World Religions: An Introduction to Five Major Traditions

Christianity: Christianity issued out of Judaism in the early 1st century. It centers on the life, teachings, mission, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Traditional Christian beliefs include the belief in the one and only true God, who is one being and exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the belief that Jesus is the divine and human Messiah sent to the save the world.

• Use the Origin Map Lens to trace Christianity's beginnings.
• Then open the Tree Lens, clicking on Christianity, in order to see the development of Christianity.
• Read the Overview and Quick Facts of Christianity to get a quick introduction.
• Read about the Origins of Christianity, and use the Study Questions at the end of the article.
• Explore Christian beliefs about the Jesus and the beginnings of the Church. Use the Study Questions at the end of the article.
• Read about Christian teachings on afterlife, salvation, and heaven. Use the Study Questions at the end of the article.
• Choose one further topic about Christianity that interests you: the origins of the Bible, Christianity's relationship with western civilization, the Trinity, or Christian sacraments.

Islam: Islam is a monotheistic religious tradition that developed in the Middle East in the 7th century C.E. Islam, which literally means "surrender" or "submission," was founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as an expression of surrender to the will of Allah -- the creator and sustainer of the world.

• Use the Origin Map Lens to trace Islam's beginnings.
• Then open the Tree Lens, clicking on Islam, in order to see the development of Islam.
• Read the Overview and Quick Facts of Islam to get a quick introduction.
• Read about the Origins of Islam, and use the Study Questions at the end of the article.
• Explore Islam's beliefs about the Prophet Muhammad and his role as God's Messenger. Use the Study Questions at the end of the article.
• Read about Islam's teachings on the Quran. Use the Study Questions at the end of the article.
• Choose one further topic about Islam that interests you: the differences between Sunni, Shi'a, and Sufi Islam, recent history in the Muslim world, Allah and other supernatural beings, or the Five Pillars of Islamic worship.