Major Religions Across the World
By Ryan D'Souza
Hinduism
Hinduism originated near the Indus River in India around 4000 years ago. It has almost 750 million people worldwide. It is the world's oldest religion with almost 80% in India practicing it. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion and some of the more we'll known gods are Shiva or Ganesha. There are several books that they have, but do not refer to them always. They are The Vedas and Upanishads. Some of the major holidays in Hinduism are Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Holi, the festival of colors and many more. Some of the rituals are...
- Brahmacharga, which takes place during the school years and it focuses on acquiring knowledge and developing character
- Grastha, the middle years, is focused on worldly pursuits and pleasures such as marriage, family and career
- Vanaprastha, when one's children reach adulthood, is a time of increased focus on spiritual things
- Sanngasu, in the last years of life, one may abandon the world entirely for a life of contemplation
Islam
Islam originated when the Prophet of Allah was born, Muhammed. It started around AD 590. It has around 1.2 billion follower who practice it. It is a monotheistic religion meaning it only believes in one god. Islam's holy book is called the Quran and it is how Islam's follow their religion. One of the major rituals performed in Islam is the Five Pillars of Islam which all Muslims should follow because it is how they should leave their life.
Christianity
Christianity originated in 0-300 B.C. It was started off the basis of Judaism. It is a monotheistic religion believing in god. There are about 2.1 billion people who practice this religon. The holy book that Christians follow is the bible, New Testament, and the Old Testament. This is how they look at sermons and different stories that teach you a lesson. Major holidays would be Easter, the day Jesus Christ rose and Christmas, when Jesus was born. Some rituals they practice is something called lent, is when you give up something for a 60 day period.
What is Christianity?
Judaism
Judaism is one of the oldest religions dating back to almost 3,500 years ago. They believe that God appointed the Jews to be his chosen people in order to set an example of holiness and ethical behaviour to the world. The are a monotheistic religion believing in God also. Judaism has a book called the Torah in which they put all there beliefs into. Major holidays that Judaism celebrates are Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. Some important rituals they do are that they worship at least three times a day and avoid the use of symbolism representation of worship.
Gaining A Better Understanding of Judaism Educational Video
Buddhism
Buddhism originated around 2,500 years ago in Southeast Asia. It was started when Buddha, was enlightened at the age of 35. Buddhism does not believe in gods so it is neither mono or polytheistic. There are no major books of Buddhism, but learners do read and listen to teachings of Buddha. Major Holidays could be the Buddhist new year, sangha day, and dhamma day. They believe in karma and the thought of reincarnation.