World Religions and Philosophies

Religion believed to have been founded by Lao-Tsu and based upon his book entitled “Tao-te-ching,” or “Book of the Way.” Lao-Tsu focused on the proper form of political rule and on the oneness of humanity and nature.

• Taoism

• Confucianism

• Buddhism

• Shinto

System of beliefs that order life in terms of ultimate priorities and direct behavior and practices in reference to achieving the ultimate priorities.

• Philosophy

• Religion

• Ideology

• Culture

One of three major branches of Christianity (together with the Eastern Orthodox and Protestant).

• Roman Catholic Church

• Anglican Church

• Baptist Church

• Lutheran Church

A blend of religious beliefs and traditions, often forming a new religion.

• Syncretic

• Monotheistic

• Atheistic

• Polytheistic

Social structure of South Asian society dating to the Indus civilization (2500-1800 BCE) where people are born into their place in society.

• Caste system

• Class system

• Feudal system

• Tribal system

Religion located in Japan and related to Buddhism. Shintoism focuses particularly on nature and ancestor worship.

• Shintoism

• Taoism

• Hinduism

• Confucianism

Religion based on the belief that Jesus was born as the son of God, was crucified, and was resurrected to atone for peoples’ sins. Developed out of Judaism in the 1st century CE.

• Islam

• Buddhism

• Christianity

• Hinduism

Boundaries between sects within a single major faith.

• Interfaith boundaries

• Intrafaith boundaries

• Cultural boundaries

• Geographical boundaries

Sect of Islam that believes Muhammad’s successor needed to be a blood relative of Muhammad. Found commonly in and around Iran.

• Sunni

• Shi’ite

• Sufi

• Ahmadiyya

One of three major branches of Christianity (together with Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic).

• Protestant

• Anglican

• Baptist

• Lutheran