Major Religions: Origins, Beliefs, and Societal Impact

1. Key Figures of Major Religions: VIPs: Muhammad (Islam), Buddha (Buddhism), John the Baptist (Christianity), Abraham (Judaism).

2. The Significance of Buddha and His Concerns: Buddha, meaning “the enlightened one,” was concerned about the mystery of suffering, encompassing old age, sickness, and death.

3. Abraham’s Origins and Divine Mission: Abraham originated from Ur of the Chaldeans. God sent him to Canaan in the 19th century BCE at the age of 75.

4. Relationship Between John the Baptist and Jesus: Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth, the mother of John, were sisters, making Jesus and John cousins.

5. Classification of Great Religions: Religions are classified into two groups: Eastern religions (more mystical and humanist, seeking wisdom and spiritual energy through meditation) and monotheistic religions with a personal God (Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and some aspects of Hinduism).

6. Hindu Gods: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), Shiva (the destroyer).

7. Atman and Reincarnation: Atman is a mysterious force within each being. Upon death, it is reincarnated into another being until it achieves union with the divine, reaching perfection.

8. Nirvana: Nirvana is the annihilation of the self and identification with the supreme principle of the universe. It is achieved through humility, charity, and resignation.

9. Hindu Castes: Brahmans (priests), Kshatriyas (nobles, warriors), Vaishyas (traders, artisans), Shudras (serfs).

10. Three Paths to Freedom from Reincarnation in Hinduism: The path of knowledge, the path of action, and the path of devotion.

11. Buddha’s Four Noble Truths: The truth about pain, the source of pain, the cessation of pain, and the path to the cessation of pain.

12. Buddha’s Reformation of Hinduism: Buddha, originally from the Hindu warrior caste, after his religious experience, dedicated himself to teaching the path of liberation, giving rise to Buddhism.

13. Buddhism as a Philosophy of Life: Buddhism is considered a philosophy of life rather than a religion because it focuses on finding inner peace and perfection through the elimination of pain.

14. Books of Judaism: The Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), Ketuvim (Writings, including historical and poetic books), and the Talmud (incorporation of the law).

15. Moses and the Exodus: Moses was sent by God to save the Jewish people, leading them through the desert to Mount Sinai. Yahweh appears as the god of the covenant and the law.

16. Important Kings of Israel: Saul, David, and Solomon.

17. Empires That Invaded Canaan: Persians, Greeks, Maccabees, Romans.

18. The Diaspora: Diaspora refers to the dispersion of a people from their homeland. It occurred when the Jews were expelled from Jerusalem and dispersed throughout the world, maintaining their religion.

19. Jewish Identity: Jewish identity is rooted in a sense of community and peoplehood, linked by the anticipation of the Messiah and a shared history and religion.

20. Key Aspects of Jesus: Jesus is the Son of God, conceived by the Virgin Mary. He preached the kingdom of God, the commandment to love one another, and taught prayer to God in spirit and truth. He revealed that God is love, spirit, and truth.

21. Accusations Against Jesus by Jewish Authorities: Going against God, against the law, and proclaiming himself King of the Jews.

22. Resurrection vs. Reincarnation: Resurrection involves the same person rising again (as in Jesus’ case, to redeem humanity). Reincarnation involves the soul being reborn into another being to amend past mistakes or enjoy the afterlife based on good deeds.

23. Significance of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection: Through his death and resurrection, Jesus saved humanity from original sin and offered the opportunity for eternal life.

24. The Gospels: The Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They were written for posterity so people could believe in Jesus and witness his life, works, and miracles.

25. Five Letters of St. Paul: Corinthians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Philippians, Ephesians.

26. Jesus’ Miracles: Miracles are manifestations of God’s power. Examples include the raising of Lazarus and turning water into wine.

27. The Kingdom of God: The kingdom of God is God’s promise to believers, offering abundant and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

28. Basic Principles of Islam (due to the appearance of the angel Gabriel): Profession of faith, prayer, fasting, alms-giving, pilgrimage.

29. Five Fundamental Precepts of Islam: (See question 27 – this appears to be a duplicate request)

30. Meaning and Content of the Quran: “Fajr Quran” refers to the dawn prayer of praise. The Quran contains warnings about the Day of Judgment, descriptions of hell and paradise, moral precepts from Muhammad’s life, and references to biblical figures like Abraham, Mary, and Jesus.

31. Key Dates in Muhammad’s Life: Born in Mecca in 570 CE, experienced a religious crisis in 610 CE, fled to Medina in the Hegira (622 CE), conquered Mecca and founded the Arab peninsula in 630 CE.

32. Secularization: Secularization is the process of separating religion from politics and reason from faith, leading to a decline in religion’s influence and power over society.

33. Relativism: Relativism is a mindset where events or actions are considered relative depending on the approach. This can lead to a lifestyle without foundation or certainties, potentially resulting in flawed thinking.

34. Key Ideas of the Spanish Constitution on Religion: Freedom of ideology, religion, and worship for every person; no one can be compelled to testify about their religion or ideology; public authorities shall consider the religious beliefs of Spanish society and maintain a cooperative relationship.

35. Secularism: Secularism is the doctrine that defends the freedom of individuals and society, where there is no dominant religion and no religious influence in the private sphere.

36. Secularism (repeated): The independence of individuals and the defense of religious freedom.

37. Religions and Their Role in Society (according to Sarkozy): Religions are the foundation of society and a means for individuals to find inner peace. Without them, society would become selfish and relativistic.

38. Causes of Atheism: Inability to verify God’s existence; the absorption of individuals by materialism, overshadowing God; the existence of suffering and pain in the world.

39. Three Postulates about God in the New Age: There is no sin, only imperfect knowledge; salvation comes through one’s own efforts and self-realization.

40. Sacraments: Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Penance, Anointing of the Sick.