Religions Quiz

Question 1

Hinduism

Answer 1

Hinduism is considered the world’s oldest religion (traced back to as early as 10,000
B.C.), and with a billion followers, is the world’s third largest religion. Hinduism includes religious, philosophical and cultural ideas and practices that began in India.
Hindus believe that there is only one supreme being called “Brahman,” and that thousands of Hindu gods and goddesses represent the many aspects of Brahman.
Hindus also believe in reincarnation (rebirth), the law of cause and effect, and the importance of staying on the path of righteousness. The most popular sacred Hindu texts include the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Question 2

Monotheism

Answer 2

Belief that there is only one god

Question 3

Polytheism

Answer 3

The belief in or worship of many gods

Question 4

Nontheism

Answer 4

Lack of belief in a god or gods

Question 5

Which text was one of the main holy texts in Hinduism

Answer 5

The vedas

Question 6

How did the caste system impact society in Hinduism

Answer 6

Divided people in hierarchical groups

Question 7

What is the concept of karma in Hinduism

Answer 7

The belief that one’s actions affect their future

Question 8

Hinduism holy texts

Answer 8

Texts
Important
• Vedas: The Rig Veda is the oldest of the vedas. The text includes songs about soil, gods and life.
• Upanishads: Sections of the Vedas that deal with philosoply, meditation and the nature if God.
• Mahabharata; an epic that is 6000 verses long. It’s about war, ancient world and fighting forces.

Question 9

Important gods in Hinduism

Answer 9

There are 33,000 gods in Hinduism. All of them represent different aspects of their main god Brahman. Hinduism is polytheistic but more complex. Each of the gods has their own responsibility and personality.

Question 10

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Question 11

Christianity

Answer 11

Christianity is the world’s largest religion, with about 2.1 billion followers throughout the globe. Christianity is also the United States’ biggest religion. The goal of Christianity is to achieve salvation, which is the eternal life of one’s soul with God in heaven. The opposite of salvation is damnation, or eternal suffering in hell. Christianity condemns to damnation those who sin (turn away from Jesus’ teachings) without repentance (being sorry). Christians believe one attains salvation by following Jesus’ teachings about living a moral life.
Christians believe that there is only one god, but that there are three elements of God, including the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They also believe that 2,000 years ago in what is now Israel, God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to earth to save humans from the consequences of their sins (wrongdoings in the eyes of God). Christians believe that Jesus gave his life by being crucified (nailed to a wood cross) and on the third day rose from the dead (was resurrected). The Christian holy book is called the Bible.

Christianity is a belief system that was founded by the followers of Jesus of Nazareth in Judea, a province in the Middle East in the 1st century CE. Christians believe that 2,000 years ago in what is now Israel, God sent his son, Jesus, to earth to save humans from the consequences of their sins (wrongdoings in the eyes of God).
Christianity and Judaism are similar, but they differ in some important ways. Christians believe:
- Jesus Christ was the Son of God.
- Jesus gave his life on the Cross (the Crucifixion) and rose from
the dead after three days (the Resurrection).
that there is only one God, so they are monotheistic, but they believe that there are three elements to this one God:
(1) God the Father
(2) God the Son
(3) The Holy Spirit

Question 12

Islam

Answer 12

Islam is a major world religion, with over a billion followers worldwide. It is considered a monotheistic faith (one that believes in a single god), along with Judaism and Christianity. The word “Islam” comes from an Arabic word meaning “peace” and “submission.” Islam teaches that one can find peace in life by submitting to Almighty God (Allah) in heart, soul and deed. A person who follows Islam is called a Muslim.
The Prophet Muhammad is a central figure in Islam. He revealed the words of the Qur’an (holy book) and serves as an example for Muslims to follow. Muhammad was born in Mecca, located on the Arabian peninsula, around A.D. 570. To attain salvation, Muslims must practice five basic tenets known as the “five pillars,” which are found in the Qur’an.
Shahada- declaration of faith
Salat- prayer
Zakat- charity.
Siyam- fasting (occurs during the month of Ramadan)
Hajj- pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her life

The Prophet Muhammad is a central figure in Islam. He revealed the words of the Qur’an (holy book) and serves as an example for Muslims to follow. Muhammad was born in Mecca, located on the Arabian peninsula, around A.D. 570.
Muslims are monotheistic and believe that there is only one God, Allah, which is the Arabic name for the same god worshipped by Jewish people and Christians.
Main Beliefs:
(1) Allah is the one and only God
(2) Belief that Muhammad is the final prophet
(3) Belief that Allah has the knowledge of all that will happen, but that it does not prevent humans from having free will.

