World Religions Review

Founder: Abraham Location: Middle East – The Holy Land (Israel) Holy City – Jerusalem Sacred Texts: Torah and Talmud Deity: Monotheistic Symbol: Star of David Tenets: One God (Yahweh) and Jews are his

chosen people. You Should Know:

Abraham is the patriarch to 3 religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Impact of Moses and 10 Commandments on U.S. Law

Judaism

Founder: Jesus Location: Middle East – The Holy Land – Israel Holy City – Jerusalem Sacred Text: The Bible -- Old Testament Same

texts as seen in Judaism AND New Testament – Gospels and Epistles (Letters)

Deity: Monotheistic – God of Abraham / Holy Trinity – God is Father, Son, Holy Spirit

Symbol: Cross Beliefs: Jesus was the Son of God, born to Virgin Mary,

Crucified for the people’s sins. Resurrected (raised from the dead) after 3 days on Easter Sunday.

3 Monotheistic Religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Christianity

Founder: Muhammad Location: The Middle East – Saudi Arabia Holy Cities: Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem Sacred Texts: Qur’an or Koran Deity: Monotheistic (Allah) Symbol: Crescent and Star Beliefs: 5 Pillars.

Prayer – 5 times daily Charity – Mandatory Fasting – Sunrise to sunset during Ramadan (holy

month) Pilgrimage – to Mecca at least once in lifetime. Proclamation of Faith –“There is one God and

Mohammad is his prophet”

Islam

Founder: None (Universal ruler) Origin: India Sacred Text: The Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana,

Bhagavad-Gita Universal cosmos-teachings Belief in reincarnation

Salvation is achieved through a spiritual oneness of the soul, atman, with the ultimate reality of the universe, Brahman

Soul must obtain moksha, or liberation from the samsara, the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Karma and Dharma Karma - material actions resulting from the consequences of

previous actions) Dharma - fulfilling one's duty in life

Symbol – Om Both Hindus and Buddhists believe in reincarnation.

Buddhists reject Caste System.

Hinduism

Founder: Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha (Enlightened One)

Original Location: India Deity: None, Universal way of living -

philosophy Beliefs:

4 Noble Truths 1. Life means suffering. 2. The origin of

suffering is attachment. 3. The cessation of suffering is attainable. 4. The path to the cessation of suffering.

8 Fold Path to Enlightenment 1. Right View; 2. Right Intention; 3. Right

Speech; 4. Right Action; 5. Right Livelihood; 6. Right Effort; 7. Right Mindfulness; 8. Right Concentration

Symbols: Lotus Bud and Wheel Nirvana - when a person is released from all

suffering, pain and desire. His soul is released and he no longer experiences the cycle of reincarnation

Buddhism originates in India but is replaced by Hinduism. Spreads to Southeast Asia and China.

Buddhism

Founder: Confucius Location: China Sacred Text: Analects Teachings – Self Discipline, resect for authority,

filial piety (ancestor worship and respect for elders)

Five family relationships:(1) Father-son (2) Ruler-minister (3) Husband-wife (4) Old-young, and(5) Friend-friend

Confucian Virtues: Jen (wren): human heartedness; goodness; benevolenceLi (lee): principle

of gain, benefit, order, propriety; concrete guide to human action. Yi (yee); righteousness; the moral disposition to do good  Hsiao (showe): filial piety; reverence Chih (chee): moral wisdom; the source of this virtue is knowledge of right

and wrong. Chun-tzu (choon dzuh): the ideal man; the superior man; gentle person in

the most significant sense. Te (day): power by which men are ruled; the power of moral example (the

whole art of government consists in the art of being honest).

Confuciunism

Founder-The Chinese philosopher Lao Tze. Geographic Origin-Developed in China around 500

BCE. Currently Practiced-Elements of this philosophy are

still practiced in Southeast Asia. Sacred Texts-Tao-te-Ching Symbol: Yin and Yang (Male/Female | Darkness/Light)

Teachings: Tao – “The Way” – Oneness and balance with nature Objective is perfect balance with nature

Taoism (Daoism)

Founder: Guru Nanak Location: India Sacred Text: Gurmukhi Teachings or philosophy:

Naam japna, remembering God through meditation Kirat karo, earning an honest living: Vand chakko, selflessly serving others, sharing income

and resources: Sikhism is influenced by Hinduism and Islam but is

independent from both. It is a separate and distinct religion.

3 Semitic Religions originated in the Holy Land – Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Sikhism

Founder: Zoroaster (Prophet) Origin: Persia-Modern Iran Sacred Text: Gathas Deity: Zahura Mazda (2 beings – God of

Goodness and Light (Heaven); God of Darkness (Hell)

Beliefs: Dualism – One God - Ahura Mazda and two

realities – God of Light and God of Darkness. Same God two realms.

People who live good lives go to paradise (heaven) people who live bad lives go to hell . Belief in angels and demons. Influenced Judaism and Christianity.

Zoroastrianism