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

4. 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

5. Islam Monotheism Muhammad, the prophet Qur’an (Koran)
Five Pillars of Islam
Mecca and Medina

6. 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

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

8. 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.
Where are the followers of the five world religions concentrated?

9. 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

11. 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?

12. 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)

13. 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.