Types of Religion: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism & Judaism Major Religions of the World

Religion adds meaning and purpose to the lives of followers, granting them an appreciation of the past, an understanding of the present, and hope for the future. By definition, a religion is a belief system concerning one or more deities and incorporating rituals, ceremonies, ethical guidelines, and life philosophies. Since the early times of Paganism, religion has diversified and grown to include major monotheistic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as Indian and Far Eastern religions like Buddhism and Sikhism, Iranic religions like Zoroastrianism and Bahai, and African indigenous-based religions like Santeria. Other belief systems, including Atheism and theMormon Church, have also developed with time. While religion dictates peace and good will, many battles and divisions have taken place because of religion. Religious belief plays an important role in the history of the world. The people of the world could benefit from learning about the different types of religion.

Christianity

With well over two billion followers throughout the world, Christianity is an Abrahamic religion centered on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. One of the big issues surrounding Christianity is that some people question the existence of the Trinity. Other points of debate are the Christian beliefs in Immaculate Conception, the original sin, the existence of the Devil, and the coming of the apocalypse. Learn more about Christianity and find out how it became the world's largest religion with holidays that are known worldwide. Christianity

Islam

More than one billion people in the world follow Islam, worship Allah, believe in angels, and consider Muhammad as the latest prophet. These are only a few of the beliefs set by the religion that is disciplined and strict in its rules and customs. The Five Pillars guide Muslim life, as do the Qur'an, the Hadith, and the fatwas which contribute to the Sharia. Discover more about the customs and beliefs of the second largest religion in the world. What do Muslims whisper in a newborn's ear? Find the answer to this question and more.Islam

Buddhism

Who is Buddha? What exactly is Buddhism? Learn about the quest for Enlightenment that intrigued people throughout history and learn about the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. Meditation played a significant role in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who left his princely lifestyle to find the meaning of true nature. Buddhism has continued to change the lives of people today who follow the path towards enlightenment. What is so special about the Bodhi tree? Discover more about the peaceful religion that worships no God and believes in a spiritual journey based on karma.Buddhism

Judaism

Over twelve million people in the world follow Judaism and regard the Torah as the most important holy book of Judaism. Jews believe they are the chosen people of God and consider Moses as the founder of this religion. The laws of God guide Jews throughout their lives and followers of this religion spend a lot of their time praying. Delve into the religion of Judaism to find out more about their customs and beliefs. Learn about what Jews eat as part of their diet and the number of pilgrimages in which they participate. Judaism You can also learn about other world religions including Candomble, Hinduism, Jainism, Shinto, and others. If Types of Religion is missing a religion you are interested in, please be sure to contact us and let us know, and we'll work on adding information about that religion to the website.

What is Religion? Religion is often defined as a set of beliefs that explain the world and the universe; however, for individuals, religion and spirituality are more than just a way of understanding the world. We hope to not only provide practical, and historical information about religions of the world, but to also examine what each religion means to its followers. The history is an interesting one, and we hope that Types of Religion will help make it accessible to a wider audience.

Christianity

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci (1495-1498) Christianity is the world's largest religion and is centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, Son of God. Around 2.1 billion followers around the world believe in Christianity. Subdivisions of Christianity include the Roman Catholic Church, Mormon Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Baptist Church, Methodist Church, and more. As in the case of Islam and Judaism, Christianity is an Abrahamic religion.

History of Christianity
Christianity began in the middle east and spread across the globe to Africa, Europe and South America. The religion is based on the birth and Resurrection of Jesus Christ who was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary.History of Christianity

Beliefs
Beliefs in Christianity vary from one sect to another. The main aspects of Christian belief include the Resurrection, the Holy Trinity, the Immaculate Conception and Afterlife. The main text for Christianity is the Bible.Christianity Bliefs

Customs
There are several customs of Christianity. Most Christians praise God through prayers and song. Prayers are an important custom for Christians along with sacraments. To become a Christian, one must be Baptised.Christianity Customs

Symbolism
The most popular symbol of Christianity is the cross, which represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Other common symbols include the Ichthys, lamb and dove. Certain sects of Christianity use Icons to represent symbolic meaning.Christianity Symbolism

Islam

The Kaab - The most sacred site in Islam, located inside the Masjid al-Haram Islam is the second largest monotheistic religion in the world after Christianity. With more than one billion followers worldwide, there are many different Islamic groups, all united by their faith. Muslims believe that there is one God, Allah. The Holy Qu'ran is the scripture of Islam. The two main groups of Islam are the Sunni and Shi'a.

