World Religions 7th Grade Geography
Think of some conflicts in the world today based on religion.
5 Major World Religions
Hinduism No single founder, c. 2000 BC Founded in India Vedas (Knowledge) Brahma
Brahma Shiva Vishnu Creator Destroyer of Creation Preserver & Protector of Creation
Brahmin: Guru Those that have the highest spiritual authority teach about the Vedas. Hinduism is not just a religion, but a way of life (law, religion, and duty). Dharma: the moral order of the universe - tolerance is key to order
Prayer: May good thoughts come to us from all sides. Truths must be sought through multiple sources.
Reincarnation, Karma, and the Caste System Reincarnation: rebirth of a soul into a new body Karma: view of causality in which good deeds, words, thoughts, and commands lead to beneficial effects for a person, and bad deeds, words, thoughts, and commands lead to harmful effects. These effects are not necessarily immediate but can be visited upon a soul in future lives through reincarnation. Caste System: divides Hindus into four main categories based on occupation
Dalits: Untouchables
Buddhism Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), c. 525 BC Originated in India Tripitaka
Siddhartha Gautama Father sheltered him in a palace so he would not face human hardships or misery. Traveled outside palace and saw old man - became determined to experience suffering which is a defining trait of life.
Meditation Siddhartha reached enlightenment through meditation. Meditation: transforming oneself to go beyond the distractions of the world and see the true nature of things. He then became the Buddha - he who is enlightened
Belief: The Middle Way Siddhartha refused water, endured pain, and nearly starved himself to death until a young girl offered him water. Event led him to believe people should embark on a path of balance instead of extremism.
1. There is suffering. 2. Suffering has an origin. 3. Suffering can cease. 4. There is a path out of suffering.
Afterlife Death results in either Reincarnation or Nirvana - goal of the Buddhist path. Nirvana is a state of complete freedom, radiance, and joy where one is no longer subject to rebirth.
The Dalai Lama Most enlightened Buddhist - the 14th Dalai Lama Believed to be a reincarnation of one of the Buddha s followers.
Abrahamic Religions Religions of the God of Abraham Judaism Christianity Islam
Judaism Founded in Israel, c. 2000 BC Primary figure is Moses Torah (Old Testament)
Judaism is a Family Faith Jewish religious customs revolve around the home and a general connection between Jews around the world - meals and worship on the Sabbath. Good deeds done by a person of Jewish descent are seen as an act of worship. Because Judaism is a faith of action, they do not focus on an afterlife.
Israelites Jews believe that Yahweh (G-d) appointed them to be the chosen people to set an example of holiness and ethical behavior to the world. Jewish prayers include WE and OUR instead of I and MINE.
The Ten Commandments 1. Put God first. 2. Worship only Him. 3. Keep God s name sacred. 4. Rest on the seventh day (Sabbath). 6. Harm no one. 7. Stay faithful to your spouse. 8. Stealing is forbidden. 9. Always tell the truth. 10. Be happy with what you have. 5. Obey your parents.
The Mashiach Believe that the Messiah would be a great political and military leader, observe the commandments, be righteous, bring peace to the world, and be a human being.
Christianity Founded in Jerusalem and spread out through Turkey, c. AD 30 View Jesus as the Messiah Bible (Old & New Testament)
Christians Over 2 billion people in the world believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah and that he bore everyone's sins on the cross. They believe that he died and was resurrected on the third day just as he prophesied. Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus. The Holy Trinity. Christians focus on Jesus Christ as a present reality -- someone whom we should all connect with and live like.
Beliefs: Redemption and Salvation The agent of redemption is through Jesus Christ, who partook in numerous miracles as the Son of God. According to Christians, individuals that believe in Him and perform good works will be saved, or have everlasting life (reach Heaven).
Primary Practices Baptism - symbolizes purification and admission to the Christian Church Communion - when bread and wine are consecrated and shared.
Christians Around the World
Islam Founded in Saudi Arabia, c. 610 AD Muhammad as Messenger Qu ran or Koran (Old & New Testament, including complimentary chapters)
Muhammad the Prophet Muhammad is considered the founder of Islam and the last of the prophets (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Solomon, and Jesus). Muhammad is said to confirm and complete the revelations of previous prophets.
Islamic Beliefs Islam means to surrender or submit to the will of Allah (God). The Qur an means recitation or reading and is regarded as the verbatim word of God delivered to Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel. Muslims believe the true will of God is written in the Qur an, to which human beings are to submit.
Five Pillars of Islam 1. Declaration of faith: There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God. 2. Obligatory prayer: 5 prayers a day (before sunrise, noon, late afternoon, after sunset, and before bed). 3. Zakat: compulsory giving based on percentages (collected by the state and used on the poor). 4. Fasting during the month of Ramadan. 5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca (if one can afford it).
Pilgrimage: Ka bah
List three things you learned from the lecture.