The Big Religion Chart

The ReligionFacts "Big Religion Chart" is an attempt to summarize all the complexities of religions and belief systems into tiny little boxes on a single, quick-reference comparison chart. Yes, of course this is impossible. As we always warn with our comparison charts, this is no substitute for reading about religions in greater detail, talking with religious adherents, etc. But this religion comparison chart can (hopefully) be a useful and accessible way to "get the gist" of some unfamiliar groups and compare basic beliefs and practices of the world's religions and belief systems.

Despite the chart's simplistic title, we have been very inclusive with what is regarded as a "religion" for purposes of this comparison chart. Basically, the grounds for a group's inclusion are that it provides a set of teachings and/or rituals that deal with the traditionally "religious" issues of ultimate reality, the meaning of life, and/or how to find fulfillment, spiritual health or salvation. Also, all the groups listed below can be found in dictionaries of religion.

Inclusion of a group on this list does not mean that the group is a "religion" per se (note that atheism is listed) or a "true religion" or that "[one listed group] is just as much a religion as [another listed group]." Similarly, if a group does not appear on this chart it doesn't mean it's not a religion or doesn't matter; the chart is not comprehensive and is continually growing. In addition, listing groups separately does not mean they are mutually exclusive, nor does grouping them together mean that they are basically the same thing. This is not an authoritative list of religions, simply a resource on some worldviews and ways of life that hopefully some will find useful.

Links in the left column go to ReligionFacts articles where available (see also the A-Z Religion Index). For more information on numbers of adherents, please see Adherents.com, from which most of the stats are taken. Last updated: 12/4/07.

Religion/Sect/ Origins & Adherents God(s) and Human Afterlife Practices Texts More Info Belief System History Worldwide Universe Situation and (approx.) Life's Purpose

Aladura Various 1 million Generally Strong emphasis Not Spiritual healing None ReligionFacts prophet-healing monotheistic; a on healing and emphasized; is central. Mix of article churches mix of salvation in this views vary. Anglican and founded since Anglican, life through African rituals; a c.1918, West Pentecostal prayer, fasting prophet plays a Nigeria. and traditional and other rituals. prominent role. African beliefs.

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

Atheism Appears in 1.1 billion There is no Only humans none none Influential The Secular history, but (this figure God or divine can help works Web especially after includes being. Beliefs themselves and include those the agnostic and about the each other solve by Marx, BBC Religion Enlightenment non-religious, universe the world's Freud, (19th cent). which tend to generally problems. Feuerbach, Wikipedia be grouped based on latest and Voltaire. on surveys) scientific findings.

Baha'i Faith Founded by 5-7 million One God, who The soul is Soul separates Daily prayer, Writings of ReligionFacts Bahá'u'lláh, has revealed eternal and from the body avoidance of Bahá'u'lláh section 1863, Tehran, himself essentially good. and begins a intoxicants, and other Iran. progressively Purpose of life is journey scripture reading, Bahá'í The Baha'i through major to develop towards or hard work, leaders World world religions. spiritually and away from education, work draw closer to God. Heaven for social justice God. and hell are and equality. states of being.

Bön Indigenous 100,000 Nontheistic Purpose is to Reincarnation Meditation on Bonpo canon ReligionFacts religion of Tibet. Buddhism, but gain until gain mandalas and article meditation on enlightenment. enlightenment Tibetan deities, peaceful and astrology, Tibet.com wrathful monastic life. deities.

Buddhism Founded by 360 million Varies: Purpose is to Reincarnation Meditation, Tripitaka ReligionFacts Siddharta Theravada avoid suffering (understood mantras, devotion (Pali Canon); section Gautama (the atheistic; and gain differently than to deities (in Mahayana Buddha) in c. Mahayana enlightenment in Hinduism, some sects), sutras like BuddhaNet 520 BC, NE more and release from with no mandalas the Lotus India. polytheistic. cycle of rebirth, surviving soul) (Tibetan) Sutra; Buddha taught or at least attain until gain others. nothing is a better rebirth enlightenment permanent. by gaining merit.

