Description

This TED-Ed video uses a beautiful range of pictures to quickly introduce the five major current world religions: first Hinduism, then Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and lastly Islam.  It discusses the basics of their history, major beliefs, and demographics. It also includes a quick, good intro and outro to the topic of comparative religion.

Discussion Questions

• Can you name some of the Hindu Gods and what they represent?
• How do you achieve ‘moksha’ in Hinduism?
• What was so new about Judaism?
• After the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem what happened?
• What was the analogy that set off a ‘eureka!’ moment for the Buddha?
• What causes suffering in Buddhism and how can we reduce it?
• Why is Jesus so central to Christianity?
• What facts did you learn about Christianity you may have not known before?
• What are the five pillars of Islam?
• What is so special about the Quran for Muslims?

Keywords: religion, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, history, Islam, Judaism, dogma, doctrine, belief, culture,