Religion A Unifying Force Francisci WG 3 c

Religion: A Unifying Force? Francisci WG. 3 c

Christianity • The religion based on the life, teachings and example of Jesus Christ. • Monotheistic – the belief that only one god exists. • Founded in 30 AD in Israel by Jesus Christ. • Has the most members worldwide. • Christians follow the Bible.

Christianity • Worship in churches and cathedrals. • Beliefs: – Jesus is the son of God. – Jesus is the Messiah –who died for our sins. • Celebrations: Christmas, Good Friday and Easter Sunday

Judaism • The religion of the Jews that has its basis in the Bible and the Talmud. • Monotheistic – the belief that only one god exists. (1 st religion to believe in one god) • Founded by Abraham – leader of the Jews. • Jews follow the Torah. • Worship in synagogues.

Judaism • Mass genocide of Jews during WWII and Hitler’s reign. • Beliefs: - The Jews are God’s chosen people. - Must pursue justice and live ethical lives. - Jesus is not the messiah – God has not come back yet. • Celebrations: Yom Kippur (do not eat or drink for 24 hours), Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)

Hinduism • The religion of India and the oldest of worldwide religions, characterized by a belief in the essential unity of forms and theories. • Not monotheistic – Has many gods. • Oldest World Religion – developed among the cultures in India. • Believe in reincarnation and karma.

Hinduism • Follow the Sanskrit. • Beliefs: – Universe contains several heaven and hells. – Souls are continually reborn (reincarnation) – Karma determines how you are reborn • Celebrations: Holi (Hindu festival), also the first day of Spring

Islam • The religion of Muslims, based upon the teachings of Muhammad; now the second largest of the great religions in the number of believers. • • Monotheistic – The belief that only one god exists (Allah). • • Founded by Muhammad in 610 AD. • • 2 nd largest religion in number of believers.

Islam • Follow the Quaran. • Worship in mosques or palaces. • Beliefs: 5 Pillars of Faith: There is only one god; pray 5 times a day; give to the poor; fast during Ramadan; Make pilgrimage to Mecca. • Celebrations: Ramadan (Month that Muhammad received the Quaran from Allah).

Buddhism • A world religion or philosophy based on the teaching of the Buddha and holding that a state of enlightenment can be attained by suppressing worldly desires. • Not monotheistic – many gods. • Founded by Buddha in Nepal– 2500 years ago (now all across Asia). • Follow the Tripitaka.

Buddhism • Worship in pagodas or temples. • Beliefs: - Seeks harmony and a long life. - Goal is to reach Nirvana, free from ignorance, greed and suffering. • Celebration: Meditation