1. Influence of World Religions in the Contemporary World

2. Five World Religions
Five world religions have had a profound impact on culture and civilization.
What are some characteristics of the five major world religions?

3. Monotheism Began in Palestine with the Jews Abraham is the founder of:
Judaism
Islam

4. Monotheism Begun by Abraham about 2000 BCE Common Beliefs:
God created the universe
God continues to govern the universe
The Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God on Mt. Sinai and must be followed

5. Judaism Monotheism Ten Commandments of moral and religious conduct
Torah: Written records and beliefs of the Jews
Founder: Abraham

6. JUDAISM Followers are called Jews
Believe that God made a covenant with Abraham and his people (Israelites)
Adherents are worldwide, but most are in Israel
Holy book is the Torah (= the first five books of the Old Testament of Christian Bible)
Worship in a Synagogue

7. Christianity Monotheism Jesus as Son of God Life after death
New Testament: Life and teachings of Jesus
Establishment of Christian doctrines by early church councils
Worship in a church
Holy Book: Bible

8. Islam Monotheism Muslim name for their God is Allah
Muhammad, the prophet
Holy Book: Qur’an (Koran)
Mecca and Medina
Started his religion in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This is the holiest city in Islam.

9. ISLAM Muslims worship in a mosque
Muslims must follow the Five Pillars of Islam:
Stating the Faith
Prayer 5 times/day facing Mecca
Charity to poor
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Fast during Ramadan

10. Buddhism Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Four Noble Truths
Eightfold Path to Enlightenment
Spread of Buddhism from India to China and other parts of Asia, resulting from Asoka’s missionaries and their writings

11. Buddhism Basic Tenets of Buddhism The world is full of suffering
Meditation is our only escape
Nirvana is the ultimate goal
Follow the Eightfold Path

12. Eightfold Path Right Understanding Right Thought Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration

13. Images of Buddha

14. Polytheism Polytheism is the worship of more than one god.
May accept gods from other religions
Choose your favorite god!

15. Hinduism Many forms of one god Reincarnation: Rebirth based upon karma
Karma: Knowledge that all thoughts and actions result in future consequences

16. Polytheism Hinduism From India around 1700 BCE No single founder
3rd largest religion
Holy Book: Rig Veda
Brahman is the source of all divinity (holiness)
Believe in reincarnation (soul is reborn many times based on Karma).

17. Caste System
Good Karma
OK Karma
Bad Karma
Untouchables

18. Hindu Gods
SHIVA
VISHNU
BRAHMA

19. Essential Understanding and Question
Five world religions have had a profound impact on culture and civilization. These religions are found worldwide, but their followers tend to be concentrated in certain geographic areas. (pp )
Where are the followers of the five world religions concentrated?

20. Geographic Distribution of World’s Major Religions
Judaism: Concentrated in Israel and North America
Christianity: Concentrated in Europe and North and South America
Islam: Concentrated in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia
Hinduism: Concentrated in India
Buddhism: Concentrated in East and Southeast Asia

23. Contemporary Political issues…ethic/religious conflicts
Developed and developing nations face many challenges. These include migrations, ethnic and religious conflicts…
What are some challenges faced by the contemporary world?

24. Ethnic and Religious Conflicts
Middle East –
Muslim infighting (Sunni vs. Shi’a), Muslims (Arabs) vs. Jews (Israel), Strict vs. moderate, Muslims vs. Christians (United States)
Northern Ireland –
Protestants vs. Catholics
Balkans –
Serbs, Bosnians, and Croats fight one another for land (their own nation) 1990s

25. Ethnic and Religious Conflicts
Horn of Africa –
Consists of Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Djibouti. Drought, disease, and piracy has been a problem in this region.
South Asia –
Consists of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, et al… India and Pakistan have a history of disputes and with the war on terror Afghanistan and Pakistan are in the news.