Why study Religion?

As a key concept of social science, religion is a key factor that influences the development of civilizations and culture. Religion helps students to
identify and understand behaviors. Furthermore, as the map below suggests, the study of religion offers students a global perspective on
traditions and cultural expectations.
England
Western Europe
Asia Japan
North America Israel
North Africa Arabian India
Peninsula
South America
 World Religions
Look at the World Religions Map provided to answer questions on a
separate piece of paper.

1. List the three types of Christianity on this map.

2. Which type of Christianity is most practiced in Western Europe?
3. Which type of Christianity is practiced in Mexico and South America?
4. List the two major branches (called sects) of Islam.
5. The people of modern Saudi Arabia (The Arabian Peninsula) and North Africa
are mostly which sect of Islam? Sunni or Shiite (also called Shia)?
6. Find India: Which religion is mostly practiced in India?
7. Buddhism is practiced mostly on which continent?
8. In Israel (just north of the Red Sea), you will see red. Which religion does the
red represent? Also, be informed that there are highly concentrated pockets
of this religion in major cities on the east coast of the United States.
9. If Catholic Christianity or Catholicism originated in Europe, what might
explain why South America and Europe are both majority Catholic?
10. What may explain why England and North America are mostly comprised of
Protestant Christians?
11. Provide evidence from the map or pie chart that supports the claim that
students should have a basic education about varying religions in order to
understand the world from which they live.
 World Religions Answer Key
Look at the World Religions Map provided to answer questions.
1. List the three types of Christianity on this map. Protestant, Catholic and
Orthodox Christianity
2. Which type of Christianity is most practiced in Western Europe? Catholic
3. Which type of Christianity is practiced in Mexico and South America? Catholic
4. List the two major branches (called sects) of Islam. Shiite/Shia and Sunni
5. The people of modern Saudi Arabia (The Arabian Peninsula) and North Africa
are mostly which sect of Islam? Sunni or Shiite (also called Shia)?
6. Find India: Which religion is mostly practiced in India? Hinduism
7. Buddhism is practiced mostly on which continent? Asia
8. In Israel (just north of the Red Sea), you will see red. Which religion does the
red represent? Also, be informed that there are highly concentrated pockets
of this religion in major cities on the east coast of the United States. Judaism
9. If Catholic Christianity originated in Europe, what might explain why South
America and Europe are both majority Catholic? The Spanish conquistadors
and missionaries brought Catholicism to this region.
10. What may explain why England and North America are mostly comprised of
Protestant Christians? The English immigrated top North America.
11. Provide evidence from the map or pie chart that supports the claim that
students should have a basic education about varying religions in order to
understand the world from which they live. According to the map, one can
see that large parts of the world practice varying religions. One could infer
that in order to understand the behaviors of these people, one should know
the basics of their religion. Also one can see from the chart that while
Christianity is the majority religion, other religions like Islam and Hinduism
comprise a higher percentage than Christians.
Common Core Literacy

Christianity, Judaism and Islam : A Fact Sheet

Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are all monotheistic (believe in one god) religions. All three religions were broadly
founded on the continent of Asia in the geographic region called the Middle East. These three faiths share common
history and traditions. All three have a respect for the Bible, especially the Hebrew Bible or “Old Testament” as all
three religions believe in many of the same prophets (messengers of God) such as Abraham and Moses. They all
maintain that there is one God and that Jerusalem is a holy city. However, Christianity, Islam and Judaism also differ
significantly in both belief and practice. The belief in Jesus is at the forefront of their differences. While Christians
believe he is a messiah (savior) and the son of God, Muslims acknowledge him as a prophet only. Still, most Jews deny
that he was a prophet or messiah. The following chart is intended to be a brief overview for understanding the basics
of these ancient religions and their shared history.

