The Big Religion Chart - ReligionFacts 3/3/17, 6(27 AM

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The Big Religion Chart

This "Big Religion Chart" is our attempt to summarize the major religions and belief systems of the world - Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and
dozens more - into a quick-reference comparison chart. Oversimplication is unavoidable in charts like these, and it is not intended to be a substitute for advanced
religious study and exploration, but simply a fast overview. It is our hope that this chart becomes a useful tool for you to compare basic religious beliefs and
practices of the world's religions and belief systems.

Over 40 religions and belief systems are currently listed. If a group does not appear, it doesn't mean it's not a religion or doesn't matter; the chart is not
comprehensive and will continue to grow. See also our list of religions (/religions) and definitions of religion (/religion). Links within the chart will take you to more
detailed information on ReligionFacts on that religion or topic.

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Aladura 1 million Various prophet-healing Generally Strong emphasis on Not emphasized; Spiritual healing is central. none
churches founded since monotheistic; a healing and salvation in views vary. Mix of Anglican and
(/aladura)
c.1918, West Nigeria. mix of Anglican, this life. African rituals; a prophet
Pentecostal and plays a prominent role.
traditional African
beliefs. Aladura Practices
(/aladura/practices)

Asatru (/asatru) unknown Revival of Norse and Polytheistic, Salvation or redemption Valhalla (heaven) for Sacrifice of food or drink, Eddas (Norse epics);
Germanic paganism, Norse gods and not emphasized. Fatalistic death in battle; Hel toast to the gods, the Havamal
1970s Scandinavia and goddesses, Norse outlook. (peaceful place) for shamanism (less (proverbs attributed to
USA. creation myths. most; Hifhel (hell) for frequently), celebration of Odin)
the very evil. solstice holidays. Nine
History of Asatru Asatru Gods Noble Virtues is moral Asatru Texts
(/asatru/history) (/asatru/gods) code. (/asatru/texts)

Asatru Practices
(/asatru/practices)

Atheism 7.4 million self- Appears throughout There is no God Not addressed. But many none none Influential works
identified atheists; 1.1 history (including or divine beings. atheists believe that since include those by
billion are religiously ancient Greek there is no afterlife, this Marx, Freud,
"unaffiliated" philosophy), but one life is of great Feuerbach, Voltaire,

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especially after the importance. Only humans and Mark Twain.

Enlightenment (19th can help themselves and Notable modern
cent). each other solve the authors include
world's problems. Richard Dawkins and
Carl Sagan.
(/atheism)

Baha'i Faith 5-7 million Founded by Bah'u'llh, One God, who The soul is eternal and Soul separates from Daily prayer, avoidance of Writings of Bah'u'llh
1863, Tehran, Iran. has revealed essentially good. Purpose the body and begins intoxicants, scripture and other Bah'
himself of life is to develop a journey towards or reading, hard work, leaders.
History of the Baha'i progressively spiritually and draw closer away from God. education, work for social
Faith (/bahai/history) through major to God. Heaven and hell are justice and equality. Baha'i Texts
world religions. states of being. (/bahai/texts)
meaning of life (Bahai) Baha'i Practices
Baha'i Beliefs (/bahai/meaning-life) afterlife (Baha'i) (/bahai/practices)
(/bahai)
about God (/bahai/afterlife)
(/bahai/gods)

Bon (/bon) 100,000 11th-century Tibet Nontheistic Gain enlightenment. Reincarnation until Meditation on mandalas Bonpo canon
Buddhism, but gain enlightenment and Tibetan deities,
meditation on astrology, monastic life.
peaceful and
wrathful deities.

