What Are the 12 Major Religions of the World in Order?
What Are the 12 Major Religions of the World in Order?
Religion has played a significant role in shaping human civilization since ancient times. With a multitude of beliefs and practices, it is fascinating to explore the major religions that have emerged across the globe. Here, we will discuss the 12 major religions of the world in order of their prominence.
1. Christianity: With over 2.3 billion followers, Christianity is the largest religion globally. It is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and is divided into various denominations such as Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodox.
2. Islam: Islam is the second-largest religion, with more than 1.8 billion adherents. It was founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE and is based on the teachings of the Quran. Muslims practice the Five Pillars of Islam, including faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.
3. Secular/Nonreligious: This category includes people who do not identify with any religion or religious beliefs. It includes atheists, agnostics, and those who are indifferent or unaffiliated with any religious institution.
4. Hinduism: Originating in India, Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with approximately 1.2 billion followers. It believes in the concept of dharma, karma, and reincarnation. Hindu worship practices include rituals, yoga, and meditation.
5. Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, Buddhism has around 500 million adherents. It emphasizes the path to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering. Buddhists follow the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
6. Chinese Traditional Religion: This religion encompasses various Chinese folk beliefs, Taoism, and Confucianism. It is predominantly practiced in China and has approximately 394 million followers.
7. Ethnic Religions excluding Hinduism: This category includes indigenous religions specific to particular ethnic groups. Examples include African traditional religions, Native American religions, and Australian Aboriginal religions.
8. African Traditional Religions: These religions are practiced by various ethnic groups in Africa and have a combined following of around 100 million people. They involve animism, ancestor worship, and belief in spirits.
9. Sikhism: Sikhism emerged in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century and has approximately 30 million followers. Sikhs believe in the teachings of ten gurus and follow the principles of equality, service, and devotion.
10. Spiritism: Spiritism is a belief system that originated in France in the 19th century. It combines elements of Christianity and spiritualism and focuses on communication with spirits through mediums.
11. Judaism: Judaism is one of the oldest monotheistic religions, with approximately 14 million followers worldwide. It is centered around the teachings of the Torah and the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
12. Bahá’í Faith: Founded in the 19th century in Persia, the Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the unity of all religions and the equality of all people. It has around 7 million believers globally.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Which religion has the most followers?
A1. Christianity is the largest religion with over 2.3 billion followers.
Q2. How many Muslims are there in the world?
A2. Islam has more than 1.8 billion followers globally.
Q3. Is Hinduism a polytheistic religion?
A3. Yes, Hinduism is generally considered a polytheistic religion due to its belief in multiple gods and goddesses.
Q4. What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
A4. The Five Pillars of Islam are Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage).
Q5. What is the holy book of Buddhism?
A5. Buddhism follows the teachings of Buddha, but it does not have a specific holy book. However, sacred scriptures like the Tripitaka, Mahayana Sutras, and Tibetan Book of the Dead are widely studied.
Q6. What are the major denominations of Christianity?
A6. Christianity is divided into various denominations, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodox.
Q7. How many Sikhs are there in the world?
A7. Sikhism has approximately 30 million followers globally.
Q8. What is the significance of the Torah in Judaism?
A8. The Torah is the central religious text of Judaism and contains the foundational laws and teachings of the Jewish people.
In conclusion, the world is rich in diverse religious traditions, each with its own unique beliefs and practices. Understanding the major religions and their order of prominence allows us to appreciate the cultural and spiritual diversity that shapes our global society.