Year 7 RS

Christianity

Christianity is the world's biggest religion, with about 2.2 billion followers worldwide. It is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who lived in the Holy Land 2,000 years ago.Through its missionary activity Christianity has spread to most parts of the globe.Place of OriginIsraelFounderJesus of NazarethSacred TextThe Bible - Old and New TestamentsSacred BuildingChurch, Chapel, CathedralHoly PlacesJerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Lourdes (a popular place of pilgrimage), Rome, CanterburyMajor FestivalsEaster, Christmas,Main Branches (Denominations)Anglican, Roman Catholic, Free Churches, Orthodox, Reformed,Who is the founder of Christianity?Jesus Christ, who was crucified around A.D. 30 in Jerusalem, is the founder of Christianity.Who is Jesus Christ?Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth to teach about love and fellowship. He represents the person that all Christians must strive to be.Jesus was a Jew who was born about 2000 years ago in Bethlehem. Jesus lived for 33 years before being crucified by the Romans.What other names is Jesus known by? Son of God Light of the World Lamb of God The Good Shepherd. Who are Christians?Christians are people who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and who follow his teachings and those of the Christian churches that grew up after his death.Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples (followers) to show everyone that there is another life with one, eternal, loving God.Why are Christians called Christians?Christians get their name from Jesus Christ who is God's son.What do Christians believe?Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and that: God sent his Son to earth to save humanity from the consequences of its sins Jesus was fully human, and experienced this world in the same way as other human beings of his time Jesus was tortured and gave his life on the Cross (At the Crucifixion) Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his Crucifixion (the Resurrection) Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old TestamentChristians believe that there is only one God, but that this one God consists of 3 "persons" God the Father God the Son The Holy Spirit Christians believe that God made the world.Where do Christians worship?The Christian place of worship is called a Church. They are often built in the shape of a cross with the altar facing east towards the rising sun.The Christian spiritual leaders are called priests or ministers. (vicars).What is Christian worship like?Christian worship involves praising God in music, speech, readings from scripture, prayers of various sorts, a sermon and various holy ceremonies.What is the Christian holy book called?The Bible is the Christian holy book. It is divided into the Old and New Testaments. Parts of the writing contained in the Old Testament are also sacred to Jewish and Muslim people.What are the two main Christian festivals?The two main Christian festivals are Easter and Christmas. They are major milestones in the Western secular calendar.What are the most important Christian Festivals?The most important Christian festivals are: Lent, Easter and Christmas.For the other festivals visit our page about the Church Year.What are the Christian symbols?The cross is the main symbol. It reminds Christians that Jesus died on the cross to save them.The dove is the symbol of the holy spirit and peace.The fish symbol was created using the Greek letters which spell out ICHTHUS : Jesus Christ God's Son Saviour.The Romans persecuted the Christians and it became dangerous for them to meet. So the Christians devised a secret code. They drew half a fish in the sand. If a person completed the fish, they knew he or she was a believer too. Under the fish sign the Christians wrote the Greek word fish.These letters stood for: Jesus Christ God's Son SaviourWhat are the 10 Commandments?From the Holy Bible, King James version. Exodus 20:3-18 (abridged)1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain4. Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy5. Honour thy father and thy mother6. Thou shalt not kill7. Thou shalt not commit adultery8. Thou shalt not steal9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour10. Thou shalt not covet any thing that is thy neighbour'sHow is Christianity similar to other religions?Christianity shares a number of beliefs and practices with other religions, particularly Judaism and Islam. With Judaism and Islam, Christians believe in one God, who created the universe and all that is in it. All believe that this God is active in history, guiding and teaching his people.Christianity and Judaism share the same roots. The Old Testament and the Torah (Jewish Holy Book) have the same content. The Jews are awaiting the coming of a Messiah or Saviour, while Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Saviour and are now waiting for his second coming.Which religion did Christianity develop from?Christianity originally developed as a part of Judaism. Jesus was a Jew.How is Christianity different from Judaism?Christianity came to regard Jesus as in some sense God's presence in human form. This was unacceptable to most Jews.Judaism is defined by a covenant made between God and the Jewish people. Part of this covenant is the Law, a set of religious and ethical rules and principles. Most Christians came to regard both this covenant and Law as in some sense superseded by Jesus' teaching and the community that he established. On the night he died, Jesus talked about establishing a "new covenant" based on his death and resurrection.Jews believe that there is one God like Christians do, but they do not believe that this one God consists of 3 "persons".Why are there different branches of Christianity?There are different branches of Christianity because some Christians worship in different ways.What are the different branches (denominations) of Christians?There are several denominations of the Christian faith, however all Christians share common beliefs.Church of England - AnglicanismThe Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England. Roman CatholicThe Catholic Church is the oldest institution in the western world. It can trace its history back almost 2000 years.BaptistsFor Baptists, the church is not just a particular place or building, but rather a family of believers, committed to Christ, to one another and to the service of God in the world. MethodistThe calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. OrthodoxThe Orthodox Church shares much with the other Christian churches in the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. Seventh-day AdventistThe belief which makes Seventh-day Adventists really stand out, though it is not the most important part of the faith, is the belief that Saturday is the Sabbath (the day of worship)

Islam

Islam is the second most popular religion in the world with over a thousand million followers. It is more often thought of as a complete way of life rather than a religion.Islam began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Those who follow Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe that there is only one God, called Allah.Islam is mainly followed in the Middle East, Asia, and the north of Africa.Place of Origin Saudi Arabia FounderMuslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam.Sacred Text The Qur'anSacred Building MosqueHoly Places Mecca, Medina, JerusalemMajor FestivalsRamadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-AdhaWho is the founder of Islam? The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him ), who was born in A.D. 570 at Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is often regarded as the founder of Islam. He was the last prophet to be sent by Allah. However the first prophet was Adam.There were many prophets before Muhammad (pbuh) including: Adam, Noah, Abraham (Ibrahim), Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses (Musa), Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus (Isa), peace be upon them.(peace be upon him - Muhammad is so revered that it is usual to make this statement every time his name is mentioned) What does Islam mean? The Arabic word 'Islam' means submission and obedience, and derives from a word meaning 'peace'. What is Islam based on? Islam is based on the ministry of a man named Muhammad (peace be upon him), and on the words that Allah gave to the world through Muhammad. (NB. Muhammad is so esteemed by Muslims that it is usual to utter the blessing "peace be upon him" after his name.) What or who is a Muslim? A Muslim is a follower of the religion of Islam. What do Muslims believe? The basic belief of Islam is that there is only one God, whose name in the Arabic language is Allah, and who is the sole and sovereign ruler of the universe.Muslims have 6 main beliefs Belief in Allah as the one and only God. Belief in angels. Belief in the holy books. Belief in the Prophets (special messengers).e.g. Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), Isa (Jesus).Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet. Belief in the Day of Judgement...The day when the life of every human being will be assessed to decide whether they go to heaven or hell. Belief in Predestination...That Allah has already decided what will happen.Muslims believe that this doesn't stop human beings making free choices Who or what is Allah? Allah is the name Muslims use for the supreme and unique God, who created and rules everything. The heart of faith for all Muslims is obedience to Allah's will. Who is Muhammad (peace be upon him)? Muhammad (pbuh) was born around 570 A.D. in the city of Mecca on the Arabian peninsula. Muslims believe that Muhammad (pbuh) is the last in a line of prophets that includes Moses, Abraham, and Isa (Jesus). Muhammad (pbuh) proclaimed that the Quran was the last Book of God, and that he himself was the last Prophet.The Qur'an is a record of the exact words revealed by Allah through the Arch Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Muhammad (pbuh) memorized and wrote down the words.Muhammad (pbuh) interpreted the words in his daily life. Therefore many of the things which Muhammad (pbuh) did and said were remembered and carefully recorded. The stories and sayings help Muslims to understand the Quran and put what it teaches into practice in their daily lives. What is the holy book of Islam called? The Muslim scripture is the Holy Qur'an. Muslims believe it is 'the word of God'. Muslim beliefs and practices are rooted in the Qur'an.Muslims treat the Qur'an with great respect because they believe that the Qur'an is from Allah, and every word and every letter is sacred. It is usually placed on a special wooden stand to be read.Muslims regard the Qur'an as the unaltered word of God. Where do Muslims worship? The Muslim building for communal worship is called a mosque. Muslims often refer to the mosque by its Arabic name, masjid. The word comes from the Arabic for "place of prostration".Very often Mosques have a domed roof and a tall tower called a minaret. Muslims are called to prayer from the minaret. The man who who enters the minaret and calls them to prayer is called a muezzin.In Britain, calling Muslims to pray this way is not allowed, so some Islamic communities broadcast the call to prayer on a radio frequency which Muslims can pick up in their homes and places of work using a small receiver.There are no pictures or statues in a mosque. They are decorated with patterns and words from the Qur'an. There is also very little furniture inside because Muslims use prayer mats for prayer.When people go into the mosque they take off their shoes. This is to keep it clean for prayer.There is often a fountain or pool, or at least an area with water where people can wash (wudu). Muslim wash their hands, mouth, throat, nose, ears, arms up to the elbow and feet. This is a sacred wash that symbolises spiritual cleansing and purity in readiness for coming before God.There is always a quibla wall in a Mosque which is the one facing Makkah (Mecca), it has an empty arch to signify the direction. It is important that Muslims always know the direction of Mecca. (see pray)Women do not pray in the same place as men, there is usually a screened off area for them.When are services held?Services are held every day at the Mosque.When is the most important service at the Mosque held?On Friday at noon . All Muslims go to the mosque on Friday. Is a special day for prayer. What are the five Pillars of Islam? These are five duties that every Muslim is obliged to perform. The five pillars of Islam help Muslims put their faith into action. Shahadah: declaration of faith "I bear witness that there is no god, but God; I bear witness that Muhammad is the prophet of God." By reciting this, one enters Islamic faith. Salah: prayerMuslims are required to pray five times a day, washing themselves before prayer and facing in the direction of Mecca while praying. Zakat: giving a fixed proportion to charity Muslims are required to give away a percentage of their earnings to those less fortunate, regardless of their religion. Saum: fasting during the month of RamadanMuslims fast for one lunar month each year, a period called Ramadan. During this time, Muslims reflect on their behaviour and strive to purify their thoughts. Hajj: pilgrimage to MeccaIf it is financially possible, Muslims are required to travel to Mecca once in their lifetime. What is so special about how Muslims pray? Muslims are required to : pray five times a day (prayer times are fixed by the sun and change daily), wash themselves before prayer and face in the direction of Mecca (Mekkah) while praying. Why do Muslims face Mecca when praying?Mecca or Makkah is the birthplace of prophet Muhammad, peace is on him. In the center of the mosque in Mecca, is the cube-shaped building called a Kaaba (Ka'bah) is found. All Muslims face the direction of the Kaaba during ritual prayer (Salat).Muslims believe that the Kaaba is the holiest place on earth. It is generally thought to have been built by Prophet Abraham. It is used only as a focal point for prayer (not worshiped) and simply signifies a direction, imposed by God to maintain unity and uniformity among worshipers.The Kaaba is draped with a black cloth, which is covered with Koranic verses that are embroidered in gold and silver thread. During performing the Hajj ceremony a Muslim walks seven times around the Kaaba and then he or she kisses and touch the Black Stone.Every Muslim family, no matter where they live, knows what direction the Kaaba is from their house.