1. The Least You Need to Know Big 3 monotheistic religions

2. Origins All 3 monotheistic religions connect to Abraham (prophet) Jews and Christians trace lineage through Isaac (son of Abraham and Sarah) Muslims trace lineage through Ishmael (Son of Abraham and Hagar)

3. Branches/Sects Religions have broken into different groups based on interpretation of teachings Different sects still identify as the same religions, but have different practices Religion Sect 1 Sect 2 Sect 3

4. Judaism Beliefs summarized in the Torah 10 commandments Talmud offers commentary on law Messiah will come to save Israel (God’s chosen people) Believe keeping Jewish laws is path to heaven Branches: Orthodox, “Liberal” (Conservative, Reformed)

5. Christianity Begins as sect of Judaism Believe Jesus is Jewish Messiah Beliefs summarized in the Bible (Torah/old testament and new testament) Believe salvation through Jesus is path to heaven

6. Christianity Orthodoxy Led by Patriarch Based on Constantinople Catholicism Led by Pope Based on Rome Division w/ Orthodox begins after fall of Rome Protestantism No set leader break away under Martin Luther many groups under protestantism

7. Islam Founded by Muhammed The last prophet (Abraham and Jesus are others) Beliefs summarized in the Koran (multiple spellings), 5 pillars Believe following teachings of Muhammed is path to heaven Branches: Sunni and Shi’ite