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Buddhism 500 million Based on teachings of Buddhist gods Escape the cycle of rebirth Rebirth or nirvana. Meditation, mantras, Tripitaka (Pali
Siddharta Gautama include buddhas, and attain nirvana Nirvana is seen devotion to deities (in Canon); Mahayana
(the Buddha) in c. 520 bodhisattvas, (Theravada Buddhism). simply as the some sects), mandalas sutras like the Lotus
BC, NE India. arhats and deities; Become a boddhisatva cessation of suffering (Tibetan) Sutra; others.
such as Tara, then help others attain by some and as a
History of Buddhism Kuan Yin, and enlightenment (Mahayana heavenly paradise by Buddhist Practices Buddhist Texts
(/buddhism/history) Amida Buddha. Buddhism). others. (/buddhism/practices) (/buddhism/texts)
(/buddhism)
Buddhist Gods & The Meaning of Life in Buddhism on the
Deities Buddhism Afterlife
(/buddhism/gods) (/buddhism/meaning-life) (/buddhism/afterlife)

Cao Dai 4-6 million Founded in 1926, God represented Goal is peace and reincarnation until Hierarchy similar to Caodai canon
Vietnam by Ngo Van by Divine Eye. harmony in each person Nirvana/Heaven Roman Catholicism. Daily
Chieu and others based Founders of and in the world. Salvation prayer. Meditation.
on a sance. Buddhism, by "cultivating self and Communication with spirit
Taoism, Hinduism, finding God in self." world (now outlawed in
Islam, and Vietnam).
Christianity
venerated, and
(/cao-dai)
saints including
Victor Hugo.

Chinese 394 million Indigenous folk religion Dualistic yin and A favorable life and judgment, then Ancestor worship, prayer, none
of China. yang; peaceful afterlife, attained paradise or longevity practices,
Religion
mythological through rituals and punishment and divination, prophecy and
History of Chinese beings and folk honoring of ancestors. reincarnation astrology, feng shui.
Religion (/chinese- deities.
religion/history) afterlife (Chinese Chinese religious rituals
Chinese Religion) (/chinese- and practices (/chinese-
Traditional religion/afterlife) religion/practices)
Religion Theism
(/chinese- (/chinese-
religion) religion/gods)

Christian 400,000 Founded by Mary One God. No "Life, Truth, and Love Heaven is "not a Spiritual healing through Christian Bible,
Baker Eddy in 1879, Trinity (in understood and locality, but a divine prayer and knowledge, Science & Health with
Science
Massachusetts. traditional sense). demonstrated as supreme state of Mind in which Sunday services, daily Key to the Scriptures
Matter and evil do over all; sin, sickness and all the manifestations Bible and Science &
History of Christian not exist. death destroyed." of Mind are Health reading.
Science (/christian- harmonious and
science/history) immortal." Christian Science
Practices (/christian-
science/practices)
(/christian-
science)

Christianity 2.2 billion Life and teachings of One God, who is All have sinned and are Resurrection of body Prayer, Bible study, Bible (Hebrew Bible +
Jesus of Nazareth a Trinity of Father, thereby separated from and soul; eternal baptism, Eucharist New Testament)
Christianity Adherents (born c. 4 BCE), a Jew Son and Holy God. Salvation is through heaven or hell (most (Communion), church on
(/christianity/adherents) from Palestine under Spirit; angels; faith in Christ and, for denominations); Sundays, numerous Christian Texts
Roman rule demons; saints some, sacraments and temporary purgatory holidays. (/christianity/texts)
good works. (Catholicism)
Christian History God & Spiritual Christian Practices
(/christianity/history) Beings in Christianity on the (/christianity/practices)

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(/christianity) Christianity Afterlife

(/christianity/gods) (/christianity/afterlife)

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Confucianism 5-6 million Based on the teachings not addressed To fulfill one's role in not addressed none Analects
of Confucius (551479 society with propriety,
BCE, China) honor, and loyalty. Confucian Practices Confucian Texts
(/confucianism/practices) (/confucianism/texts)
History of Confucianism
(/confucianism/history)

(/confucianism)

Deism (/deism) unknown Especially popularized One Creator God not addressed not addressed None prescribed, although Thomas Paine's The
in the 18th-cent. who is some deists practiced Age of Reason and
Enlightenment under uninterested in prayer. similar texts
Kant, Voltaire, Paine, the world. Reason
Jefferson, and others is basis for all
knowledge.

