Religions

=Religions= The image below is a map of the most practiced religions in the world. (http://www.rayfowler.org/2007/07/24/map-of-the-worlds-religions/)

Religion is something that effects a big percentage of people in the world. About 88% of the world practice a religion of some sort. Religion is closely linked to culture and is sometimes the basis of it. There are ethnic religions which most are born into, and there are universalizing religions that seek to convert and expand their belief system. Some religions are monotheistic meaning they only worship one deity and others are polytheistic meaning they worship multiple deities. Looking at the map you can see that most places practice at least one faith in mass quantities. Religion is a perfect example of how culture has many different types and hearths that shape the world's cultures.

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Important vocabulary for religions, Secularism- Relgion is less significant Monotheistic Religions- These relgions worship only one deity Polytheistic Religions- Worship more than one deity and this can be an infinite amount Animistic Religions- The belief that inanimate objects like trees, lakes, mountains, and rocks should be revered Universalizing Religions- These religions try to convert others into believing what they do (examples of these are Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism) Ethnic Religion- Followers are born into the faith rather than converted (example Judaism) Sacred Sites- Places that have religious importance or meaning Religious Fundamentalism- To these fundamentalist religion is uncompromisable. They feel that the world's problems is based off of lack of religious authority and morals Religious extremism- Is fundamentalism to a more extreme level, often resulting in violence.

Now for a break down of the major world religions and links to useful information,


 * Hindusim-** Is one of the oldest religions in the modern world. It is practices mainly in India but there are some followers in other places in the world like Indonesia. It is an ethnic religion and it's morals, beliefs and values have a large effect in the practicing areas.

(http://hindugodworshippicture.blogspot.com/2009/06/hindu-symbols-hindu-symbol-meaning.html)

[] Buddism- Promotes the path and finding of Enlightenment. It is one of the four most widely practiced religions in the world. Buddhism is universalizing but the Buddha himself isn't exactly considered a "God," he's more like an example of a guide to follow on how to reach Enlightenment. Buddhism promotes good works and deeds in life. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama



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Shintoism- This is an ethnic Japanese religion that mixes with Buddhism. It focuses on worship of ancestors and nature. The majority of Japan practices Buddhism and Shintoism. (http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-shinto-symbol--image4320722) []

Taoism- Is an ethnic religion based off of philosophies. The main principles of the religion are oneness of humanity and nature, and the correct form of political rule. Confucianism like Taoism is a philosophy that relates to the main principles of Taoism. (http://taoism.about.com/od/visualsymbols/ig/Taoist-Symbols/Yin-Yang-Symbol.--jj.htm) []

Judaism- Coming from the religious teachings of Abraham, Jews worship only one God. Judaism is an ethnic religion but is not limited to only one small area. Judaism was diffused through the diaspora which was a scattering of Jews across Europe and Northern Africa. (http://www.justsymbol.com/jewish-symbol-1.html)

http://www.religioustolerance.org/judaism.htm

Christianity- Like Islam and Judaism comes from a common hearth. It was founded by Jesus; Christian belief is that Jesus is the son of God and is also a monotheistic religion. Unlike Judaism, Christianity is a universalizing religion that seeks to convert others. The three main branches of Christianity are Protestant, Easter Orthodox, and Roman Catholic. Their holy book is the bible. The diffusion of Christianity was mainly the result of European colonialism.

(http://www.religious-symbols.net/christian-symbols.html)

http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/index.htm

Islam- The youngest of the major religions was founded by Muhammad. They like Christianity and Judaism are monotheistic. They call their God, "Allah," and their holy book is the Qu'ran. The two main branches of Islam are Sunni Muslims, and Shi'ite Muslims with Sunni being the majority and Shi'ite being a smaller percentage concentrated in Iran. Islam is a universalizing religion that seeks and accepts converts. (http://islam.about.com/od/history/a/crescent_moon.htm)

http://www.religioustolerance.org/islam.htm

Shamanism- Is a more traditional or local religion in which the community follows their religious leader and think of him as a teacher, healer,and visionary. Shamanism is ethnic but there isn't just one type. Their holy book and beliefs are based on the different sects of shamanism in each area.

Below is a link that will give you more information through text and video.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/

Current Event: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16442960 - This article is an example of religious extremism.

For practice play with Quizlet flash cards and other games here, http://quizlet.com/8979137/aphg-religions-flash-cards/

=Test your knowlegde of Religions in the Lord of the Religions game!!!= []

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