EUROPES THREE MAJOR RELIGIONS Judaism Islam and Christianity

EUROPE’S THREE MAJOR RELIGIONS Judaism, Islam and Christianity

• Standards • SS 6 G 11 The student will describe the cultural characteristics of Europe. • b. Describe the major religions in Europe; include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

JUDAISM • Judaism is the religion of Jews are followers of Judaism. • Judaism is a monotheistic religion meaning Jews believe in one god. Star of David. Jewish symbol

JUDAISM • It was founded by Abraham around 2000 BCE in Southwest Asia. • Jerusalem is a major city of Judaism.

JUDAISM • Jews believe that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. • The Jewish holy book is the Torah, which is the oral and written laws of the Jews. The Torah

JUDAISM • Jews believe that they descended from Abraham and Sarah, the first people to worship Yahweh (God). • Abraham lived at least 3, 700 years ago in what is now Iraq. • Jews have special holidays and rituals, such as Hanukah, Bar Mitzvahs, and Rosh Hashanah which is the Jewish New Year.

JUDAISM • Jews worship in synagogues and temples, primarily on Saturdays. • They believe that a messiah (savior) will lead them to the Promised Land. Great Pilsen • They believe Jesus was an ordinary Jew. The Synagogue

ISLAM • Islam began around 610 CE in Southwest Asia. • In Arabic, Islam means “surrender” to the will of Allah (God). • Followers of Islam are called Muslims, and the founder is Muhammad. • Crescent Moon and Star – Islam Symbol Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last and greatest prophet of Islam. Muhammad • Other prophets include Abraham, Moses, & Jesus.

ISLAM • Islam is a monotheistic religion, meaning Muslims believe in one god. • Muslims worship in mosques, typically on Fridays. • Muslims believed Jesus was a prophet.

ISLAM • The Muslim holy book is the Qur’an (Koran). It states how people should live their lives. • It describes the Five Pillars of Faith (obligations all Muslims must fulfill in their lifetime). • The major holidays for Muslims are Ramadan, and the Pilgrimage to Mecca. Qur’an or Koran – Holy book of Islam

ISLAM • Five Pillars of Faith: • (the main duties of Muslims) • • • 1. Prayer, 2. Giving to charity, 3. Belief in and submission to one God (Allah), • 4. Fasting during the month of Ramadan (a holiday for Islam), • 5. and a trip (hajj) to Mecca once in a lifetime. The Grand Mosque in Mecca

CHRISTIANITY • Christianity actually has its roots in Judaism. It was founded by Jesus, around 30 CE in Southwest Asia. The Cross- the symbol for Christianity • Christians believe in Jesus, who preached a new religion of love and kindness. • Christians believe that Jesus, a Jesus

CHRISTIANITY • The Bible is the holy book for Christians are followers of Christianity. • The Bible consists of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

CHRISTIANITY • Christianity is a monotheistic religion, meaning Christians believe in one god. • Christians celebrate holidays such as Christmas (the birth of Jesus), and Easter (the resurrection of Jesus).

CHRISTIANITY • Jerusalem and Bethlehem are very important cities for all Christians. • Vatican City is where the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church lives.

CHRISTIANITY • Christians are grouped by many denominations. • Examples include Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. • All denominations of Christians follow the teachings of Jesus. • Christians worship in churches and chapels, primarily on Sundays.