Download Our beliefs are an important part of who we are and how we behave

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Our beliefs are an important part of
who we are and how we behave. South
Somerset is a district enriched by people
of many different faiths and beliefs.
A3
M = Mosc
G = Gateway Church (outside Café)
D = Drop off point (for coaches / buses / parents)
I = Information Map boards (alongside faith
information boards)
X = Locations of faith boards.
7
Hospital
through Yeovil Town Centre and Country
The Faith Walk helps develop knowledge about the
Park to raise awareness and understanding
principal beliefs, practices, festivals and holy days
of world faiths. There are some buildings
of different faiths. The activities suggested on the
and areas along the way which have a
information boards can be used by young people in
religious or wider spiritual significance.
uniformed associations such as Scouts and Guides
th S
Bus
Station
t
Cinema
Yeovil Tourist
Information
Centre
ndf
and individuals.
How to use the walk?
w Information on the strand of faith.
1 Follow the journey shown on the map.
Queen
Seven signs showing:
2 Read the information and complete the activity.
linked to that particular faith.
3 Pause for a moment of reflection before
moving on to the next board location.
lk can be collected from
A map and leaflet on the Faith Wa
e
Yeovil Tourist Information Centr
6
Gateway)
Yeovil Community Church (The
re Centre
ard next to Goldenstones Leisu
bo
on
ati
orm
inf
rk
Pa
try
un
Co
at the
ithwalk
southsomerset.gov.uk/fa
Please respect the building
Octa
g
The on
atre
6
i ce
Po l o n
ti
a
St
08
A3
8
Yeovil
Community
Church
sway
w An activity to take part in or a discussion
Additional information
Sou
ord
and by schools, youth groups, families
Quedam Shopping Centre
Middle St
He
What does the Faith Walk
contain?
Yeovil
Mosque
A30
The Faith Walk is a journey of 1.8 miles
What is the purpose of
the Faith Walk?
What is the Faith Walk?
Princes St
A30
Brunsw
ick St
5
Goldenstones
Leisure
Centre
4
3
2
North
t
Hinduism
3
Judaism
4
Sikhism
5
Buddhism
6
Christianity
Islam
Total distance
Walking
route only 3 km (1.8 miles)
approx. 0.5 km
I
ru m
M u lt i Fa it h Fo
2
(Yeovil Mosque)
s and areas you visit.
So ut h So m er se
Bahá’í
(Yeovil Community Church)
Yeovil Country Park
1
1
G
M
1
Yeovil
FaithWalk
About Bahá’í
The Bahá’í faith was founded by Bahá’u’lláh in Iran in 1863, making
it one of the world’s more recent major religions. The central idea
of the faith is that of unity. The membership is 6-7 million.
Religious leaders
and sacred texts
w Naw-Rúz is the Bahá’í new year festival celebrated
There are no clergy in the Bahá’í faith, God is known
wMartyrdom of the Báb celebrated on 9 July at noon.
through the teachings of his great prophets. Bahá’u’lláh
wAscension of Bahá’u’lláh this important holy day is is the most recent prophet and he produced a number
celebrated on the 29th May, at 3am. It commemorates of different writings including the Kitab-i-Aqdas that
the anniversary of the death of the founder of the contains laws and spiritual advice. Bahá’í texts state that
Bahá’i faith, Bahá’u’lláh.
work performed in the spirit of service to humanity is a
form of worship. The scriptures of other faiths, including
those from Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Judaism,
are also accepted.
Key beliefs
on 21 March.
wBirth of the Báb celebrated on 20 October.
buildings and areas
A journey linking faith
and Country Park
in Yeovil Town Centre
Activity
e
Abolish prejudic
l.
people are equa
ll
a
t
a
th
ve
e
li
e
The Bahá’í b
:
mous sayings is
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st
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.
One of Bahá
ind its citizens”
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.
“The earth is on
out or excluded
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Remember a tim
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What would you
at everyone has
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help
or workplace to
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els included. Dis
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Bahá’í Place of Worship
The Bahá’í do not have a specific place of worship, but
eight Houses of Worship have been built around the
world. These are spiritual gathering places for prayer
and meditation.
The Bahá’í believe that there is one God and that all the
Town centre
universe and creation belong to him.
Major festivals and holy days
6
w Declaration of the Báb the Báb was sent on a mission
1
to prepare the world for the coming of Bahá’u’lláh.
