Study Guide

CHRISTIANITY
2.2 billion largest in the world
Call themselves "Christians"
Located: Europe, the Americas, southern Africa 
denominations: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestants
Founder: Jesus Christ 
Holy book: The Bible (New Testament)
Beliefs: Jesus is both human and divine- Son of God; he led a virtuous life; he was crucified, died, buried, and resurrected; he ascended into heaven where he reigns with God the Father.
Clergy: the Pope is head of the church, priests are local authorities.
   
ISLAM
1.5 billion second largest in the world
Call themselves "Muslims"
Located: Indonesia, Middle East, north Africa
denominations: Sunnis (75-90%), Shiites (10-20%)
Founder: Muhammad (579-632)
Holy book: Qur'an
Beliefs:monotheistic, Abrahamic, Five PIlliars.... Muslims see their purpose in life as serving and submitting to Allah (God), and observing Islamic law.

HINDUISM
1.1 billion third largest in the world
Call themselves "Hindus"
Located: India, Nepal
Holy book: The Vedas - eternal truths revealed to ancient sages; written in verse form.
Founder: no distinct founder

BUDDHISM
500-1.5 billion 
Call themselves "Buddhists"
Located: southeast Asia, China, Nepal, Japan, 
Founder: Siddhartha Gautama
denominations: Tibetan, Zen, Theravada, Amidist
   Four Noble Truths: 
   There is suffering
   Attachment to desire is the orgin of suffering
   There is a cessation of suffering
   The Eightfold path will lead to the cessation of suffering

JUDAISM
14-18 million ninth largest in the world
Call themselves "Jews"
Located: Israel
Founder: Abraham
Holy book: Talmud, Torah
Beliefs: ethical monotheism - God is one, and concerned with the actions of humankind... Ten Commandments, 13 principles of Faith