Elements of Culture - ReligionWorld Geography

#4 Religion

Helps people answer the basic questions about the meaning of life; supports the values of culture; shapes morals & ethics of a group of people.

● Monotheism - belief in 1 god

● Polytheism - belief in more than 1 god

● Nontheism - belief in no god (atheism)

● Animism - belief that everything in nature has a spirit

5 Major Religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, & Islam

Hinduism Origin

Time - 1500 B.C.E

Region - Indus River Valley (India)

Founder(s) - Blend of Native Beliefs

Scripture(s) - Vedas

Hinduism Basic Beliefs and Practices

1. Reincarnation/Karma

2. Caste System/Dharma

3. Break Cycle of Reincarnation to Join Brahman

4. One God Brahman that manifests as many avatars

Buddhism OriginTime - 6th Century B.C.E

Region - Northern India - spread to E & SE Asia

Founder - Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

Scripture - Buddha’s Teachings

Buddhism Basic Beliefs & Practices

● 4 Noble Truths

● 8 Fold Path● Reincarnation

/Karma● Break Cycle of

Reincarnation to reach Nirvana

Abrahamic Religions

The Story of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael

Sacrifice of Isaac____________________

Conflict: Isaac or Ishmael

The Story of Muhammad

Judaism Origin

Time - 1500 B.C.E

Region - Middle East

Founders - Abraham (patriarch)

Moses (Author of the 1st 5 books)

Scripture - Torah (Old Testament)

Judaism Beliefs & Practices

Biblical Law & Ritual (10 Commandments)

Relationship with God

Major Divisions

1. Orthodoxy2. Conservative3. Reform

Christianity Origins

Time - 2,000 years ago Founder - Abraham (patriarch) Moses &

Region - Middle East Disciples (Authors of the Books)

Scripture - The Bible (emphasis on the New Testament)

Christianity Basic Beliefs and Practices

● Jesus is the Messiah that was resurrected● Salvation through Christ● Biblical Law

Islam OriginsTime - @610 C.E. Region - Middle East (Arabian Peninsula)

Founder - Muhammad Scripture - Quran

Major Divisions -

1. Sunni - caliphs

(leaders) are elected

2. Shia - caliphs are

appointed by

descendents of

Muhammad