(The Kaaba is also called Bakka )When do Muslims pray?Each period for prayer has a special name and each time is separated by two hours. These essential times are: After first light and before sunrise ( Fajr ) Between the sun reaching its height and mid-afternoon ( Dhuhr ) Between mid-afternoon and sunset ( Asr ) After the sun has finished setting ( Maghrib ) In the dark of the night ( Isha ) What are the different types of Muslims? Almost 90% of Muslims are Sunnis. Shiites are the second-largest group. The Shiites split from the Sunnis in 632 when Muhammad died. What are the main Muslim Festivals? The Muslim year is based on Lunar calendar.Ramadan (Ramadhan)Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world will fast (do not eat) during the hours of daylight.The Muslim year is a lunar (moon) year, so Ramadan moves forward by ten or eleven days each year. The day Ramadan begins is decided by the sighting of the new moon.Muslims believe that the gates of Heaven (Jannah) are open and the gates of Hell (Jahanam) are locked for the duration of Ramadan.During Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the time when the verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Ramadan is a time of worship and contemplation. A time to strengthen family and community ties.Every Muslim is expected to fast from sunrise to sunset. Muslims must not eat or drink during daylight hours. During Ramadan Muslims get up early before dawn (Fajr) and have a light meal. This time is known as Suhoor.At the end of each day (Maghrib), Muslims traditionally break their fast with a meal called the iftar. Following the custom of Prophet Muhammad, the fast is often broken with dates, then followed by a prayer and dinner.Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.Eid-ul-Fitr (Id-ul-Fitr)- The festival for the first day after Ramadan.Eid-ul-Fitr marks the breaking of the fast for Muslims at the end of Ramadan. Lasting three days, it is a time for family and friends to get together, for celebrating with good food and presents for children, and giving to charity.Eid-ul-Adha - The Festival of Sacrifice which occurs 70 days after Eid-al-Fitr.Eid ul-Adha is the second most important festival in the Muslim calendar. It is to remember the time when Abraham was going to sacrifice his own son to prove obedience to God and marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). It takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.Dhu Al-Hijja:The month of pilgrimage during which all Muslims, at least once in their life, should try to make the pilgrimage to Mecca.Al Hijra:The Islamic New Year begins on the day Muhammad left Mecca to travel to Medina.

Judaism

Judaism is the oldest of the world's four biggest monotheistic religions (religions with only one god). It's also the smallest, with only about 12 million followers around the world.Jewish history begins with the covenant established between God and Abraham around 1812 BC (over 3,800 years ago), during the Bronze Age, in the Middle East.The Torah (Jewish Law), the primary document of Judaism, was given to the Jews by the Prophet Moses (Moshe) about 3,300 years ago.The Jewish calendar starts with the day when Adam and Eve were created (the Sixth Day of Creation). This year (2010) is 5770 on the Jewish Calendar. It starts with Rosh HaShanah, the two day Jewish New Year. From September 2010, the Jewish Calendar will be 5771.There are large Jewish populations in Israel and the U.S.Place of OriginIsraelFounderAbrahamSacred TextThe TeNaCh (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim)Sacred BuildingSynagogueHoly PlaceJerusalemMajor FestivalsRosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost), Sukkot (Tabernacles)Main Branches (Denominations)Orthodox, Reform, ConservativeWhere did Judaism originate from?Judaism originated in Israel around 4000 years ago.What do Jews believe?Jews believe that there is a single God who not only created the universe, but with whom every Jew can have an individual and personal relationship.Who is the founder of Judaism?Jewish history begins with the covenant established between God and Abraham around 1812 BC, during the Bronze Age, in the Middle East. Abraham is considered as the father of the family of Jews.Moses, is also an important figure as he gave the Jews the Torah around 1250 B.C. The Torah contains the