Question 13

Buddhism

Answer 13

Most religions are defined by their beliefs. But in Buddhism, followers are discouraged from believing in doctrines (religious laws or rules) just because they read or are taught them. Instead, the historical Buddha (the religion’s founder Siddhartha Gautama, who lived about 25 centuries ago in what is now Nepal and northeastern India) taught others how to realize truth for themselves.
Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, meaning that followers do not concern themselves with a personal-creator god present in faiths such as Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Buddhist practices are described in spiritual guides such as the Eightfold Path, which addresses wisdom, ethical behavior and mental discipline. Examples of practices include meditation, chanting and a belief in karma (a law of cause and effect set in motion by human actions and thoughts). Practices and beliefs can vary widely among Buddhists, however.
There are about 350 million practicing Buddhists, making Buddhism the fourth largest of the world’s religions. Buddhism is most often practiced in Asian countries.

Question 14

Judaism

Answer 14

Judaism is a monotheistic faith, meaning that Jews believe there is only one god. They believe that while often this god is beyond our ability to comprehend, God is nevertheless present in people’s everyday lives. The goal of Judaism is to live a good life according to the laws of the Torah and to pass on the Jewish traditions to one’s family.
The Torah is Judaism’s most important text. It contains stories and commandments that teach about life and death. Some Jews also observe special dietary laws of kashrut (keeping kosher).
Hebrews (ancient people who founded Judaism) originally occupied the Fertile Crescent of Mesopotamia. Around 1800 B.C. E a famine struck the and pushed the Hebrews to settle in Egypt. There they were eventually enslaved by the Egyptians. Moses, Judaism’s most important prophet, led the people to freedom from Egyptian slavery. After Moses died, Hebrews entered the land which they believed was promised to them by God. It is here that they set up the holy land of Israel

Most civilizations in the Middle East at the time of Ancient Israel practiced polytheistic religions. Judaism was the first monotheistic religion that continued to exist and impact world history.
Abraham- Father of Judaism. Lived roughy 2000 BCE
→ Abraham made a covenant with God. A covenant is an agreement. Jewish people believe that God made a covenant with the father of Judaism, Abraham, to worship only the one true God, Yahweh
The Hebrews were a group of people who lived in the Middle East. They established a kingdom known as Israel starting around 1030 BCE-1020 BCE about 722 BCE. The Israelites were the first people to practice a religion that became known as Judaism.

Question 15

Hinduism continued

Answer 15

The Hindu Caste System is a rigid social hierarchy. It is a system for grouping people in society. It is called “rigid” because you cannot leave whichever caste you are born into. There is no social mobility.

A person’s place in the caste system is dependent upon birth. That is to say, your family’s position in the caste system determines your position in the caste system. You cannot move up or down within your lifetime. You can only move up or down based upon your karma. You obtain good karma by fulfilling your role, or dharma, in life.
Reincarnation is the idea that the individual soul (atman) is reborn in a different form after death and continues to be reborn until the soul achieves “union with Brahman,” also known as moksha.
→ How one is reincarnated for for Hindus is dependent upon the CASTE SYSTEM. This cycle of birth, life, and death is also known as SAMSARA.
→ Moksha: the highest state that someone can attain
Dharma is one’s duty according to their caste. Each caste has jobs they are supposed to perform and rules they are supposed to follow. One is not supposed to do the duty of another’s caste.
Karma: The sum of a person’s actions in life. Good Karma in this life cycle makes for a better life in your next reincarnation cycle
→ Good karma = actions that adhere to your caste.
→ Bad karma = actions that go against your caste.

Question 16

Buddhism

Answer 16

Siddhartha Gautama - Founder of Buddhism who lived during the 6th century B.C.E. Gautama achieved Nirvana (freedom from desire). Thus, he began to teach others about this knowledge and became known as the Buddha, or teacher.

Four Noble Truths - a set of statements about the nature of life that the Buddha taught his followers. Since the caste system caused suffering, the Buddha rejected the Hindu Caste System.

The Eightfold Path - a code of ethics (moral principles) that guides how Buddhists should live their lives.

Buddhism is a belief system that originated in India in the mid-400s BCE. Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha (the Enlightened One) and founded Buddhism, was born around 480 BCE in Lumbini, in present-day Nepal, located on the Indian subcontinent. He was born a prince but then devoted his life to finding answers to spiritual questions.

Buddhism originated from a time and place that was dominated by Hinduism. As a result, the two belief systems share some concepts, but differ in others. The major beliefs and concepts of Buddhism are:
Reincarnation
Enlightenment
Nirvana
The Four Noble Truths
The Eightfold Path
Rejection of the Caste System
Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism who later became known as “the Buddha,” lived during the 5th century B.C. Gautama was born into a wealthy family as a prince in present-day Nepal. Although he had an easy life, Gautama was moved by suffering in the world.
He decided to give up his lavish lifestyle and endure poverty. He sought a life without social indulgences but also without deprivation. After six years of searching, Buddhists believe Gautama found enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree. Gautama achieved Nirvana (freedom from desire).He spent the rest of his life teaching others about how to achieve this spiritual state.
When Gautama passed away around 483 B.C., his followers began to organize a religious movement. Buddha’s teachings became the foundation for what would develop into Buddhism.

