RELIGIONS AND

BELIEF SYSTEMS
Presented by: Group 4
Since time immemorial mankind has
been in constant search for an
explanation about the truth and
meaning of life. Questions regarding
the meaning , purpose and the
mystery behind everything that
happens in this world continue to
plague our very existence. People
have been asking about things that
are beyond the capacity of ordinary
reason.
 SOCIAL FUNCTION OF
RELIGION
This particular need to be able to
explore and understand the
realities of life and beyond is
fulfilled by adherence to some
religion in one way or the other.
 “Religion is a devotion to some principle; strict
fidelity or faithfulness; conscientiousness; pious
affection or attachment.” – The Shorter Oxford
English Dictionary 2004

 “Religionas an organized system of beliefs,

ceremonies, and rules used to worship a God or
group of gods. It is also define as commitment or
devotion to religious faith or observance.” –
Merriam Webster.

 According to Jenny King: “Religious activities of

Man centered on the most important elements of
their existence, such as prosperity, happiness,
perfection and abundance”
TOTAL WORLD POPULATION:
7,021,836,029
RELIGIONS POPULATION
Christian 31.59%
Islam 23.2%
Hinduism 15%
Buddhism 7.1%
Sikh 0.35%
Jew 0.2%
Baha’is 0.11%
Atheist 2.01%
Other Religion 10.95%
Non Religion 9.66%
 5 MAJOR RELIGIONS IN THE
WORLD
 Judaism
 Originated from West Asia and one of the oldest religions in
the World.
 It is centered on the belief that there is only one God called
Yahweh who made an agreement with his people which is
symbolized by the Ark on the Covenant.
 According to this Covenant the descendants of Abraham
regarded as the ancestors of the blessed nation of Israel will
prosper for all days to come because they are God’s chosen
people.
 Judaism’s holy text is called the Torah which is also known as
the Old Testament of the Holy Bible.
 Christianity
 Is a religion that is based on the life and teaching of
Jesus Christ as chronicled in the New Testament.
 Three major groups: Roman Catholics, Protestants,
and Orthodox Christians.
 The belief system revolves around Jesus Christ as the
Savior and the sole solvation of mankind.
 Christians believed that the Universe is created by an
omnipotent and omniscient God who sent his Son
down to Earth to redeem mankind.
 They also believe in the doctrine of Trinity which say
that there is one God with three different personas:
The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
 Islam
 Which literally means submission.
 Originated in Saudi Arabia in West Asia or the
Middle East.
 The fundamental belief system of this religion is
based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
who was born in Mecca around the year 570.
There are 5 pillars of Islam
Shahadah- the profession of Islamic faith.
Salat- the performance of prayers five times in a day.
Zakat- giving alms to the poor.
Sawm- fasting during the month of Ramadan
Hajj- the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.
 Buddhism

 Is one of the oldest, most established religions

in the world.
 Originated in a kingdom in South Asia known
today as the country of Nepal.
 It was founded by Siddharta Gautama, more
popularly known as Buddha or the
Enlightened One.
 His teachings known as the Dharma states that
for a person overcome the pains and
sufferings of life.
 One must break free from the cycle by
following the Middle Way and the Eightfold
Path.
 Hinduism
 It is deeply rooted in the culture of India as it
predates back the recorded history of the country
and even the rest of the world.
 Hinduism does not have a known founder or a
single text which could be found in ancient text
called the Vedas.
 Hindus believed in multiple gods but the most
important ones are the Trimurtri.
 Another central belief to Hinduism is the caste
system which classifies people into different
social classes.
 Four Main Categories of the Caste System are:
Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras .
 ECUMENISM AND INTERFAITH
DIALOGUE
 Ecumenism refers to the movement or tendency which
emphasizes worldwide Christian unity and
Universality.
 The origins of the ecumenical movement can be
traced back to the teachings, commands, promises,
and prayers of Jesus Christ.
 Refers to a literal idea of a single charge which
could be achieved either by organizational unity or
spiritual unity.
 Promotes the idea that despite different practices,
cultures, and traditions, Christians all over the world
could be agents of hope, peace, and greater change.
 Interfaith Dialogue or Interfaith Pluralism promotes
the idea that despite the diversity of religious belief
systems existing in the world today.
 Does not necessarily support the literal unity of all
religious systems in the entire world.
 Promotes general understanding among different
beliefs system based on mutual respect and an
attitude of cooperation.
 The idea is that every religion should be respected
for what it is. In fact, trying to change the way people
think about religion would not lead to a better
dialogue and commitment of peace.
RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS
 Conflicts still exist despite of promoting
respect in the existing religions today.
 For thousands of years, religious beliefs,
customs and practices often cause
misunderstandings among people and
nations.
 The world’s history holds so many accounts
about different belief and faith.
 Religion plays a very central role.
 The conflicts lead us to believe that one
religion should be supreme among others.