12th December 2016

The Religion Facts Chart

 

 

The Religion Chartis an attempt to summarize the major religions of the world intoa quick-reference comparison chart. It is not intended to be a substitute for advanced religious study and exploration, but a fast overview, with links to articles of greater depth. It is my hope that this chart becomes a useful tool compare basic religious beliefs and practices of the world’s religions and belief systems.Currently, 43 religions and belief systems are listed. I have been very inclusive with what is regarded as areligion.” If a group does not appear, it doesn’t mean it’s not a religion or doesn’t matter; the chart is notcomprehensive and will continue to grow. JMN

 

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Religion/Sect/Belief System

Origins & History

Adherents Worldwide (approx.)

God(s) and Universe

Human Situation and Life’s Purpose

Afterlife

Practices

Texts

More Info

Aladura

 

Various prophet-healing churches founded since c.1918, West Nigeria.

1 million

Generally monotheistic; a mix of Anglican, Pentecostal and traditional African beliefs.

Strong emphasis on healing and salvation in this life through prayer, fasting and other rituals.

Not emphasized; views vary.

Spiritual healing is central. Mix of Anglican and African rituals; a prophet plays a prominent role.

None

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Aladura books 

Asatru

Revival of Norse and Germanic paganism, 1970s Scandinavia and USA.

unknown

Polytheistic, Norse gods and goddesses, Norse creation myths.

Salvation or redemption not emphasized. Fatalistic view of universe.

Valhalla (heaven) for death in battle; Hel (peaceful place) for most; Hifhel (hell) for the very evil.

Sacrifice of food or drink, toast to the gods, shamanism (less frequently), celebration of solstice holidays. Nine Noble Virtues is moral code.

Eddas (Norse epics); the Havamal (proverbs attributed to Odin)

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Asatru books(from Amazon)

Atheism

Appears throughout history (including ancient Greek philosophy), but especially after the Enlightenment (19th cent).

1.1 billion (this figure includes agnostic and non-religious, which tend to be grouped on surveys)

There is no God or divine being. Beliefs about the universe usually based on latest scientific findings.

Since there is no afterlife, this one life is of great importance. Only humans can help themselves and each other solve the world’s problems.

none

none

Influential works include those by Marx, Freud, Feuerbach, and Voltaire. Notable modern authors include Richard Dawkins and Carl Sagan.

Best-Selling Atheism books(from Amazon)

Baha’i Faith

Founded by Bahá’u’lláh, 1863, Tehran, Iran.

5-7 million

 

One God, who has revealed himself progressively through major world religions.

The soul is eternal and essentially good. Purpose of life is to develop spiritually and draw closer to God.

Soul separates from the body and begins a journey towards or away from God. Heaven and hell are states of being.

Daily prayer, avoidance of intoxicants, scripture reading, hard work, education, work for social justice and equality.

Writings of Bahá’u’lláh and other Bahá’í leaders.

 

 

ReligionFacts section

Best-Selling Bahai books

 

Bahai history

Bahai fast facts

Bahai beliefs in God

Bahai on human nature

Bahai and the afterlife

Bahai practices

Bahai texts

Bahai symbols

Bön

Indigenous religion of Tibet.

100,000

Nontheistic Buddhism, but meditation on peaceful and wrathful deities.

Purpose is to gain enlightenment.

Reincarnation until gain enlightenment

Meditation on mandalas and Tibetan deities, astrology, monastic life.

Bonpo canon

ReligionFacts article Best-Selling Bon books

Buddhism

Founded by Siddharta Gautama (the Buddha) in c. 520 BC, NE India.

360 million

Varies: Theravada atheistic; Mahayana more polytheistic. Buddha taught nothing is permanent.

Purpose is to avoid suffering and gain enlightenment and release from cycle of rebirth, or at least attain a better rebirth by gaining merit.

Reincarnation (understood differently than in Hinduism, with no surviving soul) until gain enlightenment

Meditation, mantras, devotion to deities (in some sects), mandalas (Tibetan)

Tripitaka (Pali Canon); Mahayana sutras like the Lotus Sutra; others.

