Since prehistoric times, human beings have believed in the existence of a reality greater than themselves that serves as a definer and creator of cultures, and as an antidote to the fragility and apparent finality of human existence (Coogan 1998). Each major religion generally recognizes an individual founder responsible for essential aspects of the tradition. Moreover, sacred texts, such as the Ten Commandments of Judaism and Christianity, and the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism, are typically the essential principles upon which doctrine is based (Coogan 1998). Four major world religions are Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity.
             Encounters with the infinite that forbid worshiping anything finite is central to religions, as is showing compassion toward others and acting justly. For example, in Hinduism, Brahmin and Atman are not finite objects and are essentially indescribable. An individual attains the final goal, moksa, by recognizing that concern for one's own identity involves identifying with the identities of others. In other words, their responsibilities becomes one's own (Ruf 2005). In Buddhism, all finite objects and events are viewed as resting on "no-thingness," or Sunyata, and the acceptance of this allows an individual to end cravings for power and comparative self-worth, which are believed to cause all suffering (Ruf 2005). In Judaism, it is forbidden to liken Yahweh to any graven image or to any social subject, for Yahweh is served by pursuing justice and helping liberate others from slavery to the finite, which is believed to produce injustice and undesirable consequences (Ruf 2005). In Christianity, God is what believers find their Messiah and Savior, Jesus Christ, reveal him to be. For Christians, God calls them to exhibit sacrificial love to all human beings (Ruf 2005).
             The origins of Judaism, the smallest of the world's religions with approximately thirteen mill...