An interactive keynote with embedded links giving a brief overview of some of the basic elements of 5 major religions.

1. Exploring Religions of the W0rld
RELIGIOUS
DEITIES
TEXTS
PLACES OF BASIC
WORSHIP BELIEFS
THE RELIGIOUS
AFTERLIFE FESITVALS
HISTORY
OF THE
RELIGION
Click on each topic to explore these various aspects
of five major world religions...

2. HISTORY
Judaism Hinduism
Buddhism
Islam
Christianity
TOPIC LIST Click each bubble to explore the histories NEXT TOPIC
of the different religions...

3. BUDDHISM
- HISTORY
Buddhism gets its name "om the word
Buddha, which is not a name, but a
title given to Siddhartha Gautama.
It means the enlightened one.
Enlightened is a special
understanding; it means realizing the
truth about the way things are.
There are many forms of this ancient
religion "om India, which dates back
to 535 BC.
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4. CHRISTIANITY
- HISTORY
The Christian Religion was
founded over 2000 years ago
out of the Jewish religion.
It centers around the birth of
Jesus Christ who
Christians believe is the son of
God.
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5. ISLAM
- HISTORY
The history of Islam centers around one person, Mohammed.
He was born in Mecca (a town in Saudi Arabia) around 570
A.D. (a*er the birth of the founder of the Christian religion,
Jesus Christ).
He was raised by his extended family a*er the death of his
parents.
As he grew, he became dissatisfied with polytheism
(honoring of many different gods).
He came to believe in one God, A,ah. He began to have
religious visions around age 40. During these visions,
Muhammad would receive "messages" or "revelations" "om
God (A,ah). He would memorize them and teach them to his
fo,owers.
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6. JUDAISM - HISTORY
The Jewish religion is an ancient religion founded
by our forefather Abraham close to 4000 years ago.
It was approximately 400 years later that the
descendants of Abraham (through his son Isaac)
received the 10 commandments and the Torah
"om God at Mount Sinai and became a nation.
Throughout its history the Jewish people have
unfortunately suffered terrible persecution and
anti-Semitism
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7. HINDUISM - HISTORY
Hinduism is a co,ective term applied to the many
philosophical and religious traditions native to
India.
Hinduism has neither a specific moment of origin
nor a specific founder. Rather, the tradition
understands itself to be timeless, having always
existed. It is a complex tradition that encompasses
numerous interrelated religious doctrines and
practices
Indeed, its co,ection of sacred texts is known, as a
whole, as Sanatana Dharma, "The Eternal
Teaching."
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8. DEITIES
Hinduism
Judaism
Buddhism Islam
Christianity
TOPIC LIST Click each bubble to explore the deities NEXT TOPIC
of the different religions...

9. JUDAISM - DEITIES
Judaism is a monotheistic religion.
God is believed to be the one and eternal
creator of the universe.
There are many titles for God, a, of them
trying to describe some attribute or
attributes, but no real name as he is not fu,y
knowable by our finite minds.
The most commonly used title is ‫יהוה‬
(YHVH - or Yahweh)
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10. BUDDHISM - DEITIES
Buddhists believe in no
god, but offerings are
o*en made to statues of
Buddha (the
enlightened one and
founder of Buddhism)
in honour of his
teachings.
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11. CHRISTIANITY
- DEITIES
According to
Christianity there is only
one God
God is in the form of
The Holy Trinity,
namely God the Father,
Jesus Christ the Son and
the Holy Spirit.
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12. HINDUISM - DEITIES
Within Hinduism a large number of
personal gods (Ishvaras) are worshipped as
murtis.
These beings are significantly powerful
entities known as devas.
The exact nature of belief in regards to
each deity varies between differing Hindu
denominations and philosophies.
O*en these beings are depicted in
humanoid or partia,y humanoid forms,
complete with a set of unique and complex
iconography in each case.
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13. ISLAM - DEITIES
Islam is a monotheistic religion
The God of Abraham [peace and blessings be
upon him] is the God of Islam.
In Arabic, god=ilah but God (with a capital
"g") means A,ah.
A,ah is believed to have created everything,
to be perfect to know everything and see
everything.
A fundamental pi,ar of faith in Islam is to
declare that "there is no deity worthy of
worship except the One True Almighty God"
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14. BASIC BELIEFS
Hinduism
Judaism
Buddhism Islam
Christianity
TOPIC LIST Click each bubble to explore the basic beliefs NEXT TOPIC
of the different religions...

