Universalizing ReligionsOnline version Matching the characteristics of the three largest universalizing religions by Christine Yurky 1 Christianity 2 Islam 3 Buddhism believe Jesus is the Messiah dominated western culture for centuries based on teachings of Jesus Holy Book - Bible most adherents in the world divisions are Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant concept of the trinity based on teachings of prophet Muhammad follow the five pillars holy book is the Qur'an major divisions based on conflict after prophet's death Mecca is holy place divisions include Shiite and Sunni believe Jesus is a prophet founded by Siddhartha Gautama focus on way to end suffering Four Noble Truths Eightfold Path believe in reincarnation divisions include Mahayana and Theravada considered polytheistic