Druze 500,000 Founded by Al-Darazi Universal Live a good life for a Reincarnation. Modest lifestyles, fasting Al-Naqd al-Khafi
in 11th century, Cairo, Intelligence (al- favorable reincarnation. Heaven is a spiritual before Eid al-Adha. Beliefs (Copy of the Secret);
Egypt. Roots in the Aql al-Kulli) or Await the re-appearance of existence when one and practices are hidden Al-Juz'al-Awwal
Isma'iliyya sect of Shia Divine Essence al-Hakim (a Fatimid caliph has escaped for protection from (Essence of the First)
Islam. (akin to who disappeared in 1021), reincarnation. Hell is persecution. Special group
Neoplatonism), of who will usher in a Golden distance from God in of initiates called uqqal.
which al-Hakim is Age for true believers. lifetime after lifetime.
believed to be an
(/druze)
incarnation.

Eckankar 50,000-500,000 Founded by Paul The Divine Spirit, "Each of us is Soul, a Reincarnation. The Spiritual Exercises of Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad
Twitchell in Las Vegas, called "ECK." spark of God sent to this Soul is eternal by ECK: mantras, meditation, and books by Harold
1965 world to gain spiritual nature and on a and dreams. These Klemp.
experience." Salvation is spiritual journey. enable Soul travel and
History of Eckankar liberation and God- Liberation possible in spiritual growth. Eckankar sacred
(/eckankar/history) realization. a single lifetime. texts (/eckankar/texts)
(/eckankar) Eckankar practices
(/eckankar/practices)

Epicureanism n/a Based on the teachings Polytheism, but Pursue the highest No afterlife. The soul none Letters and Principal
of Epicurus, c. 300 the gods take no pleasures (friendship and dissolves when the Doctrines of Epicurus
(/epicureanism)
BCE, Athens. notice of humans. tranquility) and avoid pain. body dies.

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Falun Gong 3 million (acc. to official
sources); 100 million
(acc. to Falun Gong
sources)
Li Hongzhi in 1992 in Countless gods Good health and spritual Not addressed Five exercises to Zhuan Falun and
China and spiritual transcendence, achieved strengthen the Falun. other writings by
beings. Demonic by practicing Falun Gong. Cultivation of truthfulness, Master Li
History of Falun Gong aliens. benevolence and
(/falun-gong/history) forbearance. Meat eating Falun Gong Texts
discouraged. (/falun-gong/texts)

Falun Gong Practices

(/falun-gong)
(/falun-gong/practices)

Gnosticism ancient form extinct; Various teachers The supreme God Humans can return to the Return to the spiritual Asceticism, celibacy Gnostic scriptures
small modern revival including Valentinus, is unknowable; spiritual world through world. including various
(/gnosticism)
groups 1st-2nd cents. AD the creator god is secret knowledge of the Gospels and Acts
evil and matter is universe. attributed to apostles.
evil.

Greek Religion ancient form extinct; Indigenous religion of Olympic pantheon Human life is subject to the Beliefs varied from no Animal sacrifice, harvest Epic poems of Homer
various modern the ancient Greeks, c. (Zeus, etc.) mixed whim of the gods and to afterlife to shadowy offerings, festivals, games, and Hesiod.
(/greek-religion)
revivals 500 BCE to 400 CE. with eastern Fate; these can be partially existence in the processions, dance, plays,
deities like Isis controlled through sacrifice underworld to a in honor of the gods.
and Cybele. and divination. paradise-like afterlife Secret initiations and
(mainly in mystery rituals in mystery religions.
Ancient Greek religions).
Gods (/greek- Greek religious practices
religion/gods) (/greek-religion/practices)

Hare Krishna 250,000-1 million Bhaktivedanta Swami Krishna is the Salvation from this Age of Reincarnation until Chanting, dancing, The Bhagavad-Gita
Prabhupada, 1966, Supreme God. Kali is by a return to unite with the evangelism, As It Is
USA (with roots in 15th- Godhead, accomplished Godhead. vegetarianism, temple
century Hindu through Krishna- worship, monastic-style
movement) Consciousness. living

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(/hare-krishna)