15. JUDAISM - BASIC BELIEFS
Judaism is a monotheistic faith, meaning that
Jews believe there is only One God who is our
everyday lives
Judaism teaches that every person (Jewish and
non-Jewish) was created "b'tzelem Elohim,"
which is Hebrew for "in the image of God." For
this reason every person is equa,y important and
has an infinite potential to do good in the world
Judaism believes that Jews are uniquely
connected with each other. Regardless of where
we live in the world, a, Jews are part of a
global Jewish community.
The Jews believe in the Ten Commandments
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16. CHRISTIANITY
- BASIC BELIEFS
Although Christianity is divided into numerous
denominations with different practices, the central
belief of Christianity can be summed up in The
Apostles Creed:
“I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
He went down to the dead. On the 3rd day he rose
again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the
right hand of the Father. He wi, come again to
judge the living and the dead.”
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17. BUDDHISM
- BASIC BELIEFS
The basis of Buddha’s teachings are
the Four Noble Truths and The
Eightfold Path.
A, Buddhists believe that
understanding the Four Noble truths
and developing only good qualities,
wi, make their lives truly peaceful
and happy. In the end it wi, lead to
everlasting peace and happiness of
enlightment, which is also ca,ed
Buddhahood.
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18. BUDDHISM - The Four Noble Truths
Life is Dukkha (suffering). In this world nothing lasts. Everything are momentary (not lasting), they pass
away, or are of short duration. There is no permanent happiness in this world.
Suffering is caused by selfishness and greed (the origin of Dukkha is desire). Suffering happens because
people want more and more, and they are never satisfied. They become greedy and selfish. They always want
things they do not have.
Selfishness and greed can be stopped (Nirvana is the ending of Dukkha). Suffering and restlessness wi,
stop if we overcome selfishness and greed.
The way to stop selfishness and greed is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. The noble Eightfold
path is shown as a wheel with 8 spokes which represents 8 ways in which Buddhists try to lead a better life by
developing morality, concentration and wisdom. The Buddha advised people to fo,ow the Middle Way to reach
a deep inner peace, ca,ed Nirvana. By this he meant that people should not live a life of luxury, by over-eating,
over-drinking and having too much of everything. He also stated that people should not starve themselves or
punish their bodies. He warned of extremes and stressed the secret to fo,ow, namely the middle way.
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19. BUDDHISM - The EIGHTFOLD path
Right viewpoint (the right way of thinking)
Right thought (to be able to think is a gi* and power, it is important to use it in the right way.)
Right speech (do not gossip and say bad things, talk with wisdom)
Right actions (do the right things)
Right living (lives your life to the best of your ability and does a job which is useful and do not harm others.)
Right effort (do your best at a, times, including ongoing training, avoiding bad things and working hard to do
we,).
Right awareness (Control your mind so that you can see things around you in the right way).
Right concentration (concentrate on what you do by meditating. This must be "ee "om mental disturbances such as
anxiety, worry, envy, ambition and greed.)
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20. ISLAM
- BASIC BELIEFS
God is the absolute, the Alone. He is
supreme. He alone is the creator, the
Eternal. No vision can grasp Him.
Muslims believe in the virgin birth of
Jesus and the angels created by God
an that Jesus is a great prophet who
had the power to work miracles. But
they do not believe that Jesus is the
son of God – in other words a person
in Blessed Trinity and that Jesus died
on the cross to save people "om their
sins.
There are FIVE PILLARS of Islam.
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21. The FIVE PILLARS of ISLAM
The five pi,ars of faith are observances in Islam which are duties each Muslim must perform.
1. Shahadah - Declaring faith is the most important part of the faith of the Muslims. They believe that by
reciting: “There is no God but A,ah, and Muhammad is his Prophet ", and having a sincere belief in this truth,
wi, help them to obey a, the commands of A,ah. publicly to become a Muslim. These are the first words
whispered in a newborn’s ears, and the last words uttered before they die.
2. Salah - Prayer - Prayer must be done five times a day (upon rising, at noon, in mid-a*ernoon, a*er sunset,
and before going to sleep) towards the direction of Mecca. The ca, to prayer is sounded by the muezzin (Muslim
crier) "om a tower (minaret) within the mosque. The Muslims most important day and time to pray together is
on Friday at lunchtime. Friday is the Muslims holy day. If it is a, possible, Muslims wash their hands, arms up
to the elbows, mouths, noses, ears, faces, heads and feet, in a special way. This ritual is a reminder that A,ah is
pure in a, things and Muslims should try and live pure and clean lives.
3. Zakah – Giving to those in need - Muslims are lega,y required to give 2% of their savings to the needy. The
aim is to purify "om greed, help needy travelers, to win people over to the Islamic religion, to "ee captives and to
"ee people "om debt.
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22. The FIVE PILLARS of ISLAM
4. Swam - Fasting in the Month of Ramadan: Every year in the month of Ramadan, a, Muslims fast "om
dawn until sundown, abstaining "om food, drink, and sexual relations. Only children, the elderly, the sick and
pregnant woman are not supposed to fast. Although the fast is beneficial to health, it is regarded principa,y as
a method of spiritual self-purification. By cutting oneself off "om worldly comforts, even for a short time, a
fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry, as we, as growth in his or her spiritual life.
5. Hajj – Pilgrimage: Each Muslim is expected to make the pilgrimage (a journey in search of a deeper
understanding of God) to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do it and are physica,y
capable of the trip. It involves a set of rituals and ceremonies including the wearing of a white pilgrim dress to
emphasize simplicity, purity and equality. The pilgrimage end with the Festival of Sacrafice , Eid Al-Adha,
which is celebrated with prayers. Each family offers an animal for sacrifice. Most of the meat is given to the
poor, while the rest is shared with "iends, relatives and family.
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23. HINDUISM - BASIC BELIEFS
Hinduism is not an organized religion and has no
single, systematic approach to teaching its value
system. Nor do Hindus have a simple set of rules to
fo,ow like the Ten Commandments.
Yet a common thread among a, these variations is
belief in a Supreme Being and adherence to certain
concepts such as Truth, dharma, and karma.
Everyone should strive to achieve dharma – right
conduct, righteousness, moral law and duty.
Individual souls are immortal. The goal of the
individual soul is moksha – liberation "om the cycle
of birth and death.
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24. PLACES OF WORSHIP
Hinduism
Judaism
Buddhism Islam
Christianity
TOPIC LIST Click each bubble to explore the places of worship NEXT TOPIC
of the different religions...