ReligionFacts section

Best-Selling Buddhism books(from Amazon)

 

Buddhism history

Buddhism fast facts

Compare Theravada & Mahayana

Human nature in Buddhism

Afterlife in Buddhism

Buddhism practices

Buddhist texts

Buddhist symbols

 

Religion/Sect/Belief System

Origins & History

Adherents Worldwide (approx.)

God(s) and Universe

Human Situation and Life’s Purpose

Afterlife

Practices

Texts

More Info

Cao Dai

Founded in 1926, Vietnam by Ngo Van Chieu and others based on a séance.

4-6 million

God represented by Divine Eye. Founders of Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity venerated, and saints including Victor Hugo.

Goal is peace and harmony in each person and in the world. Salvation by “cultivating self and finding God in self.”

Reincarnation. Bad karma can lead to rebirth on a darker planet; good karma to better life on earth. Eventual attainment of nirvana or heaven.

Hierarchy similar to Roman Catholicism. Daily prayer. Meditation. Communication with spirit world (now outlawed in Vietnam).

Caodai canon

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Cao Dai books(from Amazon)

Chinese Religion

Indigenous folk religion of China.

394 million

Dualistic yin and yang; mythological beings and folk deities.

Purpose is a favorable life and peaceful afterlife, attained through rituals and honoring of ancestors.

Judgment, then reincarnation or temporary hell until gain a Buddhist-type paradise.

Ancestor worship, prayer,

longevity practices

, divination, prophecy and astrology, fengshui.

None

ReligionFacts section Best-Selling Chinese Religion books

 

Chinese religion history

Chinese religion timeline

Chinese religion beliefs

Chinese religion body and soul

Chinese religion afterlife

Chinese religion practices

Chinese religion objects

Chinese symbols

Chopra Center

Founded by Deepak Chopra in 1991, California

unknown

monism – God or Supreme Reality pervades all things; all is unity

Humans have limitless potential, but do not recognize this. Health and success can be had by focusing on whole self (mind, body, spirit).

Reincarnation

Yoga, meditation, massage, nutrition, mindfulness, detox sessions, positive thinking.

Deepak Chopra’s many books, such as the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Deepak Chopra books(from Amazon)

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox)

Founded by Jesus Christ in c. 30 AD, Israel.

2 billion

One God who is a Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

All have sinned & separated from God. Salvation is through faith in Christ & for some, sacraments and good works.

Eternal heaven or hell (or temporary purgatory).

Prayer, Bible study, baptism, Eucharist (Communion), church on Sundays, numerous holidays.

The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

ReligionFacts sectionBest-Selling Christian books

 

Christian history

Christianity fast facts

Christian beliefs

Human nature in Christianity

The afterlife in Christianity

Christian practices

Christian texts

Christian symbols

Christian Science

Founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879, Massachusetts.

150,000 – 400,000

One God. No Trinity (in traditional sense). Matter and evil do not exist.

Salvation is “Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all; sin, sickness and death destroyed.”

Heaven is “not a locality, but a divine state of Mind in which all the manifestations of Mind are harmonious and immortal.”

Spiritual healing through prayer and knowledge, Sunday services, daily Bible and Science & Health reading.

Christian Bible, Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Christian Science books(from Amazon)

Confucianism

Founded by Confucius (551–479 BC), China

5-6 million

Not addressed

Purpose of life is to fulfill one’s role in society with propriety, honor, and loyalty.

Not addressed

Honesty, politeness, propriety, humaneness, perform correct role in society, loyalty to family, nation

Analects

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Confucianism books

Religion/Sect/ Belief System

Origins & History

Adherents Worldwide (approx.)

God(s) and Universe

Human Situation and Life’s Purpose

Afterlife

Practices

Texts

More Info

Deism

Especially popularized in the 18th-cent. Enlightenment under Kant, Voltaire, Paine, Jefferson, and others

unknown

One Creator God who is uninterested in the world. Reason is basis for all knowledge.

