monday december 8

Today in class, we took notes. Here are the notes that we took: CHRISTIANITY 2.2 billion largest in the world Call themselves "Christians" Located: Europe, the Americas, southern Africa denominations: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestants Founder: Jesus Christ Holy book: The Bible (New Testament) Beliefs: Jesus is both human and divine- Son of God; he led a virtuous life; he was crucified, died, buried, and resurrected; he ascended into heaven where he reigns with God the Father. Clergy: the Pope is head of the church, priests are local authorities. ISLAM 1.5 billion second largest in the world Call themselves "Muslims" Located: Indonesia, Middle East, north Africa denominations: Sunnis (75-90%), Shiites (10-20%) Founder: Muhammad (579-632) Holy book: Qur'an Beliefs:monotheistic, Abrahamic, Five PIlliars.... Muslims see their purpose in life as serving and submitting to Allah (God), and observing Islamic law. HINDUISM 1.1 billion third largest in the world Call themselves "Hindus" Located: India, Nepal Holy book: The Vedas - eternal truths revealed to ancient sages; written in verse form. Founder: no distinct founder BUDDHISM 500-1.5 billion Call themselves "Buddhists" Located: southeast Asia, China, Nepal, Japan, Founder: Siddhartha Gautama denominations: Tibetan, Zen, Theravada, Amidist Four Noble Truths: There is suffering Attachment to desire is the orgin of suffering There is a cessation of suffering The Eightfold path will lead to the cessation of suffering JUDAISM 14-18 million ninth largest in the world Call themselves "Jews" Located: Israel Founder: Abraham Holy book: Talmud, Torah Beliefs: ethical monotheism - God is one, and concerned with the actions of humankind... Ten Commandments, 13 principles of Faith