The Historical Circumstances that led to the development of Buddhism were during the 400’s BCE in India, the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama’s sought to understand the meaning of life and eliminate human suffering. After achieving Enlightenment while meditating under a bodhi tree, Gautama became known as the Buddha (Enlightened One), and spread his teachings to his followers. His teachings would form the basis of Buddhism.

The Tripiṭaka or Tipiṭaka, meaning “three baskets,” is the formal term for the earliest surviving Buddhist teachings. It is also called the “Pali Canon” named after the language it was written in.
The teachings were passed down orally for around 200 years after the Buddha’s death before they were finally written down by Buddhist monks.
Like Hindus, Buddhists believe that there is escape from the cycle of reincarnation. For Buddhists, the goal of spiritual life is to reach “nirvana” after death. It is similar to moksha that Hindus strive for.

Nirvana is the state of a still and empty mind. This can be accomplished by reaching a state of enlightenment like the Buddha did through intense meditation.
Before devoting his life to seeking spiritual truth, according to legend, Siddhartha Gautama lived a life of luxury. When he left his father’s palace, he became an ascetic, a person who practices extreme self-discipline and denies themselves any comfort. He found that neither route brought him enlightenment. Instead, it was the Middle Path, sometimes called the Middle Way. Buddha’s teachings are meant to lead his followers down the Middle Path to enlightenment.
The following text is an excerpt from Buddha’s sermon in which he describes the Middle Way. It is known as “Setting in Motion the Wheel of Law [Dharma].” This story was passed down orally by Buddhists until it was written down about two hundred years later in a collection known as the Three Baskets of Wisdom, or the Tipitaka.
Buddhism started in a region of the world where Hinduism dominated, but Buddha rejected a major part of Hindu society: the caste system.

Buddha taught that anyone, regardless of their place in society, could achieve enlightenment if they realized the Four Noble Truths and followed the Eightfold Path.

Buddha taught four principles that he believed to be true. They are called the Four Noble Truths. Put simply they are:
The Noble Truth of Suffering: Life is suffering.
The Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering: Suffering is caused by desire.
The Noble Truth of the Cessation [Stopping] of Suffering: To end suffering, one must end desire.
The Noble Truth of the Path: To end suffering, follow the Eightfold Path

Buddhism’s fourth Noble Truth states, “To end suffering, follow the Eightfold Path.” The Eightfold Path describes how one should act to eliminate desire and thus suffering. The Eightfold Path is the moral code of conduct for Buddhists, similar to the Ten Commandments in Judaism and Christianity.

Question 17

Confucianism

Answer 17

Confucianism – A philosophical tradition where the key to maintaining society is through traditional social relationships. It states that human beings are teachable and can improve both individually and through interactions with the community.
Daoism (sometimes spelled Taoism) – A philosophical tradition that promotes harmony and unity with nature. It encourages people to live calmly and peacefully. It teaches that intervening in life’s events causes conflict and destruction, so people should limit their interference and only do what is required

What is Confucianism?
Confucianism is a philosophy and belief system from ancient China. Confucius was a philosopher and teacher who lived from 551 to 479 B.C.E. His thoughts on ethics, good behavior, and moral character were written down by his disciples in several books, the most important being the Analects. Confucianism believes in ancestor worship and human-centered virtues for living a peaceful life. The golden rule of Confucianism is “Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.”
→ Confucians believe that we should strive for peace and harmony with OTHERS IN SOCIETY. .
According to Confucianism, this peace, harmony, and social order can be achieved through the proper behavior of each member of a family or society by following these three concepts:
● Five Constants: Kindness, honesty, correct behavior/manners, knowledge, and integrity
● Filial Piety: virtue of respect for one’s father, elders, and ancestors
● Five Relationships: Particular duties arise from one’s particular situation in relation to others.

Historical Context Confucius is thought to have lived from 551- 479 BCE during the so-called Spring and Autumn Period when China's Zhou Dynasty was gradually splitting up. At the time when Confucius was born, different states were competing with each other for power. Confucius saw morality deteriorating and the aristocracy [wealthy people] turning their back on the traditions the Zhou Dynasty. Confucius viewed the Zhou as a kind of Golden Age. Confucius felt he had a mission to return China to its former glory, to return to the way of the Dao. Today, the Dao refers to China’s traditional culture self-cultivation and an emphasis on the way of virtue. Confucius felt that people in his age had lost true respect for the established rituals and norms of society and merely carried out the formalities without really understanding the true essence. To use the words of the time, the world lacked the Dao.