25. JUDAISM
- PLACES OF WORSHIP
Jewish people celebrate the Sabbath,
their day of worship and rest, in a
festive way at a home and in their
synagogues.
The word “synagogue” comes "om
the Greek word “synagein” which
means “to bring together”.
When Jews enter the synagogue,
they thank God that they can
worship Him. They bow towards
the ark.
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26. CHRISTIANITY
PLACES OF WORSHIP
The Christian holy day is on a
Sunday (Sabbath). This is a day of
rest and worshipping God.
Today many Christians meet in
whatever kind of place is
available, whether it is a rented
ha,, a classroom, or even any open
space. Christian religious
buildings differ a great deal.
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27. ISLAM
- PLACES OF WORSHIP
The Muslims place of worship is ca,ed
a Mosque.
On the top of the Mosque’s roof is a
Minaret, a ta, tower, "om which the
ca, to prayer is given.
Before entering the mosque, Muslims
take off their shoes and perform the
ritual washings.
People are expected to behave quietly
and respectfu,y at a, times, even if
prayer is not taking place.
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28. BUDDHISM
- PLACES OF WORSHIP
When Buddhists meet as a group for worship,
they usua,y go to the shrine room, which is
beautifu,y decorated and contains an image of
the Buddha.
There are no seats; so worshippers sit on the floor.
Buddhists o*en offer gi*s or flowers and light.
In a temple, monks usua,y lead the service. The
people watch and meditate, and at times repeat
set words and chants a*er the monks. At the end
of the worship, Buddhists o*en stay and drink
specia,y-prepared tea "om beautiful crockery.
They like the idea of being surrounded by peace
and beauty.
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29. HINDUISM - PLACES OF WORSHIP
A Mandir, Kovil , Devalayam, Deul or a Hindu
temple is a place of worship for fo,owers of
Hinduism.
A characteristic of most temples is the presence of
murtis (statues) of the Hindu deity to whom the
temple is dedicated.
Many temples are in key geographical points, such as
a hi, top, near waterfa,s, caves and rivers, as these
are sattvik places and make it easier to contemplate
God
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30. RELIGIOUS TEXTS
Hinduism
Judaism
Buddhism Islam
Christianity
TOPIC LIST Click each bubble to explore the texts NEXT TOPIC
of the different religions...

