Christianity, , and are all monotheistic founded in the Middle East. Often grouped together as “," these three share common history and traditions, a respect for the Bible, a conviction that there is one , a in prophets and divine revelation, and a holy city in Jerusalem, among other things. But , Islam and Judaism also differ significantly in matters of belief and practice, from their understanding of God to the identity of the prophets and and the authority of various scriptures. The following chart is intended to be a starting point for understanding these ancient religions and their relationships to one another.

Christianity Islam Judaism

origins Based on life and teachings of Jesus of Based on teachings of the Prophet The of the Hebrews (c. 1300 Nazareth, c. 30 CE, Roman province Muhammad; founded 622 CE in BC), especially after the destruction of of Palestine. Mecca, Saudi Arabia. the Second Temple in 70 AD.

major splits Catholic-Orthodox (1054); Catholic- Shia-Sunni (c. 650 CE) Reform-Orthodox (1800s CE) Protestant (1500s)

original Aramaic and Greek Arabic Hebrew language

adherents 2 billion 1.3 billion 14 million

texts Bible (Hebrew Bible + New Qur'an (Scripture); Hadith (tradition) Hebrew Bible (Tanakh); Talmud Testament)

god(s) Holy Trinity = God the Father + God One God (Allah in Arabic); the same One God: Yahweh (YHVH) God revealed (imperfectly) in the Christianity Islam Judaism

the Son + God the Holy Spirit Jewish and Christian Bibles

Jesus was Son of God. Savior. Messiah. Second True prophet sent by God, but message false prophet person of the Trinity. Incarnation of corrupted and superseded by God. Word of God. Muhammad.

birth of virgin birth virgin birth normal birth Jesus

death of normal death plus spiritual suffering did not die; ascended into heaven normal death Jesus during crucifixion

house of church or chapel mosque synagogue or temple

main day of Sunday Friday Saturday worship

There are two main branches of Islam: Sunni and Shi'a. is by far the largest group, although in some countries it is a minority. Sunnis have their historical roots in the majority group who followed Abu Bakr, an effective leader, as the successor of Muhammad, instead of his cousin and son-in-law Ali. Shi'ites are those who followed Ali, the closest relative of Muhammad, as Muhammad's successor. Shi'a Sunni

name means "party" or "partisans" (of Ali) "tradition"

adherents are called Shi'ites, Shi'i Sunnis

adherents 120 million 940 million

percentage of parent 10% 90% religion

holy cities Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, Najaf, Karbala Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem

major branches Ithna 'Ashariyah (Twelvers; the largest), Isma'iliyah and four major schools of Muslim law are Zaydiyah recognized

authority after Scripture infallible imams ijma' (consensus) of the Muslim community

true successor of the 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, husband of the Prophet's daughter Fatimah Abu Bakr, father of the Prophet's wife prophet (designated by the Prophet) 'A'ishah (elected by people of Medina) Shi'a Sunni

view of imams infallible manifestations of God and perfect interpreters of the human leaders Qur'an

Messiah was born in 869, is currently the "hidden imam" who works will come in the future; identity is known through mujtahids to intepret Qur'an; and will return at the end of only to Allah time

mut'ah (temporary still practiced practiced in the Prophet's time, but now marriage) rejected

taqiya (concealing emphasized affirmed under certain circumstances for self-protection)

The Big Religion Chart: Compare The ReligionFacts “Big Religion Chart” is an attempt to summarize a selection of religions as concisely as possible for purposes of quick comparison. It is not intended to be a substitute for advanced religious study and exploration. Our hope is that this chart simply serves as a useful starting point to compare and understand the world's religions. Currently, 45 religions and belief systems are compared in this chart. Please note that, as throughout ReligionFacts, we have been quite inclusive. Some groups listed here may not properly be called “religions.” Conversely, if a group is not included in the Big Religion Chart, it doesn't mean it's not a religion or doesn't matter - the chart is not comprehensive. Links in the chart lead to ReligionFacts articles, where you can find more information and references for the basic data compared here.

