Islam
Islam originates in Saudi Arabia in the seventh century, making it the youngest world religion. At the core of the faith are Allah as the only God and Muhammad as his prophet. During his lifetime, Muhammad received verses from Allah, which were written down in the holy Koran. In Islam, people live by five rules: pray five times a day, fast during the month of Ramadan, give to the poor, go to Mecca at least once during one’s life and make a public profession of faith.
Orthodox Christianity
The Orthodox faith is one of the three major currents within Christianity and has a great wealth of languages, customs and styles. Orthodox communities believe that human beings can get to know God in a personal and intimate way. This is a lifelong process of mental deepening and physical and spiritual exercise (asceticism). This asceticism, the encounter with God, as well as the joy of Easter are central aspects to all Orthodox churches.
Roman Catholic Church
Christianity is one of the world’s largest religions. Half of all Christians are Roman Catholics. The pope, who resides in Vatican City, is the head of the Catholic Church. According to Catholics, the pope is the representative of Christ on earth. The cross is the most important symbol because Jesus Christ died on a cross. As a good Catholic, one goes to church on Sundays. If someone wants to devote their whole life to God, they can join a religious order and live their life as a nun or a monk in a convent.
Humanism
Humanism is a non-religious, open attitude to life that places man at the centre and has roots in Classical Antiquity. Humanists believe in science, accumulated knowledge and reason. The beliefs are based on the power of mankind, and respecting mankind as a special part of nature. Humanism connects people in their humanity; everyone has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Not in a future promised paradise, but in the present time. Art, literature, nature and mankind are sources of inspiration.
Hinduism
The world religion Hinduism originated in India about 4,000 years ago. Due to its wide geographical spread, there are many currents, but the belief in reincarnation is found in every one of them. As a Hindu, one strives for positive karma in a next life. Therefore, striving for harmony with oneself and others plays an important role in Hindu practice. Hinduism has many gods, but all are a manifestation of Brahman, the central divine force.
Protestant Church
Over a third of all Christians are Protestants, a movement that began to take shape in the 16th century. The first Protestants felt that the Catholic Church, with its altars, shrines and great wealth, was no longer pure. They wanted to practice faith without church intervention, in direct contact with God, in plain, sober churches. After several waves of iconoclasm throughout north-western Europe, the number of followers continued to grow into the worldwide community of today. In the Netherlands, the Dutch Reformed Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Reformed churches have been united under the canopy of the Protestant Church Netherlands (PKN) since 2004.
Buddhism
Buddhism has its origins in Nepal and starts with the birth date of Siddharta, later called Buddha. At its core are the understanding of suffering and the way to eliminate this suffering. If one succeeds, one reaches enlightenment, or Nirvana. Wisdom, good behaviour and mental discipline (meditation) are key practices for a Buddhist.
Judaism
Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions. Long ago, the Jewish people lived in Palestine. After they were expelled by the Romans, they spread across several continents (the Diaspora). In the nineteenth century, a growing number of Jews returned to Palestine. After World War II, they established a Jewish state there. Jews believe in the messiah who will return to earth and redeem everyone from their sins.