1. World Religions
Bernal Middle School

2. What is religion?
A religion is an organized system of beliefs and practices, often centered on one or more gods.
Monotheism – belief in one god
Polytheism – belief in many gods
Atheism – belief in no god

3. Buddhism Began in India Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (aka the Buddha)
Buddha means “enlightened one.”
He taught his followers that the way to end suffering was by practicing the Noble Eightfold Path.
Right opinions, right desires, right speech, right action, right job, right effort, right concentration, and right meditation
Today, most Buddhist live in Sri Lanka, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Japan.

4. Christianity The largest religion in the world.
Based on the life and teachings of Jesus, the Son of God.
Taught many ideas from the Jewish tradition and came to save all of mankind.
He died to save humanity.
Holy Text- the Bible

5. Hinduism
Believe that a supreme being called Brahman is the soul of the universe.
The same presence, they believe, can be found within each person.
People can be freed from suffering and desires once they understand the nature of Brahman.
The major religion of India and Nepal.

6. Islam Holy text- Qur’an Followers of Islam are known as Muslims.
Believe that God revealed these teachings in the Qur’an to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.
Muslims believe there is only one God, the same God in Christian and Jewish traditions. He is called Allah.
They also believe in the same prophets of Judaism and Christianity.
Mostly practiced in the Middle East, central Asia and parts of Africa.
Five Pillars of Islam:
Faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage to Mecca

7. Judaism First major monotheistic religion
Holy Text- the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.
Judaism teaches that a person serves God by studying the Torah and living by its teachings.
The Torah is the basis for the civil and religious laws of the Jews. God set down many moral laws for all of humanity through the Ten Commandments.
Many Jews live in Israel, but the religion can be found all over the world.

8. Reflection
Use the last 10 minutes of class to reflect on what you learned during this class period.
Complete your reflection underneath your notes or the day’s assignment in your IN.