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Aladur Founded 1 million Generally Strong emphasis on Not emphasized; Spiritual healing is none a c.1918 among monotheistic; a mix healing and salvation in views vary. central. Mix of Anglican the Yoruba of Anglican, this life. and African ; a people of West Pentecostal and prophet plays a Nigeria, as a traditional African prominent role. reaction beliefs. against established .

Amish Originated in 290,100 (see Christianity) Emphasis on humility, (see Christianity) Communion twice a Christian Bible Switzerland (Old Order simplicity, submission to year; foot washing; with the strict Amish) God, and avoiding vanity separation from the Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

teachings of world; speak German and Jakob Amman, Pennsylvania Dutch; no which led to a electricity; plain clothes split from like 17th-century Mennonites in European peasants; 1693. "Running Around" before baptism at age 17- 20; shunning

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

atheis Appears 1.1 billion There is no God, not addressed none none Notable atheist works m throughout (including gods, or divine include those of history agnostic being. Beliefs about Epicurius, Bertrand (including and non- the universe and its Russell, Carl Sagan, ancient Greek religious, origins are based on Richard Dawkins, philosophy), which tend latest scientific Christopher Hitchens. but especially to be findings. after the grouped on Enlightenment surveys) (19th cent). Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

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

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Bon Indigenous 100,000 Nontheistic Purpose is to gain until on mandalas Bonpo canon religion of , but enlightenment. gain enlightenment. and Tibetan deities, Tibet. meditation on astrology, monastic life. peaceful and wrathful deities.

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

Cao Founded in 4-6 million God represented by Goal is peace and Reincarnation. Bad Hierarchy similar to Caodai canon Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Dai 1926, Vietnam Divine Eye. harmony in each person karma can lead to Roman Catholicism. by Ngo Van Founders of and in the world. rebirth on a darker Daily prayer. Meditation. Chieu and Buddhism, , Salvation by "cultivating planet; good karma to Communication with others based Hinduism, Islam, self and finding God in better life on earth. spirit world (now on a séance. and Christianity self." Eventual attainment outlawed in Vietnam). venerated, and of nirvana or heaven. saints including Victor Hugo.

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

Christa delphia n

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Christi Founded by 150,000 - One God. No Salvation is "Life, Truth, Heaven is "not a Spiritual healing through Christian Bible, an Mary Baker 400,000 Trinity (in and Love understood and locality, but a divine prayer and knowledge, Science & Health with Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Science Eddy in 1879, traditional sense). demonstrated as supreme state of Mind in Sunday services, daily Key to the Scriptures Massachusetts. Matter and evil do over all; sin, sickness which all the Bible and Science & not exist. and death destroyed." manifestations of Health reading. Mind are harmonious and immortal."

Christi Based on life 2 billion Holy Trinity = God All have sinned and are Eternal heaven or hell Prayer, Bible study, Bible (Hebrew Bible + anity and teachings the Father + God thereby separated from (or temporary baptism, Eucharist New Testament) of Jesus of the Son + God the God. Salvation is purgatory). (Communion), church on Nazareth, c. Holy Spirit through faith in Christ Sundays, numerous 30 CE, Roman and, for some, holidays. province of sacraments and good Palestine. works.

Church Anton LaVey unknown atheistic; neither man is just another none church membership of The Satanic Bible of in San God nor Satan animal; pursue various degrees; Satan Francisco, exists; "Satan" is gratification priesthood; no killling California on not a being but a animals except for April 30, 1966 concept defense or food; kindness to those who deserve it

Confuc Based on 5-6 million Not addressed Purpose of life is to Not addressed Honesty, politeness, Analects ianism teachings of fulfill one's role in propriety, humaneness, Confucius society with propriety, perform correct role in (K'ung-fu-tzu) honor, and loyalty. society, loyalty to family, in China, 5th Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

century BCE nation

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

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

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

Epicur Based on unknown A deistic sort of Materialism: everything None. No afterlife. Pursue the highest Letters and Principal eanism teachings of : the is made of atoms, The soul dissolves pleasures (friendship and Doctrines of Epicurus Epicurus gods exist, but take including gods and the when the body dies. tranquility) and avoid (c.300 BCE), no notice of soul. pain. Athens. humans.

