Dr. David Odell-Scott and Dr. Surinder Bhardwaj pray at the statue of the god Ganesh at the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Parma. Photo by Bob Christy, '95 CULTURAL DIVIDE Read the Fall 2005 cover story "Bridging the Cultural Divide" to learn more about Dr. Odell-Scott and Dr. Bhardwaj's Pluralism Project.

Major Religions
of the World

Buddhism (Eastern India, ca. 500 B.C.E.)
Based on the teachings of Gautama Siddhartha, the Buddha or Enlightened One. The “noble truths” of Buddhism are as follows: life is sorrowful; the root cause of suffering is desire; sorrow ceases when desire is conquered, which can be accomplished by following the eightfold right path, ultimately leading to Nirvana, the state of bliss.

Christianity (term first used in Syria, 35-40 C.E.)
The world's largest and most widespread religion has three major divisions (Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant) in contemporary Christianity. The central conviction shared by all Christians is that Jesus of Nazareth is the redeemer or savior of the world. (The roots of both Judaism and Christianity are in the area that is present-day Israel and Palestine.)

Hinduism (India, ca. 2000 B.C.E.)
No single founder is recognized. Hinduism sees Brahman, the Universal Spirit, in all things and beings and recognizes a variety of pathways toward moksa (identity with Brahman). Though internally highly diverse, Hinduism believes human actions (karma) should be motivated by moral duty (dharma). Jati (caste), though transformed in many ways, continues to be a major social fact of Hinduism.

Islam (Arabia, 622 C.E.)
The world’s second largest religion is strictly monotheistic, emphasizing only Allah (God) and Mohammed as His last prophet to whom the Qur’an (holy book, word of God) was revealed. “To Allah belongs the East and the West: withersoever ye turn, there is the presence of Allah…” sII.117. Sunni and Shi’a are the two major divisions of Muslims.

Judaism (2nd millennium, B.C.E.)
The oldest, strictly monotheistic religion has three major divisions (Orthodox, Conservative and Reformed) in contemporary Judaism. Those who are Jewish believe God, the creator of the world, gave the Torah to the Hebraic people and through them, to the world as a moral guide for individuals and societies. The roots of both Judaism and Christianity are in the area that is present-day Israel and Palestine.

Sikhmism (Punjab, South Asia, 1469 C.E.)
Originated with the teachings of guru Nanak, followed by nine successive gurus. Sikhism emphasizes one Akal Purakh (timeless Creator) and total human equality. The holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, embodying teachings of the Sikh gurus and holy men of other faiths, is considered the continuing guru. The tenth guru (Gobind Singh) had initiated the Khalsa (pure) order to which the vast majority of Sikhs belong. They are characterized by five Ks — kesh: unshorn hair; kangha: comb; kara: bracelet; kirpan: sword; and kachha: short trousers.

Source: Dr. David Odell-Scott and Dr. Surinder Bhardwaj