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5
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M u lt i Fa it h Fo
southsomerset.gov.uk/faithwalk
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Yeovil
FaithWalk
m
s
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u
d
n
i
H
t
Abou
Hinduism, is a mixture of religious, philosophical and cultural ideas
and practises that originated in India. Hinduism dates back 12,000
years and is the oldest living religion with 1 billion followers. It is
the world’s third largest religion.
Religious leaders
and sacred texts
Hinduism has no founder, single teacher or prophets.
The message of spirituality is shared through the
teachings of poets or sages called Rishis. Spiritual
teachers are called Gurus.
The Vedas are the most ancient texts and define truth for
Hindus. The Vedas contain teachings, philosophy, hymns
of praise to God, rituals, prayers and meditations. The
Bhagavad Gita, or ‘Song of the Lord’ is one of the most
popular Hindu texts and is the world’s longest poem.
Key beliefs
Hinduism is a mixture of different beliefs and traditions
with these main themes:
w every action has an equivalent reaction and there is a buildings and areas
A journey linking faith
and Country Park
in Yeovil Town Centre
Activity
Honesty & trungth
right
life through the
nd livi
h.
Truth, honesty a
to the Hindu fait
t
n
a
rt
o
p
im
ry
are ve
action (Karma),
ve been honest,
a
h
u
yo
n
e
h
w
le
p
Think of an exam
a situation where
in
g
in
th
t
h
g
ri
e
e th
truthful and don
do. Discuss.
this was hard to
cause for everything. This is called the law of Karma.
w life is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, governed by Karma. The soul passes through a cycle of lives, and Hindu place of worship
the next life is dependent on how the previous life was Hindus can worship in the Mandir (temple) or at home
lived, Samsara.
where they often have a special room with a shrine to
w Moksha is the liberation from the cycle of Samsara.
particular Gods.
Major festivals
and holy days
Town centre
w Diwali Festival of Lights.
Hindus believe in a Supreme God, Brahman, who is
w Holi spring harvest festival.
worshipped and represented in many different forms.
w Navratri celebrating fertility and harvest.
There are thousands of deities (gods and godesses)
w Janmashtami Krishna’s birthday.
including Vishnu, Krishna, Rama and Shiva.
w Makar Sankranti is one of the most important festivals of the Hindu calendar that celebrates the sun’s journey into the northern hemisphere.
So ut h So m er se
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1
iv
w Hindu God Sh
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5
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M u lt i Fa it h Fo
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Yeovil
FaithWalk
m
s
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J
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Ab
The origins of Judaism can be traced back to the Middle East 4,000 years
ago to the time of Abraham. Judaism has its spiritual and moral principles
founded mainly in the Bible. There are 13 million followers worldwide
Religious leaders and
sacred texts
Major festivals and holy days
Spiritual leaders are called Rabbis, the word Rabbi means
w Shavuot the receiving of the Torah from God
teacher. The major teachings of Judaism are contained in
on Mount Sinai.
the Torah (the five books of Moses in the Bible).
w Sukkot the autumn harvest festival.
The Ten Commandments are the ten laws given by God to
Moses on Mount Sinai. These orders, along with the Torah
and Talmud, serve as a basis for Jewish laws and rules for
everyday life. In Judaism, one of the most important ways
w Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year.
w Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement. On this day, Jews sacred writings and to live according to what they teach.
Judaism place of worship
the universe, with whom every Jew has an individual
relationship. Judaism is very much a family faith and many
Jewish customs revolve around the home. Every week
religious Jews observe the Sabbath, the Jewish holy day of
wish
portant in the Je
im
ry
ve
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il
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The fa
r their
gations to care fo
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ts
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way of life. Pa
ir parents with
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children and chil
.
care and respect
ways of showing
t
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re
th
Think about
are
r you and then sh
fo
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ca
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w
le
p
respect to peo
.
others. Discuss
h
it
w
ts
h
g
u
o
th
your
reflect on the past year and ask God for forgiveness.
w Chanukah Festival of Lights.
Jews believe that there is a single God who created
Activity
Family
w Pesach (Passover) the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
for a person to please God is to study the scriptures or
Key beliefs
buildings and areas
A journey linking faith
and Country Park
in Yeovil Town Centre
The Synagogue is the Jewish
place of worship. Every Synagogue
contains an Ark which is a
Town centre
cupboard where the Torah Scrolls
are kept and a desk from which to
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read the Torah and lead prayers.
