1. Christianity
It
is the largest religion in the world and its 2.1 billion followers make
up 33% of the world’s population. The religion is based on the
teachings of Jesus who Christians believe is the Son of God.
2. Islam
Being the 2nd largest
religion in the world, the followers of the religion, Muslims, make 21%
of the world’s population. That’s nearly 2 billion people. They believe
in the oneness of God and in the Last Prophet, Muhammad. Their
scripture, the Quran (holy book), is considered to be the word of their
God, Allah.
3. Hinduism
With nearly a billion followers that make up more than 14% of the population, Hinduism is the 3rd largest
religion in the world. It prescribes following rules based karma,
Dharma and other norms that will help one achieve morality.
4. Buddhism
Accounting
for over 6% of the world’s population, Buddhism has a population more
than 375 million. It originated in India and advocates the eradication
of ignorance and temptation. This will help one achieve nirvana, the
epitome of happiness.
5. Sikhism
Originated in the 15th century in Punjab, this monotheistic religion was founded by Guru Nanak. It is the 5thlargest
religion in the world and has more than 23 million followers. A typical
follower is obligated to exemplify a saint soldier who is able to
control vices and expand virtues.
6. Judaism
This
religion has around 14 million followers and holds a monotheistic view
on religion. It is one of the oldest religions in the world and its
believers consider the faith to be an expression of a treaty between God
and the Children of Israel.
7. Bahaism
This faith supports the belief that mankind is spiritually united. It originated in the 19th century
in Persia by Bahaullah, which means “grandeur”. The religion has
approximately 7 million followers spread out in more than 200 countries
in the world. The faith advocates the institution of union, integrity
and tranquility internationally. Its scriptures include the
Kitab-i-Aqdas, Kitab-i-Iqan and The Seven Valleys.
8. Confucianism
This
religion is built on the knowledge of the Confucius, the Chinese
philosopher. It is more of a system revolving around ethics and
philosophy with considerable emphasis being paid on the concept of
humanism. The religion calls on its 6.3 million followers to be
concerned with the worldly life and one’s family, instead of the
afterlife and the supernatural beings. Countries such as China, Taiwan,
Japan, Korea and Vietnam are just some of the countries that have been
influenced by the faith. However, some see the faith as not more than
“guidelines” that run along the lines of ideologies such as Marxism and
democracy.
9. Jainism
Initiated
in India, the religion ordains that its followers lead a non-violent
life both for themselves and others. The followers believe that this
message was preached by the 24 tirthankaras, or the disseminators of the
faith. Egalitarianism of life and sacred self-determination are the
concepts that are emphasized. Its 4.2 million people believe that to
escape rebirth, one must be free from violence and have ultimate
self-control.
10. Shintoism
This religion originated from Japan in the late 1800s and involved the worship of kami, mysterious forms of supernatural beings. There are various religious monuments dedicated to the kami in Japan where traditional festivals are also commemorated. There is no established day of prayer as people can visit the shrine anytime they wish and offer their prayers. The religion has been influenced by other religions such as Buddhism and Confucianism. It has a population of 4 million and some of its sects include Ten-rikyo and Folk Shinto.
