World religions

• What is a religion defined as?

  A set of beliefs in an ultimate reality and a set of practices used to express those beliefs
• Why is religion considered a key component of culture?

  Because it influences values, norms, and practices within a society
• What are some common aspects of religions?

  • Special celebrations
  • Worship styles
  • Sacred texts
  • Symbols
  • Sacred sites
• How do the aspects of religion help its followers?

  They help to unite followers regardless of their location
• What role do sacred texts play in religions?

  They provide guidance and teachings for followers
• What is the significance of symbols in religion?

  They represent beliefs and values of the religion
• What is the purpose of sacred sites in religions?

  They serve as places of worship and pilgrimage
• How do celebrations in religions contribute to community bonding?

  They bring followers together to share experiences and reinforce beliefs
• In what ways can worship styles vary among different religions?

  They can differ in rituals, music, and forms of prayer
• What is the relationship between religion and culture?

  Religion is a key component of culture
• How does the concept of ultimate reality differ among religions?

  It varies based on the beliefs and teachings of each religion
• What is animism?

  Belief that spirits inhabit natural objects and forces of nature
• What does atheism refer to?

  Disbelief in the existence of any god
• What is monotheism?

  Belief in one god
• What does polytheism mean?

  Belief in more than one god
• What is secularism?

  Belief that life's questions can be answered apart from religious belief
• What is a sect?

  A subdivision within a religion that has its own distinctive beliefs and/or practices
• Why do we study religion?

  Because it is an important component of culture.
• How does religion shape people's interactions?

  It influences how people interact with one another, dress, and eat.
• What role does religion play in a region's culture?

  It is at the core of the belief system of that culture.
• What factors have caused the diffusion of religion throughout the world?

  Migration, missionary work, trade, and war.
• Which three major religions spread through missionary activities?

  Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.
• How are religions like Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism typically characterized?


  They are associated with a particular culture group and followers are usually born into them.
• What can result from close contact and differences in beliefs between religious groups?

  Conflict between those religious groups.
• What is the percentage of the world population that follows Sikhism?

  0.4%
• What are the percentages of the world population that follow Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam?

  • Buddhism: 6%
  • Hinduism: 13%
  • Islam: 22%
• What is the percentage of the world population that identifies as nonreligious or atheist?

  15%
• What is the percentage of the world population that follows Judaism?

  0.2%
• What is the percentage of the world population that follows Confucianism?

  6%
• What is the percentage of the world population that follows other religions?

  7%
• How does the diffusion of religion relate to cultural interactions?

  It shows how cultural exchanges can lead to the spread of beliefs and practices.
• Who is Siddhartha Gautama known as?


  The "Awakened One"
• What significant event occurred in the 5th century B.C.E. related to Siddhartha Gautama?

  He achieved enlightenment and learned the truth of life.
• What is Nirvana in Buddhism?

  A state of release from suffering.
• How can one achieve Nirvana according to Buddhism?

  By following the Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
• What are the Noble Truths in Buddhism?

  • The truth of suffering (Dukkha)
  • The truth of the cause of suffering (Samudaya)
  • The truth of the end of suffering (Nirodha)
  • The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering (Magga)
• What do the Buddha's teachings help followers understand?

  The nature of suffering and its causes.
• What is the effect of accepting Buddhism according to the text?

  People overcome ignorance and unhappiness.
• What are the two largest branches of Buddhism?

  • Theravada: Found in Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
  • Mahayana: Dominant in Tibet, Central Asia, Korea, China, and Japan.
• What is the authoritative collection of Buddhist texts for Theravada Buddhists?

  The Tripitaka.