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rest, and keep its laws and customs.
w Reading the To
So ut h So m er se
2 3 4
5
rah
t
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M u lt i Fa it h Fo
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S
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Ab
Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak 500 years ago in the Punjab
district of what is now India and Pakistan. Sikhism is a philosophical
way of life that preaches love, understanding and equality. There are
20 million followers worldwide.
Religious leaders
and sacred texts
w everything that happens is the will of god, (Hakam).
The Guru Granth Sahib is the Sikh scripture book and is
everything, this called the law of Karma.
based on the spiritual ideas, teachings and poetry of Guru
w life is a cycle of birth, death and rebirth governed Sikhs believe that:
w every action has an effect and there is cause for Nanak and the nine Sikh gurus who followed him. There are by Karma. A person’s next life is dependent on their no religious leaders in Sikhism as the holy book is used for actions in a previous life.
guidance instead of a priest. Sikh public worship can be led w freedom from the cycle of rebirth is called Mukti.
by any Sikh, male or female, who is competent to do so.
Key beliefs
Major Festivals and holy days
w Diwali Festival of Lights.
Sikhs believe that there is only one God and that everyone
w Hola Mahalla Spring harvest festival.
is equal before God. Sikhs do not perform rituals, believing
w Gurpurbs Gurpurbs are festivals it is more important to be part of the Sikh community and
that celebrate the lives, birthdays carry out good actions.
and martyrdom of the Gurus.
The three duties that Sikhs must carry out in life are:
w Vaisakhi the most important
w Nam japna which means keeping God in heart and mind
date in the Sikh calendar,
at all times.
celebrating the New Year and
w Kirt Karna seeking to earn an honest living by working.
remembering the year that the
w Vand Chhakna giving to charity and caring for others.
Sikh faith was founded.
So ut h So m er se
Yeovil
FaithWalk
buildings and areas
A journey linking faith
and Country Park
in Yeovil Town Centre
The Three Dutie
s
Activity
generosity are
d
n
a
rk
o
w
rd
a
h
Prayer,
rtant for Sikhs.
on
all equally impo
y done your best
tl
n
ce
re
ve
a
h
u
nce.
Explain how yo
as made a differe
h
is
th
w
o
h
d
n
a
three occasions
Sikh place of worship
Sikh worship takes place in a Gurdwara, or in any building
where the holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib is kept.
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1
2 3 4
5
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A monk called Siddhartha Guatama, founded Buddhism 2,600 years
ago. Buddhism is a journey of personal spiritual development and
practices leading to attaining a deep insight into the true nature of
life. There are 376 million followers worldwide.
Religious leaders and sacred texts
Buddhism is based on the teachings of Buddha who lived
around 2600 years ago. The Buddha was not a God, but a
spiritual leader. He gave up a life of privilege and luxury to
seek truth and enlightenment.
The basis for Buddhist teaching lies in the Four Noble
Truths and the Five Precepts or ‘principles of training’.
Key beliefs
Buddhists believe that:
w the path to enlightenment is achieved through practices like meditation and the development of qualities such as kindness and wisdom.
Major festivals and holy days
wLosar celebrates the New Year.
wSangha Day in honour of the Buddhist community.
Yeovil
FaithWalk
buildings and areas
A journey linking faith
and Country Park
in Yeovil Town Centre
Activity
R o le M o d e l s
le
a reminds peop
h
d
d
u
B
f
o
e
tu
a
The st
s an
cter. It serves a
ra
a
ch
is
h
d
n
a
of Buddha’s life
inspiration.
example and an
dmire.
fe choices you a
li
se
o
h
w
le
p
o
e
Think about p
ell as
personally, as w
w
o
n
k
u
yo
le
p
o
Think about pe
s.
life or celebritie
people in public
in them and why?
e
ir
m
d
a
u
yo
o
d
What qualities
ts with others.
h
g
u
o
th
r
u
yo
re
Sha
wDharma Day marks the beginning of the Buddha’s teaching.
w Wesak the most important of the Buddhist festivals and w life is constantly moving with nothing fixed or permanent celebrates the Buddha’s birthday.
wParinirvana Mahayana Buddhist festival that marks the and that change is always possible.
w achieving enlightenment is to be free of greed, hate and death of the Buddha also known ignorance.
as Nirvana Day.
w people’s actions, past, present and future are thought previous life can follow a person into their next life and Buddhist place of
worship
cause good or bad luck.
