World Religions
You can find this storyboard in the following articles and resources:
Hinduism: Origins & Traditions
By Liane Hicks
Hinduism is practiced by about 1.2 billion people worldwide and is the world's third largest religion. Today, people who practice Hinduism can be found throughout the world but it originated in India and Hindus make up 80-90% of India's population today. Hinduism has fascinating customs, festive holidays, and wise teachings about the individual and the universe.
Islam: History & Traditions
By Liane Hicks
The religion of Islam dates back to the 7th century in the ancient city of Mecca on the Arabia peninsula. Today, it is practiced by about 2 billion people all over the world! Islam is the world's second largest religion and its followers account for about 25% of the world's total population.
Judaism: History & Traditions
By Liane Hicks
Judaism is one of the oldest continuously practiced religions in the world having begun about 4,000 years ago. Today, Judaism is practiced by about 15 million people worldwide. This ancient religion was the first to be monotheistic (believing in one God) and is the root of today's two largest religions, Christianity and Islam.
Sikhism: History & Traditions
By Liane Hicks
Sikhism is practiced by about 26 million people and is the fifth largest religion in the world. The word Sikh in Punjabi means disciple of God. A follower of Sikhism worships one God and aspires to live a peaceful life of honesty, charity, equality, and faith.
Christianity: History & Traditions
By Liane Hicks
Christianity is practiced by about 2.4 billion people worldwide, making it the world's largest religion. Christians believe in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, whom they believe to be the Messiah or savior for all of humanity. Jesus' teachings focused on love, forgiveness, peace, and hope.
Teaching World Religions
By Liane Hicks
Teaching about various world religions is a vital component to the study of world history, geography, and culture. The study of religion is a powerful way for students to learn more about world history and the belief systems that have influenced human culture for millennia.
Buddhism: Origins & History
By Liane Hicks
Buddhism is practiced by over 500 million people worldwide and is the world's fourth largest religion. Buddhism is about 2,500 years old and began in the 6th century based on the teachings of the Buddha. It is a religion centered on peace and tranquility and the importance of leading a moral and good life.
Storyboard Description
Students can use a chart to compare and contrast different major world religions. This chart includes Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism. It indicates when the religion began, where its followers are in the world, population of its followers, etc.
Storyboard Text
- HINDUISM
- World Religions
- TIMELINE: What years did this religion originate?
- ~2000 B.C.E.
- LOCATIONS: Where are its followers today?
- IndiaNepalMauritiusBali, Indonesia, the Caribbean, North America, South America, Europe, and worldwide.
- POPULATIONS: How many followers are there today?
- ~ 1.16 billion~ 15% of World Population
- IMPORTANT IMAGERY
- CORE BELIEFS: A BRIEF SUMMARY
- Polytheistic: The Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and incarnations of main gods that make up the one Supreme God, Brahman which is the ultimate reality .Pursuit of TruthDoing what is Morally Right and Good. Karma (Actions Affect your Next Life) Dharma (Do what is Just and Good) Reincarnation(Souls are born again after death)
- JUDAISM
- ~2000 B.C.E.
- IsraelNorth America, Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean, and worldwide.
- ~14.7 million~ .2% of World Population
- Monotheistic: Belief in One God.God's Covenant: Worshipping the one true God and following the Ten Commandments, Speaking the truth, Promoting peace and justice,Charity and service to others,Importance of education
- BUDDHISM
- ~500 B.C.E.
- China,Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar,India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Korea, Japan, and worldwide.
- ~ 507 million ~ 7% of population
- Buddha is the Enlightened One, a revered teacherThe Four Noble Truths: Everyone suffers, we are the cause of our suffering, we can end our suffering, following the Eightfold Path leads to an end of sufferingThe Eightfold Path: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Concentration, Right Mindfulness,Karma (Actions Affect your Next Life) Dharma (Do what is Just and Good) Reincarnation(Souls are born again after death)
- CHRISTIANITY
- ~0C.E.
- North and South America, Europe, the Philippines, Sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania, and worldwide.
- ~ 2.4 billion ~ 30% of population
- Monotheistic: Belief in One God.The Holy Trinity: Belief in the Father, the Son and the Holy SpiritJesus is the Son of God, the Messiah through whom one can find salvationLove and Forgiveness, Asking Forgiveness from God for your Sins,Charity and service to others,Importance of education
- ISLAM
- ~622C.E.
- Southwest Asia, North Africa,Southeast Asia, India, North and South America, China, Europe, and worldwide.
- ~ 2 billion ~ 25% of population
- Monotheistic: Belief in One God (Allah in Arabic).Muhammad was God's Final ProphetThe Quran is the Word of GodImportance of prayer, Promoting peace, justice, and equality,Charity and service to others,Importance of education
- SIKHISM
- ~1500 C.E.
- IndiaUnited StatesCanadaUnited Kingdom,and worldwide.
- ~ 26 million ~ .3% of population
- Monotheistic: Belief in One God.Following the teachings of the 10 Sikh Gurus and the holy book, the Guru Granth SahibImportance of prayer, charity and serving othersPromoting peace, justice and equality for all,Duty to look after God's creations
- Guru Granth Sahib