Minor Religions
(Clker.com, 2016)
Islam
Islam is similar to Christianity in that it believes that there is a god. However it differs because it believes that there is no trinity. They believe that Jesus was not God, but just a prophet. Furthermore they believe that Jesus, Moses and Muhammad are all prophets sent by God. However they believe that Muhammad is the last prophet and no more prophets will be sent. (8)
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(Wikipedia, 2016)
ChristianityChristianity believes that God sent his one and only son down to die for our sins. So that whoever believes in him can be saved and be admitted entry into heaven. Christians believe in the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Christians believe that Jesus resurrected three days after death. Christians believe that all humans are inherently sinful, and we inherit our sin from Adam who rebelled and betrayed God. You can only be saved by believing in Jesus Christ and accept his sacrifice, if you don't, you will be sent to hell, for all eternity.
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Major Religions
Buddhism(123RF Stock Photos, 2016)
Buddhism was founded in the sixth century BC. The founder of Buddhism called himself the Buddha, although he was born called Siddhartha Gautama. Buddhism spread to China via the Silk Road. Buddhism became a key influence in China by the late first century. Buddhists believe that suffering is caused by earthly desires and that people have many lives. When you die you are reborned as something else. If you did good things in the previous life, you will be fortunate and lucky in this life. If you did bad things you would be reborned as something worse, like a pig or dog. If you only did good things, you would eventually reach nirvana, their version of heaven. (9)
In Christianity you only have one life and that the only way you could get to heaven is if you give your life to Jesus. You cannot be reborned and suffering is caused by sin, not by desire, however some desires are sinful. |
Taoism(Taoism.about.com, 2016)
Taoism was supposedly founded by a person called Laozi, who was born at around the same time as Confucius. However there is no evidence that he ever existed. This religion believes that nature works in harmony with people. We should also see ourselves as part of nature to find happiness and health. They believed that it was possible to become immortal. They also believe in the idea of yin and yang. Two complementary, yet opposing forces that together bring harmony and balance. Taoists developed the martial art of Kung Fu. (9)
In Christianity God gave us the entirety of the Earth to us, opposed to the Yin and Yang idea. In Christianity, it is impossible to be immortal unless God wills it. |
Confucianism(Religionfacts.com, 2016)
Founded by Confucius in the second half of the Zhou dynasty. Confucius was born in a minor family, but never had anything but a low post. Confucius wrote his teachings in a book called the Analects, one of the only surviving record of his teachings. His work was actively suppressed by the emperor Qin Shi Huang because he was doing things contradictory to Confucius's teachings. Although not an actual religion, it is a set of obligations that you should follow. It is like guides on how to create a just and harmonious society. He taught people about his ideals of family duties and believed the superior people acted humanely. He said that the government should exist for the good and welfare of the people. As he quoted, "when the ruler himself does what is right, he will have influence over people without having to give commands, and when a ruler does not do what is right, all his commands will be of no avail." (9)
Although not a religion the ideals and goals are very similar to that of Christianity. Confucianism is not a religion, instead a set of goals and ideals, it is possible to believe in any religion and still be a follower of Confucianism. |