World Religion by Jessica Henderson

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World Religion

Published on Mar 15, 2016

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Siddhārtha Gauama (aka. The Buddha) taught the way to nirvana
Buddhist believe that by following the four Noble truths they will reach nirvana ( 4th truth says that freedom from suffering is found by following the eightfold path.)
Eventually Buddhas teachings were written down in the Tripitaka- the Tripitaka urges that they respond to hatred with love.
The Bodhi tree is believed where Buddha achieved enlightenment, many flock their for their own enlightenment.
Ultimate goal is to reach nirvana, monks most likely will reach this according to Theravada Buddhists. Based on their lifestyle of renunciation, moral virtue, study, and meditation
Theravada Buddhist are dominate in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia
Mahayana Buddhist are dominate in Tibet, Central Asia, Korea, China, and Japan.
The dharmachakra ( the wheel of law) is a major symbol. The eight spokes represent the eightfold path.
The eightfold path is right view, right j the turn, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.- these ideas are central for all Buddhist.

The most popular religion
Began in about 33A.D in Israel
Main belief is that Jesus (born a Jew) is the son of God, fully God, yet fully human.
Jesus is regarded as the savior, he died to save all from their sins.
The symbols of Christianity are, in fact Jesus, the cross ( upon which he died), and the fish,
The major forms are Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. The three are united in the belief of Jesus, but are distinct in their own theologies.
The Bible is the sacred text of Christianity, and it's believed to be God inspired.
Bethlehem is sacred to the religion, with the beliefs of Jesus's birthplace
The holidays celebrated are Christmas ( celebrated for the birth of Jesus), good Friday ( remembrance of the death of Jesus), and Easter (the celebration of Jesus's resurrection.)
The main base for Roman Catholicism is in Rome, with the Pope

Began more than 2,500 years ago.
A philosophy based on Confucius's teachings over a religion
Confucius's teachings focus on social philosophy, political philosophy, and education
They believe that relationships are based on rank, those of higher rank care for the lower while the lower respect the higher, this belief starts at the basic family level and runs throughout the entire society.
The yin-yang symbol, shows the harmony offered in the society, the strength and weaknesses balance each other out.
The sacred texts were written down in the analects, which were Confucius's teachings written down in proverbs.
Although Confucianism isn't a religion, every year, the followers come to the temple at Qufu, to celebrate the birthday of Confucius
Confucius is a leader, but not to a god or clergy, he taught a way of life, and a guide to ethical behavior and good government.

The oldest living religion
Complex, with many gods and numerous sects
Major beliefs are reincarnation, karma, and dharma
The belief is that there are many heavens and hells
The beliefs of reincarnation and rebirth, is that souls are continuously reborn, depending on karma, your good or evil actions depend on what form you're reborn into. This continues until release is achieved
The Ganges river, or other sacred rivers are used to bathe in, with hopes to purify their souls, and achieve release from rebirth
The Vedas are the sacred texts, they consist of hymns, prayers, and speculations.
The sacred symbol, is the symbol of sound, which is often chanted during prayer, mantras me and rituals,
Holi is a significant festival. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil. They splash powdered color and water over everyone. In addition to a religious significance, hold also celebrates the arrival of spring.

The followers of Islam are considered Muslims.
They believe in one God, Allah.
The teachings began in 610, with Muhammad in Makkah.
They believe that the Quran, contains the direct word of God revealed to Muhammad ( whom they believe was a prophet.)
Their God serves four functions, creation, sustenance, guidance, and judgement.
The central beliefs are the five pillars, [ affirmation of belief in Allah, prayer, tithing, fasting, and pilgrimage.]
There are two major branches, Sunni and Shia
Shia believe that rulers should be decedents of Muhammad.
Sunni believe that rulers only need to be followers of Muhammad, this group is the majority of Muslims.
Their sacred symbol is the crescent moon, which is important in rituals, which in turn are based on the lunar calendar.
Makkah is the sacred site, at least once in their lives (unless they are physically or financially unable to) must pilgrimage to Makkah.
Ramadan is a monthlong celebration, celebrating when Muhammad received the Quran from Allah. It is a month long fast from sun up to sundown. Ending in the feast of the east.
Began, with the center in Makkah.

Judaism is monotheistic, was the first major religion to believe in one God.
Trace origins back to Abraham
Believe that someday God will send a messiah who will redeem them from exile and an era of world peace will come.
Branches are orthodox, reform, conservative, and deconstructionist.
The most common branch is orthodox.
The Torah is the five Books of Moses, the Hebrew bible also contains the writing of the prophets, psalms, and ethical and historical works.
They celebrate Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededicating if the temple of Jerusalem
The other holiday, is Yom Kippur, which is a fast of 25 hours.
The most sacred site is the wailing wall or western wall of the Jerusalem temple.
The main center is Israel

A variety, all unique and all similar.
Most recognize the existence one creator, and spirits that inhabit all aspects of life.
Ceremonies are celebrated with music and dancing.
Some rituals, have a "dress code", a ceremonial dress and masks
Masks are very important to some celebrations, such as the harvest celebration.