History of Islam
The prophet Muhammad is the leader of Islam and has been told to teach humans to follow God's law and that there is one God. Those who follow the Islamic religion are called Muslims. Islam is divided among the Sunnis and Shi'as.History of Islam

Beliefs
Islam is based on the belief that there is one God called Allah in Arabic. The religion is also based on the following six beliefs: Angels, the Holy Books of Islam, Prophets, Judgment Day, Predestination and The Sharia.Islam Bliefs

Customs
Muslims have specific Islamic customs that they follow on a regular basis including the Five Pillars of Islam. Those who believe in Islam must also follow a specific diet which restricts Muslims from eating unlawful foods.Islam Customs

Buddhism

Representation of the the Buddha attaining Nirvana Buddhism is a spiritual tradition with 376 million followers throughout the world. It emphasizes personal spiritual development and the achievement of a deep understanding of the true meaning of life. According to Buddhism, all elements of life are interrelated; therefore, compassion is necessary. Buddhism is both a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. There are many different sects of Buddhism with the two major sects being Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Buddhists achieve Enlightenment through leading lives of morality, wisdom, and meditation.

Buddhism History
Buddhism began in India and is currently being practiced in most parts of Southeast Asia as well as China and Japan. Buddhism is based on the teaching of Siddhartha Gautama who searched for a way to end human suffering.Buddhism History

Schools of Buddhism
The two major Schools of Buddhism include the Theravada School and the Mahayana School. Buddhism also include a third branch called the Vajrayana school which exists primarily in China, Tibet and Mongolia.Schools of Buddhism

Concepts & Beliefs

Buddhism is based on teaching the dharma, the Four Noble Truths. Other aspects of Buddhism include Karma, the Noble Eightfold Path and Samsara. Buddhists believe in rebirth and ultimate strive to achieve Nirvana or "Enlightenment."Concepts & Beliefs

Buddhism Customs

The primary customs of Buddhism include meditation, honoring of the Buddha, worshipping at a temple and the belief in the Sacred Mandala. Unlike other religions, Buddhism does not revolve around the belief in Gods.Buddhism Customs

The Buddha
The Buddhist religion is not based on the belief in Gods. The main figure in the religion is the Buddha himself. There have been different Buddhas for every era and the Buddha of this era is Siddhartha Gautama.The Buddha

Judaism

The Temple Mount Judaism is among the world's oldest monotheistic religions and the first of the three Abrahamic religions, which also include Christianity and Islam. Around 12 million people in the world believe in Judaism. They are mostly in the United States and Israel. The Torah, or Hebrew Bible, is the most important holy book of Judaism.

History of Judaism
Judaism began in the Middle East and was founded by Moses. The religious text of Judaism is called the Tanakh which includes the Torah. The history of Judaism has been filled with exile, revolutions, victories and the Holocaust.History of Judaism

Beliefs
Those who believe in Judaism believe in one God and must obey the Laws of God. The Torah and the Oral Laws are important aspects of Judaism that must be studied. Jews believe in Halakha, which is the Jewish way of life.Judaism Bliefs

Customs
The primary custom of Judaism is practicing prayer, preferably communal prayer. Jews attend synagogues for praying and religious events. Jews also follow Dietary Laws which require believers to avoid certain foods.Judaism Customs

There are lots of religions. Here are some common ones: 1. Christianity 2. Islam 3. Judaism 4. Hinduism 5. Buddhism 6. Sikhism 7. But there are many more other religions