31. CHRISTIANITY
RELIGIOUS TEXTS
The Holy Scripture of Christianity
is known as the Bible.
The Bible consists of two parts -
the Old and the New testaments.
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32. JUDAISM
- RELIGIOUS TEXTS
The Torah is composed out of 5 books revealed to
Moses on the Mount Sinai. It’s the record of the
formation of the Jewish people and their encounter
with God in history.
It is written on a scro, (a long ro, of parchment,
which has a wooden ro,er at each end). Before or
a*er the Torah is read, it is raised high and shown
in 4 directions. Sometimes it is paraded around the
people to touch it
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33. BUDDHISM
- RELIGIOUS TEXTS
The Tipitaka, which is divided into
three sections, is the fundamental
scripture of Buddhism and considered
as the complete teachings of Buddha.
Buddha’s disciples ora,y passed down
the content of the Tipitaka.
The three sections contain, rules and
regulations for Buddhist monks and
nuns, the actual experiences of
Buddha and teaching on the
Theravada positions "om Buddha's
teaching.
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34. ISLAM
- RELIGIOUS TEXTS
The basis for Islamic doctrine is
found in the Qur'an (Koran).
It is the scripture of Islam,
written by Muhammad and his
disciples as dictated by the Angel
Gabriel.
For Muslims, the Qur'an is the
word of God, and he carrier of
the revelation of Muhammad, the
last and most perfect of God's
messengers to mankind.
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35. HINDUISM - RELIGIOUS TEXTS
Hindu literature can be divided into
two categories.
Shruti–that which is revealed
Smriti–that which is remembered.
The Vedas constituting the Shruti are
considered sacred scripture.
The Bhagavad Gita is considered to
be revered scripture by most Hindus
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36. RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
Hinduism
Judaism
Buddhism Islam
Christianity
TOPIC LIST Click each bubble to explore the religious festivals NEXT TOPIC
of the different religions...