Hinduism 1 billion Indigenous religion of One Supreme Humans are in bondage to Reincarnation until Yoga, meditation, worship Vedas, Upanishads,
India as developed to Reality (Brahman) ignorance and illusion, but gain enlightenment. (puja), devotion to a god Bhagavad Gita,
present day. Earliest manifested in are able to escape. or goddess, pilgrimage to Ramayana, etc.
forms (Vedic religion) many gods and Purpose is to gain release holy cities, live according
date to 1500 BCE or goddesses from rebirth, or at least a to one's dharma (purpose/ Hindu Sacred Texts
earlier; major better rebirth. role). (/hinduism/texts)
developments 1st-9th Hindu Gods &
centuries CE. Goddesses meaning of life (Hinduism) Hindu Rituals & Practices
(/hinduism)
(/hinduism/gods) (/hinduism/meaning-life) (/hinduism/practices)
Hindu History
(/hinduism/history)

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Islam 1.6 billion Based on teachings of One God (Allah in Submit (islam) to the will of eternal Paradise or Five Pillars: Faith, Prayer, Qur'an (sacred text);
the Prophet Arabic); the same God to gain Paradise after eternal Hell Alms, Pilgrimage, Fasting. Hadith (tradition)
Muhammad; founded God revealed death. Mosque services on
622 CE in Mecca, (imperfectly) in Islamic beliefs about Fridays. Ablutions before Islamic sacred texts
Saudi Arabia. the Jewish and the afterlife prayer. No alcohol or pork. (/islam/texts)
Christian Bibles (/islam/afterlife) Holidays related to the
History of Islam pilgrimage and fast of
(/islam/history) Ramadan.
(/islam)
Muslim rituals and
practices (/islam/practices)

Jainism 4 million Founded by Mahavira, Polytheism and Gain liberation from cycle Reincarnation until Monasticism under the The teachings of
c. 550 BCE, eastern pantheism. The of rebirth, by avoiding all liberation. Five Great Vows (Non- Mahavira in various
India universe is bad karma, especially by Violence, Truth, Celibacy, collections.
eternal; many causing no harm to any afterlife (Jainism) Non-Stealing, Non-
History of Jainism gods exist. Gods, sentient being. (/jainism/afterlife) Possessiveness); worship
(/jainism/history) humans and all at temples and at home.
living things are meaning of life (Jainism) Meditation and mantras.
classified in a (/jainism/meaning-life)
(/jainism)
complex Jain practices
hierarchy. (/jainism/practices)

Jain theism
(/jainism/gods)

Jehovah's 6.5 million Founded by Charles One God: Salvation is through faith in Heaven for 144,000 No blood transfusions, no New World
Taze Russell, 1879, Jehovah. No Christ and obeying chosen Witnesses, celebration of holidays, no Translation of the
Witnesses
Pittsburgh Trinity. Christ is Jehovah's laws. The End eternity on new earth use of crosses or religious Scriptures
the first creation of the World is soon. for other Witnesses. images. Baptism, Sunday
History of the Jehovah's of God; the Holy All others annihilated. service at Kingdom Hall, Jehovah's Witnesses
Witnesses (/jehovahs- Spirit is a force. No hell. strong emphasis on Sacred Texts
(/jehovahs- witnesses/history) evangelism. (/jehovahs-
witnesses) witnesses/texts)
Jehovah's Witnesses
Practices (/jehovahs-
witnesses/practices)

Judaism 14 million The religion of the One God: Yahweh Obey God's Not emphasized; Circumcision at birth, Hebrew Bible
Hebrews (c. 1300 BC), (YHVH) commandments, live views vary: no bar/bat mitzvah at (Tanakh); Talmud
Adherents of Judaism especially after the ethically. Focus is more on afterlife, shadowy adulthood, observing
(/judaism/adherents) destruction of the God in Judaism this life than the next. existence, World to Sabbath, wearing tallit and Jewish sacred texts
Second Temple in 70 (/judaism/gods) Come (similar to tefilin, prayer services (/judaism/texts)
AD. heaven), Gehenna
(similar to hell), Jewish practices
History of Judaism reincarnation (/judaism/practices)
(/judaism)
(/judaism/history)
afterlife (Judaism)
(/judaism/afterlife)

