World Religions Judaism Began in AsiaArabian Peninsula Founder

World Religions

Judaism Began in Asia—Arabian Peninsula Founder: Abraham • Book: Torah – Written records & beliefs (1 st 5 books of the old Testament) • Beliefs: monotheistic, you are held accountable for your sins. • Ten Comandments • Symbol: Star of David

• Leaders: rabbis • Fact: first monotheistic religion • Today—concentrated in Israel and North America Oldest monotheistic religion

Christianity • Began in Asia (Arabian Peninsula) w/in about 100 years had spread to Europe. • Founder: Jesus • Book: Bible • Beliefs: monotheistic, Jesus as the son of God, life after death

• Symbol: Cross • New Testament (also uses the Old Testament—including the Torah • Early Christian doctrines were esablished by early church councils

• Leaders : priests, ministers • Fact: world’s largest religion • Today concentrated in Europe and North and South America

Islam • Began in Asia—the Arabian Peninsula • Founder: Muhammad • Book: Qu’ran (or Koran) • Beliefs: Five Pillars of Islam

• • • a. b. c. d. e. Belief in one god Alms to the poor Pray 5 times a day Pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) Fasting during Ramadan

• • Symbol: Crescent Moon Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem are holy cities

• Leader: No clergy • Fact: world’s fastest growing religion • Today concentrated in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia

Hinduism • Began in Asia—specifically India • Founder: not known • Book: the Vedas • Beliefs: many gods being parts of one god, reincarnation, dharma and karma (knowledge that all facts and actions result in future consequences)

• Symbol: OM

• • Leaders: Guru, Holy Man, Priest Fact: World’s oldest religion Currently concentrated mostly in India Believe in reincarnation, eventually achieving moksha

Buddhism • Began in India, but quickly spread East • Founder: Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha • Book; Perfection of the Wisdom Sudra • Beliefs: No deity, reach happiness or Nirvana by following the four noble truths and eightfold path.

• Symbol: Wheel of law •

• • Leaders: monks and nuns Fact: In India, Buddhism was reabsorbed back into Hinduism. • Currently Buddhism is concentrated in East and Southeast Asia (China, Japan, Viet. Nam, etc) • Individuals reach Nirvana by the eightfold path