Jesus Christ
Founded in Israel/Palestine
Books: Christian Bible- The Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament
Basic Beliefs:
One God
God sent Jesus who suffered, died and rose from the dead
Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit

4. Islam Founded by Muhammad who had a vision from the Angel Gabriel
Founded in Mecca/ Thrived in Medina
Books: Quran
Basic Beliefs:
Five Pillars
Faith- One God- Allah
Prayer- Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca
Fasting- Fast during the month of Ramadan
Giving- give to the poor
Hajj- Journey to Mecca
Basic Beliefs of Islam

5. Buddhism
Founded by Siddhartha Guatanama who becomes a Buddha (“enlightened one”)
Founded in Northern India
Books: Tripitaka (Three Baskets), Sutras, and Tantras
Basic Beliefs:
No gods, only Buddhas or enlightened ones
Reincarnation
8 Fold Path
4 Noble Truths

6. Hinduism No single founder or central institution
Founded in the foothills of the Himalayas
Books: The Vedas, The Sutras, The Epics, The Puranas
Basic Beliefs:
Brahman is the ultimate source of all existence
Reincarnation
Law of Karma
Belief System/Way of life

7. Confucianism Founded by Confucius Founded in China
Books: Analects, Five Classics, Four Books
Basic Beliefs:
No gods
Not an organized religion but a belief system that teaches moral conduct
Kindness, love, and respect lead to a virtuous way of life