Major Religions in South and East Asia 7

Major Religions in South and East Asia 7 th Grade Social Studies

SS 7 G 12 • The student will analyze the diverse cultures of people who live in South and East Asia

SS 7 G 12 b • Compare and Contrast the prominent religions in Southern and Eastern Asia: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism, and the philosophy of Confucianism.

Buddhism

Buddhism

SS 7 G 12 b • Buddhism • Created 2, 500 years ago • Practiced in China, Vietnam, and surrounding nations • Based on four noble truths (followers are trying to achieve states of peace (nirvana) while rejecting desires

Hinduism

Hinduism • Hinduism – • • Began thousands of years ago (near the Indus River) 1 billion followers mostly in India One God – takes the form of thousands of other Gods Based on concepts of Dharma, Karma, and reincarnation

Islam

Islam • Islam – created in the 600 s (in SW Asia) • Although most followers are in the Middle East, it is also practiced (by hundreds of millions) in Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other nations in Southeast Asia

Shintoism

Shintoism • Shintoism: • Began thousands of years ago (in Japan) • Mostly practiced in Japan • Polytheism (many gods) and animism (spirits) • All living things have spirits • Often mixed with Buddhism in Japan

Confucianism

Confucianism • Confucianism: • • Created 2, 500 years ago (in China) Practiced in China and surrounding countries Based on behavior and ethics More of a philosophy than a religion: • No Gods or Spirits