RELIGIOUS MEANINGS

World Religion and Worldview Overview

Syllabus

Essential Question: ��If the God of the Bible is the One True God, in what ways is He True, and how can we as Christians listen and communicate logically the Truth of Jesus to those who follow the worldviews of other major world religions and ‘false gods’ and lovingly live among our neighbors who believe differently?

SERVICE HOURS

Purpose:

Potential Places to Serve:

In-Class Bible Reading: Daniel, Hebrews, James

Home reading

Some Friday’s…..

February 6

May 1

May 29

April 1 (Wednesday)

Please bring to class:

Notebook/pencil/pen

Binder

Bible

Let’s see what you know!

1.Which religion is considered monotheistic?� a) Hinduism� b) Buddhism� c) Judaism� d) Taoism�

2.The Qur’an is the sacred text of:� a) Christianity� b) Islam� c) Judaism� d) Hinduism�

3.Who founded Buddhism?� a) Confucius� b) Abraham� c) Siddhartha Gautama� d) Muhammad

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4.Which religion teaches the Five Pillars as core practices?� a) Sikhism� b) Islam� c) Hinduism� d) Buddhism�

5.The concept of karma is most closely associated with which religions?� a) Christianity and Islam� b) Judaism and Christianity� c) Hinduism and Buddhism� d) Islam and Judaism�

6.Which religion believes Jesus is the Son of God?� a) Judaism� b) Islam� c) Christianity� d) Buddhism

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7.The Torah is a sacred text in:� a) Christianity� b) Hinduism� c) Judaism� d) Buddhism�

8.Which religion does not focus on worship of a personal god?� a) Christianity� b) Islam� c) Judaism� d) Buddhism�

9.Mecca is the holiest city in:� a) Judaism� b) Christianity� c) Islam� d) Hinduism�

10.Which religion has many gods and goddesses?� a) Islam� b) Christianity� c) Hinduism� d) Judaism

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Which world religions will we study?

• Islam
• Folk Religion
• Cults
• Buddhism
• Hinduism
• Wicca/Witchcraft

An approach to World Religions

• Why study other religions of the world?
• God calls upon Christians to "sanctify the Lord in your hearts and to be ready to give defense (Apologia) to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15)
• How can we defend the faith from a position of faith. When a Mormon missionary arrives at your door...how do you respond?
• Apologetics- greek apo( from) and logos (word)
• Our purpose for this class is to inform, not persuade, to strengthen your resolve and to understand and appreciate a worldview in collision with our own. How better to defend when you can understand!
• Would it be easy to change another's mind and spirit about what they believe? Could someone change yours? Then how do we evangelize?

Theism- The belief in God or gods.

• Monotheism is the belief in one, personal God who is the creator and sustainer of the universe.
• God is usually understood as omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), and omnibenevolent (all-loving).
• God is actively involved in human history and moral life.
• Examples: Christianity, Judaism, Islam

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• Polytheism is the belief in multiple gods, each with limited powers and distinct roles.

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• Gods often represent natural forces or human traits.

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• There is no single, all-powerful deity.

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• Examples: Ancient Greek and Roman religions, some forms of Hindu practice.

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• Atheism is the belief that no gods exist.

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• Can be based on scientific explanations of the universe or philosophical arguments.

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• Some atheists actively argue against theism; others simply lack belief.

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• Agnosticism is the view that the existence of God is unknown or unknowable. (Not a theism)

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• Focuses on the limits of human knowledge rather than belief.

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• A person can be an agnostic theist or agnostic atheist.

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So where do we go from here?

• Christians are called to seek truth, show love, and live faithfully according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Learning about other religions does not require compromising Christian belief. Instead, when done with discernment and humility, it can strengthen faith, promote understanding, and reflect Christ’s love.
• The Bible encourages believers to grow in understanding and wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” — James 1:5
• Learning about other religions can help Christians better understand the world, ask deeper questions about their own faith, and clarify what Christianity teaches about God, salvation, and human purpose.
• Jesus commands His followers to love all people, not only those who share their beliefs. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Mark 12:31
• Studying other religions allows Christians to engage respectfully with people of different beliefs, avoiding ignorance, stereotypes, or fear. Respectful understanding reflects Christ’s love without requiring agreement.
• While Christians may learn from many sources, Scripture remains the ultimate authority. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”  — 2 Timothy 3:16
• Christians stay faithful by measuring everything they learn—religious or otherwise—against the teachings of the Bible and the example of Jesus Christ.

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What is the ultimate goal?? How are we set apart from other religions?

• Christianity is distinct among world religions because it teaches that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something humans can earn through good works. While many religions emphasize moral behavior or religious duties as a way to attain salvation or enlightenment, Christianity teaches that humans are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, not by their own efforts.
• Salvation by Grace, Not by Works. Sola Gratia.
• The Bible clearly teaches that salvation cannot be earned.
• “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”� — Ephesians 2:8–9
• No amount of good deeds can remove sin or make a person righteous before God. Salvation is made possible only through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

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Looking back

• History has shown the sacrifice that many have made to defend the word of the Lord. Studying world religions helps us understand not only what people believe, but why those beliefs mattered enough for individuals to risk their lives.

