Sociology World Religions Review

Hinduism

This is an ancient religion that began in the Indus Valley region near India. It has no

particular founder but it is a collection of ideas from different oral traditions that have

been added over time. The main religious texts are known as the Vedas. Worshippers

worship at temples or mandirs. They may also worship at shrines in their homes.

Followers believe in reincarnation based on karma from past lives. Many followers do

not eat out of respect for animals. It is mainly practiced in India but there are followers

in many countries.

Wicca/Wiccan

Followers of this belief system often worship a Horned God and a fertility Mother

Goddess like Mother Earth. It was systematically written about by Gerald Gardner who

wrote a core text known as the Book of Shadows. Followers worship in groups known as

covens in “the circle” often out in nature. A core tenet is “If it harms none, do what you

will.” Followers celebrate many holy days throughout the year including Halloween,

Beltane, Ostera, Moban, and Yule.

Judaism

This is one of the first monotheistic religions. Its first follower, Abraham, believed that

Yahweh (or Jehovah) revealed himself to Abraham. Followers worship in temples. There

sacred texts are the Torah and the Tanakh. Adherents circumcise their male children

and follow the 10 Commandments and kosher laws. There have been varying beliefs

about heaven and hell over the years within this tradition. Followers are waiting for God

to send the Messiah to bring deliverance.

Animism

This belief system believes that there are spirits in all objects. It has no particular

founder, but is based on oral traditions in indigenous people groups around the world.

Followers often consult shamans or witch doctors for healing and fortune telling.

Follows often bring sacrifices to the spirits to receive blessing for health, fertility, or

agriculture.

Jainism

Rishabhadeva founded this religion with sacred texts known as the Agamas. Followers

are strictly non-violent meaning they do not eat meat or root vegetables. They sweep

the ground in front of them to avoid stepping on creatures. They believe in

reincarnation where one is eventually liberated into a state of liberation called moksha.

Followers are often merchants to avoid agriculture, or anything related to production

that would violate their strict views on non-violence. It is mostly practiced in India.

Islam

Mohammad founded this religion in the 7th century in Mecca in modern day Saudi

Arabia. Followers of this monotheistic religion worship Allah with the Five Pillars. Their

sacred text is the Quran and the worship in mosques. They belief followers will be

rewarded with paradise in the afterlife. Follows do not eat pork or drink alcohol. Food is

prepared according to halal principles and they follow sharia law. Men and women are

often separated with women wearing head coverings.

Sikhism

Followers of this religion from the Punjab region of India worship a God they call Waheguru. It was founded by Nanak and the 10 Gurus. One of their sacred texts is the Adi Granth. They worship in gurdwaras or temples. Followers are to avoid the Five Thieves. Followers rejected the caste system of Hinduism. Followers believe in liberation from reincarnation and union with Akal as the destination. Followers do not cut their hair, carry a small wooden comb, wear special undergarments, wear a special metal bracelet, and a ceremonial sword or dagger

Christianity-Protestant

This religion branches off from Judaism in the first century of the common era. It was

founded by Jesus of Nazareth who Christians believe is the promised messiah of Judaism—God’s son. They believe in a trinity God—God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Followers believe that Jesus died for their sins by being crucified on a cross. Followers accept God’s gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins. Their sacred text is the Bible which includes the Old Testament—the Jewish Tanakh—and the New Testament. Followers believe that a New Heaven and New Earth will be created and that they will be resurrected to live on the New Earth in the afterlife. People who reject God’s salvation will be sent to the Lake of Fire.

Christianity-Catholic

This religious group becomes the dominant branch of Christianity for its first 1500 years. They believe in a leader chosen by God called the pope. Their sacred texts includes the Apocrypha writings which are not included in the protestant Bible. Followers practice the 7 sacraments that include Confession, Last Rites, and the Eucharist. Historically the group taught that some people may go to purgatory before going to heaven. Special attention is given to Jesus’ mother Mary and past saints who have passed on.

Buddhism

This belief system is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. He taught that suffering was caused by craving, so followers need to learn to end their craving with the Four Noble Truths. He taught that followers should seek the “middle way” meaning a life that is not luxurious but not in poverty either. Followers believe that they connect to their divinity within through mediation. Followers pursue the Eightfold Noble Path that

i s often represented by the Wheel of Dharma. The sacred scriptures are known as the tripitakan. Followers believe that liberation from reincarnation is known as nirvana and that is the destination.

Unitarianism

This religion is based on the teachings of John Biddle. The teachings focus on tolerance

and unity. They read scriptures from many different religions. They believe that all space is sacred. They do not believe in a hell. They promote social justice and unity. It is mostly practiced in North America and Europe.

Jehovah’s Witnesses

This religious sect was founded by Charles Taze Russell. They reject the Christian

teaching on the trinity. They worship in buildings known as Kingdom Halls. They are opposed to blood transfusions and eating blood of animals. It is mostly practiced in the USA. They are known for going door to door to others about their religion. They believe in different levels of heaven for an afterlife. They publish their teachings in a publication called the Watchtower.

Christian Science

This religious sect was founded by Mary Baker Eddy who believed in the power of

spiritual healing. Sacred texts are called Science and Health and the Key to Reading the Scriptures. They do not believe in heaven or hell. They seek spiritual healing through prayer. They avoid traditional medical care. It is mostly practiced in the US. They founded a successful independent newspaper publication.

Bahai

This religion was founded by the Bab and the Baháʼu'lláh. He believed that all religions

were valid. Followers focus on unit and social justice. They believe that all religions are different manifestations of God. Teachings focus on the equality of all humans and are opposed to prejudice. Sacred texts are the writings of the Bab. The Universal House of Justice is a sacred space.

Latter Day Saints

This religion was founded by Joseph Smith who claimed that an angel communicated God’s relevation to him on gold tablets in America. Brigham Young was an important early leader. This religion is centered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Followers go on two-year missions when entering adulthood. The sacred texts include the Doctrine of Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. They reject the Christian teaching of the trinity. They believe in three levels of heaven, which is different than traditional Christian teaching. They believe that humans be exalted to god-like existence.

Scientology

This religion is based on the teachings of L.Ron Hubbard and his book Dianetics. Followers engage in “auditing” to become “clear” of the reactive mind. It is mostly practiced in the US. Teachings speak of an alien named Xenu and thetans.

Taoism

Belief based on the teachings of Lau Tsu. People should live in harmony with the

Dao/Tao. Ying and yang teach about the balance between light and dark. Worship ancestors and focus on connection to nature. Sacred writings are the Tao Te Ching.

Believe in spiritual immortality. Practice Tai Chi and Feng Shui. Shun aggression and competition.