1. World Religions

2. I. Introduction Why we study world religions? The Approach
The world is becoming more interdependent
It is part of a cultural group’s spiritual heritage
The world’s history has been shaped by religions
We learn about tolerance by studying religious views
The Approach
History of religion
Basic doctrines of each
Exposure to religions texts
Social Practices involved

3. My religious stance Your role as a student
Advocate or passive observer?
All religions will be presented as being ‘true’ in their teachings
However I am not an expert
Your role as a student
Avoid using words such as ‘stupid’ or ‘dumb’ to describe religious ideas or practices
Use non-judgmental words in discussion

4. III. Two Broad Categories of Religion
Western Religions
Judaism
Christianity
Islam
These religions are prominent with Europe &/or the English-speaking world
View on Salvation
Centre on an individual’s relationship with a personal god
Generally focuses on “Abrahamic” faiths
Abraham as a significant person in the origin of these religions
We will learn more about Abraham’s role in each of the 3 western religions
Eastern Religions
Hinduism
Buddhism
These religions are prominent with Chinese or the Indian world
View on Salvation
Based on reincarnation
Centre on humans living on earth according to fixed rules of conduct
Focuses on Tao & Dharma
Tao -"flow" of the universe, or the force behind the natural order
Dharma -the underlying order in nature and life

5. IV. Western Religions
Monotheistic: Belief in one God who is the creator of the world and the final judge of the people he has created. He forbids the worship of any false gods.
This God has created humans, whose duty is to obey God. People have only one life to live in this world an the freedom to choose to serve the true God.
Belief in the prophets & revelation
Prophets: humans through whom God revealed his will
Revelation: scriptures containing the truth that is essential to personal fulfillment
Belief in judgment day
For the faithful, this will be followed by personal fulfillment & the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.

6. V. Eastern Religions Can be Atheistic or Polytheistic Dharma Moksha
Atheistic–not believing on a god or gods (nontheistic)
Polytheistic –belief in many gods
Dharma
natural law or duty
referring to the order or harmony in the natural world/cosmos
ideas about the proper conduct of human life
Moksha
Freedom from the cycle of death & rebirth to become a pure spirit
Asceticism
a life characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures
Involves meditation to reach a spiritual existance