Types of Religions
Scholars from a variety of disciplines have strived to classify religions. One widely accepted
categorization that helps people understand different belief systems considers what or who people
worship (if anything). Using this method of classification, religions might fall into one of these basic
categories, as shown in the table below.
One way scholars have categorized religions is by classifying what or who they hold to be divine.
Religious Classification What/Who Is Divine Example
Polytheism Multiple gods Belief systems of the ancient Greeks and Romans
Monotheism Single god Judaism, Islam
Atheism No deities Atheism
Animism Nonhuman beings (animals, plants, natural world) Indigenous nature worship
(Shinto)
Totemism Human-natural being connection Ojibwa (Native American) beliefs
Note that some religions may be practiced—or understood—in various categories. For instance, the
Christian notion of the Holy Trinity (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) defies the definition of monotheism, which is
a religion based on belief in a single deity, to some scholars. Similarly, many Westerners view the
multiple manifestations of Hinduism’s godhead as polytheistic, which is a religion based on belief in
multiple deities, while Hindus might describe those manifestations are a monotheistic parallel to the
Christian Trinity. Some Japanese practice Shinto, which follows animism, which is a religion that believes
in the divinity of nonhuman beings, like animals, plants, and objects of the natural world, while people
who practice totemism believe in a divine connection between humans and other natural beings.
It is also important to note that every society also has nonbelievers, such as atheists, who do not believe
in a divine being or entity, and agnostics, who hold that ultimate reality (such as God) is unknowable.
While typically not an organized group, atheists and agnostics represent a significant portion of the
population. It is important to recognize that being a nonbeliever in a divine entity does not mean the
individual subscribes to no morality. Indeed, many Nobel Peace Prize winners and other great
humanitarians over the centuries would have classified themselves as atheists or agnostics.
World Religions
1. Cultural Geography Religions of the World
2. Religion (The Basics) Religion is a belief in a supernatural power or powers that are regarded as the
creators and maintainers of the universe.
3. Types of Religions Monotheistic religions believe in one god. Polytheistic religions believe in many
gods. Animistic or traditional religions often believe that different aspects of nature have divine powers.
4. Religions of the World
5. Religions of the World
6. Religions of the World Red = Christianity, Green = Islam
7. Religions of the World Religion Followers Christianity 1.9 billion Islam 1.1 billion Hinduism 781 million
Buddhism 324 million Sikhism 19 million Judaism 14 million
8. Southwest Asia The three religions that began in Southwest Asia are: A. Judaism (2000 BCE) B.
Christianity (26-36 CE) C. Islam (610 CE)
9. Judaism Some of the major beliefs of Judaism are: A. Monotheism - There is one god who is all
powerful and all knowing. B. This god made a special covenant or agreement with Abraham, who is the
‘father’ of the Jewish people. C. God revealed his laws to his people through Moses and the ten
commandments.
10. Western Wall
11. Star of David
12. Christianity Christianity was heavily influenced by Judaism. Some of the major beliefs of Christianity
are: A. Monotheism - There is one god who is all powerful and all knowing. B. Jesus Christ died for the
sins of humankind. C. Salvation comes from faith in God.
13. Christianity Christians believe the Old and New Testaments of the Bible are holy books. The first four
books of the New Testament were written by followers of Jesus.
14. Christianity Some branches of Christianity are: Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern
Orthodox.
15. Orthodox Christianity
16. Saint Basil’s
17. Icons
18. Islam Islam is a monotheistic religion that developed in Saudi Arabia in the early 600s. Islam is
directly related to Judaism and Christianity. Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammed who lived
from 570 to 632 in Saudi Arabia.
19. Islam
20. Islam The five pillars or central teachings of Islam are: A. A statement of faith B. Prayer (five times a
day in the direction of Mecca) C. Charity D. Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your lifetime (called the
Hajj) E. Fasting (during the month of Ramadan)
21. Islam The teachings of Muhammed were collected into a book called the Koran. Muslims worship in
buildings called mosques.
22. Dome of the Rock
23. Mecca
24. Crescent and Star
25. Hinduism Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is a polytheistic religion that
originated in South Asia, present day India, around 2500 B.C.E.
26. Hinduism Atman is the spirit or soul of a person, which most Hindus believe, is eternal. Brahman
refers to a supreme spirit but it can also mean an infinite and unchanging reality. Hindus believe that the
goal of life is to realize that your atman is the same as Brahman and thereby reach moksha, or liberation.
27. Hinduism Hindus believe in reincarnation and karma. A person dies, then lives again, until they finally
reach moksha. Hindus have several holy books called Vedas, Upanishads, and the epics the Mahabharata
and Ramayana.
28. Hinduism The caste system is a system of social organization in India. When a person is born they are
born into one of four castes or as a Dalit. This system has led to discrimination and has been outlawed in
India. Hindus still debate whether the caste system is part of Hinduism or an outdated social custom.
29. Hinduism A. B. C. D. The castes are: Brahmins: Teachers and priests. Kshatriyas: Warriors, nobles, and
kings. Vaishyas: Farmers, merchants, and businessmen. Shudras: Servants and laborers.
30. Angkor Wat
31. Buddhism Buddhism is related to Hinduism and shares many of the same basic beliefs. The
relationship between Buddhism and Hinduism is similar to the relationship between Christianity and
Judaism.
32. Buddhism Buddhism was founded by a man named Siddhartha who was born around 500 - 400 B.C.
in Nepal.
33. Buddhism
34. Buddhism
35. Buddhism
36. Taoism Taoism is a religion or philosophy that began in China around 500 - 400 B.C. Tradition says
that Taoism is based on the teachings of Laozi. The Tao Te Ching is a collection of Laozi’s teachings.
37. Taoism The Tao is called the Great Mother Empty yet inexhaustible, It gives birth to infinite worlds. It
is always present within you. You can use it any way you want.
38. Taoism
39. Confucianism Confucianism is a philosophy that began in China around 500 - 400 B.C. It is based on
the teachings of Confucius. Confucianism is concerned mainly with social organization. It emphasizes
respect for elders and education.
40. Ancestor Worship One ancient belief that has been incorporated into many religions in Asia is the
idea of worshipping and respecting one’s ancestors. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDRdclRhmts
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difference between religion and spirituality in a quote:
Religion asks you to believe. Spirituality asks you to look.
Religion has dogmas. Spirituality has wisdom teachings.
Religion wants obedience. Spirituality wants experimentation.
Religion speaks of sin and hell. Spirituality speaks of karma.
Religion wants to comfort you. Spirituality wants to liberate you.
Religion is external. Spirituality is internal.
Religion is the form. Spirituality is the essence.
Religion wants to convert you. Spirituality wants to inspire you.
Religion is an institution. Spirituality is a journey.