Not addressed

Not addressed

None prescribed, although some deists practice prayer.

Thomas Paine’s The Age of Reason and similar texts

Best-Selling Deism books(from Amazon)

Druze

Al-Darazi in 11th century, Cairo, Egypt. Roots in the Isma’iliyya sect of Shia Islam.

500,000

Universal Intelligence (al-Aql al-Kulli) or Divine Essence (akin to Neoplatonism), of which al-Hakim is believed to be an incarnation.

Live a good life for a favorable reincarnation. Await the re-appearance of al-Hakim (a Fatimid caliph who disappeared in 1021), who will usher in a Golden Age for true believers.

Reincarnation. Heaven is a spiritual existence when one has escaped reincarnation. Hell is distance from God in lifetime after lifetime.

Modest lifestyles, fasting before Eid al-Adha. Beliefs and practices are hidden for protection from persecution. Special group of initiates called uqqal.

Al-Naqd al-Khafi (Copy of the Secret); Al-Juz’alAwwal (Essence of the First)

Best-Selling Druze books(from Amazon)

 

Eckankar

John Paul Twitchell in 1965, Las Vegas.

50-500,000

The Divine Spirit, called “ECK”

“Each of us is Soul, a spark of God sent to this world to gain spiritual experience.” Salvation is liberation and God-realization.

Reincarnation. The Soul is eternal by nature and on a spiritual journey. Liberation possible in a single lifetime.

Spiritual Exercises of ECK: mantras, meditation, and dreams. These enable Soul travel and spiritual growth.

Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad and books by Harold Klemp

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Eckankar books

Epicureanism

Epicurus in c.300 BC, Athens.

unknown

A deistic sort of polytheism: the gods exist, but take no notice of humans.

Materialism: everything is made of atoms, including gods and the soul.

No afterlife. The soul dissolves when the body dies.

Pursue the highest pleasures (friendship and tranquility) and avoid pain.

Letters and Principal Doctrines of Epicurus

ReligionFacts articleBest-Selling Epicureanism books

Falun Gong

Li Hongzhi in 1992 in China

10 million

Countless gods and spiritual beings. Demonic aliens.

The Falun (wheel) is an energy source located in the navel. Goal is spritual transcendence, achieved by practicing Falun Gong.

 

 

Not addressed

Five exercises to strengthen the Falun. Cultivation of truthfulness, benevolence and forbearance. Meat eating discouraged.

ZhuanFalun and other writings by Master Li

ReligionFacts articleBest-Selling Falun Gong books

Gnosticism

Various teachers including Valentinus, 1st-2nd cents. AD

ancient form extinct; small modern revival groups

The supreme God is unknowable; the creator god is evil and matter is evil.

Humans can return to the spiritual world through secret knowledge of the universe.

Return to the spiritual world.

Asceticism, celibacy

Gnostic scriptures incl.Var.Gospels&Actsattr. toapostles

Best-Selling Gnosticism books

 

Greek Religion

Variety of religions of ancient Greeks

ancient form extinct

Olympic pantheon (Zeus, etc.) mixed with eastern deities like Isis and Cybele

Human life is subject to the whim of the gods and to Fate; these can be controlled through sacrifice and divination.

Beliefs varied from no afterlife to shadowy exist.in the underworld to a paradise-like afterlife (mainly in mystery religions).

Animal sacrifice, harvest offerings, festivals, games, processions, dance, plays, in honor of the gods. Secret initiations and rituals in mystery religions.

Epic poems of Homer and Hesiod.

ReligionFacts section

Best-Selling Greek Religion books

 

Religion/Sect/Belief System

Origins & History

Adherents Worldwide (approx.)

God(s) and Universe

Human Situation and Life’s Purpose

Afterlife

Practices

Texts

More Info

Hare Krishna

 

Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, 1966, USA (with roots in 15th-century Hindu movement)

250,000-1 million

Krishna is the Supreme God.