Religion/Sect/ Origins & Adherents God(s) and Human Afterlife Practices Texts More Info Belief System History Worldwide Universe Situation and (approx.) Life's Purpose

Cao Dai Founded in 4-6 million God Goal is peace Reincarnation. Hierarchy similar Caodai ReligionFacts 1926, Vietnam represented by and harmony in Bad karma can to Roman canon article by Ngo Van Divine Eye. each person and lead to rebirth Catholicism. Daily Chieu and Founders of in the world. on a darker prayer. CaoDai.org others based Buddhism, Salvation by planet; good Meditation. on a séance. Taoism, "cultivating self karma to better Communication Hinduism, and finding God life on earth. with spirit world Islam, and in self." Eventual (now outlawed in Christianity attainment of Vietnam). venerated, and nirvana or saints including heaven. Victor Hugo.

Chinese Indigenous folk 394 million Dualistic yin Purpose is a Judgment, Ancestor worship, None ReligionFacts Religion religion of and yang; favorable life then prayer, section China. mythological and peaceful reincarnation longevity beings and folk afterlife, attained or temporary practices Chinese Cultural deities. through rituals hell until gain a , divination, Studies and honoring of Buddhist-type prophecy and ancestors. paradise. astrology, feng shui.

Chopra Center Founded by unknown monism - God Humans have Reincarnation Yoga, meditation, Deepak ReligionFacts Deepak Chopra or Supreme limitless massage, Chopra's article in 1991, Reality potential, but do nutrition, many books, California pervades all not recognize mindfulness, such as the Official Website things; all is this. Health and detox sessions, Seven unity success can be positive thinking. Spiritual had by focusing Laws of on whole self Success (mind, body, spirit).

Christianity Founded by 2 billion One God who All have sinned Eternal heaven Prayer, Bible The Holy ReligionFacts (Catholic, Jesus Christ in is a Trinity of and are thereby or hell (or study, baptism, Bible (Old section Protestant, c. 30 AD, Israel. Father, Son, separated from temporary Eucharist, church and New Orthodox) and Holy Spirit God. Salvation is purgatory). on Sundays, Testaments) Wikipedia through faith in numerous Christ and, for holidays. BBC Religion some, sacraments and good works.

Christian Founded by 150,000 - One God. No Salvation is Heaven is "not Spiritual healing Christian ReligionFacts Science Mary Baker 400,000 Trinity (in "Life, Truth, and a locality, but a through prayer Bible, article Eddy in 1879, traditional Love understood divine state of and knowledge, Science & Massachusetts. sense). Matter and Mind in which Sunday services, Health with Official Website and evil do not demonstrated as all the daily Bible and Key to the exist. supreme over manifestations Science & Health Scriptures all; sin, sickness of Mind are reading. and death harmonious destroyed." and immortal."

Confucianism Founded by 5-6 million Not addressed Purpose of life is Not addressed Honesty, Analects ReligionFacts Confucius to fulfill one's politeness, article (551–479 BC), role in society propriety, China with propriety, humaneness, Wikipedia honor, and perform correct loyalty. role in society, loyalty to family, nation

Religion/Sect/ Origins & Adherents God(s) and Human Afterlife Practices Texts More Info Belief System History Worldwide Universe Situation and (approx.) Life's Purpose

Deism Especially unknown One Creator Not addressed Not addressed None prescribed, Thomas World Union of popularized in God who is although some Paine's The Deists the 18th-cent. uninterested in deists practice Age of Enlightenment the world. prayer. Reason and Wikipedia under Kant, Reason is similar texts Voltaire, Paine, basis for all Jefferson, and knowledge. others

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

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

Epicureanism Epicurus in unknown A deistic sort of Materialism: No afterlife. Pursue the Letters and ReligionFacts c.300 BC, polytheism: the everything is The soul highest pleasures Principal article Athens. gods exist, but made of atoms, dissolves when (friendship and Doctrines of take no notice including gods the body dies. tranquility) and Epicurus Epicurus.net of humans. and the soul. avoid pain.