Christianity Judaism Islam

Beliefs about God Monotheistic (believe in one god) Monotheistic Monotheistic

Holy Trinity (One God in three One God=Yaweh (Hebrew name Allah=Arabic word for God.
persons)=God the Father + God for God as used in Bible)
the Son + God the Holy Spirit

Origination The Middle East - Roman province The Middle East- The Middle East - Mecca, Saudi
of Palestine. Arabia.
The religion of the Hebrews.
Based on life and teachings of Traces of Judaism are dated back Based on teachings of the
Jesus of Nazareth, c. 30 CE. as far as c. 1300 BCE in Ancient Prophet (messenger of God)
Babylonia. Muhammad; founded 622 CE.

Texts Bible=Hebrew Bible (referred to
as Old Testament) and the New
Testament.
The Old Testament or Hebrew
Bible - Comprised of thirty-nine
books . The texts are about law,
history, prophecy, and wisdom of
the ancient people of Israel.
For example: The ten
commandments are laws given to For example: The ten
the Ancient Israelites by God.
The New Testament -Teachings of
Jesus and his earliest followers . Talmud - A body of Jewish civil
Hebrew Bible or Tanakh and the Qur'an or Koran (Scripture) and
Talmud. the Hadith (tradition).
The Hebrew Bible - Comprised of Qur’an - Believed to be the word
thirty-nine books. Torah (Hebrew: of God as dictated to Muhammad
'Law'), Nevi'im ('Prophets') and by the angel Gabriel.
Ketuvim ('Writings'). The texts are
Hadith - Collection of traditions
about law, history, prophecy, and
containing sayings of the prophet
wisdom of the ancient people of
Muhammad that, with accounts
Israel.
of his daily practice (the Sunna),
constitute the major source of
commandments are laws given to guidance for Muslims apart from
the Ancient Israelites by God. the Qur’an.
and ceremonial law, customs and
culture.

Followers Called Christians Called Jews Called Muslims

Christians practice Christianity Jews practice Judaism Muslims practice Islam

Beliefs about Christians believe he was the son
of God, as God made in flesh (part
Jesus
of the holy trinity). They consider
him to be the Jewish messiah
(savior of the world)
Jews do not believe he is the Muslims believe he was a
Jewish messiah. He in also not messenger of god or, prophet.
considered a prophet.
Muslims believe he was a
messenger of god or, prophet.

Copyright © 2015 Instructomania Pavlovich

 Christianity, Judaism and Islam: A Fact Sheet
Christianity
Place of Worship church or chapel
Fundamental Christians do not view
Muhammad as a prophet.
disagreements
Christians believe Jesus was the
messiah (savior) that was
prophesized about in the
Hebrew Bible.
Adherents Approximately 2 billion
Catholic -. Approximately 53%
of Christians.
Eastern Orthodox –
Approximately 9% of
Christians.
Protestant – Approximately
33% of Christians.
Major Branches Catholic - Original “Roman
Catholic” form of Christianity.
Greek Orthodox (1054) - After
the Great Schism (a
disagreement over the
selection of a pope).
Protestant (1500s) - After the
Protestant Reformation
initiated mostly by Martin
Luther.
Common Religious The cross
Symbols
Judaism Islam
synagogue or temple mosque
Jews do not view Muhammad Muslims believe that
as a prophet, nor do they view Muhammad was the last
Jesus as a messiah or son of prophet and that Jesus was
God. Jews are still awaiting a also a prophet, but not the son
messiah or savior. of God.
Approximately 14 million Approximately 1.3 billion
Orthodox - 10% of Jews Shia - 10 to 13% of population
Reform - Approximately 35% of Sunni - Approximately 90% of
Jews population.
Conservative Judaism-
Approximately 20 % of Jews
30 % of Jewish population does
not affiliate with a
denomination.
Orthodox (1800 CE) - Believe The difference between Shia
both the written and oral Torah and Sunni is about the
represent the word of God. leadership of Islam (in its
original boundaries).
Reform (approximately 1926) -
Jewish traditions and ancient Shia -Believe God chose Ali
laws were modernized to be (Muhammad’s blood relative)
more compatible with to be Muhammad's successor.
participation in Western Hence he was the first
Culture (including use of acceptable caliph (head of
modern technology). state) of Islam.
Conservative (1850)- In Sunni (c. 650 CE) - Deny that a
between Orthodox and Reform blood relative of Muhammad
Jews. They seek to conserve needed to be the leader of
the traditional elements of Islam, hence leaders before Ali
Judaism, while also allowing for were acceptable.
some modernization.
The star of David The crescent moon and star
Copyright © 2015 Instructomania Pavlovich
Common Core Literacy