The major world religions and their beliefs about God. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and New Age... By Marilyn Adamson We all want to make it through life with some degree of success, some sense that we did it right. And if others think they know how life can be satisfying, even meaningful, it's at least worth checking out. What about the major world religions? Is there anything in them that would give our lives greater stability and value? The following is an opportunity to look into the major world religions... Hinduism, New Age, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.* Included is a brief description of each, its distinguishing characteristics, and what a person can gain from each. The author then presents for your consideration the ways in which Jesus' teaching differs from the major religions.
*Each of these systems has sects with differing beliefs. The description given here focuses on the heart of that system. Other major religions, such as Judaism, could be discussed, but for brevity, we have chosen these.

Hinduism and its beliefs

Most Hindus worship one Being of ultimate oneness (Brahman) through infinite representations of gods and goddesses. These various manifestations of gods and goddesses become incarnate within idols, temples, gurus, rivers, animals, etc. Hindus see their position in this present life as based on their actions in a previous life. If their behavior before was evil, they might experience tremendous hardships in this life. A Hindu's goal is to become free from the law of karma...to be free from continuous reincarnations. There are three possible ways to end this cycle of karma: 1. Be lovingly devoted to any of the Hindu gods or goddesses; 2. Grow in knowledge through meditation of Brahman (oneness)...to realize that circumstances in life are not real, that selfhood is an illusion and only Brahman is real; 3. Be dedicated to various religious ceremonies and rites.

In Hinduism, a person has the freedom to choose how to work toward spiritual perfection. Hinduism also has a possible explanation for the suffering and evil in the world. According to Hinduism, the suffering anyone experiences, whether it is sickness or starvation or a disaster, is due that person because of their own evil actions, usually from a previous lifetime. Only the soul matters which will one day be free of the cycle of rebirths and be at rest.

New Age and its beliefs

New Age promotes the development of the person's own power or divinity. When referring to God, a follower of New Age is not talking about a transcendent, personal God who created the universe, but is referring to a higher consciousness within themselves. A person in New Age would see themselves as God, the cosmos, the universe. In fact, everything that the person sees, hears, feels or imagines is to be considered divine. Highly eclectic, New Age presents itself as a collection of ancient spiritual traditions. It acknowledges many gods and goddesses, as in Hinduism. The Earth is viewed as the source of all spirituality, and has its own intelligence, emotions and deity. But superseding all is self. Self is the originator, controller and God of all. There is no reality outside of what the person determines. New Age teaches a wide array of eastern mysticism and spiritual, metaphysical and psychic techniques, such as breathing exercises, chanting, drumming, meditating...to develop an altered consciousness and one's own divinity. Anything negative a person experiences (failures, sadness, anger, selfishness, hurt) is considered an illusion. Believing themselves to be completely sovereign over their life, nothing about their life is wrong, negative or painful. Eventually a person develops spiritually to the degree that there is no objective, external reality. A person, becoming a god, creates their own reality.

Buddhism and its beliefs

Buddhists do not worship any gods or God. People outside of Buddhism often think that Buddhists worship the Buddha. However, the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) never claimed to be divine, but rather he is viewed by Buddhists as having

attained what they are also striving to attain, which is spiritual enlightenment and, with it, freedom from the continuous cycle of life and death. Most Buddhists believe a person has countless rebirths, which inevitably include suffering. A Buddhist seeks to end these rebirths. Buddhists believe it is a person's cravings, aversion and delusion that cause these rebirths. Therefore, the goal of a Buddhist is to purify one's heart and to let go of all yearnings toward sensual desires and the attachment to oneself. Buddhists follow a list of religious principles and very dedicated meditation. When a Buddhist meditates it is not the same as praying or focusing on a god, it is more of a self-discipline. Through practiced meditation a person may reach Nirvana -- "the blowing out" of the flame of desire. Buddhism provides something that is true of most major religions: disciplines, values and directives that a person may want to live by.

