Religions

Religion is a group of beliefs and rituals (rules, stories and symbols) which may serve as a way of life and/or help search for answers regarding life and death. The emphasis of this page is to provide self directed tutorials written by religious experts or sites devoted to theology (such as the below Religion Facts chart that we are updating)to help students learn more about other religions. You will find important religious days in the calendar.

 || Best-Selling Aladura books (from Amazon) ||
 * **Religion/Sect/**
 * Belief System** || **Origins & History** || **Adherents Worldwide (approx.)** || **God(s) and Universe** || **Human Situation and Life's Purpose** || **Afterlife** || **Practices** || **Texts** || **More Info ** ||
 * [|**Aladura**] || Various prophet-healing churches founded since c.1918, West Nigeria. || 1 million || Generally monotheistic; a mix of Anglican, Pentecostal and traditional African beliefs. || Strong emphasis on healing and salvation in this life through prayer, fasting and other rituals. || Not emphasized; views vary. || Spiritual healing is central. Mix of Anglican and African rituals; a prophet plays a prominent role. || None || [|ReligionFacts article]
 * [|**Asatru**]

|| Revival of Norse and Germanic paganism, 1970s Scandinavia and USA. || unknown || Polytheistic, Norse gods and goddesses, Norse creation myths. || Salvation or redemption not emphasized. Fatalistic view of universe. || Valhalla (heaven) for death in battle; Hel (peaceful place) for most; Hifhel (hell) for the very evil. || Sacrifice of food or drink, toast to the gods, shamanism (less frequently ), celebration of solstice holidays. Nine Noble Virtues is moral code. || //Eddas// (Norse epics); the Havamal (proverbs attributed to Odin) || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Asatru books

(from Amazon) || (from Amazon) ||
 * **Atheism** || Appears throughout history (including ancient Greek philosophy), but especially after the Enlightenment (19th cent). || 1.1 billion (this figure includes agnostic and non-religious, which tend to be grouped on surveys) || There is no God or divine being. Beliefs about the universe usually based on latest scientificfindings . || Since there is no afterlife, this one life is of great importance. Only humans can help themselves and each other solve the world's problems. || none || none || Influential works include those by Marx, Freud, Feuerbach, and Voltaire. Notable modern authors include Richard Dawkins and Carl Sagan. || Best-Selling Atheism books [[image:http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=religi09-20&l=ur2&o=1 width="1" height="1"]]
 * [|**Baha'i Faith**]

|| Founded by [|Bahá'u'lláh], 1863, Tehran, Iran. || 5-7 million || One God, who has [|revealed himself progressively] through major world religions. || The soul is eternal and essentially good. Purpose of life is to develop spiritually and draw closer to God. || Soul separates from the body and begins a journey towards or away from God. Heaven and hell are states of being. || Daily prayer, avoidance of intoxicants, scripture reading, hard work, education, work for social justice and equality. || Writings of [|Bahá'u'lláh] and other Bahá'í leaders. || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Bahai books

(from Amazon) || [|**history**] || [|**Bahai**] [|**fast facts**] || [|**Bahai**] [|**beliefs in God**] || [|**Bahai on human nature**] || [|**Bahai and the afterlife**] || [|**Bahai**] [|**practices**] || [|**Bahai**] [|**texts**] || [|**Bahai**] [|**symbols**] ||
 * || [|**Bahai**]
 * [|**Bön**] || Indigenous religion of Tibet. || 100,000 || Nontheistic Buddhism, but meditation on peaceful and wrathful deities. || Purpose is to gain enlightenment. || Reincarnation until gain enlightenment || Meditation on mandalas and Tibetan deities, astrology, monastic life. || Bonpo canon || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Bon books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Buddhism**]

|| Founded by [|Siddharta Gautama] (the Buddha) in c. 520 BC, NE India. || 360 million || Varies: Theravada atheistic; Mahayana more polytheistic. Buddha taught nothing is permanent. || Purpose is to [|avoid suffering] and gain enlightenment and release from cycle of rebirth, or at least attain a better rebirth by gaining merit. || Reincarnation (understood differently than in Hinduism, with no surviving soul) until gain enlightenment || Meditation, mantras, devotion to deities (in some sects), mandalas (Tibetan) || Tripitaka (Pali Canon); Mahayana sutras like the Lotus Sutra; others. || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Buddhism books