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

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

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Greco- Variety of ancient Olympic Human life is subject to Beliefs varied from no , harvest Epic poems of Homer Roman religions of form (Zeus, etc.) mixed the whim of the gods and afterlife to shadowy offerings, festivals, and Hesiod. Religio ancient extinct with eastern deities to Fate; these can be existence in the games, processions, n Greeks. like Isis and Cybele controlled through underworld to a dance, plays, in honor of sacrifice and divination. paradise-like afterlife the gods. Secret (mainly in mystery initiations and rituals in religions). mystery religions.

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

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

Islam Based on 1.3 billion One God (Allah in Humans must submit Resurrection of body Five Pillars: Faith, Qur'an (Scripture); teachings of Arabic); the same (islam) to the will of God and soul followed by Prayer, Alms, Hadith (tradition) the Prophet God revealed to gain Paradise after Paradise or Hell Pilgrimage, Fasting. Muhammad; (imperfectly) in the death. Mosque services on founded 622 Jewish and Fridays. Ablutions before CE in Mecca, Christian Bibles prayer. No alcohol or Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Saudi Arabia. pork. Holidays related to the pilgrimage and fast of Ramadan.

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

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

Judais The religion of 14 million One God: Yahweh Obey God's Not historically Circumcision at birth, Hebrew Bible m the Hebrews (YHVH) commandments, live emphasized. Beliefs bar/bat mitzvah at (Tanakh); Talmud (c. 1300 BC), ethically. Focus is more vary from no afterlife adulthood. Synagogue especially on this life than the next. to shadowy existence services on Saturdays. Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

after the to the World to Come No pork or other non- destruction of (similar to heaven). kosher foods. Holidays the Second related to historical Temple in 70 events. AD.

Mayan 3rd century At one Many gods, Appease and nourish the The soul journeys Astronomy, divination, Dresden Codex; Religio CE (rise of the time up to including Itzamná, gods; determine luckiest through dark and , Madrid Codex; Paris n Mayan 2 million. Kukulcán, Bolon dates for various threatening elaborate burial for codex; Books of civilization); Today, Tzacab, and Chac activities. underworld; but royalty, worship in stone Chilam Balam; Popol influenced by several sacrificial victims and pyramid-temples Vuh; The of the Olmec religion million women who die in Bacabs Maya childbirth go to practice a heaven. Roman Catholicis m that retains many elements of traditional Mayan religion.

Mormo Founded by 12.2 God the Father, the Humans existed as spirits All return to spirit Abstinence from alcohol, Christian Bible, Book nism Joseph Smith, million Son Jesus Christ, before this life, salvation world for period of tobacco, coffee and tea; of Mormon, Doctrine 1830, New and the Holy Ghost is returning to God. instruction before baptism for the dead; and Covenants, and York. are three separate Salvation by faith in resurrection. eternal marriage; temple Pearl of Great Price individual beings Christ, good works, Mormons to heaven garments under daily ordinances, and with God and clothes; active Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

evangelism. families; others evangelism. rewarded but not with God; hell for those who reject God after death.

Nation Founded by Estimates "One God whose "The Blackman is the Mental resurrection of Prayer five times a day. Qur'an and "Scriptures of Wallace Fard range from proper name is original man." Live the righteous. Black Work for the equality of of all the Prophets of Islam Muhammad, 10,000 to Allah." Wallace righteously and worship people will be the African race. Respect God" are holy texts. 1930, Detroit, 100,000 Fard Muhammad Allah. mentally resurrected laws of the land, don't Influential writings USA. became the divine first. carry arms, don't make include Elijah messiah and war. Healthy living and Muhammad's Message incarnation of Allah abstinence from alcohol, to the Blackman in in 1930. The Earth smoking and substance America (1965) is over 76 trillion abuse. Modest dress. years old and all land was once called "Asia."

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Neopla Philosophy tonism based on the teachings of Plotinus, Porphyry, Iamblichus, Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

and others. Flourished 200s to 500s CE in western Europe; influential on Christian and Jewish .

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

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

USA. essentially spiritual. God in love, truth, peace, and ideas. health, and prosperity.

