Christianity

 

Christianity was founded over 2,000 years ago, by Jesus Christ. It currently one of the most popular and influential religions around the world history. The Christian faith is expressed and lived out through an institution known as a Church. There are currently three major branches of the Christian church: Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. Each has its own similarities and differences between one another, which extend to issues such as beliefs, rituals, practices, and holidays. 

 

Christianity is founded upon the New Testament , which is the doctrine of Godpersons and known as the: the Father, the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. All three of these are commonly called the Trinity, a term, while not found in the Bible, but is understood to summarize Scripture's, Identity, and teachings of God.

 

Christianity has traditionally taught that Christ was born to the virgin Mary. Most Christian believe God created the world in seven days, but many cannot always agree on this as it comes down to discussions on creation and evolution. The main belief system of Christian's involves unseen realities (like angels), that repersent spiritual like bodies, yet act as personal servants of God. The Scripture's depict how there was one angel in the past named Lucifer who rebelled against God. Lucifer is denoted to as a "fallen angel" are refered to as the devil, or Satan who is the ruler of the underworld, known as Hell. Hell is a place of sinning angels, which are called demons. Demons sometimes torment people externally, through temptations or torment, by influencing and possessing them. The expulsion of demons from a person is known as the practice of exorcism.

 

The primary Christian view of human nature is that it has been corrupted by rebellion against God, and thus people are born "sinners." Additionally, Christianity contains strong convictions and believe about the afterlife. Believers go to heaven, by repenting from sin and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If a person refuses the forgiveness and love that Christ has to offer then their destined to for an eternity to hell. Source (8). For a information on this religion, please visit the folowing BBC link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/ (9)

 

 

Hinduism

 

Hinduism is an ancient religion with no known founder or known date of origin, and the meaning of the word is simply derived from the word "India". Thus, it refers to a wide variety of religious beliefs, cultures, traditions, norms, and philosophies that have developed in India over thousands of years. Many Hindus worship one or more deities, which are supernatural beings. Additionally, Hindus believe in reincarnation, practice and value meditation, and observe various holidayss (examples are: Diwali, which is a festival of "a row of lamps or light", as shown in the picture above; and, Holi which is a festival of colour). 

 

Hinduism are known to embrace diversity of different beliefs. This fact can be initially confusing to many Westerners who are accustomed to creeds, confessions, and carefully-worded belief statements (mainly stemming from Christianity or Catholic religions). Additionaly, a Hindu can believe a wide variety of things about who their God(s) is (are) and the creation of the universe, and still be on the path to liberation. One of the most well-known Hindu sayinss towards religion is "truth is one; sages call it by different names." 

 

The fundamentals behind Hindu beliefs  include: "the authority of the Vedas (the oldest Indian sacred texts), Brahmans (who are known as priests), the existence of an enduring soul that transmigrates from one body to another at death (reincarnation); and the law of karma that determines one's destiny both in this life and the next". It is important to note one of the largest differences that seperates Hinduism from other religions like Christianity, and Islam- the belief about God or gods is not considered one of the essentials in Hinduism. Although, there are thousands of gods they are all  manifestations of one single reality. Source: (10)

For a information on this religion, please visit the folowing BBC link:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/    (11)

 

 

Islam

 

Islam is a religion based on revelations received by a prophet name Muhammad, and it was founded in the 7th century A.D. It was later recorded into sacred text, which is referred to as the Quran (or Koran). Followers of Islam are called Muslims.

 

The meaning of the word Islam is “surrender” to the will of God (Allah). Allah is the central pillar for Islamic beliefs as Allah is God. God has sent the prophet Muhammad as His last messenger to mankind. Muslims base their laws on their holy book the Qur'an, and the Sunnah. Muslims believe the Sunnah is the practical example of Prophet Muhammad and that there are five basic Pillars of Islam. These pillars are:

 

1. The declaration of faith. There is no god but God and Muhammad is the prophet of God.

 

2. Praying five times a day. At dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset and evening. Prayer is always directed in the direction of Mecca. 3. Alms (giving money to charity). 

 

3. Almsgiving is a central activity in Islam. The Quran explicitly requires it ("Perform the prayer and give the alms." 2:43, 110, 277)

 

4. Fasting. Fasting occurs during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year. During Ramadan, all adult Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse during daylight hours.

 

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca. At least once in there lifetime, each Muslim is expected pilgrim to Mecca, the sacred city of Islam. This journey should take place during the month of Dhu al-Hijja (the last month of the Islamic year) to fulfill the requirements of the hajj. The star and crescent is the best-known symbol used to represent Islam, see above. Source: (12). For a complete break down on this religion, please visit the folowing BBC link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/   (13)