Mayan Religion Several million Maya Began c.250 CE (rise of Many gods, Appease and nourish the The soul journeys Astronomy, divination, Dresden Codex;
practice a Catholicism the Mayan civilization) including Itzamn, gods; determine luckiest through dark and human sacrifice, elaborate Madrid Codex; Paris
(/mayan-religion)
that retains many Kukulcn, Bolon dates for various activities. threatening burial for royalty, worship Codex; Books of
elements of traditional Tzacab, and Chac underworld; but in stone pyramid-temples Chilam Balam; Popol
Mayan religion. sacrificial victims and Vuh; The Ritual of the
women who die in Bacabs
childbirth go to
heaven.

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Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Mormonism 12.2 million Revelations to Joseph God the Father, Return to God by faith in All return to spirit Abstinence from alcohol, Christian Bible, Book
Smith, 1830, New York. the Son Jesus Christ, good works, world instruction tobacco, coffee and tea; of Mormon, Doctrine
Christ, and the ordinances, and before resurrection. baptism for the dead; and Covenants, and
Mormon History Holy Ghost are evangelism. Then Mormons to eternal marriage; temple Pearl of Great Price
(/mormonism/history) three separate heaven with God and garments under daily
individual beings families; others clothes; active Mormon Texts
rewarded apart from evangelism. (/mormonism/texts)
(/mormonism) God; hell for those
who still reject God. Mormon Practices
(/mormonism/practices)
afterlife (Mormonism)
(/mormonism/afterlife)

Nation of Islam 10,000-100,000 Founded by Wallace "One God whose "The Blackman is the Mental resurrection of Prayer five times a day. Qur'an and
Fard Muhammad, proper name is original man." Live the righteous. Black Work for the equality of "Scriptures of all the
(/nation-islam)
1930, Detroit, USA. Allah." Wallace righteously and worship people will be the African race. Respect Prophets of God" are
Fard Muhammad Allah. mentally resurrected laws of the land, don't holy texts. Influential
became the divine first. carry arms, don't make writings include Elijah
messiah and war. Healthy living and Muhammad's
incarnation of abstinence from alcohol, Message to the
Allah in 1930. smoking and substance Blackman in America
abuse. Modest dress. (1965)

New Age (/new- 5 million Helena Petrovna The Divine is an Dawning of a New Age of Reincarnation Astrology; mysticism; use Works of a variety of
Blavatsky and Annie impersonal life heightened consciousness of crystals; yoga; tarot New Age writers
age)
Besant in the 19th C, force that and international peace. readings; holistic
Alice A. Bailey (1880- pervades all Individuals can obtain a medicine; psychic abilities;
1949), flourished in things foretaste of the New Age angelic communications;
1970s and 80s through spiritual channeling; amulets;
transformation fortune-telling
("Ascension"). More
emphasis on the latter
now. Evil comes from
ignorance.

New Thought 160,000 Phineas Parkhurst Generally monism Man is divine, essentially "Life is eternal in the Emphasis on spiritual and Writings of Quimby
Quimby (1802-66) and (all is One), but spirit, and has infinite invisible kingdom of mental healing, but (such as the The
(/new-thought)
others, late 19th members might possibility. Mind can God." without rejection of Quimby Manuscripts)
century, USA. be theists, control the body. Sin and modern medicine. Worship and other New
pantheists or sickness caused by services; prayer for the Thought authors
panentheists. God incorrect thinking. Man can sick; discussion of New
is immanent; the live in oneness with God in Thought authors and
universe is love, truth, peace, health, ideas.
essentially and prosperity.
spiritual.

Olmec Religion extinct in original form Indigenous religion of Mostly unknown unknown, but art indicates unknown sacrifices, large sculptures none
the Olmecs, Guatemala due to lack of importance of fertility (rain, of human heads, cave
(/olmec-religion)
and Mexico, c. 1500- written records. corn, etc.) rituals, pilgrimages, ball-
400 BCE Many gods courts, pyramids
represented in art,
including the
Olmec Dragon,
Maize Deity, Bird
Monster, and
Were-Jaguar.