Olmec mostly Mostly unknown unknown, but art unknown , large none Religio (modern extinct due to lack of indicates importance of sculptures of human n Veracruz and written records. fertility (rain, corn, etc.) heads, cave rituals, Tabasco, Many gods pilgrimages, ball-courts, Mexico), c. represented in art, pyramids 1200-400 including the BCE. Olmec Dragon, Forerunner of Maize Deity, Bird Aztecs and Monster, and Were- Maya. Jaguar.

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

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Sciento Founded by L. 70,000 or God(s) not Human consists of body, Reincarnation Auditing, progressing up Writings of Hubbard, logy Ron Hubbard, several specified; reality mind and thetan; capable various levels until such as Dianetics and 1954, million, explained in the of great things. Gain "clear". Focus on Scientology California depending Eight Dynamics spiritual freedom by education and drug Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

on the ridding mind of engrams. recovery programs. source

Sevent Rooted in the 25 million (same as Live in accordance with The dead are in 24-hour Sabbath Christian Bible; h-Day Millerite Christianity); Ellen the Bible, including the unconscious sleep observance starting writings of Ellen G. Advent Movement of G. White Old Testament. The until the Resurrection, Friday at sunset; adult White as helpful ist the 1830s; considered a Second Coming will when believers will baptism by immersion; supplement Church based on prophet happen soon. enter heaven and the church services teachings of wicked will be emphasizing sermon Ellen G. destroyed. No hell. White; founded in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1863.

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

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

asceticism.

Spiritu c.1850, USA, 11 million Generally based in Body and spirit are A spiritual existence Sunday services. Seances No authoritative texts. alism UK, France a Christian separate entities. with access to the and other communication Doctrine learned from worldview. Main Morality and contact living. Condition with departed spirits. spirit guides (advanced focus is spirits of with spirits affect depends on morality Spirit healing. departed spirits). deceased humans. afterlife. of life and advancement is possible.

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Stoicis Based on unknown : the Purpose of life is Possible continued Ethical and philosophical writings of Zeno, m teachings of logos pervades the happiness, which is existence of the Soul, training, self-reflection, Seneca, Epictetus, Zeno in 4th universe. achieved by living but not a personal careful judgment and Marcus Aurelius century BCE reasonably. existence. inner calm. Athens

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

Unifica founded by Over 1 Monotheism, with Purpose is true love and Eternal life in a spirit Blessing Ceremony The Divine Principle tion Sun Myung million (3 the duality of God world peace instead of world. (1954) by Rev. Moon. Adheren Origins ts God(s) Human Life Afterlife Practices Texts

Church Moon, 1954, million (esp. masculine and selfish love. True love South Korea acc. to feminine) and the kingdom of God official emphasized. No on earth will be restored sources) Trinity. by the creation of "true families."

Unitari Result of 800,000 Not specified. Salvation is "spiritual Not specified. Some Ceremonies for Many sacred texts are an merger of two Members might health or wholeness." believe in an afterlife, marriages, funerals, etc. revered by various Univer liberal believe in one God, Members seek "inner and some do not. Very few Church services have members; some none salism Christian many gods, or no outer peace," insight, believe in hell - elements from various at all. The Bible is the denominations God. health, compassion and "" religions. Emphasis on most commonly used in 1961: strength. indicates the belief civil rights, social justice, text. Unitarians that all will be saved. equality and (who reject environment. Most UUs Trinity) and are anti-death penalty Universalists and pro-gay rights. (who reject hell). No longer exclusively Christian.

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

to be Gerald Gardner.

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Zoroast Based on 200,000, One God, Ahura Humans are free to do Judgment followed by Good deeds, charity, Zend Avesta rianism teachings of mostly in Mazda, but a good or evil, must heaven or hell. Hell is equality, hard work. Zoroaster in India dualistic worldview choose the side of good. temporary until final 6th cent. BCE in which an evil purgation and return Persia. spirit, Angra to Ahura Mazda. Official Mainyu, is almost religion of as powerful. ancient Persia. May have influenced Judaism and Vedic religion.