Religion Notes Mr. Youngman

Learning Objectives

  • Define Religion, Monotheism, and Polytheism.

  • Identify similarities and differences between different sects such as Sunni vs Shia, and Catholic vs Orthodox vs Protestantism.

  • Identify common themes in the discussed religions.

Definition of Religion

  • Religion: Belief in and worship of a superhuman power, especially a God or gods.

  • Types of belief:

    • Monotheism: Belief in one God.

    • Polytheism: Belief in multiple gods or entities.

Ancient Religions

  • Ancient Egyptian Theology: Polytheistic, gods play significant roles in life (e.g., Ra, Anubis).

  • Ancient Mayan Theology: Polytheistic; many gods control various life aspects (e.g., Chaac).

  • Ancient Greek Theology: Polytheistic; gods control different facets of life (e.g., Ares, Athena).

  • Ancient Roman Theology: Similar to Greek with different names (e.g., Neptune is the Roman equivalent of Poseidon).

Major World Religions

Christianity (30.74% of world population)

  • Monotheistic faith with God as central figure.

  • Believe in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

  • Divided into three main sects:

    • Catholic: Earliest church, led by the Pope.

    • Orthodox: Resulted from the Great Schism, led by Patriarch.

    • Protestant: Focuses on faith over tradition, no central figurehead, many denominations.

Islam (24.9% of world population)

  • Monotheistic, worships Allah; follows Prophet Muhammad.

  • Five Pillars of Faith:

    • Shahada: Declaration of faith.

    • Salat: 5 daily prayers.

    • Zakat: Almsgiving.

    • Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan.

    • Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca.

  • Divided into:

    • Sunni: Leadership not based solely on Muhammad's descendants.

    • Shia: Leadership through Muhammad's family.

Hinduism (15.1% of world population)

  • Shares elements of both polytheism and monotheism, recognizes a supreme god (Brahman).

  • Key beliefs:

    • Reincarnation, Karma, and Divinity of each person.

  • Holy texts include Shruti.

Buddhism (6.6% of world population)

  • Focuses on ending suffering and achieving Nirvana.

  • No supreme god, but supernatural beings guide followers.

  • Key teachings include the Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths.

Sikhism (0.3% of world population)

  • Monotheistic, worships Waheguru.

  • Emphasizes rebirth and karma.

  • Holy book: Guru Granth Sahib.

Judaism (0.2% of world population)

  • Monotheistic religion, worships Yahweh.

  • Awaiting Messiah; history marked by discrimination.

  • Holy book: Tanakh.

Taoism (0.1% of world population)

  • Philosophical and polytheistic; promotes harmony with nature.

  • Key concepts include Yin and Yang.

  • Holy text: Tao Te Ching.

Shinto (0.05% of world population)

  • Polytheistic, worships Kami (gods and sacred powers).

  • Emphasizes purity, harmony, and ancestors.

Smaller Religions

  • Zoroastrianism: Believes in the eternal battle between good and evil.

  • Druid Worship/Witchcraft: Spiritual practices and connections with nature.

Atheism (7% of world population)

  • Disbelief or lack of belief in God or gods; approximately 400-500 million atheists.