Focus ActivityFocus Activity

Which of the following religions believes Which of the following religions believes that there is that there is one Godone God, that there is , that there is a a Heaven & HellHeaven & Hell, a , a final day of judgmentfinal day of judgment for for all, and that all, and that Abraham is the founderAbraham is the founder of their of their belief system?belief system?

A. ChristianityA. Christianity

B. MuslimsB. Muslims

C. JudaismC. Judaism

D. All of the AboveD. All of the Above

What do these What do these symbols mean symbols mean

to you?to you?

ReligionsReligions

Objective:Objective:

- The student will understand the - The student will understand the major world religions as well as their major world religions as well as their impact on world history. impact on world history.

- In what ways are the world’s major - In what ways are the world’s major religions both the same and different?religions both the same and different?

BuddhismBuddhism

Wheel of Wheel of

the Lawthe Law

History of BuddhismHistory of Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama= The BuddhaSiddhartha Gautama= The Buddha

- Raised a devout Hindu, but thought that there - Raised a devout Hindu, but thought that there was more to life that just living a life of repeated was more to life that just living a life of repeated birth after birth…Must be an easier way to Heaven.birth after birth…Must be an easier way to Heaven.

Journeys to a place in the wilderness to “talk to Journeys to a place in the wilderness to “talk to God”God”- Here in the wilderness he has a revelation from - Here in the wilderness he has a revelation from God in which he is given orders to found a new God in which he is given orders to found a new religion.religion.

Because of his revelation from God, Siddhartha Because of his revelation from God, Siddhartha Gautama changes his name to the “Buddha” which Gautama changes his name to the “Buddha” which means “means “Enlightened OneEnlightened One”.”.

Since then 354 million followers worldwide have Since then 354 million followers worldwide have become Buddhist. They are found mostly in SE become Buddhist. They are found mostly in SE Asia, Sri Lanka, and Japan.Asia, Sri Lanka, and Japan.

Buddha’s teachings = DharmaBuddha’s teachings = Dharma

Principal Beliefs of BuddhismPrincipal Beliefs of Buddhism People achieve complete peace and People achieve complete peace and

happiness, known as happiness, known as nirvananirvana, by , by eliminating their attachment to worldly eliminating their attachment to worldly things.things.

3 Cardinal Faults3 Cardinal Faults GreedGreed - Pig - Pig HatredHatred - Snake - Snake DelusionDelusion - Rooster - Rooster

Sacred WritingsSacred Writings Perfection of Wisdom SutraPerfection of Wisdom Sutra – has 8,000 – has 8,000

verses that relate the life and teachings of verses that relate the life and teachings of the Buddhathe Buddha

RelevanceRelevance

Using the paper provided, and the Using the paper provided, and the markers at your table, come up with a markers at your table, come up with a symbol that you think describes symbol that you think describes Buddhism.Buddhism.

Remember, Buddhism is a religion Remember, Buddhism is a religion based on based on PeacePeace, , HappinessHappiness, and , and CalmnessCalmness..

ConfucianismConfucianism

Yin-Yang – represents Yin-Yang – represents opposite forces in the world opposite forces in the world working together. It working together. It symbolizes the social order symbolizes the social order and harmony that and harmony that Confucianism stresses.Confucianism stresses.

History of ConfucianismHistory of Confucianism Not what you would consider a religion like most Not what you would consider a religion like most

others. Has no clergy, no gods to worship, but is others. Has no clergy, no gods to worship, but is rather an ancient rather an ancient philosophyphilosophy that guides the that guides the actions and beliefs of millions of Chinese and actions and beliefs of millions of Chinese and others.others.

Led by a man named Confucius, who became the Led by a man named Confucius, who became the father of Confucianism and is viewed by many as a father of Confucianism and is viewed by many as a deity, or God. deity, or God.

Confucius’ Golden Rule: “Confucius’ Golden Rule: “Do not do unto others what Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto youyou would not want others to do unto you.” .” Confucianism stresses Confucianism stresses social social and and civiccivic responsibility.responsibility.

It is a way of life, that respects its family & elders.It is a way of life, that respects its family & elders. Analects Analects (Written Record of Confucianism)(Written Record of Confucianism)

Around 400 B.C., Confucius’ students compiled his words Around 400 B.C., Confucius’ students compiled his words in this book which is the earliest and most authentic in this book which is the earliest and most authentic record of his ideas.record of his ideas.

Confucius was a teacher, and believed that Confucius was a teacher, and believed that education was an important part of a fulfilled life.education was an important part of a fulfilled life.

Confucius’s birthday is celebrated on September Confucius’s birthday is celebrated on September 28 in East Asia. It is known in Taiwan as 28 in East Asia. It is known in Taiwan as Teacher’s Day. People build shrines in their Teacher’s Day. People build shrines in their homes to honor deceased relatives. Family homes to honor deceased relatives. Family offers prayers and food at the shrine.offers prayers and food at the shrine.

