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Public Square - Summer Series

Future of Religion




Future of World Religions

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BUDDHISM
What are the Origins and History of Buddhism?
How do Buddhists' Beliefs shape their Ethics?
What Rituals do Buddhists Practice?
Subtraditions
Theravada

Mahayana
Zen
Pure Land
Lotus Sutra
Soka Gakkai

Vajrayana/Tibetan
Portal
Buddhist Portal
Summary
Buddhism originated in northern India in the 6th (or 5th) century BCE. The tradition and traces its origin to Siddhartha Gautama (or Gotama), who is typically referred to as the Buddha (literally the "Awakened" or "Enlightened One"). Siddhartha observed the suffering in the world, and set out to find an antidote. Through meditation and analysis, he attained an enlightened state of being that marked the end of attachments (and therefore suffering), and ultimately, upon his death, to release from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). The Buddha's teachings are often summarized in the Four Noble Truths, which form the basis of the first sermon he delivered after attaining enlightenment, and the Eightfold Path which provides a basic guide for how to live in the world. Over the course of its 2500-year history, Buddhism has experienced many schisms and modifications; there are currently three major branches of the tradition, the Theravada ("Doctrine of the Elders"), the Mahayana ("Great Vehicle), and the Vajrayana ("Diamond Vehicle," often simply called "Tibetan Buddhism"), although there are many sects and groups within each of these branches. The Buddhist canon consists of a vast corpus of texts that cover philosophical, devotional, and monastic matters, and each of the major divisions of Buddhism has its own distinct version of what it considers to be canonical scriptures. Buddhism has spread from its roots in India to virtually every corner of the world, and in each place it has spread it has adopted and adapted local practices and beliefs. Although Buddhism is a distinct religious tradition, many people in the contemporary West have adopted philosophical and practical aspects of Buddhism and incorporated them into their religious and social practices; thus there are people who identify themselves "Buddhist Christians," "Buddhist Jews," and "Buddhist Atheists.
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CHRISTIANITY
What are the Origins and History of Christianity?
How do Christians' Beliefs shape their Ethics?
What Rituals do Christians Practice?
Subtraditions
Eastern Orthodoxy
Roman Catholic
Protestant
Mormon
Portals
Evangelical Portal
Catholic Portal
Mainline Protestant Portal
Mormon Portal
Summary
Christianity developed out of Judaism in the 1st century C.E. It is founded on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and those who follow him are called "Christians." Christianity has many different branches and forms with accompanying variety in beliefs and practices. The three major branches of Christianity are Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism, with numerous subcategories within each of these branches. Until the latter part of the 20th century, most adherents of Christianity were in the West, though it has spread to every continent and is now the largest religion in the world. Traditional Christian beliefs include the belief in the one and only true God, who is one being and exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the belief that Jesus is the divine and human Messiah sent to the save the world. Christianity is also noted for its emphasis on faith in Christ as the primary component of religion. The sacred text of Christianity is the Bible, including both the Hebrew scriptures (also known as the Old Testament) and the New Testament. Central to Christian practice is the gathering at churches for worship, fellowship, and study, and engagement with the world through evangelism and social action.
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HINDUISM
What are the Origins and History of Hinduism?
How do Hindus' Beliefs shape their Ethics?
What Rituals do Hindus Practice?
Subtraditions
Vaishnavite
Shaivite
Shakta
Portal
Hindu Portal
Summary
Hinduism is a collective term applied to the many philosophical and religious traditions native to India. Hinduism has neither a specific moment of origin nor a specific founder. Rather, the tradition understands itself to be timeless, having always existed. Indeed, its collection of sacred texts is known, as a whole, as Sanatana Dharma, "The Eternal Teaching." It is thus a complex tradition that encompasses numerous interrelated religious doctrines and practices that have some common characteristics but which lack any unified system of beliefs and practices. Hinduism encompasses a number of major sects, as well as countless subsects with local or regional variations. On one level, it is possible to view these sects as distinct religious traditions, with often very specific theologies and ritual traditions; on another level, however, they often understand themselves to be different means to reach a common end. The Hindu worldview is grounded in the doctrines of samsara (the cycle of rebirth) and karma (the universal law of cause and effect), and fundamentally holds that one's actions (including one's thoughts) directly determine one's life, both one's current life and one's future lives. Many, but not all, Hindus hold that the cosmos is populated by numerous deities and spiritual beings - gods and goddesses, or devas - who actively influence the world and who interact with humans. The tradition is typically divided into four major sects: Shaiva (devotees of the god Shiva), Vaishnava (devotees of the god Vishnu), Shakta (devotees of the goddess), and Smarta (those who understand the ultimate form of the divine to be abstract and all encompassing, Brahman).
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HUMANISM
Subtraditions
Atheism
Agnosticism
Secular Humanism
Portal
Coming Soon...
Summary
Secular Humanism refers to an ideology that bases its morality and decision-making on the humanist values of reason, justice, and ethics instead of the spiritual and supernatural claims of most religious traditions. Secular Humanism does not reject the existence of God or the supernatural (preferring the label "nontheistic" as opposed to atheistic), but it does not believe these should be sources of social, ethical, or moral reflection and organization. As a philosophical approach, Secular Humanism looks to human beings to solve human problems instead of looking to a god. Secular Humanism is a 20th century development but its roots may be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy and Chinese Confucianism. Secular Humanism was distinguished by its desire to separate it from other forms of humanism including realism, philosophical humanism, scientific humanism, and particularly religious humanism and Christian humanism. Secular Humanism is committed to the growth and fulfillment of individuals and humanity through the use of critical reason and scientific methods. It aims to search for ethical principles that guide individuals and communities in social and political engagement. Secular Humanism is grounded in the conviction that by employing reason, tolerance, and good will, humanity is capable of creating a better world. Secular Humanists are typically nonreligious, but others claim that Secular Humanism is itself a religion because it has a "governing body" (the Council for Secular Humanism) and recognized "texts" (such as the various Secular Humanist Manifestos).
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ISLAM
What are the Origins and History of Islam?
How do Muslims' Beliefs shape their Ethics?
What Rituals do Muslims Practice?
Subtraditions
Sunni
Shi'a
Sufi
Portal
Muslim Portal
Summary
Islam is a monotheistic religious tradition that developed in the Middle East in the 7th century CE. Islam, which literally means "surrender" or "submission," was founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as an expression of surrender to the will of Allah - the creator and sustainer of the world. The Qur'an, the sacred text of Islam, contains the teachings of the Prophet that were revealed to him from Allah. Essential to Islam is the belief that Allah is the one and true God with no partner or equal. Islam has several branches and much variety within those branches. The two divisions within the tradition are the Sunni and Shi'a, each of which claims different means of maintaining religious authority. One of the unifying characteristics of Islam is the Five Pillars, the fundamental practices of Islam. These five practices include a ritual profession of faith, ritual prayer, the zakat (charity), fasting, and the hajj (a pilgrimage to Mecca). Many Muslims are characterized by their commitment to praying to Allah five times a day. One of the defining characteristics of Islam is the primacy of sacred places including Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. Muslims gather at mosques to worship Allah, pray, and study scripture. There is not a sharp distinction between the religious and secular aspects of life in Islam; all aspects of a Muslim's life are to be oriented to serving Allah. Islam expanded almost immediately beyond its birthplace in the Arabian peninsula, and now has significant influence in Africa, throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
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JUDAISM
What are the Origins and History of Judaism?
How do Jews' Beliefs shape their Ethics?
What Rituals do Jews Practice?
Subtraditions
Orthodox
Conservative
Reform
Hasidic
Kabbalah
Portal
Jewish Portal
Summary
Judaism is a religious tradition with origins dating back nearly four thousand years, rooted in the ancient near eastern region of Canaan (which is now Israel). Originating as the beliefs and practices of the people known as "Israel," classical - or rabbinic - Judaism did not emerge until the 1st century C.E. Judaism traces its heritage to the covenant God made with Abraham and his lineage that God would make them a sacred people and give them a holy land. The primary figures of Israelite culture include the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the prophet Moses, who received God's law at Mt. Sinai. Judaism is a tradition grounded in the religious, ethical, and social laws as they are articulated in the Torah - the first five books of the Hebrew Bible - what Jews refer to as the Tanakh, an acronym for the texts of the Torah, Prophets and Writings. Other sacred texts include the Talmud and Midrash, the rabbinic, legal, and narrative interpretations of the Torah. The contemporary branches of Judaism differ on their interpretations and applications of these texts. The four main movements within Judaism today are Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist, respectively ranging from traditional to liberal to religiously progressive in their application of Torah. While diverse in their views, Jews continue to be unified on the basis of their common connection to a set of sacred narratives expressing their relationship with God as a holy people. Judaism tends to emphasize practice over belief. Jewish worship is centered in synagogues, which completely replaced the Second Temple after its destruction in 70 C.E. Jewish religious leaders are called rabbis, who oversee the many rituals and ceremonies essential to Jewish religious practice.
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NEW RELIGIONS
Subtraditions
Baha'i
Christian Science
ISKCON
Jehovah's Witnesses
New Age
Paganism
Scientology
Portals
Pagan Portal
Summary
A wide variety of religious expressions have emerged in the 20th century. Many of these have ancient roots of their modern expressions; others are emerging spiritual practices without any traditional precedent.

