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Semitic-of or relating to the Semites or their languages, especially of or pertaining to the Jews.
Stupas- monumental pile of earth or other material, in memory of Buddha or a Buddhist saint, and commemorating some event or marking a sacred spot.
Varnas- Class
Sect- monumental pile of earth or other material, in memory of Buddha or a Buddhist saint, and commemorating some event or marking a sacred spot.
Edict of Milan- written edict allowing the free practice of Christianity through out the Roman Empire written by Caesar.

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2. What are some of the religious conflicts in the contemporary world?
Ethnic and religious conflicts
• Middle East
• Northern Ireland
• Balkans
• Horn of Africa
• South Asia

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4. Where are the followers of the five world religions concentrated today?
Geographic distribution of world’s major religions
• Judaism: Concentrated in Israel and North America
• Christianity: Concentrated in Europe and North and South America
• Islam: Concentrated in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia
• Hinduism: Concentrated in India
• Buddhism: Concentrated in East and Southeast Asia

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3. What are some of the characteristics of the five major world religions?
Judaism
• Monotheism
• Ten Commandments of moral and religious conduct
• Torah: Written records and beliefs of the Jews
Christianity
• Monotheism
• Jesus as Son of God
• Life after death
• New Testament: Life and teachings of Jesus
• Establishment of Christian doctrines by early church councils
Islam
• Monotheism
• Muhammad, the prophet
• Qur’an (Koran)
• Five Pillars of Islam
• Mecca and Medina
Buddhism
• Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)
• Four Noble Truths
• Eightfold Path to Enlightenment
• Spread of Buddhism from India to China and other parts of Asia, resulting from Asoka’s missionaries and their writings
Hinduism
• Many forms of one God
• Reincarnation: Rebirth based upon karma
• Karma: Knowledge that all thoughts and actions result in future consequences

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1. Where were the five world religions located around 1500 A.D.?
Location of world religions in 1500 A.D. (C.E.)
• Judaism: Concentrated in Europe and the Middle East
• Christianity: Concentrated in Europe and the Middle East
• Islam: Parts of Asia, Africa, and southern Europe
• Hinduism: India and part of Southeast Asia
• Buddhism: East and Southeast Asia