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Rastafarianism 1 million Founded by Marcus God is Jah, who Humans are temples of Some Rastas will Many practices based on Holy Piby (the
Garvey in the slums of became incarnate Jah. Salvation is primarily experience Jewish biblical Law. "Blackman's Bible").
(/rastafarianism)
Jamaica in the 1920s in Jesus (who was in this world and consists "everliving" (physical Abstinence from most or The Ethiopian epic
and 30s black); Ethiopian of liberation from immortality). Heaven all meat, artificial foods, Kebra Negast also
Emperor Haile oppression and return to is a return to Eden, and alcohol. Use of revered.
History of Selassie I was Africa. which is in Africa. marijuana in religious
Rastafarianism messiah. rituals and for medicine. Rastafarian Texts
(/rastafarianism/history) Wearing of dreadlocks. (/rastafarianism/texts)

Rastafarian Practices
(/rastafarianism/practices)

Satanism The Church of Satan

was founded in 1966 by
(/satanism)
Anton LaVey

Scientology 70,000 or several Founded by L. Ron God(s) not Human consists of body, Reincarnation Auditing, progressing up Writings of Hubbard,
million, depending on Hubbard, 1954, specified; reality mind and thetan; capable various levels until "clear". such as Dianetics and
the source California explained in the of great things. Gain Focus on education and Scientology

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Eight Dynamics spiritual freedom by ridding drug recovery programs.

History of Scientology mind of engrams.
(/scientology/history)

(/scientology)

Seventh-Day 25 million Rooted in Millerite Trinitarian Live in accordance with the A "peaceful pause" 24-hour Sabbath Christian Bible;
movement; founded monotheism Bible, including the Old after death until the observance starting Friday writings of Ellen G.
Adventism
1863 in New England; Testament. The Second coming of Christ, at sunset; adult baptism White as helpful
early leaders: Ellen Coming will happen soon. then resurrection to by immersion; church supplement
White, Hiram Edson judgment, followed by services emphasizing
and Joseph Bates eternity in heaven or sermon
nonexistence. No
hell.
(/seventh-day-
adventism)

Shinto 3-4 million Indigenous religion of kami: ancient Humans are pure by Death is bad and Worship and offerings to Kojiki (Records of
Japan gods or spirits nature and can keep away impure. Some kami at shrines and at Ancient Matters);
evil through purification humans become home. Purification rituals. Nihon-gi (Chronicles
Shinto History rituals and attain good kami after death. of Japan)
(/shinto/history) things by calling on the Shinto Practices
kami. (/shinto/practices) Shinto Texts
(/shinto/texts)
(/shinto)

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Sikhism 23 million Founded by Guru one God: Ik Onkar Overcome the self, align Reincarnation until Prayer and meditation on Adi Granth (Sri Guru
Nanak, c. 1500, life with will of God, and resolve karma and God's name, services at Granth Sahib)
Punjab, India. become a "saint soldier," merge with God. temple (gurdwara), turban
fighting for good. and five Ks. Balance work,
History of Sikhism worship, and charity. No
(/sikhism/history) monasticism or
asceticism.
(/sikhism)

Spiritualism 11 million c.1850, USA, UK, Generally accepts Body and spirit are A spiritual existence Sunday services. Seances No authoritative texts.
France the Christian God separate entities. Morality with access to the and other communication Doctrine learned from
(/spiritualism)
and contact with spirits living. Condition with departed spirits. Spirit spirit guides
affect afterlife. depends on morality healing. (advanced departed
of life and spirits).
advancement is
possible.

Stoicism Zeno in c.313 BC, Pantheism: the Happiness, which is Possible continued Ethical and philosophical writings of Zeno,
Athens. logos pervades achieved by living existence of the Soul, training, self-reflection, Seneca, Epictetus,
(/stoicism)
the universe. reasonably. but not a personal careful judgment and inner Marcus Aurelius
existence. calm.