Buddhists can worship at home, in
to have either a positive or negative effect. Actions in a w all living beings will reach Nirvana (a state of bliss a temple or in a monastery.
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1
2 3 4
5
however many it takes.
So ut h So m er se
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southsomerset.gov.uk/faithwalk
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C
About
Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Christianity originated in the Middle East and dates back 2,000 years.
There are around 2.2 billion followers worldwide.
Religious leaders
and sacred texts
in the desert and many remember this by giving Christian spiritual leaders are called priests or
Friday reminds Christians of the execution of Jesus ministers. The Christian holy book is the Bible and
by crucifixion. Easter Sunday is the culmination of consists of the Old and New Testaments.
Holy Week and commemorates and celebrates the up something they enjoy like sweets or cakes.
wEaster the most important Christian festival. Good resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Key beliefs
w other holy days include: Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Christianity is based on the life and teachings of
Palm Sunday and Pentecost.
Jesus Christ.
Christians believe:
w there is only one God, made up of three parts:
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
w Jesus is the son of God and the saviour of
the world.
Christian place of worship
Yeovil
FaithWalk
buildings and areas
A journey linking faith
and Country Park
in Yeovil Town Centre
Activity
Choices
den,
f the Garden of E
o
ry
o
st
le
ib
b
e
In th
o b ey
ith a choice – to
w
d
ce
fa
re
e
w
Adam and Eve
at they wanted.
God or to do wh
d the
oices in life. Rea
ch
l
ta
vi
ce
fa
ll
a
We
h each
ree/disagree wit
g
a
u
yo
o
d
,
w
lo
e
statements b
ss.
statement. Discu
pray
portant than to
im
re
o
m
is
rs
e
th
1 To serve o
’,
the other cheek
rn
u
‘t
to
s
u
s
e
ch
2 Jesus tea
stic
is just isn’t reali
h
T
.
ck
a
b
t
h
g
fi
i.e. not to
e people
ays try to forgiv
lw
a
st
u
m
e
W
3
ng
who do us wro
The church is the Christian place of worship, but
Christians can worship
God on their own and
in any place.
Town centre
Major festivals and holy days
w Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus.
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w Lent takes place in the 40 days before Easter. During
1
Lent Christians think about the time Jesus spent fasting So ut h So m er se
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M u lt i Fa it h Fo
southsomerset.gov.uk/faithwalk
About Islam
Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe that Islam was
revealed over 1,400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia, through the Prophet
Muhammad. There are around 1.2 billion followers worldwide.
Religious leaders
and sacred texts
Major festivals and holy days
Religious leaders are called Imams. The Imam may lead
when Muslims fast during daylight hours.
Islamic worship services, serve as a community leader,
w Lailat ul Bara’h on this night Muslims pray and ask and provide religious guidance. Muslims base their laws
God for forgiveness.
on their holy book the Qur’an, and the Sunnah.
wEid ul-Fitr celebrates the end of fasting and is a time Key beliefs
w Ramadan the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslim place of worship
word for God is Allah. The Five Pillars of Islam are the
Muslims worship in a building called a mosque.
five things that every Muslim must satisfy in order to
Just inside the entrance is a place for worshippers
live a good and responsible life according to Islam. They
to remove and leave
consist of:
their shoes. There is
w Shahadah the declaration of faith.
also a place for the
w Salat praying five times each day.
ritual washing which is
w Zakat giving money to charity and supporting
required before prayer.
w Sawm fasting during the month of Ramadan.
w Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
buildings and areas
A journey linking faith
and Country Park
in Yeovil Town Centre
Activity
Community
rs
ow The Five Pilla
ll
fo
to
ve
ri
st
s
Muslim
g
quires supportin
re
rs
la
il
p
e
th
of
of Islam. One
your community.
need
community may
r
u
yo
in
o
h
w
t
Think abou
them?
u do to support
yo
ld
u
co
at
h
W
.
your help
Discuss.
for forgiveness and making amends.
Muslims believe that there is only one God. The Arabic
the community.
Yeovil
FaithWalk
Any clean place where
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prayers can be held is
regarded as a place of
worship, including a
Muslim home.
So ut h So m er se
t
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M u lt i Fa it h Fo
southsomerset.gov.uk/faithwalk