1. Major Religions of the WorldMajor Religions of the World

2.  What does religion mean to you?What does religion mean to you?
 something one believes in and follows devotedlysomething one believes in and follows devotedly
 usually has some form ofusually has some form of ““higher powerhigher power””
 Why do you think religion causes so manyWhy do you think religion causes so many
conflicts and wars in the world when it isconflicts and wars in the world when it is
supposed to promote peace?supposed to promote peace?
 What religion are you?What religion are you?
 Why do you practice that religion?Why do you practice that religion?

5. NumbersNumbers
 Christianity: 1.9 billion peopleChristianity: 1.9 billion people
 Islam: 1.1 billionIslam: 1.1 billion
 Hinduism: 800 millionHinduism: 800 million
 Buddhism: 325 millionBuddhism: 325 million
 Judaism: 13 millionJudaism: 13 million

7. ChristianityChristianity
 Based on the life and teachings of JesusBased on the life and teachings of Jesus
ChristChrist
 Originated in Palestine in the 1st centuryOriginated in Palestine in the 1st century
ADAD
 Believe that Jesus was the son of GodBelieve that Jesus was the son of God
who came and died for peoplewho came and died for people’’s sins ands sins and
then rose so that all people could bethen rose so that all people could be
savedsaved
 Believe in one God(monotheistic) whoBelieve in one God(monotheistic) who
created the universe and all things in itcreated the universe and all things in it
 Christianity originally developed as a partChristianity originally developed as a part

8. Christian Way of LifeChristian Way of Life
 Fellowship with GodFellowship with God
 Our relationships with othersOur relationships with others
 Obedience to God's commandsObedience to God's commands
 DisciplineDiscipline

9. Ten CommandmentsTen Commandments

10. Important DaysImportant Days
 Ash Wednesday-LentAsh Wednesday-Lent
 Palm SundayPalm Sunday
 Maundy ThursdayMaundy Thursday
 Good FridayGood Friday
 EasterEaster
 AscensionAscension
 PentecostPentecost
 AdventAdvent
 ChristmasChristmas
 EpiphanyEpiphany

13. JudaismJudaism
 Is a monotheistic religionIs a monotheistic religion
 Judaism is the oldest and smallest of theJudaism is the oldest and smallest of the
world's five great religionsworld's five great religions
 Being a part of a Jewish community andBeing a part of a Jewish community and
living one's life according to Jewish lawliving one's life according to Jewish law
and traditions is very important.and traditions is very important.
 The fundamental beliefs of Judaism are:The fundamental beliefs of Judaism are:
-There is a single, all-powerful God,-There is a single, all-powerful God,
who created the universe andwho created the universe and
everything in it.everything in it.
-God has a special relationship with the-God has a special relationship with the
Jewish people due to covenant thatJewish people due to covenant that
God made with Moses on MountGod made with Moses on Mount
Sinai, 3500 years ago.Sinai, 3500 years ago.

14. RambamRambam’’s 13 Principles ofs 13 Principles of
FaithFaith1.1. G-d existsG-d exists
2.2. G-d is one and uniqueG-d is one and unique
3.3. G-d is incorporealG-d is incorporeal
4.4. G-d is eternalG-d is eternal
5.5. Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and to no otherPrayer is to be directed to G-d alone and to no other
6.6. The words of the prophets are trueThe words of the prophets are true
7.7. MosesMoses’’ prophecies are true, and Moses was theprophecies are true, and Moses was the
greatest of the prophetsgreatest of the prophets
8.8. The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and OralThe Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral
Torah were given to MosesTorah were given to Moses
9.9. There will be no other TorahThere will be no other Torah
10.10. G-d knows the thoughts and deeds of menG-d knows the thoughts and deeds of men
11.11. G-d will reward the good and punish the wickedG-d will reward the good and punish the wicked
12.12. The Messiah will comeThe Messiah will come
13.13. The dead will be resurrectedThe dead will be resurrected

15. 613 Mitzvot613 Mitzvot
 Judaism 101: List of the 613 MitzvotJudaism 101: List of the 613 Mitzvot

