This document provides an overview of major world religions including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam. It discusses their origins, key beliefs, practices, and how they have spread globally. The document uses text and images to concisely explain the history and basic tenets of each religion. It aims to educate readers on the diversity of religious traditions practiced around the world.

1. 1
Values and Beliefs:
Religions of the World
By: Dean Berry, Ed. D.
Georgia Berry, M.A.

2. • Free PowerPoint Version at
• Slideshare.com
• Type PPT title or dean r berry
2

3. 3
For thousands of years people in various parts
of the world practiced different forms of
religion. Most early beliefs had many gods
represented by different parts of the
environment such as the sun, moon, ocean,
trees, and animals.

4. 4
Today there are many different religions
throughout the world. The oldest of the modern
religions is Judaism which began in the area of
Palestine nearly 5,000 years ago. It was the
first religion to believe in only one God.

5. Discuss: Compare
and Contrast
• How does the Jewish
religion differ from
Christianity?
• How are they similar?
5

6. 6
The history and beliefs of Judaism
originated from the Old Testament of the
Bible.

7. According to the Bible, the Prophet Moses led
the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. During
Passover, a religious ceremony, members of
the Jewish faith celebrate their liberation from
bondage in Egypt.
7

8. Over 3,000 years ago God gave Moses
the Ten Commandments which
provided the basic rules by which
people should live their lives.

9. Which one of these commandments do
you think is the most important?

10. The Menorah is a symbolic
lampstand used in Jewish
celebrations such as Hanukkah,
an eight day religious holiday.

11. The Jewish place of worship is
called a synagogue.

12. Jerusalem is the holy city for
both Jews and Christians.

13. Let’s Review
Judaism
13

14. 14

15. 15
The next major religion, Hinduism, began
approximately 4,000 years ago in India.
Hindus worship thousands of gods and base
their social systems upon religious principles.

16. For over a thousand years, the people of
ancient India collected holy writings and hymns
in books of knowledge called Vedas. These
religious books were written in Sanskrit which
became the base language for all Indo-
European languages including English.
16

17. Most Hindus live in India.

18. One of the major beliefs of Hinduism is
reincarnation. Hindu people believe that when
they die their soul returns to earth in another
form as an animal or, hopefully, higher ranking
human being.
18

19. All Animals are sacred in India
and are never killed.

20. Discuss and Infer
Do you think restaurants like
Burger King or MacDonald’s
would be popular in India?
Why?
20

21. The Caste System
The Hindu religion established a very strict system of social
organization in which people were born into a specific social
class. Unskilled workers and servants were born into a lower
rank and had to stay in that caste until death and
reincarnation transported their souls to another form of life.
21

22. Hinduism worships many gods with
colorful costumes and ceremonies.

23. Hindus believe that good actions during
one’s life will create good Karma and
help move one closer to Nirvana.

24. Let’s Review
Hinduism
24

25. 25

26. Discuss: Reincarnation
• What does the concept of
reincarnation mean?
• Why might reincarnation
provide hope for the poor
and downtrodden?
26

27. 27
About 2,500 years ago another major religion
became important. Buddhism had some
similarities to Hinduism because they both
believed in reincarnation and the laws of
Karma.

28. About 500 B.C., Siddhartha Gautama
renounced possessions and created an
enlightened way of life. He became the
Buddha and preached four Noble Truths.

29. Buddha’s Truths proposed that suffering in
the world would be eliminated when people
ceased being selfish, greedy and jealous.

30. What do you think of
Buddha’s ideas?

31. Buddhism spread from India to Tibet and
China in the early years but gave way to
Hinduism in India in more recent times.

32. Both Buddhism and Hinduism share beliefs
in Karma, Nirvana, and Reincarnation.

33. Let’s Review
Buddhism
33

34. 34

35. 35
About the same time that Buddhism began in
India, the ancient Chinese created a form of
religion and philosophy known as
Confucianism which was named after their
inspirational leader, Confucius.

36. Confucianism was more of a way of life than a
religion since no gods or prophets were
included. Confucius taught people to search for
the answers to important moral questions about
life. Confucius believed that all leaders should
be virtuous, and that people should be obedient
to such leaders.
36

37. Discuss
Confucius taught that respect for
parents was one of the most
important principles in life.
What do you think?
37

38. Let’s Review
Confucianism
38

39. 39

40. Discuss and Classify
• Do you think Confucianism should
be considered a religion or a
philosophy of life?
• What are some major differences
between Confucianism and most
other religions?
40

41. Over 2,000 years ago, Judaism was followed by
a new Messiah. The Old Testament was still
important, but a new religion was forming.
41

42. 42
A little over 2,000 years ago Jesus of
Nazareth began spreading the word of God.
His teachings became the basis for the New
Testament of the Bible.

