RELIGION & PHYSICS
Definitions of Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Physics
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, with over 2.3 billion followers worldwide. It teaches belief in one God as the Holy Trinity—Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit—and emphasizes salvation through faith and God’s grace. The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, serves as its sacred scripture, with the Gospels detailing Jesus’ life and mission. Major branches include Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy, each with distinct traditions. Christian practices involve prayer, worship, sacraments like Baptism and Communion, and celebrations such as Christmas and Easter. Ethical teachings emphasize love, forgiveness, justice, and service, inspiring global charitable efforts and interfaith dialogue. Christianity has profoundly shaped history, culture, and philosophy, continuing to influence societies worldwide.
Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest and most diverse religious traditions, originating over 4,000 years ago in the Indian subcontinent. It has no single founder or central authority but encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices centered on key concepts such as Brahman (ultimate reality), Atman (the eternal soul), karma (law of cause and effect), samsara (cycle of rebirth), dharma (righteous duty), and moksha (spiritual liberation). Hinduism’s sacred texts include the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, and it recognizes both monotheistic and polytheistic elements, worshiping deities like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi. Spiritual practices include puja (worship), yoga, meditation, and vibrant festivals like Diwali and Holi. With over a billion followers worldwide, Hinduism has influenced global philosophy, wellness practices, and spiritual traditions, emphasizing self-realization, devotion, and ethical living.
Judaism
Judaism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, originating over 4,000 years ago with the covenant between God (Yahweh) and Abraham. It emphasizes belief in one God, the sacred covenant, and adherence to the Torah, which contains laws and ethical teachings. Jewish life is guided by 613 commandments (mitzvot) and principles such as Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), charity, and lifelong learning. Sacred texts include the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and the Talmud. Major branches of Judaism include Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Hasidic traditions. Key practices include observing the Sabbath (Shabbat), following kosher dietary laws, and celebrating holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover. Judaism has significantly influenced Christianity and Islam and continues to shape religious thought, ethics, and culture worldwide, with around 15 million followers today.
Islam
Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic faith founded in the 7th century CE in Mecca by the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing submission to Allah’s will, faith, worship, and righteous living. It teaches belief in one God (Tawhid), prophethood (with Muhammad as the final messenger), the Qur’an as the holy book, angels, the Day of Judgment, and divine predestination. The Five Pillars—Shahada (faith declaration), Salat (daily prayers), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)—are fundamental acts of worship. Islam has two major sects: Sunni and Shia. Ethical teachings stress justice, compassion, charity, and strong family and community values. Major holidays include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Islam has significantly contributed to global science, art, and philosophy, shaping civilizations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond. It shares common roots with Judaism and Christianity, emphasizing faith, morality, and social justice.
Buddhism
Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th–6th century BCE, is a spiritual tradition focused on achieving enlightenment (nirvana) through ethical living, meditation, and wisdom. Its core teachings include the Four Noble Truths, which explain the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation through the Eightfold Path. Key beliefs include karma, rebirth, impermanence, and the absence of a permanent self. Buddhism has various schools, such as Theravāda, Mahayāna, and Vajrayāna, with practices like meditation, chanting, and monastic life. It emphasizes compassion, mindfulness, and non-violence. The tradition has influenced global philosophy, psychology, and wellness practices and remains a path to wisdom, compassion, and inner peace.
Physics
Physics is the branch of science that studies the fundamental nature of reality, including matter, energy, space, and time, aiming to understand the universe’s laws and forces. It encompasses areas such as classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, and astrophysics, each exploring different aspects of the universe from everyday motion to subatomic particles and cosmic phenomena. Key concepts include gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces. Physics is integral to technologies like electronics, power grids, medicine, and space exploration. It is foundational to modern science and technology, linking various fields and exploring the fundamental nature of reality.
