Basically, as you know, my class went on Temple Tours this past week, and two weeks ago we had classes on all the major world religions. Our assignment was to give the pillars of their faith systems or religions. We also were challenged to add Christianity into our assignment.
Buddhism
- There are three pillars of the Buddhist religion: following the 5 precepts, maintaining the noble 8-fold path, and detaching yourself from the things of this world. The five precepts are as follows: don't take another's life, don't steal, abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, don't lie, and avoid intoxication. The noble 8-fold path consists of maintaining a right view, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right ecstacy. Lastly, you must detach yourself from the things of this world because attachment to the world brings suffering.
Isalm
- There are five main pillars of the Isalmic religion. The first is called "shahadah", which means your conversion. The second is called "salat", which means prayer. The Muslims do five daily prayers (before sunrise, at noon, in the afternoon, at sunset, and in the evening). The third is called "zakat", which means tithing. The fourth is called "sawm", which means fasting. The Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, which is the month that their last prophet, Muhammad, got words from Allah, their god. The last is called "hajj", which is a pilgrimage to Makkah. Once in a Muslim's life, if physically and financially able, they need to go on a pilgrimage to Makkah, which is their holy city.
Hindu
- There are four main pillars of the Hindu religion: karma, dharma, artha, and moksha. Karma is living a good life, full of good deeds, in order to reincarnate into something better in your next life. Dharma is fulfilling your social, moral, and religious duties. Having good dharma gives you good karma. Artha is satisfying the desires of god. Moksha is the ultimate goal for Hindus. It is attaining liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and becoming one with their god.
Sikh
- There are five main pillars of the Sikh religion. In order to remain a baptized Sikh, you must follow these five pillars, or the five K's: kesh, kangha, kara, kirpan, and kachera. Kesh refers to their symbol of strength, which is uncut hair. A baptized Sikh will never cut their hair. Kangha refers to their symbol of hygiene, which is a wooden comb. A baptized Sikh will always wear this wooden comb in their hair. Kara refers to their symbol of an eternal god, which is an iron bracelet. A baptized Sikh will always wear an iron bracelet on the wrist of their dominant hand. Kirpan refers to their symbol of justice, which is a knife. A baptized Sikh will wear a special knife either on top of or underneath their clothing. Kachera refers to their symbol of fidelity, which is an undergarment. A baptized Sikh will always wear a special kind of undergarment.
Christianity
- I think the main pillar of Christian faith, which makes it unique from any other religion, is that it's not about our actions, but it's about having faith in Jesus Christ, Lord and resurrected Saviour of all. Because it's not about our actions, it's hard to pin-point specific pillars or disciplines in the Christian faith. Though, generally, the following disciplines are practiced as an outworking of our faith in Christ: reading the Bible, praying, tithing, evangelism, and fellowship.
