Monotheism and Major Religions

Monotheism

• The belief in one God
• Three major monotheistic religions include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
• These religions are practiced by a majority of people around the world.

Judaism

• Has approximately 15 million followers.
• Considered the first of the three major monotheistic religions.
• Key figures: Abraham and Moses.
• Abraham made a covenant with God to prove his loyalty.
• Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.
• Follows the Old Testament and the Torah, their holy book.
• The story of Moses leading the Jews out of slavery in Egypt and across the Red Sea is an important part of the religion.
• The Jews wandered in the desert for 40 years before finding Israel.
• Basic beliefs of Judaism include honoring the Sabbath:
  • Conservative Jews abstain from work and adhere to strict dietary and lifestyle rules during the Sabbath.
• Synagogue: Jewish temple
• Rabbi: Jewish priest.

Christianity

• A continuation of Judaism with new beliefs.
• Christians believe in the prophecies of the Old Testament stating that God would send a son to save humanity.
• Jesus is believed to be the son of God.
• The New Testament chronicles the life of Christ.
• Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem.
• Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross to redeem human sins and offer a path to salvation and eternal life in heaven.
• The Holy Trinity: God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• Christians believe in the Ten Commandments, honoring the Sabbath (Sunday), and attending church.
• There are many denominations of Christianity including the Catholic Church, Protestants, Lutherans, and Methodists.
• Key tenets of Christianity: Accepting Jesus as savior leads to salvation.

Islam

• A continuation of Judaism and Christianity with new beliefs.
• Muslims accept Jesus and Moses as prophets, but do not believe Jesus is the son of God.
• The founder and prophet of Islam is Muhammad.
• Began in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 622 AD.
• The holy book of Islam is the Quran, written by Muhammad.
• Muslims follow the five pillars of Islam:
  • Profession of faith: Proclaiming belief in Allah and Muhammad.
  • Prayer: Daily prayer facing Mecca, five times a day.
  • Charity: Donating a portion of income to charitable causes.
  • Fasting: Abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan.
  • Pilgrimage to Mecca: A journey to Mecca during one's lifetime if physically and financially possible.
• Mosque: Place of worship for Muslims.
• Imam: Muslim prayer leader.
• There are various sects of Islam: Traditional, conservative, radical, and moderate.