1. World Belief Systems Regents Review Spring 2012

2. Characteristics A set of beliefs about the universe, the existence of one God or several gods, the meaning of life and what happens after death A set of customs and practices that relate to the worship of one God or several gods, and a set of rules for proper conduct An organization, such as church or a synagogue, that oversees the conduct of religious practices

3. Classifying World Religions JudaisimIslamChristianity

4. Classifying World Religions Christianity Roman Catholic Protestant Churches Eastern Orthodox Great Schism, 1054 Protestant Reformation, 1517

5. Buddhism Basic Beliefs – Based on philosophy of self-denial and meditation – Belief in reincarnation Gods & Holy Books – Do not believe in singular supreme being or God – No primary holy book – Basic beliefs found in books called Sutras

6. Buddhism Four Noble Truths – Explain life’s meaning – Pain & suffering caused by desire – Peace & harmony achieved when desires are abandoned

7. Buddhism Eightfold Path The way Buddhists believe that desires can be abandoned and peace & harmony can be achieved Nirvana The goal for Buddhists; state of eternal peace and harmony Can be achieved by following Eightfold Path

8. Islam Founded 632 AD by Mohammed, a prophet of Allah Allah is the one, all powerful God in Islam – There is only God, Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet Holy Book – The Koran (Qu’ran) – Believed by Muslims to be the verbatim words of Allah

9. Islam Jihad – Anyone who died in a holy war to spread the faith would be assured of a place in paradise The Five Pillars – The basic religious duties of all Muslims – Confession of Faith, Prayer (5x daily), Charity (Zakat), Fasting and the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)

10. Judaism Key Ideas of Judaism – Monotheism, or the belief in only 1 God – All ancient peoples were polytheistic while Hebrews monotheistic – 10 Commandments, given to Moses by God as rules to live by Holy Book – Torah (Old Testament of the Bible)

11. Judaism Chosen People Jews believe they are God’s “chosen people’ because they have a covenant with God – Worship God and God will protect

12. Hinduism Gods – Hindus believe in many gods and goddesses – Each of these many gods/goddesses is a part of one larger supreme being Reincarnation – Shared belief with the Buddhists – Based on karma and dharma – Determines level in Caste System

13. Hinduism Sacred Objects – Ganges River & Cows Holy Books – Vedas

14. Christianity Major Beliefs – Jesus was son of God; crucified and resurrected – Christians will go to Heaven after death if they have believed in Christ and have followed his teachings – New Testament of the bible is the account of Christ’s life and teachings

15. Confucianism Major Beliefs – Confucius is not a god – There is a natural order to universe and human relationships – If relationships are in harmony then all will be right with the universe – Belief in filial piety & Mandate of Heaven