1. SS6G11 The student will describe the cultural characteristics of Europe.
b. Describe the major religions in Europe; include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

2. Religions of Europe

3. Major European Religions
Judaism
Christianity
Islam

4. Judaism 15 million Jews worldwide Founded by Abraham in 2000 BC
Holy Books is the Torah
Worship at a Synagogue

5. Where Practiced- Judaism
Most Jews live in the United States (5.8 million) and Israel (4.8 million). Europe was once home to millions of Jewish people, but most of the survivors of the Holocaust immigrated to other nations (between 5-6 million died in the Holocaust). Today only 2.3 million
Jews remain in Europe.

6. Where Practiced- Judaism cont.
Judaism is found in higher numbers in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Russia.

7. Christianity 2.1 billion Christians worldwide
Approximately 76% of Europeans practice some form of Christianity.
Founded by Jesus Christ in 30 AD
Holy Book is the Bible
Worship at a Church

8. Islam 1.3 billion Muslims worldwide
The European countries with a Muslim majority in Europe are Albania and Kosovo.
Founded by Muhammad in 610 AD
Holy book is the Koran
Worship at a Mosque

9. Where Practiced- Islam cont.
The largest numbers of Muslims in Europe are located on the southeast corner of the continent (nearest Asia). In Western Europe the largest numbers are in Southern France

10. Followers Called
Judaism- Jews
Islam- Muslims
Christianity- Christians

11. Holy Days CHRISTMAS (Birth of Jesus) EASTER (Resurrection of Jesus)
Christian
CHRISTMAS (Birth of Jesus)
EASTER (Resurrection of Jesus)

12. Holy Days
Judaism
ROSH HASHANAH (Jewish New Year- Celebrates creation as told in Genesis)
YOM KIPPUR (Day of Atonement- observed by twenty-four hours of fasting and prayer in order to cleanse oneself of any sins.
HANUKKAH (Festival of Lights – celebrates victory of the Maccabees and rededication of temple in Jerusalem.

13. Holy Days
Islam
Eid-ul-Fitr (This marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, and is a festival of great celebration. Muslims thank Allah for the strength he gave them to help them practice self-control.)
Eid-ul-Adha (This fiesta symbols the end of the Hajj or holy pilgrimage, which is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. though it is celebrated by all Muslims, not just individuals who are on the pilgrimage. Marks the anniversary of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his own son when God ordered.)
Ramadan (holy month in which Muslims practice fasting).

14. Similarities All are monotheistic- belief in one god
Jerusalem is a holy site for all three
All three trace their origin to Abraham
Moses is an important prophet for all three

15. Differences
Judaism does not consider Jesus or Mohammad a prophet or religious figure
Christianity does not consider Mohammad a prophet or religious figure
Muslims worship on Friday; Jews worship on Saturday; Christians worship on Sunday

16. Major Religions of the World

17. Graphic Organizer: Major Religions
Holy Book
Houses of Worship
Holy Days
Founders
Facts
Judaism
Torah
Synagogues
Temples
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Hanukkah
Abraham through his Isaac
15 million Jews worldwide, followers called Jews, monotheistic(believe in one God)
Christianity
The Bible (Old and New Testaments)
Churches
Chapels
Halls
Christmas
Easter
Jesus Christ
Largest religion in the world
About 76% of European practice some form of Christianity, monotheistic(believe in one God)
Islam
Qur’an (Koran)
Mosques
Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Adha
Muhammad
1.3 billion in the world,
monotheistic(believe in one God),
followers called Muslims