UNIVERSALIZING RELIGIONS

Christianity
1. Give the percentage of the world=s Christian population belonging to each of Christianitys three major
branches
Roman Catholic - 50%
Eastern Orthodox - 10%
Protestant - 25%
2. Regarding Eastern Orthodox churches . . .
How many separate churches are there?
14
T
Which has by far the largest membership?
The Russian Orthodox Church
3. What percentage of Latin Americans are Roman Catholic?
95%
4. Protestants comprise 40% of North Americans. List the five largest denominations (#5 is a tie) by
percentage.
1. Baptist
2. Methodist
3. Pentecost
4. Lutheran
5. Presbyterian

Coptic Church of Egypt N.E. Africa

Ethiopian Church N.E. Africa
Lebanon, Armenia, northeastern Turkey, and
Armenian Church
western Azerbaijan
Maronities Lebanon
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Utah & surrounding states
Islam

6. Half of the worlds Muslims live in the Middle East. The other half live in four countries outside the
Middle East. List them.
1. Indonesia
2. Pakistan
T
3. Bangladesh
4. India
7. Give the percentage for each of Islams two great branches:
Sunni - 83% Shia - 16%

8. Only in three countries do Shia Muslims number more than Sunni. List them and give the % Shia.
1. Iran
2. Azerbaijan
3. Iraq
 Buddhism

9. Buddhism is built around Four Noble Truths as taught by the Buddha. Summarize them.

(a) All living beings must endure suffering

(b) Suffering leads to reincarnation
(c) Goal is to reach Nirvana through moral and mental self-purification
(d) Nirvana is achieved through Eightfold path
10. Complete this chart dividing Buddhism into its three main branches.

Mahayana 56% China, Japan, and Korea

Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and
Therayeda 38% Sri Lanka
Tantrayana 6% Tibet and Mongolia
11. Why are Buddhists difficult to count?
Only a few people participate in Buddhist institutions; not a formal religious system
ETHNIC RELIGIONS

Hinduism

14a. Where are Hindus concentrated? What % of all Hindus live there?
97% of all Hindus live in India
14b. Where are the rest? (include %)
Nepal
15. Make a note or two (that seem of geographic interest) about each of the following ethnic religions

A. CONFUCIANISM
Ethnic religion begun by Confucius in Chinese province of Lu; teaches ethical principles
of following tradition, fulfilling obligations & treating others with sympathy & respect. begun
B. DAOISM
Begun by Lao-Zi & emphasizes mystical & magical aspects of life not importance of public service
C. SHINTOISM
Ethnic religion of Japan; was official state religion until end of WWII;
political cult & religion; deceased became important deities
D. JUDAISM
14 million Jews worldwide; most in U.S. & Israel; 2 main universalizing religions find their roots
in Judaism (Islam & Christianity); began in Canaan; 1st religion to support monotheism
E. ANIMISM
Belief that inanimate objects, plants & stones or natural events like earthquakes have spirits &
conscious life; practiced by 100 million Africans but is declining due to universalizing religions