Understanding Different Religions for Self-Advocates

Christianity is the biggest religion in the world. It is based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians believe that Jesus is God’s son and that he died to forgive the wrong things people have done. You might also hear Jesus called the
Messiah.

Christianity has many different groups. Each group has its own beliefs, values, and traditions. Some of these groups are Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Baptist, but there are many others.

Islam is one of the world’s oldest religions. It teaches people to follow the will of Allah, who is God. The most important prophet in Islam is Muhammad. Followers learn from the Quran, which is their holy book. Muslims practice five important acts of worship called the Five Pillars.

There are three main groups of Islam: Sunni, Shia, and Muhakkima. There are smaller groups as well.

Buddhism was started by a man named Buddha. He encouraged people to follow a path toward enlightenment, which means deep understanding and peace. This path is all about balance and moderation—not too much, not too little. Buddhists often practice not harming others and spend time meditating.

There are two main types of Buddhism: Theravāda and Mahāyāna

Hinduism is another of the oldest religions in the world. People who follow it believe you can find truth in many different ways. Some important ideas in Hinduism are: doing the right thing, being born again after you die, and understanding that your actions and intentions have consequences. Being kind and accepting of other people is often seen as the most important virtue.

Hinduism includes many different beliefs and traditions about spirituality. Because of this,
many people think of it not as a religion, but as a way of life

Judaism was started by a man named Abraham. People who follow Judaism believe in one God who cares about human beings. Jews believe that God made a special agreement, called a covenant, with the Jewish people. That’s why you might hear them called the “chosen people.”

Some Jewish groups include Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

There are many other religions as well. Popular Eastern religions include Confucianism and Taoism, which emphasize ethical living, harmony, and balance between life and society.

Other religions, such as Native American practices
and Wicca, are deeply connected to the Earth and
nature.

Finally, the absence of a belief in a god or refusal to
practice a formal religion is called Atheism. Atheism
is not a religion or a belief; it is a stance.