Christianity
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the world’s largest religion, with approximately 2.4 billion adherents. Christians believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and the Saviour of humanity, whose coming as the Messiah was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. The core of Christian belief is encapsulated in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which are seen as the means of human salvation and reconciliation with God. Christianity is divided into three primary branches: Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. Each of these traditions shares a common foundation of faith but varies in practices, theology, and governance.
Christianity is centred around the Bible, which includes both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The religion emphasises love, forgiveness, and the importance of faith in God for eternal salvation. Sacraments, such as baptism and Holy Communion, are key rituals in many Christian denominations. The church, as a community of believers, plays a significant role in the lives of its adherents.
Islam
Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic faith, articulated by the Quran, a text considered by its followers to be the direct word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.9 billion followers, known as Muslims. The fundamental belief in Islam is the Tawhid, or the oneness of God, and that Muhammad is his final messenger, following the prophets of Judaism and Christianity.
The Five Pillars of Islam are essential practices that all Muslims must follow, which include the Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Islam promotes justice, compassion, and submission to God’s will.
Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions and is predominantly practised in India and Nepal. Unlike other major religions, Hinduism does not have a single founder or a unified system of beliefs but is instead a compilation of various traditions, rituals, and philosophies. Hindus believe in a supreme cosmic power, Brahman, who is represented by various deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga.
Key concepts in Hinduism include karma (the law of cause and effect), dharma (duty or righteousness), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). Sacred texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita form the foundation of Hindu teachings.
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy that originated in the 6th century BCE with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. Central to Buddhist thought is the concept that life is full of suffering (dukkha), but this suffering can be overcome through the Four Noble Truths, which lead to the path of enlightenment. These truths are: the existence of suffering, the cause of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path that leads to the cessation of suffering.
The path to ending suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which encompasses right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to attain Nirvana, which signifies the end of the cycle of rebirth. There are two main branches of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana.
Judaism
Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions, tracing its origins to the ancient Hebrews and their covenant with Yahweh, the God of Israel. Central to Judaism is the belief in a single, all-powerful God who is the creator and sustainer of the universe. The religion is built around the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, which contains laws and commandments given by God to the prophet Moses.
Judaism places great importance on ethical behaviour and social justice, with the Ten Commandments being among the most famous set of moral guidelines. Worship in Judaism typically takes place in a synagogue, and spiritual leadership is provided by rabbis.
Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia by Guru Nanak. Sikhism emphasises devotion to one God, Waheguru, and teaches that all human beings are equal, regardless of caste, race, or gender. The central scripture of Sikhism is the Guru Granth Sahib, a compilation of hymns and writings by the Sikh Gurus and other saints.
A key aspect of Sikh life is the Five Ks, five articles of faith that Sikhs wear to represent their devotion to their religion and their community. These include Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kanga (a wooden comb), Kachera (cotton undergarments), and Kirpan (a ceremonial sword). Another important element is seva, or selfless service, which is central to Sikhism’s emphasis on community and humility. The Sikhs also participate in Langar, a communal kitchen where free meals are served to all, regardless of background or belief.
Taoism
Taoism (also known as Daoism) is a philosophical and religious tradition that originated in ancient China, attributed to the teachings of Laozi, the author of the Tao Te Ching. Taoism teaches living in harmony with the Tao, which is often translated as “The Way” or “The Path.” The Tao is the underlying force of the universe that is present in all things, and Taoist teachings focus on balance, humility, and simplicity.
Central to Taoist philosophy is the concept of wu wei, or “non-action,” which advocates for a life lived in effortless harmony with the natural order, allowing things to unfold as they will. Taoism also emphasises the importance of cultivating physical and spiritual health, often through practices like Tai Chi and Qigong. Taoism has deeply influenced Chinese culture, especially in areas like medicine, art, and government.
Shinto
Shinto is the traditional religion of Japan, centred around the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities believed to inhabit natural elements such as mountains, rivers, trees, and even ancestors. Shinto is unique in that it has no founder, sacred texts, or dogmatic beliefs, and it is more focused on ritual practices than theological doctrine.
Shinto rituals, which often take place at shrines, involve purification, offerings, prayers, and festivals to honour the kami and seek their protection. One of the most important aspects of Shinto is the emphasis on cleanliness and purification, both of the body and spirit, symbolising respect for the divine and for nature. Torii gates, which mark the entrance to sacred spaces, are a well-known symbol of Shintoism.
Jainism
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that teaches a path of non-violence and self-discipline as the way to spiritual liberation. It was founded by Mahavira in the 6th century BCE, though Jains believe that their religion is eternal and that Mahavira was one of a long line of Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers). Central to Jainism is the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, which extends to all living beings.
Jains follow a strict vegetarian diet and avoid harming any form of life, including insects. They also believe in karma and reincarnation, with the ultimate goal of achieving moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The Jain community is divided into two main sects: Digambara and Svetambara, which differ in their monastic practices and interpretation of scripture.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Persia around the 6th century BCE. Zoroastrians believe in one God, Ahura Mazda, who represents all that is good, and they view life as a battle between the forces of good and evil. The central religious text of Zoroastrianism is the Avesta.
