Religion has played a highly significant role in the life cycle of human beings. Christianity, Islam, Buddhism Hinduism and Sikhism are 5 of the great religions of the world. This course is an introduction to these religions: to their origins and earlier historical development; and, to their beliefs and key text(s) and few of the key practices; to the foundations of their philosophy; and, to their ethics.
Christianity
• It is a monotheistic religion, which signifies that followers’ faith there is only one true Almighty.
• Worship of God is a significant aspect of Christianity.
• Christians faith in the Holy Trinity, represented by the divinity of the Father (Almighty), the Holy Spirit and son (Jesus).
• Christian teachings are grounded in the New Testament and the Old Testament that together formed the Holy Bible. There are certain editions of the Christian bible; not all denominations apply the similar version.
• Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the son of Almighty, sent to earth a messiah to save humans from their sins and as a man.
• A central aim of this religion is the faith that Jesus died as a result of being crucified on a cross, leading to mankind’s sins forgiveness.
• After being entombed for 3 days, Jesus rises from the dead and then ascends from earth to heaven to be reunited with the Almighty.
• Christians have faith that there will be a second coming in which Jesus would return to Earth and take Christian believers back to heaven with him.
• The Ten Commandments play a significant role in Christian teachings.
Islam
• This faith is monotheistic, faithing in Allah as the one true Almighty.
• Islamic places of worship are referred to as mosques.
• Those who followed Islam committed to living a life cycle in submission to the Allah will.
• The Islamic faith taught that the prophet Muhammad is Allah’s final messenger, who continues to receive messages from Allah to share with the humans.
• After Muhammad’s death, other leaders rise in his place under the system that signifies the caliphate, with the human leaders being referred to as caliphs.
• There are 2 major sects within Islam: Shiites and Sunnis. The majority (90%) of Muslims are Sunnis.
• Muslims praying at five specific times throughout each day, follow a specific prayer ritual.
• Followers of Islam are needed to fast during the Ramadan month.
• Muslims are expected to the holy city of Mecca complete a pilgrimage at least once in their life chain. It is one of the 5 great world religions and their basic principles.
• Many Muslim women wore a hijab that covered their hair, while others wore a niqab or burqa, which concealed more of the appearance.
Hinduism
• Hinduism teaches that almighty presence exists in all of creation.
• In the Hindu faith, the almighty goes by many manifests and names in infinite manner.
• Brahman is the recognized supreme deity (Almighty) responsible for developing everything in the universe. Brahaman has no gender and is all-present and all-knowing.
• Shiva and Vishnu are the other primary Hindu deities (Almighty).
• There are numerous other deities (signify devis), demi-gods (signify devas) and goddesses, with specific variations among specific sects.
• The divine essence (signifies atman) dwells within each human.
• Hindus faith in reincarnation, with a constant cycle of being born, dying and living on the pathway to enlightenment.
• A person’s karma, which refers to the net of their bad and good deeds in the last lifechain, determines the level into which they would be reborn.
• Rather than a single religious book, Hinduism has a sacred text number, including the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Samhitas, the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana.
• Yoga practice is an integral Hinduism component.
• Cows are viewed as sacred in the Hinduism faith; eating beef is banned. It is one of the 5 great world religions and their basic principles.
Buddhism
• The primary aim of Buddhism is to seek enlightenment.
• The Buddha is not worshiped as an Almighty. He was the man and is recognized by Buddhists as such.
• The foundation of Buddhism is based on a set of 3 four noble principles and universal truths.
• Consistent with philosophy’s truths and principles, Buddhists followed a pathway of moral living, behavior and thinking, along with seeking wisdom.
• Buddhism has 5 precepts to which followers are expecting to adhere. These precepts dictate that Buddhists refrain from misusing sex, lying, killing, stealing, and using alcohol or drugs.
• Karma is a significant factor in Buddhism, aiming for every human’s accountability and responsibility for their own actions.
• Buddhists believe in rebirth and reincarnation. In the Buddhist tradition, being reincarnated signifies coming back as yourself multiple times, while rebirth involves return as the entirely differ entity.
• The Buddhist religion involves a number of sacred writings, in the format of texts and scriptures, that share the Buddha’s philosophy and teachings.
Sikhism
Sikhism, founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak in the Indian subcontinent, is a monotheistic religion with a strong emphasis on equality, justice, and devotion to God. Central to Sikh teachings is the belief in one formless, transcendent God, referred to as Waheguru. The Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture, serves as the eternal Guru, guiding adherents through its poetic verses and hymns.
Sikhism promotes the concept of “Ik Onkar,” emphasizing the oneness of humanity and the divine. The five articles of faith, known as the Five Ks, symbolize a Sikh’s commitment to their faith and community. The principles of selfless service, honest living, and the pursuit of justice underscore Sikh values. The community kitchen, or langar, epitomizes Sikhism’s commitment to equality by providing free meals to all, irrespective of caste or creed. Sikhs strive for spiritual growth, seeking harmony with the divine while actively engaging in the world with compassion and humility.
