World History/World Religions

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This page is for an elementary explanation of the origins and nature of the religions. It is not meant to be an in depth study by any means.

Animism

Animism (from Latin animus, -i "soul, life") is the worldview that non-human entities (animals, plants, and inanimate objects or phenomena), possess a spiritual essence.

Baha'i Faith

The Bahá'í Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions. Its founder, Bahá'u'lláh (1817–1892), is regarded by Bahá'ís as the most recent in the line of Messengers of God that stretches back beyond recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.

The central theme of Bahá'u'lláh's message is that humanity is one single race and that the day has come for its unification in one global society. God, Bahá'u'lláh said, has set in motion historical forces that are breaking down traditional barriers of race, class, creed, and nation and that will, in time, give birth to a universal civilization. The principal challenge facing the peoples of the earth is to accept the fact of their oneness and to assist the processes of unification. [1]

Wikipedia article: Bahá'í Faith

Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion based largely around the teachings of the Siddhārtha Gautama (although his exact status is still controversial and changes by sect) and is now the central religion of most of Southeast Asia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and parts of China, Nepal, India, and a small part of Russia. It is also a major religion in Korea and Japan and has a growing influence in the west.

Gautama was born in ancient Nepal around the 6th century BC, son of a King and relieved of all tasks. One day, while being brought around by his charioteer, he saw the four passing sights (an old man, a sickly man, a decaying corpse, and a holy man), which brought him to the realization that birth, old age, sickness, and death happen to all people over countless lives. He left his wife, children, rank, and his entire life to solve that problem. Gautama tried everything to achieve inner peace (he nearly killed himself numerous times) but found nothing that worked. He then tried sitting peacefully under a Bohdi tree and meditating. This proved very successful, and he soon achieved the inner peace he wanted. He then traveled the lands, preaching his new faith. (Postscript-Buddhism is largely based on Jainism, and shares many beliefs with Jainism.)

Within the context of postclassical China, dominations such as pure land and Zen Buddhism appealed to both aristocratic elites and the mass peasantry. A commonality of religion in the global context: the induction of fervent belief system in the presence of societal corruption and lack of intellectual synthesis.

Modern Buddhism still follows the ideals of Gautama-peace, kindness to man, and love of nature (including vegetarianism). There are three modern sects of Buddhism - Theravada, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna (practiced in southeast Asia, East Asia, and scattered parts of Asia, respectively).

For information on the sects of Buddhism, or some tenets of Buddhism, go to the Wikipedia articles on:

Christianity

The story of Jesus and the Gospel of salvation is central to the Christian faith. It begins with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who is believed by Christians to be the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.

1. The Birth of Jesus

Jesus was born in Bethlehem around 2,000 years ago to Mary and Joseph. His birth is considered a miraculous event, as Christians believe Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit. His birth is seen as the fulfillment of ancient prophecies that a Messiah (Savior) would come to deliver the people.

2. The Life and Ministry of Jesus

Jesus grew up in Nazareth and began his public ministry around the age of 30. He taught about love, forgiveness, repentance, and the coming of the Kingdom of God. He performed many miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and feeding the hungry, all of which demonstrated his divine authority. His teachings emphasized love for God and neighbor, and he often challenged the religious leaders of his time, calling for a deeper, more sincere relationship with God.

3. The Crucifixion and Atonement

Jesus' teachings and actions eventually led to conflict with the religious authorities and the Roman authorities, who saw him as a threat. He was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. Christians believe that Jesus' death on the cross was not just a tragic event but a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This is known as the "atonement," where Jesus, who lived a sinless life, took upon himself the punishment for the sins of the world.

Through his death, Christians believe that Jesus reconciled humanity with God, offering forgiveness for sins and the opportunity for eternal life. His crucifixion is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that a Savior would suffer for the sins of the people.

4. The Resurrection

Three days after Jesus' death, Christians believe that he rose from the dead—an event known as the Resurrection. This miraculous event is seen as proof of his divine nature and the power of God over death. The Resurrection also signifies the hope of eternal life for all who believe in him.

5. The Ascension and the Gospel of Salvation

After appearing to his disciples for forty days following his Resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, promising to send the Holy Spirit to guide and empower his followers. His final words to his disciples were to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey his commandments (Matthew 28:18-20).

The Gospel of salvation refers to the "good news" that through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, salvation is available to all people. Salvation means being forgiven for sins and being reconciled to God, which is a free gift offered to everyone, regardless of background or past mistakes. Christians believe that faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the way to receive this salvation (John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8-9).

6. The Promise of Eternal Life

Christians believe that by trusting in Jesus and accepting his sacrifice, they can receive eternal life with God. This hope is rooted in the belief that Jesus will return one day to judge the living and the dead, and that those who have faith in him will live with God forever in a restored, perfect world.

In summary, the story of Jesus and the Gospel of salvation is about God's love for humanity, demonstrated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the message that salvation—freedom from sin and eternal life—is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ.

Confucianism

Wikipedia article on Confucianism

Hinduism

Hinduism is a term coined to designate the traditional socio-religious systems of the people of India. This term does not appear in any of the sacred literature of India. Hindus refer to their religion as Sanatana Dharma which loosely translated means “The Eternal Path”. Sanatana means eternal, perpetual or sustained. Dharma means any method by which one sees reality for what it is, and that by which one is drawn closer to the Absolute Truth and Ultimate Reality — it is the Philosophia Perenis.

In a context of world history, the Hindu emphasis placed upon social divisions as ample means for a productive society led to the highly stratified caste system in which birth and socio-economic position determined semi-permanent placement.

There are two world religions which have formed the cultural and ethical basis of the world as we know it. Both have an unbroken history going back thousands of years. Judaism with a 5000 year old tradition is the mother of the western civilization through its offshoot Christianity. Hinduism is the older of the two with a literature going back to the beginning of recorded history.

Hindu civilisation originated in the Gangetic and Indus valleys and from there spread out over the entire region of southeast Asia. Its offshoot — Buddhism, shaped and molded the civilizations of Japan, China, Tibet and the rest of Asia. There is evidence to suggest that the Ancient pre-Biblical kingdom of the Mittani in Asia minor was ruled by Kings with Hindu/Sanskrit names. The Hittites were an Indo-European people and according to some sources are said to have originated in the Gangetic Basin of India. Hindu philosophy/theology influenced the ancient Greeks since the time Alexander the Great conquered parts of north India. A remarkable similarity has also been demonstrated between the religion and mythology of the ancient Scandinavian people and that of the people of India.

The ancient civilizations such as the Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Sumerian, Babylonian, Mayan, Aztec, and Inca have all passed away. Even the Jewish culture has undergone many radical changes since its inception 5000 years ago – yet the Hindu civilisation continues as a vibrant and living vector, and has remained virtually unchanged for over 6000 years. Today, Hindu communities are to be found in almost every country on earth.

Hinduism

Islam

Jainism

Judaism

Sikhism

Shinto

Taoism

Taoism/Daoism

Marxism-Leninism

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Legalism

Other notable religions

New Age Alternative Religions