Zoroastrianism places a strong emphasis on moral purity, truth, and the importance of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. It also teaches the concept of Asha, or cosmic order, which is central to understanding how humans should live in harmony with the universe. Zoroastrian rituals often involve fire, which is considered a symbol of purity and the presence of God, and thus many Zoroastrian temples contain a sacred fire that burns perpetually.
Bahá’í Faith
The Bahá’í Faith is a relatively new religion, founded in the 19th century by Bahá’u’lláh in Persia (modern-day Iran). It emphasises the unity of all religions and the belief that all major world religions are part of a single progressive revelation from God. Bahá’ís believe that God has revealed Himself to humanity through a series of messengers, including Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, Muhammad, and finally, Bahá’u’lláh.
The teachings of the Bahá’í Faith focus on the oneness of humanity, the need for world peace, and the elimination of prejudice. Bahá’ís follow a unique calendar with 19 months, each consisting of 19 days, and they gather every 19 days for the Nineteen Day Feast, which combines spiritual, administrative, and social elements. The religion is global, with Bahá’ís living in almost every country. For more on Bahá’í religious practices and beliefs, see the Bahá’í Faith.
Confucianism
Confucianism is not strictly a religion in the traditional sense but is often regarded as a philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, a Chinese philosopher of the 6th century BCE. Confucianism centres on the importance of personal and governmental morality, the correctness of social relationships, and the importance of family loyalty, respect for elders, and ancestor worship.
Key concepts in Confucianism include Ren, which represents benevolence or humaneness, and Li, which refers to proper conduct, rituals, and etiquette. Confucian thought has deeply influenced the social fabric and political systems of East Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan. Although Confucianism does not focus on the worship of deities, it has shaped the spiritual and cultural life of millions of people.
Indigenous Religions
Indigenous religions encompass a wide variety of beliefs and practices of the native peoples of various regions around the world. These religions are often animistic, meaning that they attribute spiritual essence to natural elements such as rivers, mountains, trees, and animals. Many indigenous religions emphasise the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of living in harmony with nature.
One common feature of indigenous religions is the practice of shamanism, where a shaman acts as a mediator between the spiritual world and the physical world, often using rituals, dance, and music to communicate with spirits. Indigenous religions are usually passed down orally and are closely tied to the cultural identity and history of the people who practice them. Examples include the Native American spiritual traditions, Aboriginal Australian beliefs, and the Yoruba religion in Africa.
Rastafari
Rastafari is a religious and social movement that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. It is based on the belief that Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, is the messiah and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Rastafarians believe in the eventual return to Zion, which is typically associated with Africa, particularly Ethiopia.
Rastafarian practices include the use of cannabis as a sacrament, the wearing of dreadlocks, and a diet known as Ital, which emphasises natural and clean living. Rastafari places a strong emphasis on the rejection of Western society, which they refer to as Babylon, and promotes African identity and heritage. Although small in numbers globally, Rastafarian culture has had a significant influence, especially through reggae music and artists like Bob Marley.
Paganism
Paganism is a broad term that encompasses various polytheistic and nature-based religious traditions, both ancient and modern. Historically, paganism referred to the religions of the Greco-Roman world, such as the worship of gods like Zeus and Apollo, as well as the Celtic, Norse, and Egyptian pantheons.
In contemporary times, paganism often refers to Neopaganism, which includes practices such as Wicca, Druidry, and Heathenry. Modern pagans tend to emphasise the worship of nature, the seasons, and the cycles of the Earth. Many neopagans celebrate festivals such as the Wheel of the Year, which includes holidays like Samhain and Beltane, reflecting ancient agricultural cycles. Pagan rituals often involve ceremonies, magical practices, and the veneration of ancestors.
African Traditional Religions
African traditional religions refer to the indigenous spiritual beliefs and practices of the various cultures and ethnic groups throughout the African continent. These religions are generally animistic, where spiritual forces are believed to inhabit objects and nature, such as rivers, trees, and animals. The role of ancestors is also central in many African traditional religions, as they are considered to be protectors of the living and are regularly honoured through rituals and offerings.
The belief systems vary widely, but most African traditional religions share common elements such as divination, healing rituals, and communication with the spirit world through intermediaries like shamans or priests. Rituals involving dance, music, and drumming are often used to invoke spiritual powers or honour deities and ancestors. Some of the better-known African traditional religions include the Yoruba religion in West Africa and the Zulu beliefs in Southern Africa.
Shamanism
Shamanism is a practice that involves a practitioner, called a shaman, who interacts with the spiritual world through altered states of consciousness, such as trance. Shamanism is one of the world’s oldest religious practices and is found in many indigenous cultures worldwide, from Siberia to the Americas and Southeast Asia.
A shaman is believed to have the ability to heal the sick, communicate with spirits, and guide souls in the afterlife. Shamanic rituals often involve the use of drumming, chanting, and sometimes hallucinogenic substances to enter into a spiritual state. The shaman acts as an intermediary between the human world and the spirit realm, seeking guidance or power from the spirits to benefit the community.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, originating in ancient Persia around the 6th century BCE, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra). Zoroastrians believe in a supreme god, Ahura Mazda, who represents all that is good, and they see life as a battle between the forces of good and evil.