Salvation from this Age of Kali is by a return to Godhead, accomplished through KrishnaConsciousness.

Reincarnation until unite with the Godhead.

Chanting, dancing, evangelism, vegetarianism, temple worship, monastic-style living.

The Bhagavad-Gita As It Is

ReligionFacts articleBest-Selling Hare Krishna books

Hinduism

Indigenous religion of India as developed to present day.

900 million

One Supreme Reality (Brahman) manifested in many gods and goddesses

Humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion, but are able to escape. Purpose is to gain release from rebirth, or at least a better rebirth.

Reincarnation until gain enlightenment.

Yoga, meditation, worship (puja), devotion to a god or goddess, pilgrimage to holy cities, live according to one’s dharma (purpose/ role).

The Vedas, Upanishads, BhagavadGita, Ramayana, etc.

ReligionFacts section

Best-Selling Hinduism books(from Amazon

 

Hinduism history

Hinduism fast facts

Hinduism beliefs

Hinduism deities

Hinduism sects

Hinduism practices

Hinduism texts

Hinduism symbols

Islam

 

 

Muhammad, 622 AD, Saudi Arabia

1.3 billion (Sunni: 940 million)

One God (Allah in Arabic)

Humans must submit (islam) to the will of God to gain Paradise after death.

Paradise or Hell.

Five Pillars: Faith, Prayer, Alms, Pilgrimage, Fasting. Mosque services on Fridays. Ablutions before prayer. No alcohol or pork. Holidays related to pilgrimage and fast of Ramadan.

Qur’an (Scripture); Hadith (tradition)

ReligionFacts section

Best-Selling Islam booksfrom Amazon

 

Islam history

Islam fast facts

Islam beliefs

Islam afterlife

Islam sects

Islam practices

Islam texts

Islam symbols

Jainism

Mahavira, c. 550 BC, eastern India

4 million

The universe is eternal; many gods exist. Gods, humans and all living things are classified in a complex hierarchy.

The soul is uncreated and eternal and can attain perfect divinity. Purpose is to gain liberation from cycle of rebirth, by avoiding all bad karma, esp’lly by causing no harm to any sentient being.

Reincarnation until liberation.

Monasticism under the Five Great Vows (Non-Violence, Truth, Celibacy, Non-Stealing, Non-Possessiveness); worship at temples and at home. Meditation and mantras.

The teachings of Mahavira in various collections.

ReligionFacts section

Best-Selling Jainism books(from Amazon)

 

Jainism history

Jainism fast facts

Jainism beliefs

Jainism timeline

Jainism ethics

Jainism practices

Jainism glossary

Jainism symbols

Jehovah’s Witnesses

 

 

Charles Taze Russell, 1879, Pittsburgh

6.5 million

One God, Jehovah. No Trinity – Christ is the first creation of God; the Holy Spirit is a force.

Salvation is through faith in Christ and obeying Jehovah’s laws. The End of the World is soon.

Heaven for 144,000 chosenJHW’s , eternity on new earth for other JHW’s. All others annihilated. No hell.

No blood transf. no celebration of holidays, use of crosses,relig.images.Baptsm Sunday service at Kingdom Hall, emphasis on evangelism.

New World Translation of the Scriptures

ReligionFacts sectionBest-Selling Jehovah’s Witnesses books

 

JHW history

JHW Facts

JHW beliefs

JHW holidays

JHW ethics

JHWpractices

JHW texts

JHWsymb,ls

 

Religion/Sect/ Belief System

Origins & History

Adherents Worldwide

God(s) and Universe

Life’s Purpose

Afterlife

Practices

Texts

More Info

Judaism

The religion of the Hebrews (c. 1300 BC), especially after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD.

14 million

One God, Yahweh (YHVH).

Obey God’s commandments, live ethically. Focus is more on this life than the next.

Not historically emphasized. Beliefs vary from no afterlife to shadowy existence to the World to Come (similar to heaven).

Circumcision at birth, bar/bat mitzvah at adulthood. Synagogue services on Saturdays. No pork or other non-kosher foods. Holidays related to historical events.

