Think about the central beliefs of the world's major religions, such as the Jewish requirement to love God and do good deeds, the Christian prescription to follow the "golden rule;" the Buddhist emphasis on, among other things, right belief, right resolve, and right conduct; and the Confucian principle of "treating those who are subordinate to you as you would like to be treated by people superior to yourself." about the major world religions (add Islam and Hinduism to those mention above) and answer the following questions:

(a) What beliefs and practices do they have in common?

(b) What guidelines for everyday life do they share?

(c) What similar emotional comforts do they provide for their followers and their society?

(d) What makes Christianity different in its emphasis on faith rather than works?

(e) Given all that these religions have in common, why do you think religion is such as divisive force around the world?