Central to Zoroastrian worship is the Avesta, their sacred text, which includes hymns and religious teachings. Fire, symbolising purity and the presence of Ahura Mazda, is a significant element in Zoroastrian rituals, and many Zoroastrian temples feature a sacred fire. The concept of Asha, or cosmic order, is essential to Zoroastrian ethics, guiding followers in the pursuit of truth, righteousness, and moral purity.
Jainism
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that promotes a path of non-violence toward all living beings and self-discipline as the way to achieve spiritual liberation. It was revived by Mahavira in the 6th century BCE, though its origins are believed to be much older. Jainism is divided into two main sects: Digambara and Svetambara, which differ primarily in their monastic traditions and interpretations of texts.
Jains follow the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, with such strictness that they often avoid harm to even the smallest insects. This respect for all life extends to their dietary practices, making Jainism one of the most rigorous vegetarian traditions in the world. Karma, reincarnation, and the goal of achieving moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, are central tenets of Jain belief.
Mandaeism
Mandaeism is a Gnostic religion that originated in the Middle East, with roots tracing back to Mesopotamian and possibly early Judeo-Christian traditions. It is a monotheistic faith that venerates John the Baptist as its greatest prophet, but unlike Christianity, Mandaeans do not believe in Jesus Christ as a messiah. Mandaeans worship a supreme god known as Hayyi Rabbi, or “The Great Life.”
The religion emphasises purity, and one of its most important rituals is baptism in flowing rivers, symbolising spiritual cleansing. The sacred text of the Mandaeans is the Ginza Rabba, a collection of religious writings, hymns, and rituals. Mandaeism is a small religion today, primarily found in parts of Iraq and Iran, though the community has been greatly diminished due to persecution and emigration.
Thelema
Thelema is a modern religious philosophy and occult spiritual tradition founded in the early 20th century by Aleister Crowley. The core principle of Thelema is encapsulated in the phrase “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” which advocates individual freedom and the discovery of one’s true purpose or True Will. Thelema is a syncretic belief system that draws on elements of Western esotericism, Ceremonial magic, Eastern mysticism, and Kabbalah.
The primary text of Thelema is The Book of the Law, which Crowley claimed was dictated to him by a spiritual being in 1904. Thelemic practices involve rituals, meditations, and magical workings aimed at personal transformation and spiritual enlightenment. Though relatively small, Thelema has influenced various occult and esoteric movements.
Eckankar
Eckankar is a new religious movement founded in 1965 by Paul Twitchell. The religion teaches that there is a divine current, known as Eck, or “the Light and Sound of God,” that flows through all living things. Practitioners, known as Eckists, seek to experience direct spiritual knowledge through techniques such as Soul Travel and meditation.
Eckankar believes in reincarnation and karma and holds that spiritual progress occurs across many lifetimes. The central spiritual leader in Eckankar is known as the Living ECK Master, currently Harold Klemp, who is considered a guide for followers on their journey toward higher consciousness and God-Realization.
Ayyavazhi
Ayyavazhi is a monotheistic religion that originated in South India in the 19th century, founded by Ayya Vaikundar. Ayyavazhi draws from both Hinduism and indigenous Tamil religious traditions. The central text of Ayyavazhi is the Akilattirattu Ammanai, which chronicles the life and teachings of Ayya Vaikundar and prophesies about the ultimate destruction of evil and the establishment of Dharma (righteousness).
Ayyavazhi places a strong emphasis on social equality, condemning the caste system, and promoting unity among all people. The religion’s key practices include prayer, fasting, and the ritual of Thuvayal Thavasu, which is a form of spiritual cleansing. Although Ayyavazhi is recognized as a distinct religion, it shares many practices and beliefs with Hinduism.
Church of the SubGenius
The Church of the SubGenius is a parody religion that satirises religion, conspiracy theories, and consumer culture. Founded in the 1950s by Ivan Stang and Philo Drummond, the Church of the SubGenius mocks religious fanaticism and offers a critique of modern society through absurdist rituals and beliefs. The church is centred around the worship of J. R. “Bob” Dobbs, a fictional figurehead, who represents slack, a state of being in which individuals do as little as possible while reaping the most rewards.
Though founded as a joke, the Church of the SubGenius has developed a cult following, particularly among counterculture groups and those interested in the avant-garde and experimental approaches to spirituality. It has also influenced various artistic movements and continues to organise tongue-in-cheek ceremonies, publications, and gatherings.
Nuwaubianism
Nuwaubianism is a religious and esoteric movement founded by Dwight York in the 1970s. The movement has evolved over time, incorporating elements of Black Nationalism, Islam, Christianity, and Ancient Egyptian mythology, alongside UFO and extraterrestrial themes.
Nuwaubianism is known for its eclectic and changing doctrines, which often include claims about the origins of humanity, secret historical narratives, and extraterrestrial beings. The movement was based at a compound known as Tama-Re in Georgia, which featured a number of pyramids and Egyptian-inspired architecture before being seized by the U.S. government.