Download Religions

Religions Of The World
An Introduction To Religions



Abrahamic Religions are by far the largest
group
Indian religions tend to share a few key
concepts like Dharma and Karma
Far Eastern religions consist of several East
Asian religions which make use of the
concept of Tao.
Buddhism

Buddhist’s follow the concept of the three jewels:
–
–
–


Goal: To end suffering through study, meditation, cultivation of
wisdom, altruistic behavior, and ethical conduct.
Siddhartha Gautama
–



Buddha (The Awakened One)
Dharma (Teaching of the Buddha)
Sangha (Community of Buddhists)
Encountered the “Four Sights” at a young age
 Led to his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree
Must find a “middle way” between self indulgence and self
mortification
Died eventually of food poisoning
Karma is a central concept
–
Cause and effect play into everyday life
Buddhism Continued

The “Four Noble Truths”

The path of enlightenment and of humanity
–
–
–
–

The Noble Eightfold Path




8 Concepts to follow in everyday life
The way to the end of suffering and to the achievement of enlightenment
Bodhisattva- Religious personnel who has the dharma within reach,
but “stays behind” to talk with others and share with them the path to
enlightenment.
Rebirth


1. Suffering
2. Arising of Suffering
3. Cessation of Suffering
4. The Path Leading to the End of Suffering (Noble Eightfold Path)
By the ways of Karma, and the succession of lives, a person travels through
many realms
Shakyamuni Buddha



Not a god
Religious icon
Shares with the people through text, the ways to enlightenment.
Christianity

Monotheism



Jesus Of Nazareth









Son of God, “Messiah”
A teacher, and model of virtuous life
Savior of humanity
Suffered, Died, and Resurrected for salvation from sin
Most Christians accept that he ascended into “Heaven”
Will return to judge the world, and to grant his followers everlasting life
Spoken messages in the “Gospel”
Began as a Jewish sect, spread through many kingdoms and religious
empires
Creeds



Centered on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth
Presented in the New Testament
Concise Doctrinal Statements or Confessions
Different among different sects of Christianity
Trinity

Three co-existing persons
–
Father, Son, Holy Spirit
Christianity Cont.

Bible



Main religious text
Interpreted differently among different Christian faiths
Afterlife

Depending upon your conduct on the Earth, you are sent either to



Eternal Salvation, “Heaven”
Eternal Damnation, “Hell”
Practices

Sacraments


A rite instituted by Christ that “mediates grace”
Churches



Followers typically go to church on a specified day of the week
Co-worship, with other followers
Active religion
Confucianism


Ethical and Philosophical system
Based on the teachings of the Chinese
philosopher Confucius