Religion Comparison Chart

Followers Worldwide (estimated 2001 figures) Buddhism Christianity Hinduism Islam Judaism Confucianism 362 million 2 billion 820 million 1.2 billion 14.5 million 6.3 million Name of Deity The Buddha did not teach a personal deity. God Jesus Christ Founder Holy Book Leadership Basic Beliefs The Buddha No one book-sacred texts, including the Dhammapada Buddhist monks and nuns Persons achieve complete peace and happiness (nirvana) by eliminating their attachment to worldly things. Nirvana is reached by following the Noble Eightfold Path Right views, Right resolve, Right speech, Right conduct Right livelihood; Right effort, Right mindfulness, Right concentration. Bible Priests, ministers, monks, and muns There is only one God, who watches over and cares for his people. Jesus Christ was the son of God. He died to save humanity from sin. His death and resurrection made eternal life possible for others. Three main gods: Brahma, Vishnu Shiva No one founder God (Allah) God (Yahweh) Confucius (viewed by many as a god) Confucius Muhammad Abraham Hebrew Bible, including the Torah the Analects, the Five Classics No one book-sacred texts, including the Vedas, the Puranas Qur'an Guru, holy man, Brahmin priest The soul never dies, but is contin ually reborn. Persons achieve happiness and enlightenment after they free themselves from their earthly desires. Freedom from earthly desires comes from a life-time of worship, knowledge, and virtuous acts. No clergy but a scholar dass called the ulama and the imam, who may lead prayers Persons achieve salvation by following the Five Pillars of Islam and living a just life. These pillars are: faith, prayer, almsgiving, or charity to the poor, fasting, which Muslims perform during Ramadan; pilgrimage to Mecca. Rabbis No clergy There is only one God, who watches over and cares for his people. God loves and protects his people, but also holds people accountable for their sins and shortcomings. Persons serve God by studying the Torah and living by its teachings. Social order, harmony, and good government should be based on strong family relationships. Respect for par ents and elders is important to a well-ordered society. Education is important both to the welfare of the individual and to society