1. All of the teachings show you a way to connect with something outside of this daily world. For all of these major religions, something must be given up or followed in order to reach something greater. They also are all a way to improving who you are whether you do it in a community or you seek God all on your own. Jews see improvement through the Old Testament laws of the community. Christians find it in a pure heart. Islam sees it in obeying practices and Buddhists find it in nirvana.