43. Jesus and his disciples spread
the word of God throughout the
kingdom.

44. Christianity is based on both the Old
Testament and the New Testament.

45. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus
Christ are an important events in Christianity.

46. As Christianity spread and gained followers, the
Roman Empire grew weaker. By A.D. 337,
Rome had its first Christian emperor,
Constantine. From this point on, the Catholic
Church spread throughout Europe.
46

47. For over 1500 years Christianity was
represented by the Catholic Church.

48. 48
However, by 1517, Martin Luther took issue
with the Catholic Church and eventually
created the Lutheran Church. From that
point, many other protestant churches came
about over the years.

49. How many Christian
churches and denominations
can you name?

50. Let’ Review the
Various Christian
Churches in America
50

51. 51

52. 52
The last major religion to be created was Islam
which started in Mecca about 1500 years ago.
The Muslim Holy book is the Quran and
specifies expected behavior for men and
women.

53. Islam originated with the Prophet Muhammad
who preached good deeds as necessary for
Muslims to reach paradise. Providing help to
the poor is an important principle of Islam.
53

54. Discuss
Which countries in the
world are considered
primarily Islamic?
54

55. The Five pillars of Islam are
very important to Muslims.

56. Under Islam god is called Allah.

57. Bowing and praying towards
Mecca five times daily is
expected of all Muslims.

58. Muslim women are expected to
cover their head and face in
public.

59. The Islamic place of worship is
called a Mosque.

60. Over 23% of the world’s population is Muslim.
There are two major denominations-Sunni and
Shia. Islam is the second largest religion in the
world and the fastest growing.
60

61. 61

62. Let’s Review
Islam
62

63. 63

64. 64
Today six major religions form the basis for
daily religious life for most people throughout
the world.

65. 65

66. The Five Major World Religions
Ted Ed 11 min Excellent!!!
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6dCx
o7t_aE
66

67. Origins of Religion
4 min Excellent!!
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9mF
Ngu6Cww
67

68. 5 Most Powerful Religions in the
World 6 min very good
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mayX
M4wSJhM
68

69. World’s 5 Major Religions
12 min great information very clear
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HybxZ
kMxZvQ
69

70. 70
Check-up and Review
Raise your green card if you believe
the statement is true or your red
card if you think it is false.

71. 71
True or False-1
The oldest modern
religion is Christianity
which began over
5,000 years ago.

72. 72
False-1

73. 73
True or False-2
Moses and the Ten
Commandments
are an important
part of Islam.

74. 74
False-2

75. 75
True or False-3
Both Hinduism and
Buddhism include
reincarnation and the
laws of Karma as part of
their religious beliefs.

76. 76
True-3

77. 77
True or False-4
The ancient Chinese
created a form of
religion and
philosophy known as
Confucianism.

78. 78
True-4

79. 79
True or False-5
Muslims use both
the Koran and the
Bible as part of their
Islamic religion.

80. 80
False-5

81. 81
True or False-6
Thirty years ago Martin
Luther King, Jr. broke
away from the Catholic
Church and created the
Lutheran Church.

82. 82
False-6

83. 83
True or False-7
The teachings of
Jesus became the
basis for the New
Testament of the
Bible.

84. 84
True-7

85. 85
True or False-8
Both Judaism and
Islam worship
thousands of
different gods.

86. 86
False-8

87. 87
True or False-9
Methodists, Baptists,
Catholics, and
Evangelists all use the
Old Testament and
the New Testament.

88. 88
True-9

89. 89
World Religions Test
1. Believes in one god, Allah and have a holy book called the
Koran
2. Includes Lutherans, Methodists and many others
3. Uses the Ten Commandments and the Old Testament and was
the 1st religion with one god
4. Worships thousands of gods and believes in reincarnation and a
social caste system
5. Monks live in monasteries and believe in Karma rather than
materialistic things
A. Christianity
B. Buddhism
C. Islam
D. Judaism
E. Hinduism

90. Brainstorm and Discuss
Why do you think so many
people belong to various
religious groups and
denominations?
How does religion help people?
Can religious differences create
problems in the world? 90

91. Report Back
Share Your Ideas
.
1. Let’s summarize possible answers to
our question about religious differences in
the world.
2. Include these ideas in your notes.
3. You may choose to use a graphic
organizer. 91

