Religions, Religions, Religions!
By:Hannah Anthony
Christianity
Beliefs: "Jesus taught love of God and neighbor and a concern for justice."
Brief history: God's son was born to a virgin named Mary, the boys name was Jesus he was born to die so that all our sins could be forgiven. He lived his life sin free and in the end was crucified.
Monotheistic or polytheistic: Monotheistic
God(s): God
Any holy book: Bible
Major holidays: Christmas and Easter
Highly practiced rituals: Praying and getting baptized
Judaism
Beliefs: "Jews believe in the laws of God and the words of the prophets. In Judaism, however, actions are more important than beliefs."
Brief history:
Monotheistic or polytheistic: Monotheistic
What their God(s) are called: God
Any holy book: Torah
Major holidays: Hanukkah Passover
Highly practiced rituals: They pray in a synagogue
Hinduism
Beliefs: "Hindus believe in many gods, numbering into the thousands. They recognize one supreme spirit called Brahman (the Absolute). The goal of Hindus is to someday join with Brahman."
Brief history: "a group of people called Aryans traveled Asia conquered towns & adopted there culture & religion."
Monotheistic or polytheistic: Polytheistic
What their God(s) are called: God
Any holy book: Vedas
Highly practiced rituals: Worships their many gods
Buddhism
Beliefs: "…all beings suffer;…desire—for possessions, power, and so on—causes suffering;…desire can be overcome; and…the path that leads away from desire is the Eightfold Path (the Middle Way)."
Brief history: there was a prince who was always sheltered in his palace, not allowed to see pain or suffering. One day he left his palace and saw pain and suffering. He then meditated for 49 days and found enlightenment.
Monotheistic or polytheistic: None
What their God(s) are called: None
Any holy book: None
Highly practiced rituals: meditating
Islam
Beliefs: "The Five Pillars, or main duties, are: profession of faith; prayer; charitable giving; fasting during the month of Ramadan; and pilgrimage to Mecca at least once."
Rituals: "…All Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage…to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
Brief history:
Monotheistic or polytheistic: Monotheistic
What their God(s) are called: Allah
Any holy book: Koran
Highly practiced rituals: "…pray five times daily in their mosques (churches).