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Home , God in Judaism

The Big Chart

This "Big Religion Chart" is our attempt to summarize the major and systems of the world - Buddhism, , Hinduism, Islam, , 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 and definitions of religion. Links within the chart will take you to more detailed information on ReligionFacts on that religion or topic.

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Adherents History Practices Texts

Aladura 1 million Various prophet- Generally Strong emphasis on healing Not emphasized; Spiritual healing is central. none healing churches monotheistic; a and in this life. views vary. Mix of Anglican and African founded since mix of Anglican, rituals; a prophet plays a c.1918, West Pentecostal and prominent role. Nigeria. traditional African beliefs. Aladura Practices Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Asatru unknown Revival of Norse Polytheistic, Norse Salvation or not Valhalla () for Sacrifice of food or drink, Eddas and Germanic gods and emphasized. Fatalistic outlook. death in battle; Hel toast to the gods, epics) paganism, 1970s , Norse (peaceful place) for (less Havam Scandinavia and creation myths. most; Hifhel () for frequently), celebration of attribu USA. the very evil. solstice holidays. Nine Asatru Gods Noble Virtues is moral Asatru History of Asatru code.

Asatru Practices

Atheism 7.4 million self- Appears throughout There is no or Not addressed. But many none none Influen identified history (including divine . atheists believe that since include atheists; 1.1 ancient Greek there is no afterlife, this one Marx, billion are philosophy), but life is of great importance. Feuerb religiously especially after the Only humans can help Voltair "unaffiliated" Enlightenment themselves and each other Twain. (19th cent). solve the world's problems. moder include Dawki Sagan

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

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

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Text Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

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

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

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

Christian 400,000 Founded by Mary One God. No "Life, Truth, and Love Heaven is "not a Spiritual healing through Christi Baker Eddy in (in understood and demonstrated locality, but a divine prayer and knowledge, Scienc Science 1879, traditional sense). as supreme over all; , state of Mind in which Sunday services, daily with K Massachusetts. Matter and evil do sickness and death all the manifestations and Science & Health Scriptu not exist. destroyed." of Mind are reading. History of Christian harmonious and Science immortal." Christian Science Practices Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

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

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Text

Confucianism 5-6 million Based on the not addressed To fulfill one's role in society not addressed none Analec teachings of with propriety, honor, and Confucius (551– loyalty. Confucian Practices Confuc 479 BCE, China)

History of Confucianism

Deism unknown Especially One Creator God not addressed not addressed None prescribed, although Thoma popularized in the who is some deists practiced Paine' 18th-cent. uninterested in the prayer. Reaso Enlightenment world. Reason is texts under Kant, basis for all Voltaire, Paine, knowledge. Jefferson, and others Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

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

Eckankar 50,000-500,000 Founded by Paul The Divine Spirit, "Each of us is Soul, a spark of Reincarnation. The Spiritual Exercises of ECK: Shariy Twitchell in Las called "ECK." God sent to this world to gain Soul is eternal by mantras, meditation, and Sugma Vegas, 1965 spiritual experience." Salvation nature and on a dreams. These enable Soul by Har is liberation and God- spiritual journey. travel and spiritual growth. History of Eckankar realization. Liberation possible in Eckan a single lifetime. Eckankar practices texts

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

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Text

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

Falun Gong Practices

Gnosticism ancient form Various teachers The supreme God Humans can return to the Return to the spiritual Asceticism, celibacy Gnost extinct; small including is unknowable; the spiritual world through secret world. includi modern revival Valentinus, 1st-2nd creator god is evil knowledge of the universe. Gospe groups cents. AD and matter is evil. attribu apostle Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

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

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

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

Hindu History

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Text Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Islam 1.6 billion Based on teachings One God (Allah in Submit (islam) to the will of eternal Paradise or Five Pillars: Faith, Prayer, Qur'an of the Prophet Arabic); the same God to gain Paradise after eternal Hell Alms, Pilgrimage, Fasting. text); H Muhammad; God revealed death. Mosque services on (traditi founded 622 CE in (imperfectly) in the Islamic Beliefs About Fridays. Ablutions before Mecca, Saudi Jewish and the Afterlife prayer. No alcohol or pork. Islamic Arabia. Christian Holidays related to the pilgrimage and fast of History of Islam Ramadan.