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• Martin Luther
• Girolamo Savonarola

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Micah 3:11

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Prophet Micah Luther/Savonarola You

800 BC 16th Century Today

Martin Luther and Girolamo Savonarola are examples of people whose faith shaped history. Luther challenged church practices he believed contradicted Scripture, knowing that his stance could lead to imprisonment or death. Savonarola boldly called for repentance and reform, fully aware that confronting powerful religious and political leaders could cost him his life. In both cases, their commitment to their understanding of God’s truth required personal sacrifice.

By studying world religions, we gain insight into the deep convictions that motivate people’s actions, both past and present. Understanding these sacrifices helps us respect the seriousness of faith, recognize how religious beliefs have influenced social and political change, and reflect on our own values. Learning about world religions is not just about comparing beliefs—it is about understanding the cost of faith and the impact it has had on shaping history and human identity.

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In-Class Bible Reading: Daniel, Hebrews, James

Daniel 1

The role of religion to society

What is the role of religion to society (identity, belonging, purpose, hope, tradition)?

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Identity

From a Christian perspective, religion plays a vital role in society by shaping identity, belonging, purpose, hope, and tradition, all rooted in a relationship with God. Christianity teaches that human identity is found not in status or achievement, but in being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This belief affirms human dignity and provides a foundation for understanding who we are.

Belonging and Purpose

Christianity also offers a strong sense of belonging through the Church, described in the Bible as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). Believers are called into a community where they support one another, practice love, and grow together in faith. This sense of belonging extends beyond culture or nationality, uniting people under Christ.

In terms of purpose, Christianity teaches that humans are created to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37–39). Life is not accidental but meaningful, with each person called to live out their gifts in service to God and society. This purpose guides moral decisions and encourages responsibility and compassion.

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Why do you go to church/ follow the Christian religion?

Hope and tradition

Christianity provides hope through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Even in suffering, believers trust in God’s promises of forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 8:18). This hope gives strength during hardship and confidence in the future.

Finally, Christianity values tradition by passing down faith through Scripture, worship, and teachings that have endured for centuries (2 Thessalonians 2:15). These traditions connect believers to the early Church and help preserve core beliefs while guiding Christian life today.

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Why do you think people follow other religions?

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Video

Video

• Article 1 - Christian perspective​
• Article 2 – Muslim perspective​
• Article 3 - spiritual perspective​

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• Fill in the chart with all the reasons you find!​
• After reading and watching: What else is missing that you could add?​

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In-Class Bible Reading: Daniel, Hebrews, James

Daniel 2:1-23

In-Class Bible Reading: Daniel, Hebrews, James

Daniel 2:1-23

Daniel 2:1-23

King Neb had a troubling dream and wanted an interpretation, but wanted proof of authority of the interpretation by also knowing what the dream was in the first place. The kingdom’s magicians couldn’t. The king sought out Daniel because of his reputation, and God gave Daniel the King’s dream while he slept.

Who is God – knows everything including pagan king’s dreams, speaks to us to we can prove to others who He is

How to live – no rush to prove who God is – Daniel asked the king for time, listen for what God’s telling you, know He wants to speak to the world through us, recognize in humility that your wisdom and knowledge as a leader comes from God, praise God

How are the major world religions currently represented geographically based on their history and displacement of adherents?

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RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION OF THE WORLD

Questions for PBS's World Religions Map 

In-Class Bible Reading: Daniel, Hebrews, James

Daniel 2:24-49

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How are atheism and agnosticism different?

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Key Thinkers

1.Friedrich Nietzsche�2.Karl Marx �3.Sigmund Freud�4.Charles Darwin

5.Richard Dawkins

6.Christopher Hitchens�7.Sam Harris�8.Stephen Hawking

9.Sir David Attenborough

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What role does faith play in this key thinker’s worldview, and how does it shape their understanding of truth or meaning?

Key Thinkers Often Associated with Atheism

• Friedrich Nietzsche – Critiqued religion and famously declared “God is dead,” arguing that society must find meaning without God.�
• Karl Marx – Viewed religion as a social tool that distracted people from injustice.�
• Sigmund Freud – Believed religion was a psychological response to fear and human needs.�
• Charles Darwin (Agnostic) – His theory of evolution challenged literal interpretations of creation, though he did not label himself an atheist.�

Famous Atheists

• Richard Dawkins�
• Christopher Hitchens�
• Sam Harris�

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Christian/ atheist debate video – John Lennox, William Lane Craig –”Why do we judge God based on the actions of people?

Famous Agnostics

• Stephen Hawking
• Sir David Attenborough
• Ricky Gervais

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What is a Worldview?

What are the 6 Worldview Categories?

• Deity
• What is prime reality (what is really real)? Is there one God, many gods, or no God? What is God like?
• Origin
• How did the universe begin? How did humans come to be?
• Nature of Man
• What is a human being? Are humans naturally good or evil? Are all humans equal? How should we act toward other humans?
• After Death
• What happens to humans after death?
• Truth and Knowledge
• How do you know what is true? Is truth absolute or decided personally? Where does knowledge and right and wrong come from?
• Purpose
• What is the meaning of human history? Why am I on earth? What is a good life?

In-Class Bible Reading: Daniel, Hebrews, James

Daniel 3

Christianity Overview

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WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW?

Fill out the Worldview handout from the Christian perspective, answering each question as fully as you can, using bible verses to enhance your ideas.

In-Class Bible Reading: Daniel, Hebrews, James

Daniel 4:1-27

QUIZ

REFLECTION

Final thoughts