Principal Beliefs of ConfucianismPrincipal Beliefs of Confucianism Social order, harmony and good government should be Social order, harmony and good government should be

based on based on strong family relationshipsstrong family relationships.. Respect for Respect for parents and eldersparents and elders is important to a well- is important to a well-

ordered societyordered society EducationEducation is important both to the welfare of the is important both to the welfare of the

individual and to society.individual and to society.

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Using the paper provided, and the Using the paper provided, and the markers at your table, come up with a markers at your table, come up with a symbol that you think describes symbol that you think describes Confucianism.Confucianism.

Remember, Confucianism is a religion Remember, Confucianism is a religion based on based on Balance… Balance… Good v. EvilGood v. Evil..

HinduismHinduism

The World’s Oldest Religion

Sacred OmSacred OmMost sacred syllable for Most sacred syllable for

Hindus. It is used in Hindus. It is used in prayersprayers

Three main Gods:Three main Gods: BrahmaBrahma VishnuVishnu ShivaShiva

It is recorded by tradition (oral and written)It is recorded by tradition (oral and written) Spread by holy men (gurus who travel from Spread by holy men (gurus who travel from

village to village sharing the god’s words)village to village sharing the god’s words) Never spreads out of India – evangelically – no Never spreads out of India – evangelically – no

attempts at conversionattempts at conversion RitualRitual

India’s Ganges River – considered a sacred site in the India’s Ganges River – considered a sacred site in the religion. religion.

Most Hindus come to bathe in the water, an act they Most Hindus come to bathe in the water, an act they believe will cleanse and purify thembelieve will cleanse and purify them

Sacred textSacred textVedas – Oldest of Hindu ScripturesVedas – Oldest of Hindu Scriptures

Older than the sacred writings of any other major Older than the sacred writings of any other major religionreligion

Contains prayers and hymnsContains prayers and hymnsIt is the nature of reality, morality, eternal life, and the It is the nature of reality, morality, eternal life, and the

soulsoul

3 Main Beliefs3 Main BeliefsThe soul never dies, but is continually reborn The soul never dies, but is continually reborn

(reincarnation) (reincarnation) Persons achieve happiness and enlightenment Persons achieve happiness and enlightenment

after they free themselves from their earthly after they free themselves from their earthly desiresdesires

Freedom from earthly desires comes from a Freedom from earthly desires comes from a lifetime of worship, knowledge, and virtuous actslifetime of worship, knowledge, and virtuous acts

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Using the paper provided, and the Using the paper provided, and the markers at your table, come up with a markers at your table, come up with a symbol that you think describes symbol that you think describes Hinduism.Hinduism.

Remember, Hinduism is a religion Remember, Hinduism is a religion based on based on life as alife as a cycle that repeatscycle that repeats..

IslamIslam

Crescent MoonCrescent MoonMay be related to the May be related to the new moon that begins new moon that begins each month in the each month in the Islamic Islamic lunar calendar, which lunar calendar, which orders religious life for orders religious life for MuslimsMuslims

History of IslamHistory of Islam

Followers of Islam are called Muslims.Followers of Islam are called Muslims. This religion was founded by Muhammad, who This religion was founded by Muhammad, who

Muslims feel is the true prophet of God. Muslims feel is the true prophet of God. Muslims believe that God Muslims believe that God (known as Allah)(known as Allah) teaches teaches

about all prophets of Judaism & Christianity.about all prophets of Judaism & Christianity. The religion split into 2 groups in the 7The religion split into 2 groups in the 7thth century century

– Shi’i and Sunni Muslims– Shi’i and Sunni Muslims Shi’i accept only the descendants of Ali, Muhammad’s Shi’i accept only the descendants of Ali, Muhammad’s

son-in-law, as true rulers of the Islamic religionson-in-law, as true rulers of the Islamic religion Sunni are the larger group, believing in Muhammad Sunni are the larger group, believing in Muhammad

and other Islamic prophetsand other Islamic prophets Muslims are forbidden to gamble, eat pork, drink Muslims are forbidden to gamble, eat pork, drink

alcoholic beverages, and practice dishonestyalcoholic beverages, and practice dishonesty

The Life of a MuslimThe Life of a Muslim Muslims are forbidden to gamble, eat pork, Muslims are forbidden to gamble, eat pork,

drink alcoholic beverages, and practice drink alcoholic beverages, and practice dishonesty.dishonesty.

5 times a day Muslims face 5 times a day Muslims face MeccaMecca (the holy (the holy city)city) and pray to Allah. and pray to Allah.

The The Qur’anQur’an is required to be read each day by is required to be read each day by Muslims.Muslims. Sacred book of MuslimsSacred book of Muslims

Five Pillars of IslamFive Pillars of Islam FaithFaith – in 1 God and Muhammad is the – in 1 God and Muhammad is the

messengermessenger PrayerPrayer – 5 times a day – 5 times a day AlmsgivingAlmsgiving (charity) (charity) FastingFasting – refraining from food and drink from – refraining from food and drink from

dawn to sunset during holy month of Ramadandawn to sunset during holy month of Ramadan PilgrimagePilgrimage – making a once in a lifetime visit to – making a once in a lifetime visit to

Mecca. Mecca.