(from Amazon) || [|**fast facts**] || [|**Compare Theravada and Mahayana**] || [|**Human nature in Buddhism**] || [|**Afterlife in Buddhism**] || [|**Buddhism practices**] || [|**Buddhist**] [|**texts**] || [|**Buddhist**] [|**symbols**] ||
 * || [|**Buddhism history**] || [|**Buddhism**]
 * **Religion/Sect/**
 * Belief System** || **Origins & History** || **Adherents Worldwide (approx.)** || **God(s) and Universe** || **Human Situation and Life's Purpose** || **Afterlife** || **Practices** || **Texts** || **More Info** ||
 * [|**Cao Dai**]
 * [|**Cao Dai**]

|| Founded in 1926, Vietnam by Ngo Van Chieu and others based on a séance. || 4-6 million || God represented by Divine Eye. Founders of Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity venerated, and saints including Victor Hugo. || Goal is peace and harmony in each person and in the world. Salvation by "cultivating self and finding God in self." || Reincarnation. Bad karma can lead to rebirth on a darker planet; good karma to better life on earth. Eventual attainment of nirvana or heaven. || Hierarchy similar to Roman Catholicism. Daily prayer. Meditation. Communication with spirit world (now outlawed in Vietnam). || Caodai canon || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Cao Dai books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Chinese Religion**]

|| Indigenous folk religion of China. || 394 million || Dualistic [|yin and yang] ; mythological beings and folk deities. || Purpose is a favorable life and peaceful afterlife, attained through rituals and [|honoring of ancestors]. || [|Judgment, then reincarnation] or temporary hell until gain a Buddhist-type paradise. || Ancestor worship, prayer,

longevity practices

, divination, prophecy and astrology, feng shui. || None || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Chinese Religion books

(from Amazon) || [|**history**] || [|**Chinese religion timeline**] || [|**Chinese**] [|**religion**] [|**beliefs**] || [|**Chinese**] [|**religion**] [|**body and soul**] || [|**Chinese**] [|**religion**] [|**afterlife**] || [|**Chinese**] [|**religion**] [|**practices**] || [|**Chinese**] [|**religion**] [|**objects**] || ** [|Chinese symbols] ** ||
 * || [|**Chinese religion**]
 * [|**Chopra Center**]

|| Founded by Deepak Chopra in 1991, California || unknown || monism - God or Supreme Reality pervades all things; all is unity || Humans have limitless potential, but do not recognize this. Health and success can be had by focusing on whole self (mind, body, spirit). || Reincarnation || Yoga, meditation, massage, nutrition, mindfulness, detox sessions, positive thinking. || Deepak Chopra's many books, such as the //Seven Spiritual Laws of Success// || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Deepak Chopra books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Christianity (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox)**]

|| Founded by Jesus Christ in c. 30 AD, Israel. || 2 billion || One God who is a Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit || All have sinned and are thereby separated from God. Salvation is through faith in Christ and, for some, sacraments and good works. || Eternal heaven or hell (or temporary purgatory). || Prayer, Bible study, baptism, Eucharist (Communion), church on Sundays, numerous holidays. || The Bible (Old and New Testaments) || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Christian books