Muslim rituals and practices

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

Jain theism

Jehovah's 6.5 million Founded by One God: Salvation is through faith in Heaven for 144,000 No blood transfusions, no New W Charles Taze . No Christ and obeying Jehovah's chosen Witnesses, celebration of holidays, no Transl Witnesses Russell, 1879, Trinity. Christ is laws. The End of the World is on new earth use of crosses or religious Scriptu Pittsburgh the first creation of soon. for other Witnesses. images. Baptism, Sunday God; the Holy All others annihilated. service at Kingdom Hall, Jehova History of the Spirit is a force. No hell. strong emphasis on Witnes Jehovah's evangelism. Texts Witnesses Jehovah's Witnesses Practices Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Judaism 14 million The religion of One God: Obey God's commandments, Not emphasized; Circumcision at birth, Hebre (c. 1800 (YHVH) live ethically. Focus is more on views vary: no bar/bat at (Tanak Adherents of BCE) and the this life than the next. afterlife, shadowy adulthood, observing Judaism , God in Judaism existence, World to Sabbath, wearing and Jewish especially after the Come (similar to tefilin, prayer services destruction of the heaven), Gehenna Second Temple in (similar to hell), Jewish Rituals and 70 CE. reincarnation Practices

History of Judaism The Afterlife in Judaism

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

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Text Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Mormonism 12.2 million to , Return to God by faith in All return to spirit Abstinence from alcohol, Christi Joseph Smith, the Son Jesus Christ, good works, world instruction tobacco, coffee and tea; Book o 1830, New York. Christ, and the ordinances, and evangelism. before resurrection. baptism for the dead; Doctrin Holy Ghost are Then Mormons to eternal marriage; temple Coven Mormon History three separate heaven with God and garments under daily Pearl o individual beings families; others clothes; active evangelism. rewarded apart from Mormo God; hell for those Mormon Practices who still reject God.

The Afterlife in Mormonism

Nation of Islam 10,000-100,000 Founded by "One God whose "The Blackman is the original Mental resurrection Prayer five times a day. Qur'an Wallace Fard proper name is man." Live righteously and of the righteous. Work for the equality of the "Script Muhammad, 1930, Allah." Wallace worship Allah. Black people will be African race. Respect laws the Pro Detroit, USA. Fard Muhammad mentally resurrected of the land, don't carry God" a became the divine first. arms, don't make war. Influen messiah and Healthy living and include incarnation of abstinence from alcohol, Muham Allah in 1930. smoking and substance Messa abuse. Modest dress. Blackm Americ

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

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

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

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Text

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

Rastafarian Practices

Satanism The Church of was founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Scientology 70,000 or Founded by L. Ron God(s) not Human consists of body, mind Reincarnation Auditing, progressing up Writing several million, Hubbard, 1954, specified; reality and thetan; capable of great various levels until "clear". Hubba depending on California explained in the things. Gain spiritual freedom Focus on education and Dianet the source Eight Dynamics by ridding mind of engrams. drug recovery programs. Scient History of Scientology

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

Shinto 3-4 million Indigenous religion kami: ancient gods Humans are pure by nature Death is bad and Worship and offerings to Kojiki of Japan or spirits and can keep away evil impure. Some kami at shrines and at Ancien through purification rituals and humans become home. Purification rituals. Nihon- Shinto History attain good things by calling kami after death. (Chron on the kami. Shinto Practices Japan

Shinto

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Text

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

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

Stoicism Zeno in c.313 BC, Pantheism: the Happiness, which is achieved Possible continued Ethical and philosophical writing Athens. pervades by living reasonably. existence of the Soul, training, self-reflection, Senec the universe. but not a personal careful judgment and inner Marcu existence. calm.

Taoism 20 million Based on teachings Pantheism - the Inner harmony, peace, and Revert back to state General attitude of Tao-te specifically of of Lao-Tzu, c. 550 Tao pervades all. longevity. Acheived by living in of non-being, which detachment and non- Chuan Taoism BC, China. accordance with the Tao. is simply the other struggle, "go with the flow" (Chinese Taoist Pantheism side of being. of the Tao. Tai-chi, Taoist religion meaning of life (Taoism) acupuncture, and alchemy contains Taoist Afterlife in Taoism to help longevity. elements)

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

Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Text Adherents History Gods Meaning of Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Unitarian 800,000 Formal merger of Has no set beliefs, Salvation is "spiritual health or Not specified. Some Ceremonies for marriages, Many Unitarians and which is its wholeness." Members seek believe in an afterlife, funerals, etc. Church are rev Universalism Universalists in defining "inner and outer peace," some do not. Very services have elements variou 1961, USA. characteristic. insight, health, compassion few believe in hell - from various religions. some and strength. "Universalism" Emphasis on civil rights, The B History of indicates the belief social justice, equality and most c Unitarian- that all will be saved. environment. Most UUs are used t Universalism anti-death penalty and pro- gay rights. Unitar Univer Unitarian Universalist practices

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

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

History of Zoroastrianism