16.  The Jewish place of worship is called aThe Jewish place of worship is called a
SynagogueSynagogue
 The religious leader of a JewishThe religious leader of a Jewish
community is called a Rabbicommunity is called a Rabbi
 Unlike leaders in many other faiths, aUnlike leaders in many other faiths, a
rabbi is not a priest and has no specialrabbi is not a priest and has no special
religious statusreligious status
 The Jewish holy day, orThe Jewish holy day, or
Sabbath(Shabbat), starts at sunset onSabbath(Shabbat), starts at sunset on
Friday and continues until sunset onFriday and continues until sunset on
SaturdaySaturday
 During the Sabbath, Jews do notDuring the Sabbath, Jews do not
work(drive, cook, etc)work(drive, cook, etc)

17. 7 Holy Days7 Holy Days
 Rosh Hashanah-Jewish New YearRosh Hashanah-Jewish New Year
 Yom Kippur-A day of fasting and prayingYom Kippur-A day of fasting and praying
which occurs 10 days after the first day ofwhich occurs 10 days after the first day of
Rosh Hashanah. The holiest day in theRosh Hashanah. The holiest day in the
yearyear
 Sukkot-8 day festival of thanksgivingSukkot-8 day festival of thanksgiving
 Hanukkah-The Feast of Lights is an 8 dayHanukkah-The Feast of Lights is an 8 day
Feast of Dedication.Feast of Dedication. It recalls the warIt recalls the war
fought by the Maccabees in the cause offought by the Maccabees in the cause of
religious freedom religious freedom

18.  Purim-The Feast of Lots recalls the defeat byPurim-The Feast of Lots recalls the defeat by
Queen Esther of the plan to slaughter all ofQueen Esther of the plan to slaughter all of
the Persian Jews, circa 400 BCthe Persian Jews, circa 400 BC
 Pesa(Passover)-The 8 day festival recalls thePesa(Passover)-The 8 day festival recalls the
exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egyptexodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt
circa 1300 BCE. A holiday meal, the Seder,circa 1300 BCE. A holiday meal, the Seder,
is held at homeis held at home
 Shavouth-Pentecost recalls God's revelationShavouth-Pentecost recalls God's revelation
of the Torah to the Jewish peopleof the Torah to the Jewish people

19.  Menorah-It is aMenorah-It is a
symbol of the nationsymbol of the nation
of Israel and aof Israel and a
mission to be "a lightmission to be "a light
unto the nations.unto the nations.

20.  A Yarmulke is wornA Yarmulke is worn
during prayer to shoeduring prayer to shoe
respect to G_drespect to G_d

21.  The Star of David isThe Star of David is
the internationalthe international
symbol of Judaismsymbol of Judaism
 Flag of Israel has itFlag of Israel has it

22. Kosher FoodsKosher Foods
 Foods are kosher when they meet allFoods are kosher when they meet all
criteria that Jewish law applies to foodcriteria that Jewish law applies to food
 Characteristics that make a food non-Characteristics that make a food non-
kosher:kosher:
 the mixture of meat and milkthe mixture of meat and milk
 the use of cooking utensils which hadthe use of cooking utensils which had
previously been used for non-kosher foodpreviously been used for non-kosher food
 The type of animal it isThe type of animal it is

23.  Leviticus 11:3 says that Jews may eat allLeviticus 11:3 says that Jews may eat all
animals that have cloven hooves and chewanimals that have cloven hooves and chew
their cudtheir cud
 Leviticus 11:4 explicitly prohibited theLeviticus 11:4 explicitly prohibited the
consumption of animals that do not have theseconsumption of animals that do not have these
characteristics designating them "unclean tocharacteristics designating them "unclean to
you."you."
 Six mammals are specifically not allowed:Six mammals are specifically not allowed:
 The camelThe camel
 The hyraxThe hyrax
 The hareThe hare
 The pigThe pig
 Whales and dolphinsWhales and dolphins