92. Brainstorm and Discuss
1. Name as many different churches or
religious groups in your area as you can.
How many were you able to name?
2. Share what you know about some of the
different churches in your area. How do you
know that your information is accurate?
92

93. Report Back
Share Your Ideas
.
1. Let’s summarize possible answers to
our question about local churches.
2. Include these ideas in your notes.
3. You may choose to use a graphic
organizer.
93

94. Stay in Group and Discuss
Would it be better if everyone in
America practiced the same
religion and had similar beliefs?
Should everyone in America
belong to the same religion?
Why?
94

95. Report Back
Share Your Ideas
.
1. Let’s summarize possible answers to
our question about religious beliefs in
America.
2. Include these ideas in your notes.
3. You may choose to use a graphic
organizer. 95

96. Conduct Research on the
Issues
• Use technology and text sources to research
the historical conflict between the Jewish and
Islamic people in the Middle East, and
recommend how the two religions might settle
their differences and live peacefully together.
• This will be a short research assignment and
should generate two or three pages of notes.
The notes will used during the next class
discussion to review ideas and solutions
and to write a proposal.
96

97. Essential Questions to
Guide Research
1. Why are Jerusalem and Palestine
areas of conflict for Jews and
Moslems?
2. How do the Jewish and Islamic
religions differ?
3. How are the two religions similar?
4. Why do the Palestinians want
there own country?
5. Why is Israel worried about Islamic
jihad?
6. What might happen if Israel
agreed to a Palestine homeland
where Palestinians currently
reside?

98. • The following slides provide
sources for the research projec
98

99. Arab Israeli Conflict
Jews Verses Moslems?
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab%E2%80
%93Israeli_conflict
99

100. Jewish View of Arab Israeli Conflict
• http://www.science.co.il/Arab-Israeli-
conflict.asp
100

101. Moslems and Jews Both Claim
Jerusalem
• http://www.aish.com/h/9av/j/Jerusalem_Je
wish_and_Muslim_Claims_to_the_Holy_Ci
ty.html
101

102. Chance for Peace in Middle
East?
• http://atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/MID
-05-231213.html
102

103. Causes of the Israeli/Palestinian
Conflict
• http://israelunlocked.wordpress.com/the-
basics/causes-of-the-israeli-palestinian-
conflict/
103

104. Roots of Conflict
• http://www.twopeoplesonefuture.org/backg
round/roots-of-conflict/
104

105. Arab-Israeli Conflict: Arab
Perspective
• http://www.islam-watch.org/Stunich/Roots-
of-Arab-Israeli-Conflict.htm
105

106. Facts and Logic: An Israeli
Perspective
• http://www.factsandlogic.org/ad_107.html
106

107. Middle East Peace Scenarios
• http://www.millennium-
project.org/millennium/ME-Peace-
Scenarios.html
107

108. The Peace Process
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_process
_in_the_Israeli%E2%80%93Palestinian_c
onflict
108

109. A Simple Solution
• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnew
s/middleeast/israel/9703026/The-Israel-
Palestine-problem-has-a-simple-
solution.html
109

110. How to Help the Peace Process
• http://www.meforum.org/213/how-to-help-
the-israelis-and-palestinians-reach
110

111. Middle East Project: Stanford
• http://www.stanford.edu/group/sper/image
s/Palestine-Israel_Primer_MERIP.pdf
111

112. Write a Proposal
Use your notes to write a
one or two page proposal
to recommend how the
Moslems and Jews in the
Middle East might be able
to set aside their
differences and live
peacefully with each other.
Provide specific information
to support your proposed
ideas with clearly
articulated arguments
and sufficient
evidence.
112

113. Your Proposal
• Define the
issue/problem
• Outline the details of
your argument
• Cite supporting
research
• Project possible
roadblocks
• Specify contingency
or back up plans
113

114. Develop a Writing Plan
• Determine what your
main point will be,
and write a topic
sentence that
provides focus for
your essay.
• Choose several main
ideas that support
your topic sentence.
• Sort your information
into supporting details
with facts and
examples.
114

115. Use the five
paragraph
essay
format to
write your
paper.
115

116. Details Must Support
the Main Ideas
• Provide
specific facts,
examples, and
reasons for
each main
idea in the
body of your
essay

117. Prepare to Write
• Use your outline and
write a five paragraph
essay on your topic.
• As you write your
rough draft, it will be
very important to use
special words that
enable you to
transition smoothly
from one idea to the
next.
117

118. Transition Words
As you view these
words, select the
words that help you
make transitions
smoothly from one
idea to the next.
• as a result
• such as
• for example
• nevertheless
• for that reason
• finally
• at this time
• therefore
• furthermore
• in addition
• in conclusion
• as well as
118

