Religion is a vast subject. Actually, that's an understatement. Religion touches on everything about the world around us, from the explanations we seek for the creation of the universe and our purpose within to the higher power behind these things to the way we behave, treat one another, and interact with society to the values, laws, and beliefs that govern us. Whether you are a person of faith, a skeptic, or something in between, the concepts of spirituality, organized religion, and morality effect us all. They produce cultural constructs, power dynamics, and historical narratives. They can also produce philosophical innovation, ethical reform, and the advancement of social justice.
In other words, religion is so diverse and nuanced a subject that it's nearly impossible to encapsulate all of the world's major religions in just a few words. But we're going to try anyway.
This is a study starter, an entry point for understanding the basics of the world's major religions. We'll give you the quick low down on the belief systems, theologies, scriptures, and histories of the world's major religions. Taken together, these brief and sometimes overlapping histories offer a window into human history itself.
Each of these entries is a surface-level look at the religion in question. (Try capturing everything about Buddhism in just 250 words!) We also scratch the surface when it comes to the number of actual religions and denominations, both current and ancient. There's a lot out there. This is merely an introduction.
Use it to get started on your religious studies essay, to brush up before an exam on religion and world history, or just to learn more about the world around you. Below are some of the leading spiritual and religious traditions in the world, both past and present:
World Religions
Atheism/Agnosticism
Bahá'í
Buddhism
Christianity
Confucianism
Druze
Gnosticism
Hinduism
Islam
Jainism
Judaism
Rastafarianism
Shinto
Sikhism
Zoroastrianism
Traditional African Religions
African Diaspora Religions
Indigenous American Religions
