The Christian Religion
The cross, or Crucifix, is a symbol used to represent the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Followers of Jesus believe that he is the incarnate son of God and savior of the world. Christians also believe that Jesus died on the cross to atone for human sin. This salvation offers the possibility of everlasting life with God in Heaven. Jesus proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God here on earth and taught that the greatest commandments of the Bible are to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
The Religion of Islam
The Islamic crescent symbolizes the new moon that determines the Islamic calendar. For its followers, Islam is a total way of life. Islam, which in Arabic means ‘submission’ (to God), proclaims a religious faith and sets forth certain rituals as well as prescribing patterns of orders for society in matters of family life, law, business, food, dress and etiquette. There are five fundamental religious duties, called the Pillars of Islam, incumbent upon every Muslim. Muslims believe that God’s final message was revealed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel, and is contained in the Koran.
The Buddhist Religion
The founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, was called, the Buddha. He was born in India and gained
enlightenment at the age of 35. The word “buddha” means “one who has woken up.” Buddhism teaches that the way to Nirvana is through leading a moral life and meditation on the Eight-Fold Path. The eight-spoked wheel represents the Eight-Fold Path which, when practiced together, enables a person to reach a state of equanimity and compassion. Buddhists accept belief in reincarnation and karma, the result of good and evil actions.
The Mormon Religion
In 1823, Joseph Smith had a vision, from an angel named Moroni. The angel directed Smith to a nearby hill; buried under this hill was a religious history of an ancient American civilization inscribed on golden plates. Four years later, Smith translated this record (which was written in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics) into what is now known as the Book of Mormon. On April 6, 1830, Smith established the “Church of Christ;” however, later revelation commanded that the name be changed to The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The Jewish Religion
Judaism is based on the covenant, or promise, made between God and the Jewish people. The covenant began with Abraham and was completed when God gave the Torah, or sacred law, to the Jewish people through Moses at Mt. Sinai. The Torah is the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures. Holy days begin at sundown the day before the date listed on the calendar and end at sundown on the last date of the holiday.
The Hindu Religion
Hinduism is the oldest and most complex of all religious systems. There is no specific founder of Hinduism, nor is it prophetic. No particular doctrine, dogma or practice is essential to it. Hinduism teaches that there is one ultimate reality of energy behind the universe, called Bhrahmand. The many gods and goddesses are the various manifestations of Bhrahmand. There are three main Gods. Bhrama is the creator (beginning), Vishnu is the preserver (presence) and Shiva is the destroyer (end). Vishnu takes birth on earth as different incarnations or Avatars to destroy the evil of the time. The same reality exists in human beings, who through reincarnation, or repeated births, try to realize their unity with God. Festivals are connected with seasons as well as with major gods of Hinduism. Hindu festivals and holy days are based on a lunar calendar.
