Belief Systems/ Religions
By: Adam Smith
Buddhism
The Way of Life
Religious texts
Tripitaka (Pali Canon)
Mahayana Sutras
Tibetan Book of the Dead
Confucianism
The Way of Life
Yin and Yang
Confucius Analects
Hinduism
The Way of Life
Religious Texts
Judaism
The Way of Life
Jewish Religious Texts
Christianity
Christianity is the worlds largest religion, as of 2012 roughly 32% of people are Christian. Christianity is a monotheistic religion and was formed in Judea by a man named Jesus. Jesus was around 30 years old when he started to spread his ideas through the Ancient Rome. Christians holy book is the Bible, during Ancient Rome Christianity spread very quickly and eventually around the globe. Christians believe that Jesus is a savior and follow The Ten Commandments. The two biggest holidays for Christians are Christmas and Easter, Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth and Easter is the resurrection of Jesus. Christians go to church on Sunday's to pray. They believe that after you die, depending on if you followed The Ten Commandments, you will go to Heaven or Hell.
The Way of Life
Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion that started in 610 A.D. The founder Mohammed was meditating in a cave when he heard a voice talk to him. After this experience he started to teach that Allah was the one and only God and all other gods should be abandoned. He was eventually run out of his town, he eventually returned with many followers and forcefully took control. Similar to The Ten Commandments in Christianity, Muslims follow the Five Pillars. The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam and the only true version can be in Arabic. When Mohammed died in 632 A.D. Muslims believed that it was their duty to spread the beliefs of Islam. The Silk Road can be thanked for the spread of Islam, The Silk Road allowed Islam to be passed on with other trades that went on. Muslims had many great advances in topics such as math, medicine and art. They were the first to come up with the concept of algebra, which is taught in schools worldwide today. They knew what plants would help with infections, they're were also the first to preform C-Sections. With art they used calligraphy and geometric formations to make amazing art.
The Way of Life
Their are many things that influence how a Muslim live their life. One way is how they're supposed to pray five times a day facing Mecca. They are nonviolent and only eat meat if it has been blessed, except pork is forbidden as well alcohol. This can affect how a Muslim parties or goes out with friends because if they aren't Muslim they can eat pork and drink alcohol. During Ramadan Muslims are not supposed to eat until the sun goes down. This can affect various actions that can be accomplished if a lot of energy is needed. Their are two exceptions to Ramadan though, if a women in is menstruation, if one is sick in bed, or if one is on a journey. When someone goes to a mosque to pray they are supposed to take off their shoes.