World Religion

Define the word monotheism. Define the world polytheism. Make a list of as many religions you can

think of.

Monotheism - Belief in one god Polytheism - Belief in more than one god

Try to place the top five religions in order from largest to smallest.

Try to guess the size of each of the five largest religions in the world.

World Religion: Rank

Christianity 2.1 Billion Islam 1.5 Billion Hinduism 900 Million Confucianism 394 Million Buddhism 376 Million #11 Judaism 14 Million

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World Religions

Christianity:Basic Beliefs

There is only one God, who watches over and cares for his people

Jesus Christ was the son of God. He died to save humanity from sin. His death and resurrection made eternal life possible for others

Christianity: Basic Beliefs

People should love God, and each other The “good news” concerning Jesus was

contained in the gospels

Islam: Basic Beliefs

Persons achieve salvation by following the Five Pillars of Islam and living a just life. These pillars are

1. Faith

2. Prayer

3. Charity to the Poor

4. Fasting before Ramadan

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca

Islam: Basic Beliefs

No drinking alcohol, no gambling Can have up to four wives Islam is not just a religion but a way of life

Sunni vs. Shiite

Sunni Muslims believe that Abu Bakr was the true successor of Muhammad

85% Shiite(Shia) Muslims believe in Ali

Muhammad was the true successor 10%

Judaism: Basic Beliefs

There is only one God, who watches over and cares for his people

God loves and protects his people, but also holds people accountable for their sins and shortcomings

Persons serve God by studying the Torah and living by its teachings

Judaism

Central aspects of Jewish religion Covenant Law Prophets

Buddhism: Basic Beliefs Person achieve complete peace and

happiness (nirvana) by eliminating their attachment to world things

The goal was to follow the “middle path” Believed in Reincarnation No caste systems Karma Much more of a philosophy than a religion

Buddhism: Basic Beliefs Nirvana is reached by the following Noble

Eightfold • Right Views• Right resolve• Right Speech• Right conduct• Right livelihood• Right effort• Right mindfulness• Right concentration

Hinduism: Basic Beliefs The soul never dies, but is continually reborn Persons achieve happiness and enlightenment

after they free themselves form their earthly desires

Freedom from earthly desires comes from a lifetime of worship, knowledge, and virtuous acts