Download major religions of the world

MAJOR RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
Religions have had a major impact on the lives of many people as well as on the history of the world.
RELIGION
WHERE IT
IS FOUND
MAJOR BELIEFS
IMPACT
ANIMISM
Sub-Saharan
AFRICA
--Belief that SPIRITUAL FORCES
exist in Nature.
--Belief that every living and nonliving thing in nature has a spirit
--Spirits are helpful for good hunting,
fishing, etc.
Respect for
Nature
BUDDHISM
INDIA 
CHINA JAPAN
Siddhartha Gautama
BuddhaEnlightened One
Root of all Evil  Desire
4 Noble Truths // Eightfold Path to
reach NIRVANA (complete peace)
Reincarnation // Meditation
2 Branches (1 No God – no prayers)
(2nd  Buddha = God)
**A RELIGIOUS PATH rather than
a CREED OR SET OF BELIEFS!!
2 Branches –
--Strong Influence
China, Japan, Korea,
SE Asia
CHRISTIANITY
Western World
Jesus = Son of God Messiah
Risen from grave  Salvation to all
who follow Jesus’ teachings—
Mercy, Equality,
Bible, Monotheistic
Main Faith –Europe,
N&S America
Problems with
Muslims – Crusades
+ other Conflicts
Foundation of some
nations
Missionaries –
Better Life After
Death
CONFUCIANISM
China
(began about 300
b.c.)
Everyone must know their place in
society. 5 Relationships//
Superior to Inferior
Respect // Respect for family and
elders.
If everyone does what they should.
Social Order // Education
Between Dynasties in
China, continued to
flourish. People
instilled with Conf.
ideals.
Scholars – highest pos.
in society – CSE= jobs
China
Harmony with nature// Favorite figure
= water Softest of all things, wears
away the hardest.
Acceptance!! Do what is Natural
Not a good system for
government
INDIA!!!
1500 B.C. – ARYANS!! –
Supreme God – Brahma!!
Unifying spirit!! Brahman
// Polytheistic// Reincarnation//
Karma  Rules // Dharma Duties
Caste System  Cannot move from
class born // Vedas scriptures
Rigid Social System
Muhammad – 570A.D. – Prophet of
Allah—Mecca= Holy City –
NO Idols or Statues
5 Pillars of Islam – rules
Pray 5X daily, Ramadan, Charity,
Pilgrimage, Allah!!!,
Qu’ran = Holy Book
United by laws// honesty, generosity,
social justice
Spread over 3
Continents
DAOISM
HINDUISM
ISLAM
MIDDLE EAST
NO. AFRICA
INDIAN sub-cont.
Problems in Indian
Subcontinent—
With Muslims
Involved in Crusades
Won control of Holy
Land
Trading Empire!!
JUDAISM
Middle East,
ISRAEL,
U.S.
Hebrews // Monotheistic //
10 Commandments // Torah = Holy
Book -Same God as Christians & Muslims
Influenced Islam &
Christianity
--SCAPEGOATS
--DIASPORA
--Own land – Israel
-- Victimized WWII
SIKHISM
INDIA
(1500s)
Blending of Hindu & Islam –
Equality – No Caste System
Reincarnation!!
To Create PEACE
between Hindus &
Muslims!!!
Want own NATION!!!
PUNJAB – North,
Central India
-- Sikhs Killed Indira
Gandhi --