For each of these religions we will be following the Six-Trait Model of study: Religious Experience, Sacred Stories, Symbols and Rituals, Community of Faith, Teaching and Doctrine and Ethics.

So, let’s break this down.

1. Religious Experience has to do with questions about the universe, a higher power, and how this power reveals itself (ex. Jesus).

2. Sacred Stories have to do with many stories found in religious writings that reveal this power working through human history and people’s relationship with this power. It deals with events (the flood), heroes (Moses) and stories to explain different concepts (Adam and Eve and evil).

3. Symbols and Rituals have to do with actions and stages of events in our lives that we celebrate our connection with this higher power and important events in religious history

4. Community of Faith deals with how people come together in places of worship to celebrate their religion. It helps believers identify how they can live out their faith within their society.

5. Teaching and Doctrine  They deal with questions about the afterlife and give guidance as how to prepare for it in this life. They discuss what it means to be human and where they stand in relationship with the divine and with one another

6. Ethics have to do with have to do with rules and laws different religions follow on how to live as religious believers. They teach us how to be good