Transcript Introduction to Geography

Chapter 6:
Religion
Objective: How can religions be classified and grouped?
Language & Religion
• Two most important forces that bond and
define human cultures
• Two most important factors defining culture
regions
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Monotheism
• Belief in one god
• Examples: Christianity, Islam, Judaism,
Zoroastrianism
Polytheism
• Belief in multiple or many gods
• Examples: Hinduism, Greek and Roman
mythology, many traditional religions, Wicca,
forms of Buddhism, Shintoism
Animism
• Belief in divine forces/spirits in nature
• Traditional religions are often animistic
Perspective?
Religion Regions
Where are religions distributed?
• Classification and Distribution of
Religions
– Universalizing: Christianity, Islam,
Buddhism all proselytize
– Christianity is the most widespread
– In Africa, Islam is the fastest growing
• In SubSaharan Africa - Christianity
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– Ethnic: Judaism, Hinduism, Shintoism
• Tribal (traditional) – small-size ethnic
Shiva devotees in India
Major Religions: Commonalities
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Religions have a tendency to splinter
Have a founder or key figure
Have scriptures
Have rituals
Have structures for prayer or religious
rituals
• Teach a form of the Golden Rule
• Value Peace
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Hinduism
Judaism
Buddhism
Confucianism
Christianity
Islam
4 Minute Quick Write
• How are religions similar? How are religions
different? Write in complete sentences, be
specific, and elaborate!