TPC - World Religions

Judaism

A monotheistic religion founded by Abraham, characterized by beliefs in the chosen people of God and the importance of the Torah and Talmud.

Star of David

The symbol associated with Judaism.

Abraham

Founding patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

3,000 B.C.

The approximate year when Judaism was founded.

Israel

The place of origin and significant location for Judaism.

Torah

The primary holy text of Judaism.

Talmud

A central text in Judaism, providing interpretation of the Torah.

Synagogues

The house of worship for Jews.

Jews

Followers of Judaism.

Monotheistic

Belief in one God.

Chosen people of God

A key belief in Judaism stating that Jews are selected by God.

Jerusalem

A holy city for Judaism located in Israel.

Dietary laws

Regulations in Judaism regarding what foods may be consumed.

Christianity

A monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Christian Cross

The symbol associated with Christianity.

30 A.D.

The approximate year when Christianity was founded.

New Testament

The collection of texts that contain the stories of Jesus in Christianity.

Church

The house of worship for Christians.

Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox

Major divisions within Christianity.

Christians

Followers of Christianity.

Jesus Christ

The central figure of Christianity, regarded as the Son of God.

Ten Commandments

A set of biblical principles in Christianity.

Islam

A monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad, emphasizing submission to Allah.

Crescent and Star

The symbol associated with Islam.

620 A.D.

The approximate year when Islam was founded.

Quran

The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God.

Mosque

The house of worship for Muslims.

Sunni, Shia

Major divisions within Islam.

Muslims

Followers of Islam.

Five Pillars of Islam

Core beliefs and practices in Islam, including faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.

Hinduism

A major polytheistic religion originating in India, known for its diverse beliefs and practices.

Om symbol

The symbol associated with Hinduism.

5,000-3,000 B.C.

The approximate time period when Hinduism was founded.

Vedas

The holy scriptures of Hinduism.

Temple

The house of worship for Hindus.

Polytheistic

Belief in many gods.

Reincarnation

The belief in rebirth into new lives.

Karma

The concept that actions affect future lives.

Brahman

The ultimate reality or cosmic spirit in Hinduism.

Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganapati, Saraswati

Key deities in Hinduism representing creation, preservation, destruction, removal of obstacles, and learning.

Buddhism

A non-theistic religion founded by Siddhartha Gautama focused on overcoming suffering.

Dharma Wheel

The symbol associated with Buddhism.

500 B.C.

The approximate year when Buddhism was founded.

Tripitaka

The holy texts of Buddhism.

Monastery

The house of worship for Buddhists.

Mahayana, Theravada

Major divisions within Buddhism.

Buddhists

Followers of Buddhism.

Nirvana

A state of enlightenment and freedom from suffering in Buddhism.

Sikhism

A monotheistic religion founded by Guru Nanak, combining elements of Islam and Hinduism.

Khanda

The symbol associated with Sikhism.

1500 A.D.

The approximate year when Sikhism was founded.

Adi Granth

The main holy scripture of Sikhism.

Gurdwara

The house of worship for Sikhs.

Sikhs

Followers of Sikhism.

5 Ks

Five articles of faith in Sikhism representing different spiritual values.

Animism

The belief that inanimate objects have souls or spirits.

100 million adherents

The estimated number of followers of animism.

Fūjin, Hachiman, Inari Ōkami, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto

Examples of gods in various animistic traditions.