5 Major Religions
Hinduism Buddhism Judaism Christianity Islam
History
What do they believe?
- They believe in the divinity of the Vedas, the world's most ancient scripture.
- Hindus believe in Devi, Vedas, Ganesha, Shiva, Vedic Gods, and Vishnu.
- They believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
- Hindus believe in karma or that a individual can chose their own destiny by their words, thoughts, and choices.
- They also believe in soul reincarnation.
- Hindus believe in divine beings exist in unseen worlds and they go to temples to worship them.
- They believe that all life is sacred.
- Hindus believe that no set of teachings are the only way to salvation.
Holidays and Rituals
History
Buddhists traditions come from Buddha's traditions. The religion formed out of Buddha's 12 glorious events, which include Buddha being born and other aspects of his life.
What do they believe?
- They believe that life is full of suffering and misery.
- Desire and greed lead to suffering.
- When craving and desire end, suffering g ends.
- Avoided either excessive pleasure-seeking or excessive hardships lad to enlightment.
Buddhists believe in their one god, Buddha. The name of their holy book is Tripitaka.
Holidays and Rituals
Buddhists participate in meditation, mantras (sacred sounds), mudras (sacred hand gestures), and prayer wheels.
History
Jewish history starts in 2000 B.C. Judaism dates back to Israel where God made a covenant with Abraham stating that God would make them a sacred people and give them a holy land. Judaism has evolved over time and it continue to evolve and change now.
What do they believe?
Jews believe that there is one God, their God. Jews only believe things in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. They believe that a messiah will come to, but he/she will not be divine. Jews don't belive in the New Testament of the bible which talks about Jesus being the Messiah and Jesus dying on the cross to save everyone from their sins. The Torah or Tanakh contains all Jewish writings.
Holidays and Rituals
Jews celebrate manying important holidays such as Shabbat (the Sabbath), Hanukkah, Passover, Purim, and Yom Kippur.
Jewish rituals and religious observances are grounded in Jewish Law. Jews follow 613 commandments that are found in the Jewish bible and they also follow Rabbinic Law. Jews attend a synagogue which is their place of worship and prayer.They also have religious practices of eating kosher foods which have great meaning among the Jewish people.
History
Christian history begins with Jesus of Nazareth. Little is known about him at an early age, but once he is around the age of 30, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist where he had a vision in which he recieved the blessing of God. He then began a ministry of teaching, healing, and miracle-working along with spreading the word of the "kingdom of God". Years later, Jesus was executed by crucifixion on a cross, but he rose again on the 3rd day. A number of Jesus' followers were called "Christians".
What do they believe?
Christians believe that God is their one and only God. They believe that Jesus was the son of God and that Jesus was sent to earth to die on the cross and save everyone of their sins. Christians believe that God created the heavens and the earth, and man and woman. Christians read out of the Bible.
Holidays and Rituals
Christians celebrate Advent, Ash Wednesday, Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, Lent, Sunday,and Thanksgiving.
Christians rituals vary between denominations and individuals, but most Christians participate in batisms, bible studies, confirmation, marriage, prayer, Sunday services, and tithing.
History
Islam was focused on earthly life, but by Muhammad's time violence outraged. Allah was "the creator, provider, and determiner of human destiny". Allah was thought to be the greatest among many gods deserving worship. Allah was worshipped exclusively.
What do they believe?
Muslims believe that there is one God and Muhammad is his prophet. Muslims believe in Allah. They also believe in angels, books of God, prophets like Muhammad, Judgement Day, and God's will.
Holidays and Rituals
Muslims celebrate Ramadan, Ashura, and Al-Hijra.
Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam. They are daily confessions of faith, daily ritual prayer, paying the tax, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimmage to Meca.