laws of God.Who is Abraham?Abraham is the father of the Jewish people. Jews see Abraham as a symbol of trusting and obeying God. Abraham is also important to followers of Christianity and of Islam.The story of Abraham is told in the Book of Genesis (the first book of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles) in chapters 12-25.Who is Moses?Moses is the leader who freed them from slavery in Egypt. Moses protected the Jews from the wrath of God, and negotiated with God on their behalf.What is the Symbol of Judaism?The symbol or emblem of the Jewish people is the Magen David (Shield of David), also known as the Star of David.What is a Menorah?The Menorah is one of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith. It is a candelabrum with seven candle holders displayed in Jewish synagogues. It symbolises the burning bush as seen by Moses on Mount Sinai. The two most common menorahs have seven and nine candle-holders. The term hanukiah or chanukiah, refers to the nine-candled holder used during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.What is a Mezuzah?A mezuzah is found on doorposts in Jewish homes. It is a little case, containing a tiny scroll. The writing on the scroll is from the bible. It is in Hebrew and is called the Shema. It says that Jewish people should love God and keep his rules.Where do Jews worship? Jews worship in Synagogues. Men and women usually sit separately in the SynagoguesMen are required to cover their heads. In most cases worship takes place in Hebrew.What are the spiritual leaders called?The Jewish spiritual leaders are called Rabbis. Unlike leaders in many other faiths, a rabbi is not a priest and has no special religious status.What is the Jewish Holy Book called? The most holy Jewish book is the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible). Others include Judaism's oral tradition, the written form of which is known as the Talmud.The Torah (or teachings) contains the five books revealed to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy The Torah is stored inside the Ark.No one is allowed to touch the Torah, so a special pointer called a yad is used to follow words when reading it.Tanach (Tenach)The collection of Jewish scripture is known as the TaNaCH (TeNaK) which derives from the three parts to the Jewish scriptures the Torah, the Nevi'im and the Ketuvim. The word TaNaCH is actually an acronym for the parts of the Hebrew Bible: "T" is for Torah, "N" is for Nevi'im, and "CH" is for Ketuvim. The Torah is the first part of the TaNaCH.Find out more...What is the most important day of the week for Jews? The most important day of the week is the Sabbath (Shabbat), which is a day made holy by refraining from weekday work.When does the Sabbath start and end?The Jewish holy day, or Sabbath, starts at sunset on Friday and continues until sunset on Saturday. During the Sabbath, observant Jews will do nothing that might be counted as work. Among the things that they can't do are driving and cooking.What happens on the Shabbat in a Jewish family?At the beginning of Shabbat Jewish families share a meal. They eat special bread called hallah. On the Sabbath, Jews attend services at the synagogue, often led by a Rabbi.What special things do Jews wear? Kippah (a skull cap)On their heads a devout Jew always wears the Kippah to remind him that he is always duty bound to follow the laws of God at all times and in all places.Tallit (a prayer shawl)Before beginning to worship or pray the devout Jew will often put on a tallit. The fringes on the shawl remind him of the many commandments of the Torah.Tefilin (small leather box with long leather straps attached)The boxes are worn on the left forearm and on the forehead. Inside the boxes are passages from the scriptures. A tefilin on the left arm is a reminder to keep God's laws with all your heart, because it is near to the heart. A tefilin on the forehead remind the Jew to concentrate on the teachings of the Torah with all your full mind.Tefilin are worn when praying at home or in the synagogue. Ceremonies What is a bar mitzvah and a bat mitzvah? They are both special ceremonies where Jewish boys (aged 13) and girls (aged 12) can become adults in the eyes of the Jewish religion.Bar mitzvah is for boys and means Son of the Commandment.Bat mitzvah is for girls and means Daughter of the Commandment.What do Jews call marriage? Jews call marriage Kiddushin. This is a Hebrew word which means made holy or special.What is different about a Jewish wedding compared to a Christian wedding? The couple are married under a huppah (sometimes spelled chuppah), a canopy. (picture) The couple make a written contract or promises together. This is called the Ketubah. A glass is broken to remind them that