Bible (Tanakh), Talmud

ReligionFacts section

Best-Selling Judaism books(from Amazon)

 

Judaism history

Judaism fast facts

Judaism beliefs

Judaism theology

Judaism afterlife

Judaism holidays

Judaism texts

Jewish symbols

Mayan Religion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

c.250 AD (rise of the Mayan civilization)

Historically, up to 2 million. Some survival today.

Many gods, including Itzamná, Kukulcán, BolonTzacab, and Chac

Appease and nourish the gods; determine luckiest dates for various activities.

The soul journeys through dark and threatening underworld; but sacrificial victims and women who die in childbirth go to heaven.

Astronomy, divination, human sacrifice, elaborate burial for royalty, worship in stone pyramid-temples

Dresden, Madrid, and Paris codices; Books of ChilamBalamPopolVuhThe Ritual of the Bacabs

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling books on Mayan Religion(from Amazon)

Mormonism (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph Smith, 1830, New York, USA

12.2 million

God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate individual beings

Humans existed as spirits before this life, salvation is returning to God. Salvation by faith in Christ, good works, ordinances, and evangelism.

All return to spirit world for period of instruction before resurrection. Mormons to heaven with God and families; others rewarded but not with God; hell for those who reject God after death.

Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea; baptism for the dead; eternal marriage; temple garments under daily clothes; active evangelism.

Christian Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price

ReligionFacts sectionBest-Selling Mormonism books(from Amazon)

 

Mormon history

Mormon fast facts

Mormon beliefs

Mormon timeline

Mormon afterlife

Mormon practices

Mormon texts

Mormonism vs. Christianity

Nation of Islam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wallace Fard Muhammad, 1930, Detroit, USA« The letters stand for “Justice, Equality, Freedom, Islam”

Estimates range from 10,000 to 100,000

“One God whose proper name is Allah.” Wallace Fard Muhammad became the divine messiah and incarnation of Allah in 1930. The Earth is over 76 trillion years old and all land was once called “Asia.”

“The Blackman is the original man” (Message to the Blackman). Live righteously and worship Allah.

Mental resurrection of the righteous. Black people will be mentally resurrected first.

Prayer five times a day. Work for the equality of the African race. Respect laws of the land, don’t carry arms, don’t make war. Healthy living and abstinence from alcohol, smoking and substance abuse. Modest dress.

Qur’an and “Scriptures of all the Prophets of God” are holy texts. Influential writings include Elijah Muhammad’s Message to the Blackman in America (1965)

Best-Selling Nation of Islam books(from Amazon)

New Age

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Annie Besant in the 19th C, Alice A. Bailey (1880-1949), flourished in 1970s and 80s

5 million (very approximate)

The Divine is an impersonal life force that pervades all things

Dawning of a New Age of heightened consciousness and international peace. Individuals can obtain a foretaste of the New Age through spiritual transformation (“Ascension”). More emphasis on the latter now. Evil comes from ignorance.

Reincarnation based on karma

Astrology; mysticism; use of crystals; yoga; tarot readings; holistic medicine; psychic abilities; angelic communications; channeling; amulets; fortune-telling

Works of a variety of New Age writers

Best-Selling New Age books(from Amazon)

New Thought

PhineasParkhurstQuimby (1802-66) and others, late 19th century, USA.

160,000

Generally monism (all is One), but members might be theists, pantheists or panentheists. God is immanent; the universe is essentially spiritual.

Man is divine, essentially spirit, and has infinite possibility. Mind can control the body. Sin and sickness caused by incorrect thinking. Man can live in oneness with God in love, truth, peace, health, and prosperity.

“Life is eternal in the invisible kingdom of God.”

Emphasis on spiritual and mental healing, but without rejection of modern medicine. Worship services; prayer for the sick; discussion of New Thought authors and ideas.