Islam and its beliefs

Muslims believe there is the one almighty God, named Allah, who is infinitely superior to and transcendent from humankind. Allah is viewed as the creator of the universe and the source of all good and all evil. Everything that happens is Allah's will. He is a powerful and strict judge, who will be merciful toward followers depending on the sufficiency of their life's good works and religious devotion. A follower's relationship with Allah is as a servant to Allah. Though a Muslim honors several prophets, Muhammad is considered the last prophet and his words and lifestyle are that person's authority. To be a Muslim, one has to follow five religious duties: 1. Repeat a creed about Allah and Muhammad; 2. Recite certain prayers in Arabic five times a day; 3. Give to the needy; 4. One month each year, fast from food, drink, sex and smoking from sunrise to sunset; 5. Pilgrimage once in one's lifetime to worship at a shrine in Mecca. At death -- based on one's faithfulness to these duties -- a Muslim hopes to enter Paradise. If not, they will be eternally punished in hell. For many people, Islam matches their expectations about religion and deity. Islam teaches that there is one supreme God, who is worshiped through good deeds and disciplined

religious rituals. After death a person is rewarded or punished according to their religious devotion.

Christianity and its beliefs

Christians believe in a loving God who has revealed himself and can be personally known in this life. With Jesus Christ, the person's focus is not on religious rituals or performing good works, but on enjoying a relationship with God and growing to know him better. Faith in Jesus Christ himself, not just in his teachings, is how the Christian experiences joy and a meaningful life. In his life on Earth, Jesus did not identify himself as a prophet pointing to God or as a teacher of enlightenment. Rather, Jesus claimed to be God in human form. He performed miracles, forgave people of their sin and said that anyone who believed in him would have eternal life. He made statements like, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."1 Christians regard the Bible as God's written message to humankind. In addition to its being an historical record of Jesus' life and miracles, the Bible reveals God's personality, his love and truth, and how one can have a relationship with him. Whatever circumstances a Christian is dealing with in their life, they can confidently turn to a wise and powerful God who genuinely loves them. They believe that God answers prayer and that life takes on meaning as they live to honor him.

How distinct are these major religions?

In looking at these major belief systems and their views of God, we find tremendous diversity:

Hindus acknowledge multitudes of gods and goddesses. Buddhists say there is no deity. New Age followers believe they are God. Muslims believe in a powerful but unknowable God. Christians believe in a God who is loving and approachable.

Are all religions worshiping the same God? Let's consider that. New Age teaches that everyone should come to center on a cosmic consciousness, but it would require Islam to give up their one God, Hinduism to give up their numerous gods, and Buddhism to establish that there is a God. The world's major religions (Hinduism, New Age, Buddhism, Islam, following Jesus Christ) are each quite unique. And of these one affirms that there is a personal, loving God who can be known, now in this life. Jesus Christ spoke of a God who welcomes us into a relationship with him and comes along side us as a comforter, counselor and powerful God who loves us. In Hinduism a person is on their own trying to gain release from karma. In New Age a person is working at their own divinity. In Buddhism it is an individual quest at being free from desire. And in Islam, the individual follows religious laws for the sake of paradise after death. In Jesus' teaching, you see a personal relationship with a personal God -- a relationship that carries over into the next life.

Can a person connect with God in this life?

The answer is yes. Not only can you connect with God, you also can know that you are fully accepted and loved by God. Many world religions place an individual on their own, striving for spiritual perfection. Buddha, for example, never claimed sin lessness. Muhammad also admitted that he was in need of forgiveness. "No matter how wise, no matter how gifted, no matter how influential other prophets, gurus, and teachers might be, they had the presence of mind to know that they were imperfect just like the rest of us."2 Jesus Christ, however, never alluded to any personal sin. Instead, Jesus forgave people of their sin and he wants to forgive us of our sin also. We all are aware of our faults, the areas of our lives that may cause others to think less of us, areas that we ourselves wish were not there...maybe it's an addiction, a bad temper, impurity, hateful remarks. God loves us but

hates sin, and he has said that the consequence for sin is separation from knowing him. But God provided a way for us to be forgiven and know him. Jesus, the Son of God, God in human form, took all of our sin on himself, suffered on a cross, and willingly died in our place. The Bible says, "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us."3 God is offering us complete forgiveness because of Jesus' death for us. This means forgiveness for all our sins...past, present and future. Jesus paid for them all. God, who created the universe, loves us and wants to be in a relationship with us. "This is how God showed his love among us: he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him."4 Through Christ, God offers us real freedom from our sin and guilt. He does not leave a person's failures on their shoulders, with a dim hope of becoming a better person tomorrow. In Jesus Christ, God reached toward humanity, providing a way for us to know him. "For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."5

God wants us to know him.

