Religious teachings have shaped the lives of people since prehistoric times. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity have been major influences in the formation of Western culture. They have also played an important role in the development of Middle Eastern life. Asian civilizations have been affected by Buddhist teachings. Religion has been a major source of inspiration for the arts.
Houses of worship are some of the world's most beautiful buildings.
A lot of great music is religious. Many paintings, sculptures, books, dances, and motion pictures have been created with religious themes. This is about 80 percent of the world's total population. They were the first to teach belief in only one God. Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah.