1. Three Major Monotheistic Religions Three Major Monotheistic Religions A.Background Info 1. Purpose of Religion- 2 theories 1. Purpose of Religion- 2 theories a. people had the need to make sense of the world around them a. people had the need to make sense of the world around them b. people needed to understand & deal with death b. people needed to understand & deal with death

2. 2. Polytheism- Belief in multiple gods usually with specific functions. 3. Monotheism- Belief in 1 God

3. 1.Background Information a. 3500 years old a. 3500 years old b. Began in the Middle East b. Began in the Middle East c. -Founded by Abraham & Moses B. Judaism

4. 2. Beliefs a. Torah = Book of morals & laws given to the people by God a. Torah = Book of morals & laws given to the people by God b. God gave people free will b. God gave people free will (ability to choose between right & wrong) (ability to choose between right & wrong)

5. 1. Background 1. Background a. 2,000 years old a. 2,000 years old b. Began in the Middle East b. Began in the Middle East c. Founded by the followers of Jesus Christ c. Founded by the followers of Jesus Christ d. religious book is the Bible d. religious book is the Bible -old testament (1 st half Jewish history & tradition) -old testament (1 st half Jewish history & tradition) -new testament ( stories of Jesus & teachings of his disciples) -new testament ( stories of Jesus & teachings of his disciples) C. Christianity

6. 2. Beliefs a. Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old Testament a. Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old Testament b. Jesus Christ was the Son of God c. Jesus was tortured & gave his life for the sins of the people d. everyone was equal in the eyes of God d. everyone was equal in the eyes of God

7. 1. Background 1. Background a. began in the Middle East over 1300 years ago b. founded by Muhammad c. followers of Islam are called Muslims. C. Islam

8. d. 2nd most popular faith in the world e. The Arabic word for God is Allah f. Holy book is the Holy Qur'an

9. 2. Beliefs a. Muhammad was the last prophet sent by God. a. Muhammad was the last prophet sent by God. b. God sent an angel to reveal his final message (written in the Quran) which provides guidance & direction for mankind b. God sent an angel to reveal his final message (written in the Quran) which provides guidance & direction for mankind c. believe in dignity, unity, community, tolerance & equality under the law c. believe in dignity, unity, community, tolerance & equality under the law