Characteristics of Major World Religions

Flashcards covering the key characteristics, origins, diffusion methods, and current distributions of major world religions.

Christianity

Originated in the West Bank & Israel; spread through hierarchical, relocation and expansion diffusion mainly during the Roman Empire, now prevalent in the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Judaism

Originated in Southwest Asia (Israel and Lebanon), spread largely through relocation diffusion; currently practiced by Jewish communities mainly in the USA, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

Islam

Originated in Mecca and Medina; spread through various forms of diffusion including hierarchical, contagious, and through conquests; currently prevalent in Northwest Africa and the Middle East.

Buddhism

Originated in Northeastern India; initially spread through contagious diffusion; teachings then spread via relocation diffusion; prevalent in East Asia and Southeast Asia.

Sikhism

Originated in the Punjab region of North India; spread through relocation diffusion; largely found in South Asia.

Hinduism

Originated in South Asia and spread through relocation diffusion; currently heavily populated in South Asia with significant cultural landscape expressions.