Overview of the major world religions.

1. Elements of Culture - Religion
World Geography

2. #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

3. Hinduism Origin
Time - 1500 B.C.E
Region - Indus River Valley
(India)
Founder(s) - Blend of Native
Beliefs
Scripture(s) - Vedas

4. 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

5. Buddhism Origin
Time - 6th Century B.C.E
Region - Northern India - spread to E & SE Asia
Founder - Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
Scripture - Buddha’s Teachings

6. Buddhism Basic Beliefs & Practices
● 4 Noble
Truths
● 8 Fold Path
● Reincarnation
/Karma
● Break Cycle of
Reincarnation
to reach
Nirvana

7. Abrahamic Religions
The Story of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael
Sacrifice of Isaac
____________________
Conflict: Isaac or Ishmael
The Story of Muhammad

8. Judaism Origin
Time - 1500 B.C.E
Region - Middle East
Founders - Abraham
(patriarch)
Moses (Author of the
1st 5 books)
Scripture - Torah (Old
Testament)

9. Judaism Beliefs & Practices
Biblical Law & Ritual (10 Commandments)
Relationship with God
Major Divisions
1. Orthodoxy
2. Conservative
3. Reform

10. 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)

11. Christianity Basic Beliefs and Practices
● Jesus is the Messiah that was resurrected
● Salvation through Christ
● Biblical Law

12. Islam Origins
Time - @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