24.  Kosher animals are as follows:Kosher animals are as follows:
 Cows, goats, sheep, antelope, deer, giraffes, okapis andCows, goats, sheep, antelope, deer, giraffes, okapis and
pronghornspronghorns
 Most fish(excluding shellfish, sharks, octupus, eels andMost fish(excluding shellfish, sharks, octupus, eels and
squid)squid)
 Chicken, duck, turkeyChicken, duck, turkey
 Milk and cheese are kosher but cannot be eaten with meatMilk and cheese are kosher but cannot be eaten with meat
or mixed with meat.or mixed with meat.
 PreparationPreparation
 the slaughter of animals is designed to minimize the pain—the slaughter of animals is designed to minimize the pain—
usually done by a slice across the throatusually done by a slice across the throat
 this eliminates the practice of hunting for food unless it canthis eliminates the practice of hunting for food unless it can
be captured alive and ritually slaughtered.be captured alive and ritually slaughtered.
 All blood and veins must be removed from meat(salting andAll blood and veins must be removed from meat(salting and
broiling are common methods)broiling are common methods)

26. IslamIslam
 Islam is the world's second most followed religionIslam is the world's second most followed religion
 It began around 1400 years ago in Arabia, but swiftlyIt began around 1400 years ago in Arabia, but swiftly
become a world faith, and now has around 1.2 billionbecome a world faith, and now has around 1.2 billion
peoplepeople
 "Islam" is an Arabic word which means"Islam" is an Arabic word which means ““surrenderingsurrendering
oneself to the will of Godoneself to the will of God””
 One will achieve peace and security by doing soOne will achieve peace and security by doing so
 A person surrenders to the will of Allah by living andA person surrenders to the will of Allah by living and
thinking in the way Allah has instructed.thinking in the way Allah has instructed.
 Islam is more than a system of beliefs. The faithIslam is more than a system of beliefs. The faith
provides a social and legal system and governs thingsprovides a social and legal system and governs things
like family life, law and order, ethics, dress, andlike family life, law and order, ethics, dress, and
cleanliness, as well as religious ritual and observancecleanliness, as well as religious ritual and observance
—Islamic Republic—Islamic Republic

27. Where is Islam practiced?Where is Islam practiced?
 The countries with the largest IslamicThe countries with the largest Islamic
populations are not in the Middle East aspopulations are not in the Middle East as
most would thinkmost would think
 The largest are Indonesia (170 million),The largest are Indonesia (170 million),
Pakistan (136 million), Bangladesh (105Pakistan (136 million), Bangladesh (105
million), and India (103 million)million), and India (103 million)
 Islam's three holiest places, the cities ofIslam's three holiest places, the cities of
Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, are all inMecca, Medina and Jerusalem, are all in
the Middle Eastthe Middle East

28.  The present form of Islam began in Arabia inThe present form of Islam began in Arabia in
622 AD622 AD
 It is based on the ministry of a man namedIt is based on the ministry of a man named
Muhammad and on the words that Allah gave toMuhammad and on the words that Allah gave to
the world through himthe world through him
 Muhammad did not found Islam. Islam wasMuhammad did not found Islam. Islam was
created by Allah at the beginning of time, and increated by Allah at the beginning of time, and in
fact Muslims regard Adam as the first Muslimfact Muslims regard Adam as the first Muslim
 Muhammad was the final messenger throughMuhammad was the final messenger through
whom Allah revealed the faith to the worldwhom Allah revealed the faith to the world
 There had been earlier messengers, amongThere had been earlier messengers, among
them Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.them Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.

31. 5 Pillars of Islam5 Pillars of Islam
1.1. Shahada(witness)Shahada(witness) is the Muslimis the Muslim
profession of faithprofession of faith
-- "I witness that there is no god but"I witness that there is no god but
Allah, and that Muhammad is theAllah, and that Muhammad is the
prophet of Allah"prophet of Allah"
 Muslims say this when they wake up inMuslims say this when they wake up in
the morning and just before they go tothe morning and just before they go to
sleep at nightsleep at night

32.  2.2. Salat(daily prayer)Salat(daily prayer) is ais a prayer ritualprayer ritual
performed 5 times a day by all Muslimsperformed 5 times a day by all Muslims
over the age of 10over the age of 10
 Between first light and sunriseBetween first light and sunrise
 After the sun has passed the middle ofAfter the sun has passed the middle of
the skythe sky
 Between mid-afternoon and sunsetBetween mid-afternoon and sunset
 Between sunset and the last light of theBetween sunset and the last light of the
dayday
 Between darkness and dawnBetween darkness and dawn

