Buddhism

Christianity
World Religions Hinduism
Islam
Judaism
Sikhism
• A religion is a set of beliefs in an ultimate reality
and a set of practices used to express those
beliefs. Religion is a key component of culture

• Most religions also have their own sacred texts,

sacred symbols, and sacred sites.

• Diffusion of religion has been caused by various

factors including migration, missionary work,
trade, and war.

• Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam are 3 major

religions spread through missionary work.

• Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism, are associated

with a particular culture group.
 Buddhism
• Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha (“the
Awakened”) attained enlightenment at age 35 and
born some 2,500 years ago in what is now Nepal.

• Adhere to his teachings (dharma, “divine law”),

aimed at ending suffering in the world or reaching
Nirvana.

• Nirvana is understood through the 4 Noble Truths

and following the 4th Truth (Eightfold Path).

• Several branches emerged through spreading over

Asia. 2 major branches are the Theravada &
Mahayana
 Christianity
• Claims more members than any other
Religion

• Begins with the death of Jesus in A.D. 33 in

what is now Israel

• Belief in one God and life/teachings of Jesus

• Jesus (Messiah or Christ) born a Jew is the son

of God and is fully divine/human that died for
humanities sins.

• Belief you are saved through faith in Jesus

• Major forms are Roman Catholicism, Eastern

Orthodoxy, and Protestantism.
 Hinduism
• Oldest of the world’s major living religions.
Developed in India and spread
throughout the subcontinent

• No single founder or founding date

• Complex with numerous sects and

different practices

• Most believe in one god, whose qualities

are represented by various divinities.
Famous Divinities: Brahma (Creative),
Vishnu (Sustaining), and Shiva
(Destructive).

• Major beliefs are reincarnation, karma,

and dharma. Belief in several heavens and
hells and souls are continuously reborn,
determined by good and evil actions from
past lives.
 Islam
• Followers known as Muslims, believe
in one God called Allah. Arabic word
for “god”. Founder Muhammed
began teachings in Makkah (Mecca) in
A.D. 610

• The Quran (holy book), contains direct

word of God, revealed to
Muhammed.

• Belief that God serves 4 functions:

creation, sustenance, guidance, and
judgment

• Central Islamic beliefs are the Five

Pillars: 1.Allah and Muhammad as his
prophet 2.Group prayer 3.Tithing
(charity) 4.Fasting during Ramadan
5.pilgrimage to Makkah in lifetime.

• 2 Main branches, Sunni and Shia.

 Judaism

• Monotheistic Religion and first

major religion to believe in one God.

• Trace origins back to God’s call to

Abraham and the revelation of Torah
to Moses at Mount Sinai

• Believe in a covenant with God, who

expects them to pursue justice and
live ethical lives.

• 4 branches: Orthodox (most

traditional), Reform, Conservative,
and Reconstuctionist
 Sikhism
• Emerged in the mid 1400s in the
Punjab, in northwest India.

• Distinct and independent religion

that arose out of the teachings of
Guru Nanak.

• Nanak’s teachings were revealed

directly to him by God.

• Believe in one God who is formless,

all-powerful, all-loving, and without
fear or hate towards anyone.

• One can achieve unity with God

through service to humanity,
meditation, and honest labor.