Key Vocabulary: Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Word Letter Definition

1. Monotheism A. Hebrew name for God as used in Bible.

2 Messiah B. Original “Roman Catholic” form of Christianity.

3. Prophet C. Name for people who practice Christianity.

4. Church D. Arabic word for God.

5. Synagogue E. Name for people who practice Islam.

6. Mosque F. Jewish place of worship.

7. Bible G. Collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad that, with accounts of his daily practice
(the Sunna), constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Qur’an.
8. Torah H. Believe both the written and oral Torah represent the word of God.

9. Qur’an (Koran) I. Teachings of Jesus and his earliest followers.

10. Hadith J. Jewish traditions and ancient laws were modernized to be more compatible with participation in Western
Culture (including use of modern technology).

11. Christians K. After the Protestant Reformation initiated mostly by Martin Luther.

12. Muslims L. Deny that a blood relative of Muhammad needed to be the leader of Islam, hence leaders before Ali were
acceptable.

13. Jews M. Name for people who practice Judaism.

14. Old Testament N. One God in three persons :God the Father + God the Son + God the Holy Spirit .

15. New Testament Q. Believe God chose Ali (Muhammad’s blood relative) to be Muhammad's successor. Hence he was the first
acceptable caliph (head of state) of Islam.

16. Catholic R. Jewish holy text. Means Hebrew Law.

17. Protestant S. Comprised of thirty-nine books . The texts are about law, history, prophecy, and wisdom of the ancient people
of Israel.

18. Greek Orthodox T. Means messenger of God.

19. Sunni U. After the Great Schism (a disagreement over the selection of a pope).

20. Shia V. Christian place of worship.

21. Conservative W. Savior of the world.

Judaism

22. Reform Judaism X. In between Orthodox and Reform Jews. They seek to conserve the traditional elements of Judaism, while also
allowing for some modernization.

23. Orthodox Judaism Y. The belief in one god.

24. Allah Z. Christians believe he was the son of God, as God made in flesh (part of the holy trinity). They consider him to be
the Jewish messiah (savior of the world).

25. Yaweh O. Christian holy text, comprised of New and Old Testaments.

26. Holy Trinity P. Muslim place of worship.

27. Jesus AA. Muslim holy book or Scripture. Copyright © 2015 Instructomania Pavlovich
 ANSWER Key Vocabulary: Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Word Letter Definition

1. Monotheism Y. A. Hebrew name for God as used in Bible.

2 Messiah W. B. Original “Roman Catholic” form of Christianity.

3. Prophet T. C. Name for people who practice Christianity.

4. Church V. D. Arabic word for God.

5. Synagogue F. E. Name for people who practice Islam.

6. Mosque P. F. Jewish place of worship.

7. Bible O. G. Collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad that, with accounts of his daily practice
(the Sunna), constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Qur’an.
8. Torah R. H. Believe both the written and oral Torah represent the word of God.

9. Qur’an (Koran) AA. I. Teachings of Jesus and his earliest followers.

10. Hadith G. J. Jewish traditions and ancient laws were modernized to be more compatible with participation in Western
Culture (including use of modern technology).

11. Christians C. K. After the Protestant Reformation initiated mostly by Martin Luther.

12. Muslims E. L. Deny that a blood relative of Muhammad needed to be the leader of Islam, hence leaders before Ali were
acceptable.

