Intro to World Religions The 5 major religions

Intro to World Religions

The 5 major religions are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Judaism Hinduism Buddhism Christianity Islam

Judaism ● ● 1812 BC First monotheistic religion Israel Sacred text: Torah (first 5 books of Hebrew bible) ● Symbol: Star of David (aka Shield of David)

Hinduism ● Started in 1500 BC when Aryans brought hymns to India ● Present: India, Nepal, parts of Africa, Indonesia, Europe, and Western Hemisphere ● Brahman = supreme being of the universe/ soul of the universe ● Can also be found within every person ● Symbol (seen above): Syllable Om recited before prayer ● Sacred text: Vedas

Hinduism cont. . . ● Believe people can be freed from suffering once they understand Brahman ● Prayer, meditation, selfless acts, worship of deities ● Deities= gods ○ Brahma- the creator of the universe ○ Vishnu- the protector ○ Shiva- The destroyer

Buddhism ● ● ● Began in India in 500 BC Founded by Siddhartha Gautama = Buddha = enlightened one Present: Sri Lanka, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan Monks = dedicate their lives to teaching Buddhism Symbol= dharma (wheel)

Eightfold Path 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Right opinions Right desires Right speech Right actions Right jobs Right effort Right concentration Right meditation

Christianity ● ● ● Largest religion in the world Based on life and teachings of Jesus Sacred Text: New Testament 12 Disciples = Jesus’ followers/ pupils Symbol= the cross

Islam ● Started around 610 AD when God revealed teachings to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel ● Christians, Jews, and Muslims all believe in the same God ● Sacred text: Qur’an ● Today: Southwest and Central Asia, parts of Africa ● Symbol: crescent moon that begins each month

5 Pillars of Islam 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Faith Prayer Charity Fasting Pilgrimage to Mecca