Falun Gong Li Hongzhi in 10 million Countless gods The Falun Not addressed Five exercises to Zhuan Falun ReligionFacts 1992 in China and spiritual (wheel) is an strengthen the and other article beings. energy source Falun. Cultivation writings by Demonic located in the of truthfulness, Master Li Falundafa.org aliens. navel. Goal is benevolence and spritual forbearance. transcendence, Meat eating achieved by discouraged. practicing Falun Gong.

Gnosticism Various ancient form The supreme Humans can Return to the Asceticism, Gnostic Wikipedia teachers extinct; small God is return to the spiritual world. celibacy scriptures including modern unknowable; spiritual world including Gnosis.org Valentinus, 1st- revival the creator god through secret various 2nd cents. AD groups is evil and knowledge of the Gospels and matter is evil. universe. Acts attributed to apostles. Greek Religion Variety of ancient form Olympic Human life is Beliefs varied Animal sacrifice, Epic poems ReligionFacts religions of extinct pantheon subject to the from no harvest offerings, of Homer section ancient Greeks (Zeus, etc.) whim of the gods afterlife to festivals, games, and Hesiod. mixed with and to Fate; shadowy processions, Wikipedia eastern deities these can be existence in dance, plays, in like Isis and controlled the underworld honor of the Ancient Greek Cybele through sacrifice to a paradise- gods. Secret Religion and divination. like afterlife initiations and (mainly in rituals in mystery mystery religions. religions).

Religion/Sect/ Origins & Adherents God(s) and Human Afterlife Practices Texts More Info Belief System History Worldwide Universe Situation and (approx.) Life's Purpose

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

Hinduism Indigenous 900 million One Supreme Humans are in Reincarnation Yoga, meditation, The Vedas, ReligionFacts religion of India Reality bondage to until gain worship (puja), Upanishads, section as developed to (Brahman) ignorance and enlightenment. devotion to a god Bhagavad present day. manifested in illusion, but are or goddess, Gita, BBC Religion many gods and able to escape. pilgrimage to holy Ramayana, goddesses Purpose is to cities, live etc. gain release according to from rebirth, or one's dharma at least a better (purpose/ role). rebirth.

Islam Muhammad, 1.3 billion One God (Allah Humans must Paradise or Five Pillars: Faith, Qur'an ReligionFacts 622 AD, Saudi (Sunni: 940 in Arabic) submit (islam) to Hell. Prayer, Alms, (Scripture); section Arabia million) the will of God to Pilgrimage, Hadith gain Paradise Fasting. Mosque (tradition) BBC Religion after death. services on Fridays. Ablutions IslamiCity before prayer. No alcohol or pork. Holidays related to the pilgrimage and fast of Ramadan.

Jainism Mahavira, c. 4 million The universe is The soul is Reincarnation Monasticism The ReligionFacts 550 BC, eternal; many uncreated and until liberation. under the Five teachings of section eastern India gods exist. eternal and can Great Vows (Non- Mahavira in Gods, humans attain perfect Violence, Truth, various BBC Religion and all living divinity. Purpose Celibacy, Non- collections. things are is to gain Stealing, Non- Jainworld.com classified in a liberation from Possessiveness); complex cycle of rebirth, worship at hierarchy. by avoiding all temples and at bad karma, home. Meditation especially by and mantras. causing no harm to any sentient being.