33. 3.3. Sawm(fasting)Sawm(fasting) is abstaining each day duringis abstaining each day during
RamadanRamadan
 Sawm helps Muslims develop self-control, gainSawm helps Muslims develop self-control, gain
a better understanding of God's gifts anda better understanding of God's gifts and
greater compassion towards the deprived.greater compassion towards the deprived.
 Ramadan is the holiest day for Islam. It marksRamadan is the holiest day for Islam. It marks
when Muhammad had the Qur-an revealed towhen Muhammad had the Qur-an revealed to
himhim
 Sawm is usually described as fasting, but itSawm is usually described as fasting, but it
actually involves abstaining from all bodilyactually involves abstaining from all bodily
pleasures between dawn and sunsetpleasures between dawn and sunset
 Not only is food forbidden, but also things likeNot only is food forbidden, but also things like
smoking, chewing gum, negative thoughts andsmoking, chewing gum, negative thoughts and
sexual activitysexual activity

34. 4.4. Zakat(almsgiving)Zakat(almsgiving) is giving alms to theis giving alms to the
poorpoor
 This is a compulsory gift of 2.5 % ofThis is a compulsory gift of 2.5 % of
one's savings each yearone's savings each year
 Giving in this way is intended to freeGiving in this way is intended to free
Muslims from the love of moneyMuslims from the love of money
 It reminds them that everything theyIt reminds them that everything they
have really belongs to God.have really belongs to God.

35. 4. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that all4. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that all
physically/financially able Muslims shouldphysically/financially able Muslims should
make at least once in their lifemake at least once in their life
 Mecca is the most holy place for MuslimsMecca is the most holy place for Muslims
 Takes place during days 8-13 of the 12Takes place during days 8-13 of the 12thth
month of the Islamic Lunar calendarmonth of the Islamic Lunar calendar
 They circle the Kaaba seven times onThey circle the Kaaba seven times on
three occasions, say prayers, drink from athree occasions, say prayers, drink from a
holy spring, walk to Mount Arafat to pray,holy spring, walk to Mount Arafat to pray,
feast, cast stones at three pillars(to fightfeast, cast stones at three pillars(to fight
SatanSatan’’s temptations), shave hair, runs temptations), shave hair, run
seven times between some hillsseven times between some hills

36. The KaabaThe Kaaba
Kaaba - Wikipedia, the freeKaaba - Wikipedia, the free
encyclopediaencyclopedia

41. Other InfoOther Info
 The QurThe Qur’’an is the Islamic holy bookan is the Islamic holy book
 The Qur'an is the actual word of God, andThe Qur'an is the actual word of God, and
contains the fundamental beliefs of Islamcontains the fundamental beliefs of Islam
 Mecca, Medina and Jerusulem are holyMecca, Medina and Jerusulem are holy
citiescities
 According to tradition, the Qur'an wasAccording to tradition, the Qur'an was
dictated to Muhammaddictated to Muhammad
 Two major sectsTwo major sects
 Sunni-920 million people(everywhere else)Sunni-920 million people(everywhere else)
 Shiite-120 million people(Iran)Shiite-120 million people(Iran)
 Comparing the Sunni and Shiite branches ofComparing the Sunni and Shiite branches of
IslamIslam

42. Islamic LawIslamic Law
 The Sharia outlines all of the laws(comesThe Sharia outlines all of the laws(comes
from the Koran)from the Koran)
 5 Major Crimes:5 Major Crimes:
 theft, highway robbery, intoxication, adulterytheft, highway robbery, intoxication, adultery
and falsely accusing another of adulteryand falsely accusing another of adultery
 Sharia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSharia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

43. Food LawsFood Laws
 Very similar laws to the Jewish kosherVery similar laws to the Jewish kosher
foodsfoods
 No alcohol, pork, blood, no pork fatNo alcohol, pork, blood, no pork fat
products, scavenger animalsproducts, scavenger animals
 Food must be prepared similarly to theFood must be prepared similarly to the
JewsJews
 Slice to the jugularSlice to the jugular
 Drain bloodDrain blood

