英语国家概况 Chapter 8.ppt

Chapter 8AMERICAN AND BRITISH RELIGION AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES Three Great World Religions Buddhism Islam Christianity 8.1 Three Great World Religions There are three great world religions: Buddhism---- Islam---- Christianity---- 8.1.1 Buddhism at a glance Buddhism is a tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life. Buddhism teaches that all life is interconnected, so compassion is natural and important. Buddhists strive for a deep insight into the true nature of life and do not worship gods or deities. Buddhism is mainly distributed over Southern and Eastern Asia. Its symbol is the Lotus. 8.1.1 Buddhism at a glance 8.1.1 Buddhism at a glance Buddhism is 2,500 years old. There are currently 376 million followers worldwide. Buddhism arose as a result of Siddhartha Gautama(乔达摩 悉达多，释迦牟尼)’s quest for Enlightenment in around the 6th century BC. Buddhism believe that nothing is fixed or permanent --- change is always possible. 8.1.1 Buddhism at a glance The two main Buddhist sects are Theravada Buddhism（小乘佛教） and Mahayana Buddhism（大乘佛教）, but there are many more. Buddhism is a very colorful faith with many festivals throughout the year. Buddhists can worship both at home or at a temple. The path to Enlightenment is through the practice and development of morality, meditation and wisdom. 8.1.2 Islam at a glance Islam began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad (先知穆罕默德). Those who follow Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe that there is only one God. The Arabic word for God is Allah (真主阿拉). The word Islam means “submission to the will of God”. Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers. 8.1.2 Islam at a glance 8.1.2 Islam at a glance According to Muslims, God sent a number of prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to His law.