2. Religion Review
Helps ppl answer the basic questions about the
meaning of life; supports the values of culture;
can shape morals & ethics of a group of ppl.
● 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
3. Hinduism: Origins
Mix of Indigenous tribal beliefs from the Indus
Valley and the Aryan tribes between 1000 BCE
and 600 BCE
Beliefs and rituals derived from a series of
ancient texts called the Vedas. These books
contain poems and hymns to various gods and
religious rituals.
4. Hinduism: Beliefs
Polytheistic but believe that all gods are an
aspect of a universal spirit called Brahman that
created the world and preserves it.
3 major gods =
● Brahma the Creator
● Siva the Destroyer
● Vishnu the Preserver
Person’s ultimate goal is to reunite the soul with
Brahman
5. Hinduism: Beliefs Cont
To achieve the ultimate goal could take more
than just one lifetime, so they believe in
Reincarnation.
● Reincarnation = process of birth, death, &
rebirth
● Karma = effects that good or bad actions have
on a person’s soul
Build good karma so that when reincarnated, the
soul will move closer to Brahman and ending the
cycle
6. Hinduism: Conflict
Most conflict between Hindus and other
religions seem to be acts of terrorism.
● India vs Pakistan - the Muslims wanted their
own country
7. Judaism: Origins
Begins with Abraham in early Mesopotamia about
1800 BCE
God comes to Abraham to make a covenant with
him. If he moves to a new land then God would
make him a great nation.
Abraham is known as the Father of Judaism
8. Judaism: Beliefs
There is no official creed or doctrine that Jews believe in.
There are some principles of faith mainly dealing with the
belief that God exists, that Moses’ prophecies are true
and that one should follow the laws written in the Torah.
● Torah = Old Testament from the Bible
Focuses on relationships between God and their people
9. Judaism: Conflict
● diaspora - Jewish forced to leave and spread
out
● slavery in Egypt
● WWII - Holocaust
● War with Egypt
● Constant terrorist attacks with Palestine and
other Arab nations
11. Christianity: Beliefs
Central Belief - Jesus Christ (Jesus of Nazarene)
died on the Cross and rose from the dead as the
Savior to all people. This made Jesus Christ the
Messiah. It is through the belief in Jesus that
people can get to heaven.
There are many branches of Christianity in the
world today that all share the same central belief,
but have different rules about how to do things.
12. Christianity: Conflict
● Crusades - War with Muslims over the Holy
Land
● Inquisition - Catholics war on being different
● Border conflicts with Muslims in N. Africa
● Acts of terrorism
13. Buddhism: Origins
Began around 500 BCE with a man named
Siddhartha Gautama (Indian Warrior)
Unhappy with life & went searching for answers
about why people suffer
Spent 14 weeks meditating & found answers to
why people suffer and reached enlightenment
Became known as the Buddha
14. Buddhism: Beliefs
4 Guiding principles - 4 Noble Truths
1. Suffering & unhappiness are a part of human life. No one
can escape sorrow.
2. Suffering comes from our desires for pleasure & material
goods. People cause their own misery because they
want things they cannot have.
3. People can overcome desire & ignorance & reach
nirvana which frees the soul from suffering and need for
more reincarnation.
4. People can overcome ignorance & desire by following an
eightfold path that leads to wisdom, enlightenment, &
salvation.
15. Buddhism: Beliefs Cont
The Eightfold Path
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Right Thought - belief in 4 Noble Truths
Right Intent - act from love and compassion
Right Speech - avoid lies & gossip, truthful speech
Right Action - don’t hurt people
Right Livelihood - reject work that hurts others
Right Effort - prevent evil & do good - focus on the
path
7. Right Mindfulness - control your feelings & thoughts
8. Right Concentration - practice proper meditation
16. Buddhism: Conflict
Usually Acts of Terrorism
● Monks setting themselves on fire in protest
● terrorism attacks between Muslims and
Buddhist
17. Islam: Origins
Formed around 622 CE with the Prophet
Muhammad.
It is said that the Angel Gabriel came to him and
he was called to be God’s (Allah) last prophet.
What God said and taught Muhammad is what
constitutes the Islamic faith.
Their holy book is called the Qur’an
There are many different branches
18. Islam: Beliefs
5 Pillars:
1. Profession of faith - There is no God but God
and Muhammad is His prophet
2. Prayer - Pray 5 times a day
3. Charity - Share the wealth
4. Fast - Ramadan
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca
19. Islam:
● Crusades
● Wars to conquer other land and spread
Islam
● Acts of terror or the use of the term ‘holy
war’ to cover up acts of violence
○ 9/11
○ Embassy Bombing
○ most Muslims do not condone the acts of terror that
are common in recent history - religion is used as
reason to act upon hatred and fear