Historical Context Model Response
Confucianism: the historical circumstances that led to the development of Confucianism were during the 500’s BCE in China, the Zhou Dynasty was experiencing instability, as many states fought over power. A philosopher named Confucius began to teach a philosophy of mutual respect & kindness towards others, hoping to restore China to its former glory.

Confucianism Key Beliefs
Filial Piety- the idea that people should respect their parents and elders. Confucius believed that filial piety should be the basis for structure in families and society.
The image above comes from an 1846 reprint of
book entitled The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars
which was originally written by Guo Jujin
(1260-1368 CE). In it, a son kneels to honor his
father.

Confucianism Key Beliefs
The Five Relationships
Confucius believed that there were five fundamental relationships in society:
1. Ruler to Subject
2. Father to Son
3. Husband to Wife
4. Older Brother to Younger Brother
5. Friend to Friend
Each of these relationships showed who had more power over others. The only relationship that is equal is between friends.

Confucianism Key Beliefs
Five Virtues of Confucianism
Confucian ethics were based on five virtues. These virtues are based on different areas a person can focus on strengthening.
1. Kindness / Benevolence
2. Honesty
3. correct behavior/manners
4. Knowledge
5. integrity

Question 18

Monotheistic religions

Answer 18

Abrahamic religions are the monotheistic religions of the Middle East that trace their common origin to a person named Abraham. The three largest Abrahamic religions are Judaism (1000s B.C.E.), Christianity (30s C.E.) and Islam (600s C.E.) In the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, Christians and Jews are referred to “People of the Book” because they are followers of monotheistic Abrahamic religions. All the Abrahamic religions were established in current-day Middle East and are connected by a common belief in the same god and recognition of many of the same prophets.

Question 19

Religion vs philosophy

Answer 19

Religion vs Philosophy
Religion has its basis in belief or faith. Philosophy , on the other hand, looks for rational explications and justifications for beliefs.
- Philosophy usually does not include the practice of rituals unlike religion.
- Compared to philosophy, religion has stronger beliefs and highlights the power of faith.
- Religion has more beliefs in the superstitious and the supernatural.

Question 20

Daoism

Answer 20

Daoism (sometimes spelled Taoism) is a belief system that was founded by Lao Tzu in China in the 6th century (500s) BCE. Daoism’s sacred text is called the Tao-Te Ching (sometimes spelled Dao-De-Jing) and supposedly contains the teachings of Lao Tzu.
→ Daoists believe that we should strive to establish peace and harmony with nature.
Daoists believe that this peace and harmony can be achieved through: ● being ‘virtuous’
● self-development
● meditation
● reading and chanting of scriptures

Historical Context
Lao Tzu is said to have been a record keeper in the court of the central Chinese Zhou Dynasty in the 6th century B.C.E.
Lao Tzu is said to have tired of life in the Zhou (Zhou Dynasty) court as it grew increasingly morally corrupt. So he left and rode on a water buffalo to the western border of the Chinese empire. Although he was dressed as a farmer, the border official recognised him and asked him to write down his wisdom. According to this legend, what Lao Tzu wrote became the sacred text known as the Tao Te Ching. After writing this piece, Lao Tzu is said to have crossed the border and disappeared from history, perhaps to become a hermit.
In reality, the Tao Te Ching is likely to be the compilation of the works of many authors over time. But stories about Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching itself passed down through different Chinese philosophical schools for over two thousand years.
Lao Tzu was the leading figure in the spiritual practice known as Daoism which is more than two thousand years old, and still popular today. There are at least twenty million Daoists, living around the world now, especially in China and Taiwan.
Portrait of Lao Zi (Lao Tzu)

Historical Context Model Response
Daoism: the historical circumstances that led to the development of Daoism were during the 500s BCE in China, the Zhou Dynasty was experiencing growing political corruption. A Philosopher named Lao Tzu, a former Zhou official, left China to escape the corruption. Before he left, he wrote down his philosophical ideas, which would be passed down for generations and would become what we now know as Daoism.

Daoism Key Beliefs
Daoists believe that we should strive to establish peace and harmony with nature
Main principle is the Dao, which means “the Way.” All things in the universe are connected together through the Dao.
The Wudang Mountains in China, one of the five sacred mountains of where Daoists go to pray.

Daoism Key Beliefs
Principle of Yin Yang states that opposites fit together and depend on each other for harmony (i.e., darkness and light, life and death).
The Yin and Yang symbol above is associated with Daoism. It represents the idea that while there are opposing forces in the world (light and dark; good and evil), they work together to balance the world in harmony and each side has aspects of the other within it.