Religions Learning Objective Investigate the Six Major Religions

Religions Learning Objective: Investigate the Six Major Religions

6 Main Religions 1) Christianity 4) Buddhism 2) Islam 5) Sikhism 3) Hinduism 6) Judaism Plus: Indigenous Religions

Religion 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. – Sacred Sites – Sacred Texts and Symbols – Rituals/Practices – Styles of Worship – Celebrations

How Many Followers?

How Many Followers in the United States? Comparison The United States is predominately Christian – estimated at 78. 5% of total population identifying as Christian.

Vocabulary Animism: belief that spirits inhabit natural objects and forces of nature. Atheism: disbelief in the existence of any god. Monotheism: belief in one God. Polytheism: belief in more than one god.

Vocabulary Secularism: belief that life’s questions can be answered apart from religious belief. Sect: a subdivision within a religion that has its own distinctive beliefs and practices. Tenet: a belief, doctrine, or principle believed to be true and held in common by members of a group.

Christianity cross Holy Book Bible Place of worship Symbol church cross Important Jesus Person Any other Christmas information: Easter (e. g important festivals, rituals etc. )

Islam Crescent and star Holy Book Qu’ran Place of worship Symbol Mosque Important Person Any other information: (e. g important festivals, rituals etc. ) Crescent and star Mohammed Allah Muslim Ramadam Eid

Islam Two Major Branches • Shia: believe that rulers should be descendants of Muhammad. • Sunni: believe that rulers must only be followers of Muhammad. Most Muslims are Sunni.

Hinduism Omkar Holy Book Vedas Place of worship Symbol Mandir /Temple Omkah Important None Person Any other Diwali information: (e. g important festivals, rituals etc. )

Buddhism Wheel of Dharma Holy Book Tripitaka Place of worship Symbol Temple Important Person Any other information: (e. g important festivals, rituals etc. ) Buddha Dharma Wheel Dalai Lama Wesak Dharma day

Sikhism Holy Book Place of worship Symbol Khanda Gura Granth Sahib Gurdwara Khanda Important Guru Nanek Person Any other Diwali information: (e. g important festivals, rituals etc. )

Judaism Star of David Holy Book Torah Place of worship Symbol synagogue Star of David Important Abraham Person Any other Hannukah information: Passover (e. g important festivals, rituals etc. )

Indigenous Religions Beliefs limited to particular ethnic groups. Found around the world: 1. 2. 3. 4. Africa (Masai) Japan (Shinto) Australia (Aborginal People) The Americas (Native Americans) Can you think of another indigenous religion found in the United States and the around the Caribbean? Holy Book Place of worship Often Oral Tradition Varies Symbol Varies Important Person Varies Any other information: (e. g important festivals, rituals etc. ) Ritual based Oral tradition Rites of passage (adulthood) Relationship to Environment/Earth (animism)