119. Review, Edit, and Rewrite
1. Re-read your essay several
times.
2. How can you improve your
sentences to communicate more
clearly?
3. Are your main ideas supported
by examples and details?
4. Exchange papers with another
student and read each other’s
essay out loud.
5. Make final corrections and
write the final draft of your
polished essay.
119

120. Explore the Issue
Do the major
religions help
societies maintain
social order, positive
values, and justice
for people? Provide
the pro’s and con’s
of this issue.
120

121. Evaluate and Present both Pro
and Con Positions
• In order to make a
convincing argument for or
against an idea or event, it
is very important to evaluate
the facts and see if they
support your position.
• The first step is to ask
relevant questions that will
guide your investigation of
the evidence.
121

122. Inquiring Minds Want to Know
Essential Questions
• Do the major religions support strong
family values?
• Do other religions believe in ideas that are
similar to the Ten Commandments?
• Do the major religions encourage followers
to contribute to the poor and unfortunate?
• Do the major religions believe in an after
life or a state of perfection that is achieved
by following religious principles?
122

123. Conduct the Research
• Identify specific questions
about the issue to guide
your investigation of the
facts.
• Determine if the evidence
is credible and supports
your main arguments.
• Use internet and book
sources to gather credible
information. 123

124. The Proof is in the Pudding
• The Issue: Do the major
religions help societies
maintain social order,
positive values, and justice
for all?
• Your assignment is to
research this issue, take a
position, support your
arguments with sufficient
evidence, and write a
report to convince others of
your point of view. 124

125. The following slides
provide sources for the
research project.

126. World Religions and Their
Impact on People and
Government
• http://www.newsbatch.com/religion.htm
126

127. The Social Impact of Religions
• http://cnx.org/content/m42975/latest/?colle
ction=col11407/latest
127

128. Religions and Social Justice
• http://www.religionconflictpeace.org/volum
e-1-issue-1-fall-2007/significance-
religions-social-justice-and-culture-peace
128

129. Religion, Poverty, and Social
justice
• http://www.crop.org/storypg.aspx?id=552&
MenuNode=634153123600125462&zone=
47
129

130. The Function of Religion in
Society
• http://robwrite.hubpages.com/hub/Religion
-in-Society
130

131. Functions of Religion for Society
• https://www.boundless.com/sociology/und
erstanding-religion/the-functionalist-
perspective/functions-of-religion/
131

132. Religions and Social Justice
• http://www.religionconflictpeace.org/volum
e-1-issue-1-fall-2007/significance-
religions-social-justice-and-culture-peace
132

133. Religion and Social Justice:
Huffington Post
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tag/religion-
and-social-justice
133

134. Islam and Social Justice
• http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-
faith-column/2007/05/peace-justice-islam-
god
134

135. Social Justice and Various
Religions
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice
135

136. Christianity and Social Justice
• http://www.openbible.info/topics/social_jus
tice
136

137. Judaism and Social Justice
• http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-
world/rabbis-round-table/social-justice-lies-
at-the-heart-of-the-jewish-people-
1.447878
137

138. Hinduism and Social Justice
• http://hinduism.iskcon.org/lifestyle/903.htm
138

139. Develop a Writing Plan
• Determine what your
main point will be, and
write a topic sentence
that provides focus for
your essay.
• Choose several main
ideas that support your
topic sentence.
• Sort your information
into supporting details
with facts and
examples. 139

140. Use the five
paragraph
essay to write
your paper.
140

141. Relevance to the Real World
• The final conclusion of your paper should
explain why your point of view on the issue is
important for the future. Answer these questions
as you write your conclusion.
• 1. Why is your issue important to our world?
• 2. Why should anyone care about it?
• 3. What would be the negative results if your
recommendations are not followed?

142. Details Must Support the
Main Ideas
Provide specific
facts, examples,
and reasons for
each main idea
in the body of
your essay

143. Prepare to Write
• Use your outline and
write a five paragraph
essay on your topic.
• As you write your
rough draft, it will be
very important to use
special words that
enable you to
transition smoothly
from one idea to the
next.
143

144. Transition Words
As you view these
words, select the
words that help you
make transitions
smoothly from one
idea to the next.
• as a result
• such as
• for example
• nevertheless
• for that reason
• finally
• at this time
• therefore
• furthermore
• in addition
• in conclusion
• as well as
144

145. Review, Edit, and Rewrite
1. Re-read your essay several times.
2. How can you improve your sentences to
communicate more clearly?
3. Are your main ideas supported by examples
and details?
4. Exchange papers with another student and
read each other’s essay out loud.
5. Make final corrections and write the final
draft of your polished essay.
145

146. Conducting Your
Research
Gather Information to
compare and contrast
two different world
religions. Explore
their historical
development, major
beliefs, and affect on
society.

