Religion paragraphs

Christianity has around 2.2 billion adherents which is the largest in the world, we call them Christians. The geographic locations are Europe, the Americas, and Southern Africa. The denominations are Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Protestants (Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and many more). The founder of Christianity is Jesus Christ (Christianity is Abrahamic in origin). The holy book is the Bible, especially the New Testament (gospels). Their beliefs are the Jesus is both human and divine- the son of God; he led a virtuous life; he was crucified, died, buried, and resurrected; he ascended into heaven where he reigns with God the Father. The pope is the head of the Catholic Church, Priests are local authorities.

Islam has around 1.5 billion adherents (second largest in the world), we call them Muslims. The geographic locations are Indonesia, Middle East, and North Africa. Denominations are Sunnis (75-90%), Shiites (10-20%). The founder is Muhammed (570-632). The holy book is the Qur'an (Koran). The beliefs are monotheistic, Abrahamic, Five Pillars(testimony, prayer, alms-giving, fasting pilgrimage). Muslims see their purpose in life as serving and submitting to Allah (God), and observing Islamic law.

Hinduism has around 1.1 billion adherents which is this the third largest in the world, we call them Hindus. The geographic locations are India and Nepal. The holy book is the Vedas- eternal truths revealed to ancient sages; composed in verse form (meant to be sung and easily memorized). There is no distinctive founder- it is a series of intellectual or philosophical points of vie, rather than a rigid, strict sets of beliefs- probably the oldest extant religion; although Hinduism is a religion that a way of life, or a faith.

Buddhism has 500 million to 1.5 billion adherents (estimates vary quite a bit), we call them Buddhists. The geographic locations are Southeast Asia, China, Nepal, Japan (there are 1.2 million Buddhists in the United States). The founder is Siddhartha Gautama. Denominations are Tibetan, Zen, Theravada, and Amidst. The Four Noble Truths are 1. There is suffering, 2. Attachment to desire is the origin of suffering, 3. There is a cessation of suffering, 4. The Eight fold Path will lead to the cessation of suffering. the Eight fold path is Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Dedication.

Judaism has 14-18 million adherents (ninth largest in the world), we call them Jews. The geographic locations are Israel (6.4 million, 75.4%), US (5.3-7 million, 1.7%-2.6%). The founder is Abraham. The holy book is the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). Their beliefs are ethical monotheism- God is one, and concerned with the actions of human kind, Ten Commandments, and 13 Principals of Faith.