Paganism: Paganism represents a wide variety of traditions that emphasize reverence for nature and a revival of ancient polytheistic religious practices. Besides Nature, many Pagans also worship a diversity of gods and goddesses. Some Pagan traditions include ritual magic, but this practice is not universal.

Jehovah's Witnesses: The Witnesses' personal name for God is the distinctive "Jehovah," which is the movement's transliteration of the name God spoke from the burning bush in Exodus. Jesus is not God incarnate, but is God's only son.

Christian Science: Christian Science is a religion that focuses on spiritual healing through prayer. Its stated purpose is to restore the healing works of the early Christian church. God is referred to as "Father-Mother" and Jesus is considered divine, but not God.

Scientology: Scientology teaches that the human mind is often restricted by its subconscious thoughts and needs to be freed from negative thoughts under the direction of a counselor in order to release its everlasting spirit. Once all of the obstructions have been removed, the Scientologist is able to live spiritually free, a state called the "Clear."

New Age: New Age is an umbrella term used to describe an organization of diverse groups that share an enthusiasm for the creation of a new era exemplified by a heightened spiritual consciousness which is accompanied by social and personal transformation. Individuals can get a foretaste of this enlightenment through personal spiritual transformation, healing, and growth.

ISKCON: The Hare Krishna movement is a semi-monastic religious movement based on Vaishnava Hinduism. Hare Krishna followers worship the Hindu god Vishnu in his earthly manifestation as Krishna. The ultimate goal of Hare Krishna devotion is to achieve "Krishna consciousness," attained by strict ethical living and spiritual devotion, especially repetitive chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra.

Baha'i: Baha'í teaches that God is utterly transcendent and ultimately unknowable to humanity. God's manifestation is understood in Baha'í to come not just through the prophets Bāb and Bahá'u'lláh, but also through the world's religious prophets, including Abraham, Moses, the Buddha, Krishna, and Mohammed.