Religions

• What is the origin of Hinduism?


  No single founder; originated in the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300-1300 BCE)
• Who founded Buddhism?

  Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
• When did Christianity originate?


  In the 1st century CE in Judea
• Who is the founder of Islam?


  Prophet Muhammad
• What is the chronological order of the origins of these religions from oldest to youngest?

  Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam
• What are the core beliefs of Hinduism?

  • **Brahman**: Ultimate reality or cosmic soul
  • **Atman**: Individual soul
  • **Karma**: Actions and their consequences
  • **Dharma**: Moral and religious duty
  • **Reincarnation**: Cycle of rebirth
  • **Moksha**: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth
• What are the core beliefs of Buddhism?

  • **Four Noble Truths**:

  1. Life is suffering
  2. Suffering arises from attachment and desire
  3. Suffering can be overcome
  4. The Eightfold Path is the way to overcome suffering

  • **Eightfold Path**: Right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration
  • **Nirvana**: State of enlightenment and liberation from suffering
  • **Middle Way**: Path of moderation
• What are the core beliefs of Christianity?

  • **Monotheism**: Belief in one God
  • **Trinity**: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), Holy Spirit
  • **Salvation**: Through faith in Jesus Christ
  • **Resurrection**: Belief in Jesus' resurrection
  • **Grace**: Free and unmerited favor of God
  • **Bible**: Sacred text consisting of Old and New Testaments
• What are the core beliefs of Islam?

  • **Tawhid**: Oneness of Allah
  • **Five Pillars**: Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj
  • **Prophethood**: Muhammad as the final prophet
  • **Day of Judgment**: Belief in final judgment and afterlife
  • **Quran**: Holy book of Islam
  • **Sharia**: Islamic law
• What are the main sacred texts of Hinduism?

  • **Vedas**: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, Atharva Veda
  • **Upanishads**: Philosophical texts
  • **Bhagavad Gita**: Part of the Mahabharata
• What are the main sacred texts of Buddhism?

  • **Tripitaka** (Pali Canon): Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka
  • **Mahayana sutras**: Heart Sutra, Lotus Sutra
• What is the main sacred text of Christianity?

  • **Bible**: Old Testament and New Testament
• What is the main sacred text of Islam?


  • **Quran**: Direct word of Allah
  • **Hadith**: Sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad
• What is the significance of the Vedas in Hinduism?


  The Vedas are the oldest and most authoritative texts in Hinduism.
• What does the Tripitaka represent in Buddhism?


  The Tripitaka is the earliest collection of Buddhist teachings.
• What is the structure of the Christian Bible?


  The Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament.
• What is the role of the Quran in Islam?


  The Quran is considered the direct word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
• What are the four Gospels in the New Testament?


  Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
• What is the Acts of the Apostles?


  A book in the New Testament detailing the early church's history
• What are Epistles?


  Letters written by apostles to early Christian communities
• What is the Book of Revelation?


  The last book of the New Testament, containing apocalyptic visions
• What is the Quran in Islam?


  The central religious text believed to be the direct word of Allah
• What is Hadith in Islam?


  Collections of sayings and actions attributed to Prophet Muhammad
• What are the main sacred texts associated with major world religions?

  • Hinduism: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita
  • Buddhism: Tripitaka
  • Christianity: Bible (Old and New Testaments)
  • Islam: Quran, Hadith
• Why are worship practices and rituals important in religions?


  They provide structure and meaning to followers' religious lives
• What are the key worship practices in Hinduism?


  • Puja: Devotional worship
  • Yoga: Spiritual and physical practices
  • Meditation: Various forms
  • Festivals: Diwali, Holi
  • Pilgrimage: Visits to holy sites
• What are the key worship practices in Buddhism?

  • Meditation: Central practice
  • Chanting: Recitation of sutras
  • Offerings: Presenting items to Buddha
  • Monastic life: Becoming monks or nuns
  • Festivals: Vesak (Buddha's birthday)
• What are the key worship practices in Christianity?


  • Prayer: Communication with God
  • Worship services: Regular gatherings
  • Sacraments: Baptism and communion
  • Bible study: Reading scripture
  • Holidays: Christmas and Easter
• What are the key worship practices in Islam?


  • Salah: Five daily prayers
  • Wudu: Ritual washing
  • Jumu'ah: Congregational prayer on Fridays
  • Ramadan: Month of fasting
  • Eid celebrations: Festivals marking the end of Ramadan
• How did Hinduism spread?


  Mainly through cultural diffusion and migration
• What regions are primarily associated with Hinduism?


  India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia
• How did Buddhism spread?

  Along the Silk Road to Central and East Asia
• What regions are primarily associated with Buddhism?


  Southeast Asia, East Asia, Tibet
• Where did Christianity originate?

  Judea (modern-day Israel/Palestine)
• How did Christianity spread in its early years?

  Throughout the Roman Empire
• What was a significant factor in the spread of Christianity during the colonial era?


  Spread to the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia
• Where is Christianity currently distributed?


  Largest religion globally, significant in the Americas, Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa
• What is the significance of the Four Gospels in Christianity?


  They provide accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus
• What role does the Acts of the Apostles play in early church history?


  It details the spread of Christianity and the work of the apostles
• What is the concept of Puja in Hindu worship?


  Devotional worship involving offerings to deities