Worlds Major Religions Monotheistic Religions They believe in

World’s Major Religions

Monotheistic Religions They believe in ONE god. Judaism Christianity Islam

Judaism Jewish people believe in one god Yahweh Religious Holy Book is called the Torah

Founders of Judaism Abraham received the 1 st covenant from god. Led the Jews to Canaan (Modern day Israel) Moses led Jewish people out of Slavery in Egypt & received the 10 Commandments (the core of Jewish religion & teachings)

Religious Holidays Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement Passover – Festival each year to remember their freedom from slavery in Egypt Hanukkah means "dedication, " and it commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces. The celebration also reaffirms the continuing struggle to live by God's commandments and to lead Jewish lives.

Jerusalem The religious center of Judaism is the city of Jerusalem The “Wailing” or Western Wall (the last remaining part of King Solomon's Temple

The 10 Commandments The core of Jewish religion & teachings • • • Have no other gods Don’t worship false images Don’t swear by Gods name Honor the Sabbath day (Sat) & keep it holy Honor your mother & father Don’t murder Don’t commit adultery Don’t steal Don’t lie Don’t covet

Christianity An offshoot of Judaism

Jesus Christians believe that Jesus (who was born a Jew) is the son of God and his teachings are written in the New Testament Bible – Christian holy book

Similarities & Differences with Judaism Both Christians & Jews believe in one god (monotheism) the stories in the Old Testament Differences According to Jewish belief, the Messiah is a special leader to be sent down by God to set up his rule on earth. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah & Jews believe that he wasn’t & their still waiting for the Messiah to arrive.

Islam Means to submit to the will of God in Arabic Followers of Islam are called Muslims

Muhammad is the founder of Islamic laws & teachings. (it is forbidden for any likeness of Muhammad to be made) Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca around 570 AD. Muslims believe that he is the last Prophet to be sent down by God. They believe in Moses & Jesus, but think they were Prophets just like Muhammad.

Koran Islamic Holy Book

5 Pillars of Islam basics of Islamic laws & teachings • Pray 5 Times a day toward the city of Mecca • Believe in one god (Allah) and Muhammad was his last prophet • Pay alms • Make a pilgrimage to Mecca called the Hajj • Celebrate Ramadan (fast during daylight)

Hajj

Kabba The foundation of the Kabba is said to have been built by Abraham

Pray 5 Times a Day toward Mecca

Mosque Islamic House of Worship

Polytheistic Religions They believe in MANY gods Hinduism Buddhism

Hinduism • It is one of the oldest known religions in the world

• Hinduism is directed towards selfless living, a fundamental belief being that the soul or atman survives death. • All Hindus aspire to develop a positive karma which will influence a better rebirth. • God assumes many forms in Hinduism of which Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are most central.

Brahma - The Creator

Vishnu • The Preserver

Shiva • The Destroyer

Hindu holy books are called Vedas

Buddhism Is an offshoot of Hinduism • Buddhism arose from the inspiration and teachings of Buddha (624 BC). • It is a complete way of life concerned with the wholesome development of the individual. • Buddhism can be best summarized by the words of Buddha himself: Learn to do good, Cease to do harm, Control the mind, And benefit others.

The Buddha • Siddhartha Guatama was born into a noble family in Nepal. • He left the palace to seek enlightenment, or wisdom. • After 49 days of meditation he achieved an understanding of the cause of suffering in the world. • Many worship him as a god • He did not claim to be a god.

The 4 Nobel Truths • • (i) the world is full of suffering (ii) suffering is caused by desire (iii) suffering can be removed (iv) in order to remove suffering one has to overcome desire by following the Eight Fold Path, which is called the Middle Way between desires and self denial.

Both Hindus & Buddhist believe in reincarnation, the consent cycle of birth, death & rebirth

The Final Goal • Nirvana is the Buddhist word for the release from selfishness and pain – Achieved by following the Eight Fold Path • Moksha is the Hindu word for the goal of the faith – Achieved through right thinking, right action, or religious devotion Once this is achieved the cycle of Reincarnation is over.