13. Jews M. M. Name for people who practice Judaism.

14. Old Testament S. N. One God in three persons :God the Father + God the Son + God the Holy Spirit .

15. New Testament I. Q. Believe God chose Ali (Muhammad’s blood relative) to be Muhammad's successor. Hence he was the first
acceptable caliph (head of state) of Islam.

16. Catholic B. R. Jewish holy text. Means Hebrew Law.

17. Protestant K. S. Comprised of thirty-nine books . The texts are about law, history, prophecy, and wisdom of the ancient people
of Israel.

18. Greek Orthodox U. T. Means messenger of God.

19. Sunni L. U. After the Great Schism (a disagreement over the selection of a pope).

20. Shia Q. V. Christian place of worship.

21. Conservative X. W. Savior of the world.

Judaism

22. Reform Judaism J. X. In between Orthodox and Reform Jews. They seek to conserve the traditional elements of Judaism, while also
allowing for some modernization.

23. Orthodox Judaism H. Y. The belief in one god.

24. Allah D. Z. Christians believe he was the son of God, as God made in flesh (part of the holy trinity). They consider him to be
the Jewish messiah (savior of the world).

25. Yaweh A. O. Christian holy text, comprised of New and Old Testaments.

26. Holy Trinity N. P. Muslim place of worship.

27. Jesus Z. AA. Muslim holy book or Scripture. Copyright © 2015 Instructomania Pavlovich
Common Core Writing and Critical Thinking

Christianity, Judaism and Islam: A Comparison Chart

List five similarities of all three religions
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Christianity Judaism Islam

Describe Five Differences Describe Five Differences Describe Five Differences
1. __________________ 1. __________________ 1. __________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
2. __________________ 2. __________________ 2. __________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
3. __________________ 3. __________________ 3. __________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
4. __________________ 4. __________________ 4. __________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________
5. __________________ 5. __________________ 5. __________________
___________________ ____________________ ____________________
____________________ ____________________ ____________________

Conclusion: (In a sentence, what conclusion can be drawn?)______________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Copyright © 2015 Instructomania Pavlovich

 Wager This!
An easy, fantastic review game for all ages, K-12 which also utilizes math skills.

Materials needed - Student: A piece of paper and pen/pencil. Teacher: Material that you would like students
to review such as, homework questions, test questions or anything that is a short answer. This is also fun to
do with a PowerPoint of prepared questions. This game can be played individually, with a partner or a team.

Paper set up - Students set up their paper as follows.

Name The score at the beginning

Wager This is up to the teacher. For
elementary starting with 10
Answers score 100
Teacher may or 50 is good, secondary
1.
want to have starting with 100 is great!
2.
students number
as they go, so 3.

they have 4.
enough room to 5.
write answers. 6.

Here is how it works:

STEP 1: Before teacher asks a review question, students “wager” part of their total score (shown above as
100). A wager is like a “bet” that the student/s will respond correctly. Students are only allowed to wager up
to half of their total. Assuming students are given 100 points to begin with, for the first question, they can
only wager 1-50 points (student choice.) After “wagering” their points, teacher reads the review question
and they write down their answer.
STEP 2: If the student/s responds correctly then he/she adds the amount wagered to the total, if he/she
responds wrong he/she subtracts from the total. Then, before question two, students place a wager up to
half of their own new total and play continues on.
For example: If the student wagered 50 points initially, and they responded correctly they would have a new
total of 150 points. Which means he/she could wager up to 75 points for the second question.
Step 3: Students share scores at end of game. In my experience, students keep each other in check pretty
well, so cheating has not been a major concern.

Copyright © 2015 Instructomania Pavlovich

 Common Core!
Includes a world religions
map activity.

Includes a similarities and

differences comparison
chart activity and key
vocabulary matching.

Includes a fun,
easy class game!

Includes a two page

reading with key facts
about Islam, Judaism and
Christianity
 A common Core
Activity Set!

Comparing
Religions
Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism,
Buddhism and Islam