Writings of Quimby (such as the TheQuimby Manuscripts) and other New Thought authors

ReligionFacts articleBest-Selling New Thought books(from Amazon)

 

Religion/Sect/Belief System

Origins & History

Adherents Worldwide (approx.)

God(s) and Universe

Human Situation and Life’s Purpose

Afterlife

Practices

Texts

More Info

Rastafari

Teachings of Marcus Garvey (1920s, Jamaica) and coronation of HaileSelassie (1930, Ethiopia); most influential follower – Bob Marley

1 million

God is Jah, who became incarnate in Jesus (who was black) and Haile Selassie.

Humans are temples of Jah. Salvation is primarily in this world and consists of liberation from oppression and return to Africa.

Some Rastas will experience “everliving” (physical immortality). Heaven is a return to Eden, which is in Africa.

Many practices based on Jewish biblical Law. Abstinence from most or all meat, artificial foods, and alcohol. Use of marijuana in religious rituals and for medicine. Wearing of dreadlocks.

Holy Piby (the “Blackman’s Bible). The Ethiopian epic KebraNegast also revered.

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Rastafari books(from Amazon)

 

Rastafarianhistory

Rastafarianoverview

 

Marijuana and religion

 

Rastafarianpractices

 

Rastafarian symbols

Satanism, LaVeyan

Satanic symbols

 

The Church of Satan was founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey

The Church of Satan doesn’t make membership numbers public

Atheistic and/or agnostic

Nine Satanic Statements

N/A

Rituals, church meetings, questioning authority

The Satanic Bible

ReligionFacts articlesBest-Selling Satanism books

Scientology

L. Ron Hubbard, 1954, California

70,000 or several million, depending on the source

God(s) not specified; reality explained in the Eight Dynamics

Human consists of body, mind and thetan; capable of great things.Gain spiritual freedom by ridding mind of engrams.

Reincarnation

Auditing, progressing up various levels until “clear”. Focus on education and drug recovery programs.

Writings of Hubbard, such as Dianetics and Scientology

ReligionFacts sectionBest-Selling Scientology books

 

Scientology history

Scientolgy fast facts

Scientology beliefs

Scientology ethics

Scientology glossary

Scientology books

Scientolgy symbols

Scientology symbols

Seventh-day Adventists

Rooted in Millerite movement; founded 1863 in New England; early leaders: Ellen White, Hiram Edson and Joseph Bates

10 million [source]

One God who is a Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Second Coming of Christ is imminent; salvation is by faith in Christ; emphasis on quality of life both now and in afterlife

A “peaceful pause” after death until the coming of Christ, then resurrection to judgment, followed by eternity in heaven or nonexistence. No hell.

Sabbath observance on Saturdays; healthful lifestyle; baptism by immersion

Christian Bible; later prophets like Ellen White are inspired and authoritative when tested against Scriptures

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Seventh-Day Adventist books

Shinto

Indigenous religion of Japan.

3-4 million

Polytheism based on the kami, ancient gods or spirits.

Humans are pure by nature and can keep away evil through purification rituals and attain good things by calling on the kami.

Death is bad and impure. Some humans become kami after death.

Worship and offerings to kami at shrines and at home. Purification rituals.

Important texts are Kojiki or ‘Records of Ancient Matters’ and Nihon-gi or ‘Chronicles of Japan’

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Shinto books

Religion/Sect/ Belief System

Origins & History

Adherents Worldwide (approx.)

God(s) and Universe

Human Situation and Life’s Purpose

Afterlife

Practices

Texts

More Info

Sikhism

Guru Nanak, c. 1500 AD, Punjab, India.

23 million

One God (IkOnkar, Nam)

Overcome the self, align life with will of God, and become a “saint soldier,” fighting for good.

Reincarnation until resolve karma and merge with God.

Prayer and meditation on God’s name, services at temple (gurdwara), turban and five Ks. Balance work, worship, and charity. No monasticism or asceticism.

