CHRISTIANITY
● Christianity is the world’s largest religion, originating in the 1st century CE in
Palestine during the Roman Empire. It centers on the life, teachings, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ, believed to be the Messiah or Savior.
Founder:
● Jesus Christ: A Jewish teacher from Galilee, born to the Virgin Mary through
immaculate conception. He performed miracles, taught the way to God, and was
crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Christians believe he was
resurrected three days after his death.
Sacred Texts:
● Bible: Composed of two main parts:
○ Old Testament: Rooted in the Hebrew Bible, includes 39 books (Protestant),
46 books (Catholic), or 49 books (Eastern Orthodox). Divided into:
1. Pentateuch (Torah): First five books, foundational laws.
2. Historical Books: Chronicles the history of Israelites.
3. Wisdom Literature: Philosophical and poetic texts (e.g., Psalms).
4. Prophetic Books: Teachings of prophets warning against turning
away from God.
○ New Testament: Focuses on Jesus' life and the early Christian community.
Includes:
1. Gospels: Four accounts of Jesus’ life.
2. Acts of the Apostles: History of early Christianity.
3. Epistles: Letters from apostles like Paul.
4. Revelation: Visionary prophecy about the end times.
Key Beliefs:
1. Trinity: God exists as Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
2. Virgin Birth: Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born to Mary, a virgin.
3. Deity of Jesus: Jesus is both fully God and fully man.
4. Resurrection: Jesus’ resurrection assures eternal life for believers.
5. Last Judgment: Humanity will be judged at the end of time.
Symbols:
● Cross: Represents Jesus' sacrifice for humanity's sins.
● Fish: Used as a secret sign by early persecuted Christians.
Sects:
1. Roman Catholicism: Largest branch, led by the Pope.
2. Greek/Eastern Orthodoxy: Emphasizes ancient traditions and practices.
3. Protestantism: Formed during the Reformation; includes denominations like
Lutheranism, Anglicanism, and Baptism.
Contemporary Issues:
● Ecumenism: Efforts to unify Christian denominations.
● Sexuality and Gender: Debates on contraception, homosexuality, and women’s
ordination.
ISLAM
● Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion, meaning it shares roots with Judaism
and Christianity. It teaches that Allah is the one true God, and humanity's purpose is
to worship and serve Him.
Founder:
● Prophet Muhammad: Born in 570 CE in Mecca, he received divine revelations
through the Angel Gabriel. These messages form the basis of the Qur'an, Islam's
holy book. Muhammad is considered the final prophet in a line that includes figures
like Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
Sacred Texts:
1. Qur'an: Direct word of Allah, revealed in Arabic.
2. Hadith: Collection of sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad.
Key Beliefs:
1. Five Pillars of Islam (Arkan):
○ Shahada: Declaration of faith ("There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is
His prophet").
○ Salat: Five daily prayers facing Mecca.
○ Zakat: Almsgiving, typically 2.5% of one’s wealth to the poor.
○ Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual
relations from dawn to dusk.
○ Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca, required at least once in a lifetime for able
Muslims.
2. God: Allah is the one, indivisible, and incomparable deity.
Sects:
1. Sunni Islam: Largest branch, emphasizes the traditions of Prophet Muhammad.
2. Shia Islam: Believes leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, particularly
through Ali, his cousin.
3. Sufism: Mystical branch emphasizing personal devotion and spiritual experiences.
Contemporary Issues:
● Gender Inequality: Debates over veiling, polygamy, and women’s rights.
● Militant Islam: Extremist groups claiming religious legitimacy.
● Migration: Movement of Muslims, especially due to conflict or economic reasons.
HINDUISM
● Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions, dating back to 1500 BCE. It is a
polytheistic religion that encompasses diverse beliefs, practices, and philosophies.
Founders:
● Developed by the Aryans, an Indo-Iranian group.
Sacred Texts:
1. Vedas:
○ Rig-Veda: Hymns and praises.
○ Sama-Veda: Chanting and rituals.
○ Yajur-Veda: Ritual instructions.
○ Atharva-Veda: Prayers and charms for daily life.
2. Upanishads: Philosophical texts on the nature of reality, karma, and liberation.
3. Bhagavad Gita: A 700-verse epic about duty, devotion, and spirituality.
Key Beliefs:
1. Core Concepts:
○ Karma: Actions and their consequences.
○ Samsara: Cycle of rebirth.
○ Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
○ Dharma: Moral and ethical duties.
○ Atman: Individual soul.
○ Brahman: Universal absolute reality.
2. Gods:
○ Brahman manifests as many deities, including Brahma (Creator), Vishnu
(Preserver), and Shiva (Destroyer).
Practices:
● Four Yogas:
1. Karma-yoga: Selfless service.
2. Bhakti-yoga: Devotion to a deity.
3. Jnana-yoga: Pursuit of knowledge.
4. Raja-yoga: Meditation and mental discipline.
Contemporary Issues:
● Gender Inequality: Women’s limited roles in traditional practices.
● Caste System: Social stratification based on birth.
○ Brahmins: Priests and scholars.
○ Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers.
○ Vaishyas: Merchants and artisans.
○ Shudras: Laborers.
○ Dalits: Outcastes, often marginalized.
● Poverty: Linked to traditional caste roles and social structures.