Taoism 20 million specifically Based on teachings of Pantheism - the Inner harmony, peace, and Revert back to state General attitude of Kojiki (Records of
of Taoism (Chinese Lao-Tzu, c. 550 BC, Tao pervades all. longevity. Acheived by of non-being, which is detachment and non- Ancient Matters);
religion contains Taoist China. living in accordance with simply the other side struggle, "go with the flow" Nihon-gi (Chronicles
elements) Taoist Pantheism the Tao. of being. of the Tao. Tai-chi, of Japan)
(/taoism/gods) acupuncture, and alchemy
meaning of life (Taoism) Afterlife in Taoism to help longevity. Taoist Texts
(/taoism/meaning-life) (/taoism/afterlife) (/taoism/texts)
(/taoism)

Unification over 1 million (3 million Founded by Sun Myung Monotheism, with True love and world peace Eternal life in a spirit Blessing Ceremony The Divine Principle
acc. to official sources) Moon, 1954, South the duality of God instead of selfish love. True world. (1954) by Rev. Moon.
Church
Korea. (esp. masculine love and the kingdom of
(/unification- and feminine) God on earth will be
church) emphasized. No restored by the creation of
Trinity. "true families."

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Unitarian 800,000 Formal merger of Has no set Salvation is "spiritual Not specified. Some Ceremonies for marriages, Many sacred texts
Unitarians and beliefs, which is health or wholeness." believe in an afterlife, funerals, etc. Church are revered by
Universalism
Universalists in 1961, its defining Members seek "inner and some do not. Very services have elements various members;
(/unitarian- USA. characteristic. outer peace," insight, few believe in hell - from various religions. some none at all. The
universalism) health, compassion and "Universalism" Emphasis on civil rights, Bible is the most
History of Unitarian- strength. indicates the belief social justice, equality and commonly used text.
Universalism that all will be saved. environment. Most UUs
(/unitarian- are anti-death penalty and Unitarian
universalism/history) pro-gay rights. Universalism Texts

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(/unitarian-
Unitarian Universalist universalism/texts)
practices (/unitarian-
universalism/practices)

Wicca 1-3 million Based on ancient Polytheism, "If it harms none, do what reincarnation until Prayer, casting a circle, No sacred text;
pagan beliefs, but centered on the you will." reach the Drawing Down the Moon, foundational texts
modern form founded Goddess and Summerland reciting spells, dancing, include The Witch
early 1900s. Founder God, each in singing, sharing cakes and Cult in Western
generally said to be various forms; afterlife (Wicca) wine or beer Europe and The God
(/wicca) Gerald Gardner. also a belief in a (/wicca/afterlife) of the Witches
Supreme Being Wiccan practices
over all (/wicca/practices)

Zoroastrianism 200,000 Based on teachings of One God, Ahura Humans are free to do Judgment followed by prayers; tending the Zend Avesta
Zoroaster in 6th cent. Mazda, but a good or evil, must choose heaven or hell. Hell is sacred fire; coming of age
BCE Persia. Official dualistic the side of good. temporary until final rituals; burial by exposure Zoroastrian texts
religion of ancient worldview in purgation and return in the Tower of Silence (/zoroastrianism/texts)
Persia. May have which an evil to Ahura Mazda.
(/zoroastrianism) influenced Judaism and spirit, Angra Zoroastrian rituals and
Vedic religion. Mainyu, is almost practices
as powerful. (/zoroastrianism/practices)
History of
Zoroastrianism
(/zoroastrianism/history)

For sources, please see linked articles.

Article Info
Title The Big Religion Chart

Published January 10, 2006

Last Updated November 21, 2016

URL www.religionfacts.com/big-religion-chart (/big-religion-chart)

Short URL rlft.co/1851 (http://rlft.co/1851)

MLA Citation The Big Religion Chart. ReligionFacts.com. 21 Nov. 2016. Web. Accessed 3 Mar. 2017. <www.religionfacts.com/big-religion-chart>

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