Jehovah's Charles Taze 6.5 million One God, Salvation is Heaven for No blood New World ReligionFacts Witnesses Russell, 1879, Jehovah. No through faith in 144,000 transfusions, no Translation section Pittsburgh Trinity - Christ Christ and chosen celebration of of the is the first obeying Witnesses, holidays, no use Scriptures Official Website creation of Jehovah's laws. eternity on new of crosses or God; the Holy The End of the earth for other religious images. BBC Religion Spirit is a force. World is soon. Witnesses. All Baptism, Sunday others service at annihilated. No Kingdom Hall, hell. strong emphasis on evangelism.

Religion/Sect/ Origins & Adherents God(s) and Human Afterlife Practices Texts More Info Belief System History Worldwide Universe Situation and (approx.) Life's Purpose

Judaism The religion of 14 million One God, Obey God's Not historically Circumcision at Bible ReligionFacts the Hebrews (c. Yahweh. commandments, emphasized. birth, bar/bat (Tanakh), section 1300 BC), live ethically. Beliefs vary mitzvah at Talmud especially after Focus is more from no adulthood. Judaism 101 the destruction on this life than afterlife to Synagogue of the Second the next. shadowy services on BBC Religion Temple in 70 existence to Saturdays. No AD. the World to pork or other non- Come (similar kosher foods. to heaven). Holidays related to historical events.

Mayan Religion c.250 AD (rise Historically, Many gods, Appease and The soul Astronomy, Dresden, ReligionFacts of the Mayan up to 2 including nourish the journeys divination, human Madrid, and article civilization) million. Some Itzamná, gods; determine through dark sacrifice, Paris survival Kukulcán, luckiest dates for and elaborate burial codices; today. Bolon Tzacab, various threatening for royalty, Books of and Chac activities. underworld; worship in stone Chilam but sacrificial pyramid-temples Balam; victims and Popol Vuh; women who The Ritual of die in childbirth the Bacabs go to heaven.

Mormonism Joseph Smith, 12.2 million God the Humans existed All return to Abstinence from Christian ReligionFacts (LDS) 1830, New York Father, the Son as spirits before spirit world for alcohol, tobacco, Bible, Book section Jesus Christ, this life, period of coffee and tea; of Mormon, and the Holy salvation is instruction baptism for the Doctrine and Official Website Ghost are returning to God. before dead; eternal Covenants, three separate Salvation by resurrection. marriage; temple and Pearl of BBC Religion individual faith in Christ, Mormons to garments under Great Price beings good works, heaven with daily clothes; ordinances, and God and active evangelism. families; others evangelism. rewarded but not with God; hell for those who reject God after death.

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

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

Religion/Sect/ Origins & Adherents God(s) and Human Afterlife Practices Texts More Info Belief System History Worldwide Universe Situation and (approx.) Life's Purpose

Rastafari Teachings of 1 million God is Jah, Humans are Some Rastas Many practices Holy Piby ReligionFacts Marcus Garvey who became temples of Jah. will experience based on Jewish (the article (1920s, incarnate in Salvation is "everliving" biblical Law. "Blackman's Jamaica) and Jesus (who primarily in this (physical Abstinence from Bible). The The Afrocentric coronation of was black) and world and immortality). most or all meat, Ethiopian Experience Haile Selassie Haile Selassie. consists of Heaven is a artificial foods, epic Kebra (1930, Ethiopia) liberation from return to Eden, and alcohol. Use Negast also Jamaicans.com oppression and which is in of marijuana in revered. return to Africa. Africa. religious rituals and for medicine. Wearing of dreadlocks.

Scientology L. Ron 70,000 or God(s) not Human consists Reincarnation Auditing, Writings of ReligionFacts Hubbard, 1954, several specified; of body, mind progressing up Hubbard, section California million, reality and thetan; various levels such as depending explained in capable of great until "clear". Dianetics Official Website on the the Eight things. Focus on and source Dynamics Gain spiritual education and Scientology Beliefnet freedom by drug recovery ridding mind of programs. engrams.