AdiGranth (Sri Guru Granth Sahib)

ReligionFacts section

Best-Selling Sikhism books(from Amazon)

 

Sikhism history

Sikhism fast facts

Sikhism beliefs

Sikhism glossary

Sikhism timeline

Sikhism things

Sikhism holidays

 

Spiritualism, a.k.a. Spiritism

Modern movement: c.1850, USA, UK, France

11 million

Beliefs vary, but generally based in a Christian worldview.

Body and spirit are separate entities. Morality and contact with spirits affect afterlife.

A spiritual existence with access to the living. Cond. depends on morality oflife adv.isposble.

Sunday services. Seancesand communication with departed spirits. Spirit healing.

No authoritative texts. Doctr.From spirit guides(adv. departed spirits).

Best-Selling Spiritism books(from Amazon)

Stoicism

Zeno in c.313 BC, Athens.

unknown

Pantheism: the logos pervades the universe.

Purpose is happiness, achieved by virtue, i.e., living reasonably.

Possible continued existence of the Soul, but not a personal existence.

Ethical and philosophical training, self-reflection, careful judgment and inner calm.

Fragments of founders plus later writers like Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius.

ReligionFacts articleBest-Selling Stoicism books

Taoism

Lao-Tzu, c. 550 BC, China.

20 million (394 million adherents of Chinese religion)

Pantheism – the Tao pervades all. Yin-yang – opposites make up a unity.

Purpose is inner harmony, peace, and longevity. Acheived by living in accordance with the Tao.

Revert back to state of non-being, which is simply the other side of being.

General attitude of detachment and non-struggle, “go with the flow” of the Tao. Tai-chi, acupuncture, and alchemy to help longevity.

Tao Te Ching, Chuang-Tzu

ReligionFacts section

Best-Selling Taoism books

 

The Tao

Taoism fast facts

Taoism beliefs

Taoism deities

Taoism sects

Taoism timeline

Taoism texts

Taoism symbols

Unification Church The Moonies

Sun Myung Moon, 1954, South Korea.

Over 1 million (3 million acc. to official sources)

Monotheism, with the duality of God (esp. masculine and feminine) emphasized. No Trinity doctrine.

Purpose is true love and world peace instead of selfish love. True love and the kingdom of God on earth will be restored by the creation of “true families.”

Eternal life in a spirit world.

Blessing Ceremony

The Divine Principle (1954) by Rev. Moon.

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Unification Church books

Unitarian Universalism

Formal merger of Unitarians and Universalists in 1961, USA.

800,000

Not specified. Members might believe in one God, many gods, or no God.

Salvation is “spiritual health or wholeness.” Members seek “inner and outer peace,” insight, health, compassion and strength.

Not specified. Some believe in an afterlife, some do not. Very few believe in hell – “Universalism” indicates the belief that all will be saved.

Ceremonies for marriages, funerals.Churchserv.incl. elements from various religions. Pro Gay, civil rights, social justice, equality and environment. No death penalty

Many sacred texts are revered by various members; some none at all. The Bible is the most commonly used text.

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Unitarian Universalism books

Wicca

Based on ancient pagan beliefs, but modern form founded early 1900s. Founder said to be Gerald Gardner.

1-3 million

Polytheism, centered on the Goddess and God, each in various forms; also a belief in a Supreme Being over all

“If it harms none, do what you will.”

Reincarnation until reach the Summerland

Prayer, casting a circle, Drawing Down the Moon, reciting spells, dancing, singing, sharing cakes and wine or beer

No sacred text; foundational texts include The Witch Cult /West. Europe and The God of the Witches

ReligionFacts article

Best-Selling Wicca booksfrom Amazon

Zoroastrianism

Zoroaster in c.6th cent. BC, Persia. Official religion of ancient Persia. May have influenced Judaism and Vedic religion.

c. 200,000

One God, Ahura Mazda, but a dualistic worldview in which an evil spirit, AngraMainyu, is almost as powerful.

Humans are free to do good or evil, must choose the side of good.

Judgment followed by heaven or hell. Hell is temporary until final purgation and return to Ahura Mazda.

Good deeds, charity, equality, hard work.

ZendAvesta

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