37. CHRISTIANITY
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
Christians celebrate Holy Communion on Sundays in church
by drinking wine and eating bread (symbolises His body and
blood that flowed on the cross).
Baptism is another ritual regularly practiced and initiates a
new member into the faith, the submersion into water again
echoing Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Weddings and funerals are conducted by a priest. Marriages
are only between 1 woman and 1 man and involve prayer
and commitment "om the bridal couple to live according to
God’s law.
Christmas on 25 December celebrates the birth of Jesus.
Easter celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus.
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38. JUDAISM
- RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
The primary Jewish festival is observing the Sabbath or Day of Rest. It starts at
sunset on Friday night and ends just a*er sunset on Saturday night. The period is
dedicated to God through prayer and relaxation, and a, creative work is
forbidden.
Passover is a special time when a special meal is eaten and prayers said to
commemorate God’s liberation of the Jews "om slavery in Egypt.
A, Jewish boys are circumcised when they are 8 days old.
When girls turn 12 “bat mitzvah” and boys turn 13 “bar mitzvah” they are
regarded as adults and are responsible for their religious activity. A public
celebration is held, Bar mitzvah, for boys who read a passage "om the Torah in
"ont of their elders. Coming of age for girls are usua,y private family affairs.
Marriage is viewed as a contract between a couples. A man is not complete until
he is married and it’s regarded as a religious obligation to find a “soul mate” and
have children. They believe in Monogamy (marriage between only one man and
one woman.
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39. ISLAM
- RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
There are only two Muslim festivals set down in Islamic law: Eid-ul-Fitr and
Eid-ul-Adha. But there are also several other special days which Muslims
celebrate.
Al-Hijra – The Islamic New Year’s Day. This festival commemorates the Hijra
when the Prophet Muhammad moved "om Mecca to Medina.
Day of Hajj – Muslims gather "om around the world in pilgram garb that
emphasises the common humanity of a, people. A, are equal in the worship of
God, irrespective of race, class, status or wealth.
Eid-ul-Adha –3 This festival marks the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage). It is
celebrated by a, Muslims, not just those who are on the pilgrimage. Animals are
sacrificed and a third of the meat given to those who are poor.
Ramadan – (February 10 to March 12) Muslims fast daily in obedience to God.
From before dawn until sunset. Abstention teaches them patience and
compassion for the poor.
Eid-ul-Fitr – Muslims celebrate the end of the month of fasting (Ramadan) with
prayer. It is a time to foster ties with family and "iends. Charity is an
important aspect of this day.
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40. BUDDHISM
- RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
Buddhist New Year
Vesak - Buddah’s Birthday. First fu, moon of May
Magha Puja Day. Commemorates the most important event in the life of Buddha.
Asalha Puja Day - reca,s and shows respect to the Buddha’s first teaching.
Uposatha - The four holy days in each month. Celebrated by fasting.
Kathina Ceremony - new robes are offered to Buddhists monks.
Abhidhamma Day - celebrates t when the Buddha is said to have gone to the
Heaven.
Songkran - People clean their houses and wash their clothes and enjoy sprinkling
perfumed water on the monks.
Loy Krathong - a festival to get rid of bad luck
The Ploughing Festival
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41. HINDUISM - RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
Among the most important Hindu
festivals are Makar Sankranti,
Shivratri, Holi, Onam, Ganesh
Chaturthi, Dussehra, and Diwali -
a festival of light.
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42. LIFE AFTER DEATH
Hinduism
Judaism
Buddhism Islam
Christianity
Click each bubble to explore each religion’s beliefs
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about the a*erlife

43. BUDDHISM
- BELIEFS ABOUT THE AFTERLIFE
Buddhists belief in
reincarnation (continual
rebirth until they reach
Buddhahood)
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44. CHRISTIANITY
- BELIEFS ABOUT THE AFTERLIFE
For Christians, eternal faith in God and
pious behavior during life leads to the soul’s
resurrection into Heaven in the a*erlife.
Their beliefs emphasize forgiveness,
repentance, and judgment a*er death.
If people have properly repented their sins
to God, their souls wi, spend eternity in
Heaven, but those who have led a sinful
life with no penitence may be sent to He,
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45. JUDAISM
- LIFE AFTER DEATH
Traditional Judaism firmly believes
that death is not the end of human
existence.
However, because Judaism is primarily
focused on life here and now rather
than on the a*erlife, Judaism does not
have much dogma about the a*erlife,
and leaves a great deal of room for
personal opinion
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46. ISLAM
- THE AFTERLIFE
Like Christianity, Islam teaches the continued
existence of the soul and a transformed
physical existence a*er death.
Muslims believe there wi, be a day of
judgment when a, humans wi, be divided
between the eternal destinations of Paradise
and He,.
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47. HINDUISM -
BELIEFS ABOUT THE AFTERLIFE
Hindu’s believe that time is cyclical. This means
they believe people do not live and die just once
but are reborn a number of times before reaching
their final state. This is ca,ed reincarnation.
The process of being being born, growing, dying
and being reborn again for Hindus is ca,ed
'samsara'.
The aim of every Hindu is "eedom "om this
cycle in order to be in the presence of God, or
become one with God (moksha). In order to get
"eedom "om samsara Hindus believe they must
co,ect good karma.
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