their joy will neer be complete until the Holy Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt. What is similar in Jewish weddings and Christian weddings?Both couples give each other a ring. The ring is a token or symbol of their promisesWhat are the different types of Jews? The three main types in Britain are: Orthodox (the most religiously observant), Reform and Liberal There are other subdivisions within these but this represents British Judaism in its simplest form. Find out more hereWhat is Kosher food? Kosher foods are those that conform to Jewish law. This means no mixing of dairy and meat, no pork or pork products and no shell fish.MeatThe animal from which the meat is taken must have been slaughtered in accordance with prescribed Jewish ritual. Jews cannot eat meat from any animal which does not both chew its cud (food brought up into the mouth by an animal from its first stomach to be chewed again) and has a split hoof; animals such as rabbit or hare, pig, horse, dog or cat are therefore prohibited.FishJews may eat fish that have both fins and scales that are detachable from the skin. What and when are the main Jewish Festivals? PassoverPassover (Pesach in Hebrew) is celebrated to commemorate the liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of slavery in Egypt by Moses.It is a major eight day festival. A highlight is the Seder meal held in each family's home at the beginning of the festival, when the story of their deliverance is recounted as narrated in the Haggadah (the Telling, the Story). Matzah (unleavened bread) is eaten throughout the festival, as are other foods that contain no leaven. There is a great spring cleaning in the home before the festival to ensure that no trace of leaven is left in the home during Pesach.Rosh Hashanah - Jewish New YearRosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year festival and commemorates the creation of the world.This festival marks the Jewish New Year and begins with ten days of repentance and self examination, during which time God sits in judgement on every person. The festival is also known as the Day of Judgement, the Day of the Sounding of the Shofar, and the Day of Remembrance.Over the two days of Rosh Hashanah, there are special services at the synagogue. A musical instrument, called a shofar, is blown. It makes a loud piercing sound like a trumpet and reminds Jews of God's great power.People east slices of apple dipped in honey. This is a way of wishing each other a sweet and happy New Year.Happy New Year - 'Leshanah Tovah Tikatevy'Yom Kippur - the Day of AtonementYom Kippur, the most sacred and solemn day of the Jewish year, brings the Days of Repentance to a close.As well as fasting for 25 hours, Jews spend the day in prayer, asking for forgiveness and resolving to behave better in the future.Sukkot / SukkothSukkot commemorates the years that the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land. Some lived in tents whilst others built huts out of leaves and branches. These huts were called sukkot.During the festival, some Jews build their own sukkah in the garden or at the synagogue. Jews eat their meals in the sukkah for the eight or nine days of the festival.There are rules to making the sukkah. Each sukkah must have at least three walls. The roof of the sukkah must be made of material referred to as sekhakh, which means "covering." Thie 'covering' must be something that grew from the ground and was cut off, such as tree branches, corn stalks, bamboo reeds or sticks. Sekhakh (the roof covering) should be sparse and left loose enough so that the stars can be seen.There is a special Sukkot service in the synagogue. Everyone holds branches from three trees in their hands and a citron fruit in their right. They walk around the synagogue seven times, waving the branches.(Sukkah is the singular, Sukkot is the plural)HanukkahHanukkah or Chanukah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It dates back to two centuries before the beginning of Christianity. It is an eight day holiday starting on the 25th night of the Jewish month of KislevHanukka celebrates the miraculous victory over religious persecution in the Holy Land and also commemorates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the burning oil. This is where the oil of the menorah (the candelabrum in the temple) miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough oil for one day.Tisha B’avTisha B'av is a solemn occasion because it commemorates a series of tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people over the yearsTu B’ShevatTu B'Shevat is the Jewish 'New Year for Trees'. It is one of the four Jewish new years (Rosh Hashanahs).Yom HashoahYom Hashoah is a day set aside for Jews to remember the Holocaust.