1. Abrahamic Religions:

• Judaism: God is one, eternal, and all-powerful. He is the creator of the universe and the source of morality and law. He is actively involved in human history, making covenants with His people.

• Christianity: God is a Trinity, consisting of the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the incarnation of God, who died for the sins of humanity and offers salvation.

• Islam: Allah is one, eternal, and all-powerful. He is the creator of the universe and the sole object of worship. He is all-knowing, all-seeing, and just.

2. Hinduism:

• Brahman: The ultimate reality, the source of all existence, infinite, and beyond human comprehension.

• Deities: Many gods and goddesses are worshipped as manifestations of Brahman. These include Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).

• Karma and Reincarnation: The belief in karma and reincarnation underscores the cyclical nature of life and the journey towards liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

3. Buddhism:

• No personal God: Buddhism does not believe in a personal creator god.

• Enlightenment: The goal is to achieve enlightenment (Nirvana), which is a state of liberation from suffering. This is achieved through understanding the Four Noble Truths and following the Eightfold Path.

• Compassion: Buddhism emphasizes compassion and understanding for all beings.

4. Other Religions:

• Taoism: The Tao is the ultimate principle of the universe, representing the natural order. It is the source of all existence and cannot be fully understood.

• Confucianism: Focuses on human relationships, ethics, and social harmony. There is no emphasis on a personal God or worship.

• Shinto: A nature-based religion that emphasizes reverence for spirits (kami) found in nature. It has a strong focus on ritual practices and purification.

How my Perception of World Religions Has Changed:

• Diversity: The more I learn about different religions, the more I recognize the incredible diversity of belief systems and the complexities of the human experience of faith.

• Shared Values: While religions differ in their specific doctrines, I see common values like compassion, peace, and love for humanity. These shared values highlight our shared humanity and the potential for interfaith understanding.

• Respect and Understanding: My understanding of world religions fosters respect for diverse perspectives and a desire to learn more about the beliefs and practices of others.

Conclusion:

Exploring the diverse ways different religions perceive God highlights the beauty and complexity of the human spiritual journey. While each religion holds its own unique beliefs and practices, a deeper understanding reveals common threads of seeking meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than ourselves. This journey of learning and understanding is crucial for fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting tolerance, and building a more peaceful and inclusive world.