45. HinduismHinduism
 Hinduism includes a very wide range ofHinduism includes a very wide range of
beliefs and practices, so there aren't manybeliefs and practices, so there aren't many
things that are common to all Hinduthings that are common to all Hindu
groupsgroups
 Hinduism has no founder, no single bookHinduism has no founder, no single book
of faith, no creed, and no single source ofof faith, no creed, and no single source of
authority(such as Jesus)authority(such as Jesus)
 Hinduism is very individualistic but a bigHinduism is very individualistic but a big
part of a personpart of a person’’s everyday lifes everyday life
 There are 750 million Hindus in the world,There are 750 million Hindus in the world,
mostly in Indiamostly in India

46.  For many Hindus, religion is a matter ofFor many Hindus, religion is a matter of
practice rather than of beliefs. It's more whatpractice rather than of beliefs. It's more what
you do than what you believe.you do than what you believe.
 Behind Hindu practice is the belief that everyBehind Hindu practice is the belief that every
soul is trapped in a cycle of birth-death-soul is trapped in a cycle of birth-death-
rebirth(reincarnation). Every Hindu wants torebirth(reincarnation). Every Hindu wants to
escape from this cycle.escape from this cycle.
 Hindus aim to live in a way that will causeHindus aim to live in a way that will cause
each of their lives to be better than the lifeeach of their lives to be better than the life
before.before.
 Whether one is reborn into a better life, aWhether one is reborn into a better life, a
worse life, or even to live as an animal,worse life, or even to live as an animal,
depends on Karma, which is the value of adepends on Karma, which is the value of a
soul's good and bad deeds.soul's good and bad deeds.

47.  Dharma is aDharma is a ““cosmic natural lawcosmic natural law”” that forms the basisthat forms the basis
for Hindu philosophies, beliefs and practices andfor Hindu philosophies, beliefs and practices and
holds everything togetherholds everything together
 People that live in harmony with Dharma proceedPeople that live in harmony with Dharma proceed
more quickly toward Mokshamore quickly toward Moksha
 Hindus ultimate aim is escape from the life cycleHindus ultimate aim is escape from the life cycle
altogether and achieve the ultimate liberation—altogether and achieve the ultimate liberation—
MokshaMoksha
 Hindus believe the universe doesn't have a beginningHindus believe the universe doesn't have a beginning
and an end. It's a cyclical pattern, so once it ends, itand an end. It's a cyclical pattern, so once it ends, it
begins again.begins again.
 One attains Moksha when one has "overcomeOne attains Moksha when one has "overcome
ignorance" and no longer desires anything at all(andignorance" and no longer desires anything at all(and
yes, that includes the desire for Moksha)yes, that includes the desire for Moksha)

48. Hindu BeliefsHindu Beliefs
 All good things in life are gifts from GodAll good things in life are gifts from God
 Finding out what your lifeFinding out what your life’’s calling is ass calling is as
Dharma suggest/requires is a veryDharma suggest/requires is a very
important goalimportant goal
 Being a fair and decent person is veryBeing a fair and decent person is very
importantimportant
 Wealth, power and material belongingsWealth, power and material belongings
are good goals as long as they donare good goals as long as they don’’tt
become all importantbecome all important
 Moksha is the ultimate goalMoksha is the ultimate goal

49. Four Stages of LifeFour Stages of Life
1.1. Ages 12-24 you get educated and trainedAges 12-24 you get educated and trained
2.2. Ages 24-48 you get married, raise a family,Ages 24-48 you get married, raise a family,
make money, get involved in many thingsmake money, get involved in many things
3.3. Ages 48-72 you become a mentor to a youngAges 48-72 you become a mentor to a young
person and start isolating themselves from theperson and start isolating themselves from the
outside worldoutside world
4.4. At age 72 you end ties to the outside world andAt age 72 you end ties to the outside world and
get rid of your worldly possessions. Prayer andget rid of your worldly possessions. Prayer and
devotion become very important.devotion become very important.
 Mostly aimed at men and is not followed asMostly aimed at men and is not followed as
much as it used to bemuch as it used to be