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Using the paper provided, and the Using the paper provided, and the markers at your table, illustrate the markers at your table, illustrate the Five Pillars of Islam.Five Pillars of Islam.

Be sure to include what is required at Be sure to include what is required at each pillar. each pillar.

JudaismJudaism

The Star of David The Star of David -Shield of David -Shield of David -Refers to King David -Refers to King David who ruled the Kingdom who ruled the Kingdom of Israel from 1000-962 of Israel from 1000-962 B.C.B.C.

History of JudaismHistory of Judaism Comes about in the year 2000 B.C….Abraham is the Comes about in the year 2000 B.C….Abraham is the

father of the Hebrew people.father of the Hebrew people. The Jews are what’s known as “God’s Chosen People”The Jews are what’s known as “God’s Chosen People” All through the Torah – All through the Torah – first of five books of the Hebrew first of five books of the Hebrew

biblebible – the savior is coming, the savior is on his way. – the savior is coming, the savior is on his way. 10 Commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai 10 Commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai Judaism teaches that a person serves God by studying Judaism teaches that a person serves God by studying

the Torah and living by its teachings.the Torah and living by its teachings. Main BeliefsMain Beliefs

There is only There is only one Godone God, who watches over and cares for his , who watches over and cares for his peoplepeople

God loves and protects his people, but also holds people God loves and protects his people, but also holds people accountable for their accountable for their sins and shortcomingssins and shortcomings

Persons serve God by Persons serve God by studying the Torahstudying the Torah and living by its and living by its teachingsteachings

Some follow strict dietary laws based on passages from Some follow strict dietary laws based on passages from the Hebrew Bible. Kosher laws forbid the eating of the Hebrew Bible. Kosher laws forbid the eating of animals considered unclean.animals considered unclean.

God is also known as God is also known as YahwehYahweh – first religion – first religion to teach the existence of only one god.to teach the existence of only one god.

When Jesus is born, When Jesus is born, most Jewsmost Jews reject him reject him as their Savior…Accusing him of as their Savior…Accusing him of blasphemy they blasphemy they crucify himcrucify him..

About 14 million followers practice Judaism About 14 million followers practice Judaism centering mostly in Israel. centering mostly in Israel. These people These people still await their kings arrival.still await their kings arrival.

Customs and BeliefsCustoms and Beliefs A A RabbiRabbi- - head of the churchhead of the church -performs -performs

ceremonial duties in the Synagogueceremonial duties in the Synagogue Some follow strict dietary laws based on Some follow strict dietary laws based on

passages from the Hebrew Bible. passages from the Hebrew Bible. Kosher lawsKosher laws forbid the eating of animals considered forbid the eating of animals considered unclean.unclean.

ChristianityChristianity

History of ChristianityHistory of Christianity Christianity is simply the Christianity is simply the Jewish religionJewish religion that believes that believes Jesus Jesus

was the Saviorwas the Savior of the world. of the world. When Jesus comes to earth, and proclaims his “kingship” When Jesus comes to earth, and proclaims his “kingship”

people who accept that are called Christianspeople who accept that are called Christians.. God is considered the “God is considered the “FatherFather” of Jesus, and ” of Jesus, and Christians are Christians are

followers of Jesus.followers of Jesus. The BibleThe Bible

Most sacred book of the Christian religion. Most sacred book of the Christian religion. Series of “books” written Series of “books” written to prophesy about the birth, death and resurrection of Jesusto prophesy about the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus..

2 parts – 2 parts – Old Testament and New TestamentOld Testament and New Testament

Ministers Ministers Clergymen are the leaders of religious ceremonies and practices in Clergymen are the leaders of religious ceremonies and practices in

the church. They are called the church. They are called pastors, bishops, clergypastors, bishops, clergy and other and other names.names.

BeliefsBeliefs There is There is only one Godonly one God, who watches over and cares for his people, who watches over and cares for his people Jesus Christ was the son of God. He Jesus Christ was the son of God. He died to save humanity from sindied to save humanity from sin. .

His death and resurrection made His death and resurrection made eternal lifeeternal life possible for others possible for others

Today, there are approximately Today, there are approximately 1.9 Billion1.9 Billion followers worldwide. The majorities being in followers worldwide. The majorities being in the the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Former Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Former U.S.S.RU.S.S.R..

It is the world’s largest religion – having people It is the world’s largest religion – having people on all seven continents being followers of Jesus.on all seven continents being followers of Jesus.

The The three main groupsthree main groups of Christianity are: of Christianity are:

Eastern Orthodox

Roman Catholic

Protestant

Christianity

Creating Your Own ReligionCreating Your Own Religion

Using the information you have Using the information you have collected in your notes, create your collected in your notes, create your own religion.own religion.

It must contain the followingIt must contain the following::Name of your GodName of your GodSymbol of your religion (Not used already)Symbol of your religion (Not used already)What you call your believersWhat you call your believersHow do you spread it?How do you spread it?5 Core Beliefs5 Core Beliefs