Came from Hinduism as a question to its teachings (caste system). 2 branches: Mahayan (salvation comes by appeal to holy sources of merit) and Theravada (Salvation is a personal matter achieved by good behavior and being a monk or nun). EX) Theravada- Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia. Mahayana- Vietnam Korea, Japan, and China

The majority accept rulers who aren't descendants of Muhammad/Ali. EX) many in US and Europe

Founded by Muhammad, Qu'ran, Allah; monotheistic; includes 5 pillars; pilgrimage to Mecca/hajj. EX) Most Muslims are in Indonesia

Has a single founder (Jesus); split from Judaism; monotheistic; first split: between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox. Emperor Diocletian split empire eventually leading to separate denominations. The last branch, Protestant, came from the Catholics.

Grew from the beliefs of Jews; a nomadic Semitic tribe in SW Asia. Based off the teachings of Abraham. In Middle East, N Africa, Russia, Ukraine, Europe, and N and S America; Monotheistic.

A philosophy of life. Like Taoism, had a great impact on Chinese Life. Appalled by the poor and suffering, this urged people to assert themselves. Said virtues and abilities, not heritage, should determine position in society. Altered by emperors over time.

When a soul is reborn...in Hinduism you are moved up and down in the caste system based on your behavior. The goal is to escape this through union with Brahman. EX) Hinduism

The worship of a single deity, God or Allah EX) Islam grew in Northern Africa from 11 to 234 million in 1900 to 2010

A system of beliefs and practices that attempts to order life in terms of culturally perceived ultimate priorities. EX) Baha'i

To actively seek converts because they view themselves as offering belief systems, universal appropriateness, and appeal. Few in number and of recent origin. EX) Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam

Centered on the belief that inanimate objects, such as mountain, trees, rivers, and boulders possess spirits and should be revered. EX) Shamanism

Adherents are born into the faith and converts are not actively sought. Spatially concentrated, except for Judaism. EX) traditional religions in Africa and SA. Judaism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Shintoism

The art and science of organized living spaces in order to channel the life forces that exist in nature in favorable ways, done by consulting geomancers-someone who claims to discover hidden knowledge with the aid of supernatural powers. EX) Shamanism uses geomancers

Monotheistic religion that developed about 3500 years ago in SW Asia. Some believe it was the first monotheistic religion, others say Judaism was. EX) The Parsi are these who moved to India.

They don't accept rulers who aren't descendants of Muhammad. They have a more centralized hierarchical clergy than Sunni. Imams are the source of knowledge. EX) Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan

A community of faith in which people follow their shaman (religious leader); small, isolated religion; EX) Africa, Native America, SE Asia, and E Asia.

The indifference to or rejection of formal religion. EX) 57% of US said religion isn't super important in their lives while 98% of Senegal said the opposite.

Church of the Latter day Saints. Created by Joseph Smith, has similar beliefs to Christianity. Began in NY, then moved to Utah due to persecution.