50. Hindu GodsHindu Gods
 One would think Hinduism is polytheistic. MostOne would think Hinduism is polytheistic. Most
Hindus would say they worship one God.Hindus would say they worship one God.
 There is only one ultimate God, Brahman, butThere is only one ultimate God, Brahman, but
shows itself in many formsshows itself in many forms
 The gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, forThe gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, for
example, are different aspects of Brahman:example, are different aspects of Brahman:
 BrahmaBrahma reflects God's divine work of creatingreflects God's divine work of creating
the universethe universe
 VishnuVishnu reflects God's work in keeping thereflects God's work in keeping the
universe in existenceuniverse in existence
 ShivaShiva reflects God's work in destroying itreflects God's work in destroying it

52. BuddhismBuddhism

53.  Founded in India around 500 BC byFounded in India around 500 BC by
Siddhartha GuatamaSiddhartha Guatama
 Became Buddha, the Enlightened One,Became Buddha, the Enlightened One,
when he was 29when he was 29
 He was trying to find the true meaning ofHe was trying to find the true meaning of
life and eventually, through four trance-likelife and eventually, through four trance-like
stages of meditation, he was enlightenedstages of meditation, he was enlightened
to the Buddhist was of lifeto the Buddhist was of life
 His main teachings was to eliminateHis main teachings was to eliminate
human wants as they are the cause ofhuman wants as they are the cause of
suffering in the worldsuffering in the world

54.  Buddhism has no unique creed, no single authorityBuddhism has no unique creed, no single authority
and no single sacred bookand no single sacred book
 Buddhism focuses on each individual seeking toBuddhism focuses on each individual seeking to
attain enlightenmentattain enlightenment
 Key beliefs and values are contained in "The FourKey beliefs and values are contained in "The Four
Noble TruthsNoble Truths““
 1. Life means suffering1. Life means suffering
 2. The origin of suffering is attachment to worldly2. The origin of suffering is attachment to worldly
thingsthings
 3. The end to suffering is attainable through3. The end to suffering is attainable through
eliminating physical wants/needseliminating physical wants/needs
 Eventually can achieve Nirvana(no wind)Eventually can achieve Nirvana(no wind)
 Nirvana means freedom from all worries and troublesNirvana means freedom from all worries and troubles

55.  4. The path to the end suffering and4. The path to the end suffering and
achieve Nirvana is to follow theachieve Nirvana is to follow the
Eight Fold PathEight Fold Path

56. Eight Fold PathEight Fold Path
 1. Right View1. Right View
 To see and view things as they really areTo see and view things as they really are
 Attained true wisdomAttained true wisdom
 2. Right Intention2. Right Intention
 Think and do the right things at all timesThink and do the right things at all times
 3. Right Speech3. Right Speech
 Do not lie, curse, slander, or gossipDo not lie, curse, slander, or gossip
 4. Right Action4. Right Action
 Do not harm yourself or others, do not steal,Do not harm yourself or others, do not steal,
and no sexual misconductand no sexual misconduct

57.  5. Right Livelihood5. Right Livelihood
 No jobs dealing in weapons, in living beingsNo jobs dealing in weapons, in living beings
(including raising animals for slaughter as well(including raising animals for slaughter as well
as slave trade and prostitution), working inas slave trade and prostitution), working in
meat production and butchery, and sellingmeat production and butchery, and selling
alcohol and drugsalcohol and drugs
 6. Right Effort6. Right Effort
 Give 100% effort in what you doGive 100% effort in what you do
 7. Right Mindfulness7. Right Mindfulness
 Having the power to control our thoughtHaving the power to control our thought
process and see the truth behind thingsprocess and see the truth behind things
 8. Right Concentration8. Right Concentration
 Ability to have deep concentration and abilityAbility to have deep concentration and ability
to focus on wholesome thoughts and actionsto focus on wholesome thoughts and actions

60. AssignmentAssignment
 Try to follow BuddhistTry to follow Buddhist’’s Eight Fold Path fors Eight Fold Path for
48 hours.48 hours.
 Blog your results. Did you make itBlog your results. Did you make it
through? If so, was it tough? If not, whatthrough? If so, was it tough? If not, what
made it challenging?made it challenging?