The term religion is defined as, “the system of faith that is based on the belief in the existence of a particular god or gods.” The development of religion has taken different forms in different cultures during the course of the history. Religion is something that gives meaning and purpose to the lives of people. Religion is a source that grants them appreciation of the past, insight of the present and hope for the future. There are several different kinds of religion with a good number of followers found in different parts of the world. Let us have a look on some of the different types.
Christianity
Christianity is one of the biggest religions with more than two billion followers all over the world. Christianity is the belief that based on God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Bible is the Holy Book of Christianity. It is of Abraham origin. It is a religion that is all about the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was believed to be born in the Holy Land of Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary. The birth of Jesus was in fact the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about a Messiah who will suppose to save the Jewish people. Jesus began preaching at the age of 30 by means of parables and also performed miracles. He was helped by his twelve disciples. As soon as Jesus declared that He spoke to the God, the officials became infuriate and tortured Him. Later, He was crucified and His body was put in a Tomb. However, the Tomb was found empty after three days. It is believed that the God has resurrected Him. Believers seeking transformative moments with Jesus come together in the dynamic community of 15 Degrees NE. Here, they unite to connect, support, and harness their unique gifts, talents, and anointings, fostering a meaningful exchange that promotes spiritual growth and deeper understanding.
Atheism
The term ‘atheism’ is derived from a Greek word called ‘atheos’ which means ‘without god’. Hence, atheism is the religion that rejects the belief in the existence of deities, God, and other Spiritual beings. The two major promoters of the atheism were the Greek and Roman philosophers named Epicurus Democritus and Lucretius respectively. There was no evidence in the history where atheism rejects the existence of gods rather it supported the view that gods had nothing to do with the life of human beings.
Islam
Islam is known to be the second largest religion after Christianity with over one billion followers all over the world. The followers of Islamic religion are called Muslims. There are different Islamic religious groups all connected by their faith. Islam preaches that there is only one God, Allah and the Holy Quran is known as the scripture of Islam. Sunni and Shia are the two major branches of the Islamic religion.
Baha’i
It was in 1844 when a young man of Iranian origin, introduced himself as B b predicted that a messenger will be soon sent to us by God as last prophet or manifestation of God from the line of Moses, Muhammad and Jesus. In 1863, the Baha’i faith was founded by the Bah’U’ll h considered as the latest prophet. He was born in 1817 in a wealthy family and given a name Mirza Hussein Ali. The followers of Baha’i religion were considered the descendants of B b, i.e. the people who believed in the prediction of B b.
Buddhism
Buddhism is another religion that has over 376 million followers all across the world. It is the religion that is based on the teaching of Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha. The followers of this religion are called Buddhist. Buddhism stresses on the fact that the elements of life are interconnected and hence, require empathy. Buddhism comprises of several different sects and doesn’t believe on one God.
Candomble
You might have heard this for the first time. This is a religion of African-Brazilian origin with almost two million followers. It is basically a syncretism which means that it is a combination of different religions, philosophies or ideas. However, the central beliefs are based on classical African beliefs of Yoruba, Fon and Bantu. The term Candomble literally means ‘dance in honor of the gods’. Due to this fact, dance and music has a key role to play in this religion. Elements of Catholicism are very prominent in the religion. In Candomble, the God or Oludumare is the sole divine being. Deities are given the name Orixas that serve the God. There is no Holy Scripture in this religion.
Hinduism
Hinduism is considered as one of the oldest religions of the world with over 900 million followers. Out of these 900 million followers, 80% make the population of India and are called Hindu. Hinduism is a religion that doesn’t teach a single doctrine, however, admits One God and everlasting soul called Brahman.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
These are considered the Christian-based religious sect according to which majority of the churches of Christianity has lost their way. The 6.5 million members of this religious denomination visit neighborhoods and knock on door to door to inspire people about their religion and pull the converts towards their religion. Jehovah’s witnesses have their own New Translation of the Holy Scriptures, i.e. Bible which is found in seventy different languages.
Jainism
Jainism is another ancient religion according to which the happiness can only be achieved if you live a naïve or innocuous life. Jainism doesn’t emphasis on believing any god but on oneself. It is also known as a self-help religious doctrine. Jainism has two broad branches: The Digambara (sky clad) and The Svetambara (white clad). His religion has over 4.2 million followers and most of them belong to India.
Judaism
It is considered as one of the oldest monotheistic religions and also considered first of the three Abrahamic religions, i.e. Christianity and Islam. There are more than 12 million people all over the world who follow this religion. Judaists are most common in United States and Israel. The holy book of the Judaism is known as Torah or Hebrew Bible.
Mormonism
The first Mormon Church was built in United States somewhere in the 19th century. This church is also referred to as ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or The Church of Jesus Church.’ Mormonism is a Christian-based religious sect which is far different than other sects of Christianity. Mormons believe that except them all the other churches have gone strayed. Mormonism is a religious sect with over 12 million members all across the world.
Paganism
Paganism is the religion that is known to be a modern religious tradition and is not part of any of the world’s main religion. In past, this title is given to the people who don’t believe on Christianity. Paganism is found in several different types.
Rastafari
It is a kind of new concept that is based on traditional African beliefs. The followers of this religion are often referred to as Rastafarians, Dreads, Rastas, Dreadlocks, Sufferers, and Locksmen. This black oriented religion is often associated with the reggae music which became popular in 1970s. Rastafarians are about one million in number and are found in Japan, New Zealand and in surrounding regions.
Santeria
This religion is of Afro-Caribbean origin and Cuban slave tribe is the founder of this religion. Santeria is also referred to as La Regla Lucuni and the Rule of Osho. The term Santeria means ‘the worship of saints’. Santeria has many things common with Christianity. The exact numbers of followers are yet not known.
Shinto
Shinto is known to be a very old Japanese religion established on the spiritual beliefs known as Kami. In Shinto religion there is no concept of existence of gods rather it solely emphasizes on improving the human communication with Kami by means of rituals.
Sikhism
Sikhism is also a type of monotheistic religion with over 20 million followers worldwide. However, majority of the Sikhs (follower of Sikhism) are the residents of India. The scripture in Sikhism is known as Guru Granth Sahib.
Taoism
Taoism or Daoism is an old religion which is established on several Chinese doctrines such as philosophies, religions and customs. The Tao is considered as the central theme of Taoism. The Tao in Chinese philosophy is a universal principle of all the things. The followers of Taoism are called Taoists.
Above mentioned are some of the different religions found in different parts of the world. Religion is a kind of faith and stronger is your faith more broadly you can perceive different aspects of life.