We were created by God to live in relationship with him. Jesus said, "He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty...and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."6 Jesus called people not only to follow his teachings, but to follow him. He said, "I am the way, and the truth and the life."7In claiming to be the truth, Christ goes beyond mere prophets and teachers who simply said they were speaking the truth.8 Jesus identified himself as equal to God, and even gave proof. Jesus said that he would be crucified on a cross and that three days after his death, he would come back to life. He didn't say he would reincarnate someday into a future life. (Who would know if he actually did it?) He said three days after being buried he would show himself alive to those who saw his crucifixion. On that third day, Jesus' tomb was found empty and many people testified that they saw him alive again. He now offers eternal life to us.

Unlike many world religions...

Many religions focus on a person's spiritual efforts. With Jesus Christ it's a two-way interaction between you and God. He welcomes us to go to him. "The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth."9 You can communicate with God, who will

answer your prayer, give you greater peace and joy, provide direction, show you his love, and transform your life. Jesus said, "I came that they might have life, and have it more abundantly."10 It will not mean that life will become perfect and free of problems. But it means that in the midst of life, you can relate to God who is willing to be involved in your life and faithful in his love. This is not a commitment to a method of self-improvement like the Eight Fold Path or the Five Pillars, or meditation, or good works or even the Ten Commandments. These seem clear, well-defined, easy-to-follow paths for spirituality. But they become a burdensome striving for perfection, and connection with God is still distant. Our hope is not in following laws or standards, but in knowing a Savior who fully accepts us because of our faith in him and his sacrifice for us. We don't earn our place in heaven by religious efforts or good deeds. Heaven is a free gift to us, when we begin a relationship with Jesus Christ. Would you like to be totally forgiven and personally come to know God's love for you?

Beginning a relationship with God.

You can begin a relationship with God right now. It is as simple as sincerely asking God for his forgiveness of your sin and inviting him to enter your life. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door [of your heart] and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him."11 Would like to begin a relationship with the God who created you, who deeply loves you? You can do so right now, if it is your heart's desire: "God, I ask you to forgive me and invite you to enter my heart right now. Thank you Jesus for dying for my sins. Thank you for coming into my life as you said you would." The Bible tells us that "as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become children of God."12 If you sincerely asked God to come into your life, you have begun a personal relationship with him. It is like you have just met God and he wants to help you grow to know him better, to know his love for you, to guide you with wisdom in whatever decisions confront you. The book called "John" in the Bible is a good place to learn more about a relationship with God. Perhaps you might want to tell someone else about the decision you have made to ask Jesus into your life. In the world's religions a person has a relationship with teachings, ideas, paths, rituals. Through Jesus, a person can have a relationship with the loving and powerful God. You can talk with him and he will guide you in this life now. He doesn't just point you to a path, a

philosophy, or a religion. He welcomes you to know him, to experience joy, and to have confidence in his love in the midst of life's challenges. "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God."13

(1) John 8:12 (2) Erwin W. Lutzer, Christ Among Other Gods (Chicago: Moody Press,1994), p. 63 (3) 1 John 3:16 (4) 1 John 4:9 (5) John 3:16 (6) John 6:35 (7) John 14:6 (8) Lutzer, p. 106 (9) Psalms 145:18 (10) John 10:10 (11) Revelation 3:20 (12) John 1:12 (13) 1 John 3:1

Prepared by Duol Gony Keuy

On 02/03/2013

Sudan Khartoum