There are five religions recognized as the world's major religions today. Throughout history these religions have developed and continued to grow to become what they are today and the influence they are today.
Judaism
Before they were recognized as Jews, the Jewish people were known as Hebrews and originated from Palestine. In their history, God (Yahweh in Judaism), promised to them the land of Canaan and chose Abraham to be the father of the Hebrew people. Throughout world history there has always been conflicts for the Jewish people in reclaiming their land and inheritance and they have faced much persecution and discrimination for their beliefs. Key beliefs of Judaism is their book of scripture, the Torah (first five books in the Old Testament), that there is only one God (Yahweh), the upholding of covenants (promise between a person and God), and that modern day Israel is still the promised land. They also continue to go by the Hebrew Law which distinguishes men and women's separate roles and teaches to live a moral life.
Christianity
Spurning off of Judaism, Christianity began with the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Throughout his life he was regarded by some as the Messiah and Son of God but by others as a blasphemer. His works and life is recorded in the Bible, the Christian book of scripture. Christ's message and teachings began to spread through the Roman Empire even after his crucifixion. At first all Christians were regarded as enemies to the empire until Constantine saw a vision of a cross and after putting it on his soldiers' shields, won the battle. Christianity was then accepted and made later the religion of the empire by Theodosius. Key Christian beliefs are the trinity, the Father (God), Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. They believe that through Christ's death, he died for our sins and now when we die we can be saved from hell.
Buddhism
In Buddhism, the religion started with Siddhartha Guatama (Buddha) who sought for enlightenment to escape human suffering. He preached the Four Noble Truths, which say to follow the Eightfold Path to reach nirvana, a perfect state of understanding. Until you reach nirvana, you will be continually reincarnated. Buddhism originated in India but spread to Asia. Unlike most religions which are either monotheistic or polytheistic, Buddhism has no god(s). The bases of Buddhism are Buddha, the religious community, and teachings, and many followers can choose to devote themselves to become monks or nuns.
Hinduism
Hinduism is the only major world religion recognized as polytheistic. Its teachings have developed slowly over centuries and its teachings have been recorded in Hindu sacred writings, the Upanishads. In Hinduism, each person has an atman, or soul. Like Buddhism, you will be reincarnated until you reach moksha, a state of perfect understanding. Their gods and deities begin with Brahman, who then has three personalities with their own roles, Brahma the creator, Vishnu the protector, and Shiva the destroyer. These personalities have their own personalities and so it spreads to have many different gods.
Islam
The religion Islam begins with Muhammad, who was called by the angel Gabriel to be the messenger of God (Allah in Islam). He preached that Allah is the one and only God and that to be a Muslim, you have to be one "who has submitted" to the will of Allah. The religion spread throughout the Middle East and Mecca became a main place of worship, though Muslims believe modern day Israel to be their own "promised land" like the Jews. Muslims believe in The Five Pillars, the five duties to be a Muslim, and also in the Qur'an, their holy book of teachings.