1. The Abrahamic Religions 🕍✝️☪️
These three religions trace their roots to Abraham and share common beliefs in monotheism (one God).
| Aspect | Judaism | Christianity | Islam |
|---|---|---|---|
| God | Yahweh (YHWH) | Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) | Allah |
| Founder/Prophet | Abraham, Moses | Jesus Christ | Prophet Muhammad |
| Sacred Text | Torah (Tanakh) | Bible (Old & New Testament) | Qur'an |
| Place of Worship | Synagogue | Church | Mosque (Masjid) |
| Religious Leader | Rabbi | Priest/Pastor/Minister | Imam |
| Holy Day | Shabbat (Saturday) | Sunday | Jumu'ah (Friday) |
Key Term: Monotheism
Belief in ONE God. All three Abrahamic religions are monotheistic.
2. Christianity Deep Dive ✝️
The world's largest religion with over 2 billion followers. Founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Core Beliefs
- Trinity: One God in three persons
- Salvation: Through faith in Jesus Christ
- Resurrection: Jesus rose from the dead
- Afterlife: Heaven or Hell
- Second Coming: Jesus will return
Major Denominations
- Catholic: Pope-led, largest denomination
- Orthodox: Eastern traditions, Patriarch-led
- Protestant: Reformed (Lutheran, Baptist, etc.)
- Evangelical: Bible-centered, born-again emphasis
- Iglesia ni Cristo: Philippine-founded (1914)
Philippines Context:
~86% of Filipinos are Christian (mostly Catholic). The Philippines is the largest Catholic nation in Asia.
3. Islam Deep Dive ☪️
The world's second-largest religion and the fastest-growing. "Islam" means submission to Allah.
The Five Pillars of Islam
Shahada
Declaration of Faith
Salat
Prayer (5x daily)
Zakat
Almsgiving/Charity
Sawm
Fasting (Ramadan)
Hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca
Philippines Context:
~5-6% of Filipinos are Muslim, mostly in Mindanao (BARMM - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).
4. Hinduism: The Oldest Living Religion 🕉️
Polytheistic religion (many gods) originating in India. Known for karma, dharma, and reincarnation.
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Brahman | Supreme cosmic power/ultimate reality |
| Atman | Individual soul (part of Brahman) |
| Karma | Actions affect future (cause & effect) |
| Dharma | Moral duty/righteous path |
| Samsara | Cycle of rebirth (reincarnation) |
| Moksha | Liberation from cycle of rebirth |
🔱
Brahma
The Creator
🙏
Vishnu
The Preserver
💀
Shiva
The Destroyer/Transformer
Sacred Texts: Vedas (oldest), Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita
5. Buddhism: The Middle Way ☸️
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in India around 500 BCE. Focus on ending suffering through enlightenment.
The Four Noble Truths
- Dukkha: Life is suffering
- Samudaya: Suffering is caused by desire/craving
- Nirodha: Suffering can end
- Magga: The path to end suffering (Eightfold Path)
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right View, Intention, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, Concentration
Grouped into: Wisdom, Ethical Conduct, Mental Discipline
Theravada Buddhism
"Teaching of the Elders" - Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar. Individual enlightenment focus.
Mahayana Buddhism
"Great Vehicle" - China, Japan, Korea. Bodhisattva ideal (helping others).
6. Chinese Philosophies: Taoism & Confucianism 🇨🇳
☯️ Taoism (Daoism)
Founded by Lao Tzu. Sacred text: Tao Te Ching
- Tao (The Way): Natural order of universe
- Wu Wei: Non-action, going with the flow
- Yin-Yang: Balance of opposites
- Harmony with nature
📚 Confucianism
Founded by Confucius (Kong Qiu). Text: Analects
- Ren: Benevolence/Humaneness
- Li: Ritual/Propriety
- Xiao: Filial Piety (respect for parents)
- Social harmony through ethics
Philippines Context:
Chinese-Filipino culture is influenced by Confucian values (family respect, education emphasis) and Taoist practices (feng shui, lucky numbers).
7. Practice Questions & Exam Tips 📝
Test Your Knowledge:
1. Which religion practices the Five Pillars including Shahada and Hajj?
Show Answer
Islam - The Five Pillars are fundamental practices in Islam.
2. What is the Hindu concept for the cycle of rebirth?
Show Answer
Samsara - The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth until moksha (liberation) is achieved.
3. Buddhism's Four Noble Truths focus on ending what?
Show Answer
Suffering (Dukkha) - Buddhism teaches that life is suffering and provides a path to end it.
4. Which Chinese philosophy emphasizes "Wu Wei" (non-action)?
Show Answer
Taoism (Daoism) - Founded by Lao Tzu, emphasizing harmony with the natural order.
5. What does the term "Abrahamic religions" refer to?
Show Answer
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - All trace their roots to the patriarch Abraham.
Exam Tips!
- ✓ Abrahamic religions: All monotheistic (one God) - Judaism, Christianity, Islam
- ✓ Eastern religions: Hinduism (polytheistic), Buddhism (non-theistic/philosophy)
- ✓ Remember sacred texts: Torah, Bible, Qur'an, Vedas, Tripitaka, Tao Te Ching
- ✓ Key founders: Abraham/Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Lao Tzu, Confucius
- ✓ Philippines: Majority Catholic, Muslim minority in Mindanao