Unit 4564: World Religions

1. Introduction to World Religions

• Overview of major world religions
• Significance of religion in human societies
• Impact of religion on individuals and communities

2. Hinduism

2.1 Beliefs and Philosophical Concepts

• Dharma, Karma, Samsara, Moksha

2.2 Deities and Symbolism

• Major deities: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Devi
• Symbols: Om, Swastika

2.3 Scriptures

• Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata

2.4 Practices and Rituals

• Puja, festivals (Diwali, Holi)
• Yoga and meditation

2.5 Cultural Aspects

• Caste system, pilgrimage sites

3. Buddhism

3.1 Life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

3.2 Core Teachings

• The Four Noble Truths
• The Eightfold Path

3.3 Branches of Buddhism

• Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana

3.4 Spread of Buddhism

• Historical expansion across Asia and contemporary global presence

4. Judaism

4.1 Historical Background

• Origins and the Jewish diaspora

4.2 Beliefs and Theology

• Monotheism, Covenant, Messiah concept

4.3 Practices and Rituals

• Sabbath, kosher laws, prayer

4.4 Holidays

• Passover, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah

4.5 Cultural Contributions

• Influence on law, ethics, and culture

5. Christianity

5.1 Life of Jesus Christ

5.2 The Bible

• Old Testament and New Testament

5.3 Denominations

• Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy

5.4 Sacraments and Holidays

• Baptism, Eucharist; Christmas, Easter

5.5 Impact on Civilization

• Art, music, philosophy, and Western cultural development

6. Islam

6.1 Life of Prophet Muhammad

6.2 The Quran and Hadith

6.3 The Five Pillars of Islam

• Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj

6.4 Islamic Practices and Sects

• Sunni and Shia differences

6.5 Contributions to Architecture and Science

• Mosques, calligraphy, advancements in medicine and astronomy

7. Sikhism

7.1 Teachings of Guru Nanak

7.2 The Guru Granth Sahib

7.3 Concept of Ik Onkar

7.4 The Five Ks

• Kesh, Kara, Kirpan, Kanga, Kachera

7.5 Sikh Practices and History

• Worship, community service (Seva), historical development

8. Indigenous Religions

8.1 Spiritual Beliefs and Worldviews

• Animism, ancestor worship, sacred landscapes

8.2 Rituals and Ceremonies

• Native American rituals, African traditional ceremonies, Aboriginal spirituality

8.3 Connection to Nature and Community

• Environmental stewardship and social cohesion

9. Comparative Studies of World Religions

9.1 Creation Myths

9.2 Ethics and Moral Codes

9.3 Beliefs about the Afterlife

9.4 Rituals and Worship Practices

9.5 Similarities and Differences

• Shared values and unique traditions
• Interfaith understanding and dialogue