Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism...
Religion adds meaning and purpose to the lives of followers, granting them an appreciation of the past, an understanding of the present, and hope for the future. By definition, a religion is a belief system concerning one or more deities and incorporating rituals, ceremonies, ethical guidelines, and life philosophies. Since the early times of Paganism, religion has diversified and grown to include major monotheistic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as Indian and Far Eastern religions like Buddhism and Sikhism, Iranic religions like Zoroastrianism and Bahai, and African indigenous-based religions like Santeria. Other belief systems, including Atheism and the Mormon Church, have also developed with time. While religion dictates peace and good will, many battles and divisions have taken place because of religion. Religious belief plays an important role in the history of the world. The people of the world could benefit from learning about the different types of religion.
Christianity
With well over two billion followers throughout the world, Christianity is an Abrahamic religion centered on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. One of the big issues surrounding Christianity is that some people question the existence of the Trinity. Other points of debate are the Christian beliefs in Immaculate Conception, the original sin, the existence of the Devil, and the coming of the apocalypse. Learn more about Christianity and find out how it became the world’s largest religion with holidays that are known worldwide.
Islam
More than one billion people in the world follow Islam, worship Allah, believe in angels, and consider Muhammad as the latest prophet. These are only a few of the beliefs set by the religion that is disciplined and strict in its rules and customs. The Five Pillars guide Muslim life, as do the Qur'an, the Hadith, and the fatwas which contribute to the Sharia. Discover more about the customs and beliefs of the second largest religion in the world. What do Muslims whisper in a newborn's ear? Find the answer to this question and more.
Buddhism
Who is Buddha? What exactly is Buddhism? Learn about the quest for Enlightenment that intrigued people throughout history and learn about the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. Meditation played a significant role in the life of Siddhartha Gautama and has continued to change the lives of people today. What is so special about the Bodhi tree? Discover more about the peaceful religion that worships no God and believes in a spiritual journey based on karma.
Hinduism
With Brahman at its center, Hinduism is a major religion that is divided into various schools. Around 80 percent of the population of India follows Hinduism. With the concept of karma, what goes around comes around. Past actions determine a soul’s cycles of life in Hinduism. Making offerings of flowers and fruit is part of Hindu worship, which also incorporates mantras, murtis, and yantras and could take place in a symbolic Hindu temple. Find out more about the fascinating religion that was influenced by different traditions, legends, and beliefs.
Atheism
Among the more controversial belief systems, Atheism appeals to people who do not believe the concept of supernatural beings and do not rely on scriptures that rule life. The history of Atheism is rich and involves the work of many philosophers and writers, including Thomas Hobbes, Charles Darwin, and George Eliot. How did Atheism come about and why did it experience such a boom in the 19th century? Find out the answers to these questions and learn more about Atheism and its core values and customs.
Judaism
Considered a faith of action, Judaism is based on the covenant relationship between God and the chosen Jewish people: Jews follow God’s laws, and God rewards and supports them. The oldest of the Abrahamic religions, Judaism has gone through a series of ups and downs through its history. Exiles, victories, destruction, rebuilding, revolutions, and the Holocaust mark the history of Judaism, a religion of many customs and practices. Find out about the Sabbath, the synagogue, and the Jewish head coverings.
Bahai
One of the world's youngest religions, Bahai grew out of Islam. According to this Iranic religion, the latest prophet (following a long line of prophets including Jesus and Muhammad) is Baha'u'llah. Therefore, with the most recent prophet, Bahai is the most current religion. Bahai is tolerant of different religions, saying that they worship a single God in different ways. What does this mean for people who want to convert to Bahai? Learn more about the religion that believes in the idea of progressive revelation.
Candomble
A mix of a traditional indigenous African and Catholic beliefs, Candomblé is a vibrant religion that took form in Brazil by African slaves who wanted to continue practicing their own beliefs in a predominantly Catholic environment. Candomblé worship involves dances and songs during which the body might be possessed by an orixa that serves God (or Oludumaré). It was not until the 1970s that followers could practice the religion without fear of persecution. Find out more about this religion that makes Salvador da Bahia a popular tourist destination.
Jainism
A self-help religion that relies on the self instead of gods, Jainism promotes equality between humans, animals, and plants—all of which have souls. The main goal of Jainists is to attain liberation from the continuous cycle of life by leading good lives and preventing bad karma from delaying an eternally blissful existence. Tirthankaras, who devoted their lives to purifying the soul, developed Jainism and made it into the religion it is today. Learn more about the religion that preserves the world’s natural resources.
