Major World Religion Characteristics

• Set of beliefs about the meaning of life, nature of universe and existence of the supernatural.

• Set of Customs/practice relate to the worship of God (or several gods) w/a set of rules for the conduct of a good life.

• An organization which oversees the conduct of religious practices.

• Designation of sacred or holy places.– Vatican City – Catholicism; Mecca - Islam

Major World Religions

• Hinduism• Buddhism• Judaism• Christianity• Islam• Sikhism

Major Beliefs of Hinduism599-527 B.C.

• Many gods, each create one supreme being.

• Reincarnation: After death, soul is reborn as another living thing.

• Located in modern India.

Major Beliefs of Hinduism Cont’d

• Karma: Live a good life, reborn in a higher caste system (hereditary social classes).

• Sacred Objects: Ganges River and the Cow– Hindus do not eat beef.

Major Beliefs of Buddhism563-483 B.C.

• Leading religion in Tibet, Japan, Thailand, and China.

• Follows the teachings of Buddha.– Selfish desires are the

source of suffering.

Major Beliefs of Buddhism Cont’d

• Eightfold Path: give up wealth, act worthily, live righteously, and respect all living things.

• Nirvana: achieve final reincarnation by following the Eightfold Path.

Key Features of Judaism2000 B.C.

• 1st religion to teach monotheism – belief in 1 God.

• History of Jewish people found in Old Testament.

• 10 Commandments: moral code of conduct, live justly.– 1 God, honor one’s parents– Do not kill, steal, commit

adultery

Major Beliefs in Christianity6 B.C. – 30 A.D.

• Begun by Jesus, a Jew born in Bethlehem.

• Jesus is son of God, sent to save mankind.– Rose from the dead, went to

Heaven.• Christians will be saved, go to

Heaven– Have faith in Jesus, treat others

with love/respect.

Major Beliefs in Christianity Cont’d

• Includes Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox Christians.– Major influences are found in

Europe, the Americas, areas of Africa and Asia.

• World’s most popular religion.

Beliefs of Islam570 A.D. - 632 A.D.

• Founded by Mohammed around 600 A.D.

• Believe in one God, Allah.

• Qu’ran: Holy Book containing God’s message as given to Mohammed.

Beliefs of Islam Cont’d

• Five Pillars of Faith: religious requirementsNo other God but Allah; Pray 5 times/day facing MeccaMust give $$$ to the poor; Fast during holy month of

Ramadan; Pilgrimage to Mecca.• Popular religion in Middle East, South/Southeast Asia.

Beliefs of Sikhism

• Found mostly in Northern India.– Combines beliefs

from Hinduism/Islam.– Believe in

reincarnation.• Believe in 1 God.

– Everyone has equal status in eyes of God.

• Men do not cut their hair and wear turbans.