Seventh-day Rooted in 10 million One God who Second Coming A "peaceful Sabbath Bible only; ReligionFacts Adventists Millerite [source] is a Trinity of of Christ is pause" after observance on but later article movement; Father, Son, imminent; death until the Saturdays; prophets like Ellen White was and Holy Spirit salvation is by coming of healthful lifestyle; Ellen White Official Website main leader; faith in Christ; Christ, then baptism by are founded 1863 emphasis on resurrection to immersion authoritative Beliefnet in New England quality of life judgment and when tested both now and in eternity in against afterlife heaven or hell Scriptures

Shinto Indigenous 3-4 million Polytheism Humans are Death is bad Worship and Important ReligionFacts religion of based on the pure by nature and impure. offerings to kami texts are article Japan. kami, ancient and can keep Some humans at shrines and at Kojiki or gods or spirits. away evil become kami home. 'Records of Wikipedia through after death. Purification Ancient purification rituals. Matters' and Japan Guide rituals and attain Nihon-gi or good things by 'Chronicles BBC Religion calling on the of Japan' kami.

Religion/Sect/ Origins & Adherents God(s) and Human Afterlife Practices Texts More Info Belief System History Worldwide Universe Situation and (approx.) Life's Purpose

Sikhism Guru Nanak, c. 23 million One God (Ik Overcome the Reincarnation Prayer and Adi Granth ReligionFacts 1500 AD, Onkar, Nam) self, align life until resolve meditation on (Sri Guru section Punjab, India. with will of God, karma and God's name, Granth and become a merge with services at Sahib) Sikhs.org "saint soldier," God. temple fighting for good. (gurdwara), SikhNet.com turban and five Ks. Balance work, worship, and charity. No monasticism or asceticism.

Stoicism Zeno in c.313 unknown Pantheism: the Purpose is Possible Ethical and Fragments of ReligionFacts BC, Athens. logos pervades happiness, continued philosophical founders article the universe. achieved by existence of training, self- plus later virtue, i.e., living the Soul, but reflection, careful writers like Encyclopedia of reasonably. not a personal judgment and Seneca, Philosophy existence. inner calm. Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius.

Taoism Lao-Tzu, c. 550 20 million Pantheism - Purpose is inner Revert back to General attitude Tao Te ReligionFacts BC, China. (394 million the Tao harmony, peace, state of non- of detachment Ching, section adherents of pervades all. and longevity. being, which is and non-struggle, Chuang-Tzu Chinese Yin-yang - Acheived by simply the "go with the flow" Taopage.org religion) opposites living in other side of of the Tao. Tai- make up a accordance with being. chi, acupuncture, Beliefnet unity. the Tao. and alchemy to help longevity.

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

Unitarian Formal merger 800,000 Not specified. Salvation is Not specified. Ceremonies for Many sacred ReligionFacts Universalism of Unitarians Members might "spiritual health Some believe marriages, texts are article and believe in one or wholeness." in an afterlife, funerals, etc. revered by Universalists in God, many Members seek some do not. Church services various UUA.org 1961, USA. gods, or no "inner and outer Very few have elements members; God. peace," insight, believe in hell - from various some none health, "Universalism" religions. at all. The compassion and indicates the Emphasis on civil Bible is the strength. belief that all rights, social most will be saved. justice, equality commonly and environment. used text. Most UUs are anti-death penalty and pro-gay rights.

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

Zoroastrianism Zoroaster in c. 200,000 One God, Humans are free Judgement Good deeds, Zend Avesta ReligionFacts c.6th cent. BC, Ahura Mazda, to do good or followed by charity, equality, article Persia. Official but a dualistic evil, must heaven or hell. hard work. religion of worldview in choose the side Hell is BBC Religion ancient Persia. which an evil of good. temporary until May have spirit, Angra final purgation WZO influenced Mainyu, is and return to Judaism and almost as Ahura Mazda. Vedic religion. powerful.

Religion/Sect/ Origins & Adherents God(s) and Human Afterlife Practices Texts More Info Belief System History Worldwide Universe Situation and (approx.) Life's Purpose