147. Select Your Topic
Discuss your
topic with your
teacher before
beginning your
research project.
147

148. Extend Your Knowledge
of the Topic
Participate in an in-depth
study of the topic. Identify
4-6 internet or print
resources that provide
helpful information
regarding your topic.
Review your notes and
develop several
questions that you would
like to explore about your
topic.
148

149. Essential Questions to
Guide Your Research
• 1. Did this religion use any ideas that may have
been borrowed from earlier religions?
• 2. Do the beliefs of the religion provide a positive
set of values to guide the lives of believers?
• 3. Do the beliefs of the religion encourage equal
treatment of all people?
• 4. Does the religion encourage followers to make
it a priority to help the poor and downtrodden?
149

150. Overview of Islam
• http://www.greenstar.org/Islam/
150

151. Overview of Christianity
• http://www.patheos.com/Library/Christianit
y.html
151

152. Information On All World
Religions
• http://www.religionfacts.com/
152

153. The Jewish Virtual Library
• https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource
/vie/viereltoc.html
153

154. About Buddhism
• http://www.aboutbuddhism.org/
154

155. The History of Christianity in
America
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Chri
stianity_in_the_United_States
155

156. The History of Christianity
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity
156

157. BBC: Buddhism
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/bud
dhism/
157

158. BBC: Christianity
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/chri
stianity/
158

159. BBC: Islam
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/isla
m/
159

160. BBC: Hinduism
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hind
uism/
160

161. BBC: Judaism
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/juda
ism/
161

162. The Buddhist Center
• https://thebuddhistcentre.com/buddhism
162

163. About Hinduism
• http://www.himalayanacademy.com/readle
arn/basics/nine-beliefs
163

164. About Confucianism
• http://www.patheos.com/Library/Confucian
ism.html
164

165. Your Essay Topic
Organize your ideas and
prepare to write an essay
comparing and contrasting two
different world religions.
Compare their historical
development, major beliefs, and
affect on society.

166. Organize Your Ideas
• Review all of your notes
from the presentations,
group discussions, and
research notes.
• Select the most important
ideas.
• Choose facts and
examples to support each
important idea

167. Develop a Writing Plan
• Determine what your
main point will be, and
write a topic sentence
that provides focus for
your essay.
• Choose several main
ideas that support your
topic sentence.
• Sort your information
into supporting details
with facts and
examples.

168. Details Must Support the
Main Ideas
Provide specific
facts,
examples, and
reasons for
each main idea
in the body of
your essay

169. Write the Rough Draft
Use the Five
Paragraph
format that
includes an
Introductory
Paragraph,
Body, and
Conclusion

170. Prepare to Write
• Write a five paragraph essay
comparing and contrasting two
world religions.
• As you write your rough draft, it
will be very important to use
special words that enable you to
transition smoothly from one idea
to the next. 170

171. Transition Words
As you view these
words, select the
words that help you
make transitions
smoothly from one
idea to the next.
• as a result
• such as
• for example
• nevertheless
• for that reason
• finally
• at this time
• therefore
• furthermore
• in addition
• in conclusion
• as well as 171

172. Review, Edit, and Rewrite
1. Re-read your essay several times.
2. How can you improve your
sentences to communicate more
clearly?
3. Are your main ideas supported by
examples and details?
4. Exchange papers with another
student and read each other’s essay
out loud.
5. Make final corrections and write
the final draft of your polished essay.

173. Unit Assessment
• The common core standards assessment includes the
following:
• PowerPoint Notes
• Research Project One: Notes, Proposal and Participation
• Research Project Two: Notes and Research Paper
• Research project Three: Three Pages of Notes
• Research Topic Essay
• Project
• Final Unit Test
173

174. Final Unit Test
.1. Select two world religions and compare and
contrast their beliefs and customs. Provide
examples and details to support your main points.
2.Conflict in the Middle East between Moslems
and Jews has revolved around the desire for
territory and differences in their religious beliefs.
Evaluate the Middle Eastern problem between the
two religious groups, and describe a potential plan
for peace. 174

175. • 3. Evaluate the beliefs and practices of the
major world religions and determine
whether or not they help maintain social
order, positive values, and justice for all.
Support your main arguments with
examples and details.
175

176. 176

177. 177

178. 178

179. 179

180. 180

181. 181

182. 182