Jehovah's Witnesses
Known for their door-to-door missionary work, Jehovah's Witnesses print their own translation of the Bible in 70 languages. They prefer to stay within their own communities, pointing parallels between themselves and Jesus. Jehovah's Witnesses refrain from voting and having blood transfusions. Thus, they have had their share of criticism and hardship throughout their history. Discover more about Jehovah's Witnesses and learn what they think about universities and birthdays. Also, find out what other groups think about the Witnesses.
Mormons
Mormons believe that they are the only Christian sect that is modeled after the guidelines set by Jesus. Mormons believe that God has a body and a family. While Mormons are often accused of practicing polygamy, the tradition has been banned by the Mormon Church for over a century. They also believe in living prophets and that their Church presidents are such prophets. Find out more about Mormons and their beliefs and customs. Learn about their relationship with tithing, fasting, coffee, and tea.
Paganism
Paganism encompasses various traditions and faiths including Shamanism, Druidism, and more. Its main focus is the celebration of spirituality in organic nature. Women and goddesses play an important role in Paganism, which promotes equality between the sexes. Paganism does not follow set rules; anything is acceptable as long as it does not harm others. Therefore, Celtic traditions, witchcraft, and ecological worship are part of Pagan rituals. Find out more about handfastings and other Pagan traditions and ceremonies that take place outdoors.
Rastafari
Bob Marley fans are definitely familiar with this religion that was originally practiced by African slaves who were sent to Jamaica. Rastafari claims that its followers are the true Israelites and, thus, the chosen people of God. Rastafari was a completely black-centered religion when it was just established; it has since gained a multiracial following. Music is central to the worship rites of Rastafari, which also permits the use of ritual marijuana.
Also known as Dreads, Rastafarians can be spotted from miles away because of their hair.
Paganism
A mix of indigenous African religious traditions and elements of the Catholic faith, Santeria is a religion developed by African slaves in Cuba. Believers of Santeria connect with spirits called orishas through worship that involves dances, songs, feasts, and music. Rituals involve believers becoming possessed by orishas. Santeria was a secret religion for decades, because plantation owners wanted to convert the slaves to Christianity (hence the Catholic influence). Find out more about the religion that believes in the power of saints and ekwele chains.
Shinto
Displaying origami in shrines, Shinto is a religion that is found almost exclusively in Japan. Powers or spirits known as kamis are at the center of Shinto. Each natural location, for example a mountain, is connected to a kami. Thus, nature is of great importance to followers. Since Shinto does not have a God, commandments, or scriptures, and can be practiced in conjunction to other religions, some people consider it a lifestyle rather than a religion. Learn more about the Shinto priesthood, nature ceremonies, and history.
Sikhism
With its holy book as its current guru, Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that promotes living a good life of prayer, participating in community initiatives and working honestly toward liberation from the karmic cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Sikhs show that they have been initiated into the community by wearing a specific bracelet and underwear, carrying a specific comb and sword, and leaving their hair uncut. Find out more about the religion that puts the focus on daily religious living rather than on occasional religious ceremonies.
Taoism
With the Tao at its center, Taoism developed in ancient China but moved to Taiwan centuries later because of communist rule. The concept of yin and yang is predominant in Taoism, a religion that emphasizes the complementary joining of opposites to create harmony. Nature, feng shui, and peace are important for Taoists who focus on the needs of individuals and of the universe as a whole. Learn more about the religion that brought The Art of War to the world.
Unitarianism
Religious tolerance is at the core of Unitarianism, a belief system that accepts people of all faiths. With the belief that human differences are creative and not destructive, Unitarianism treats people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexual orientations equally and encourages its members to ask questions. Some Unitarians do not believe in God, while others do and consider God (Father or Mother) to be loving and full of compassion. Learn more about the worship practices, beliefs, and history of Unitarianism.
Zoroastrianism
One of the smallest religions today, Zoroastrianism regards humans as the helpers of God. It is up to humans to push evil aside and make way for God's Paradise on Earth. Often mistaken for a fire-worshiping religion, Zoroastrianism is actually focused on the worship of one God. Followers believe that nature represents elements of their God. Therefore, natural elements (like fire) are always part of worship. Find out more about Zoroastrianism, the traditional shirt and cord ceremony, and more.
