World Religions

Religion refers to systems of belief and practice concerned with the sacred, the meaning of existence and the conduct of life, usually expressed through scriptures, rituals, ethics and communities. Religions are often grouped by their view of the divine: monotheistic traditions hold that there is a single God, polytheistic traditions recognise many deities, and some philosophies are non-theistic. The largest faiths today claim adherents across many countries and cultures.

The Abrahamic religions trace a shared heritage to the patriarch Abraham. Judaism, the oldest, centres on a covenant between God and the Jewish people and on the Hebrew Bible. Christianity grew from Judaism and regards Jesus Christ as the son of God and saviour, with the Bible as its scripture. Islam, founded in the seventh century through the prophet Muhammad, teaches submission to one God, called Allah, and takes the Quran as its holy book.

The major religions of Asia have different foundations. Hinduism is an ancient and diverse tradition of India with many deities and sacred texts and beliefs in karma and rebirth. Buddhism arose from the teachings of the Buddha and seeks liberation from suffering, with the Tripitaka among its scriptures. Jainism stresses non-violence toward all living things, while the Chinese traditions of Taoism and Confucianism, the latter based on the Analects of Confucius, shaped ethics and social life across East Asia. Symbols and mythology express the core ideas of each tradition.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between monotheism and polytheism?

Monotheism is belief in a single God, as in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Polytheism is belief in many gods, found in traditions such as ancient Greek religion and parts of Hinduism.

Which religions are called Abrahamic?

Judaism, Christianity and Islam are the Abrahamic religions because all three trace their origins to the patriarch Abraham and worship one God.

What is the central aim of Buddhism?

Buddhism seeks to end suffering by following the teachings of the Buddha, including the path that leads toward enlightenment and release from the cycle of rebirth.