(from Amazon) || [|**texts**] || [|**Christian symbols**] ||
 * || [|**Christian history**] || [|**Christianity fast facts**] || [|**Christian beliefs**] || [|**Human nature in Christianity**] || [|**The afterlife in Christianity**] || [|**Christian practices**] || [|**Christian**]
 * [|**Christian Science**]

|| Founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879, Massachusetts. || 150,000 - 400,000 || One God. NoTrinity (in traditional sense). Matter and evil do not exist. || Salvation is "Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all; sin, sickness and death destroyed." || Heaven is "not a locality, but a divine state of Mind in which all the manifestations of Mind are harmonious and immortal." || Spiritual healing through prayer and knowledge, Sunday services, daily Bible and //Science & Health//reading. || Christian Bible,//Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures// || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Christian Science books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Confucianism**]

|| Founded by Confucius (551–479 BC), China || 5-6 million || Not addressed || Purpose of life is to fulfill one's role in society with propriety, honor, and loyalty. || Not addressed || Honesty, politeness, propriety, humaneness, perform correct role in society, loyalty to family, nation || //Analects// || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Confucianism books

(from Amazon) ||
 * **Religion/Sect/**
 * Belief System** || **Origins & History** || **Adherents Worldwide (approx.)** || **God(s) and Universe** || **Human Situation and Life's Purpose** || **Afterlife** || **Practices** || **Texts** || **More Info** ||
 * **Deism**
 * **Deism**

|| Especially popularized in the 18th-cent. Enlightenment under Kant, Voltaire, Paine, Jefferson, and others || unknown || One Creator God who is uninterested in the world. Reason is basis for all knowledge. || Not addressed || Not addressed || None prescribed, although some deists practice prayer. || Thomas Paine's //The Age of Reason// and similar texts || Best-Selling Deism books (from Amazon) ||
 * **Druze**

|| Al-Darazi in 11th century, Cairo, Egypt. Roots in the Isma'iliyya sect of Shia Islam. || 500,000 || Universal Intelligence (//al-Aql al-Kulli//) or Divine Essence (akin to Neoplatonism), of which al-Hakim is believed to be an incarnation. || Live a good life for a favorable reincarnation. Await the re-appearance of al-Hakim (a Fatimid caliph who disappeared in 1021), who will usher in a Golden Age for true believers. || Reincarnation. Heaven is a spiritual existence when one has escaped reincarnation. Hell is distance from God in lifetime after lifetime. || Modest lifestyles, fasting before Eid al-Adha. Beliefs and practices are hidden for protection from persecution. Special group of initiates called //uqqal//. || //Al-Naqd al-Khafi//(Copy of the Secret); //Al-Juz'al-Awwal// (Essence of the First) || Best-Selling Druze books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Eckankar**]

|| John Paul Twitchell in 1965, Las Vegas. || 50-500,000 || The Divine Spirit, called "ECK" || "Each of us is Soul, a spark of God sent to this world to gain spiritual experience." Salvation is liberation and God-realization. || Reincarnation. The Soul is eternal by nature and on a spiritual journey. Liberation possible in a single lifetime. || Spiritual Exercises of ECK: mantras, meditation, and dreams. These enable Soul travel and spiritual growth. || //Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad//and books by Harold Klemp || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Eckankar books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Epicureanism**]

|| Epicurus in c.300 BC, Athens. || unknown || A deistic sort of polytheism: the gods exist, but take no notice of humans. || Materialism: everything is made of atoms, including gods and the soul. || No afterlife. The soul dissolves when the body dies. || Pursue the highest pleasures (friendship and tranquility) and avoid pain. || Letters and //Principal Doctrines// of Epicurus || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Epicureanism books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Falun Gong**]

|| Li Hongzhi in 1992 in China || 10 million || Countless gods and spiritual beings. Demonic aliens. || The Falun (wheel) is an energy source located in the navel. Goal is spritual transcendence, achieved by practicing Falun Gong. || Not addressed || Five exercises to strengthen the Falun. Cultivation of truthfulness, benevolence and forbearance. Meat eating discouraged. || //Zhuan Falun// and other writings by Master Li || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Falun Gong books

(from Amazon) ||
 * **Gnosticism**

|| Various teachers including Valentinus, 1st-2nd cents. AD || ancient form extinct; small modern revival groups || The supreme God is unknowable; the creator god is evil and matter is evil. || Humans can return to the spiritual world through secret knowledge of the universe. || Return to the spiritual world. || Asceticism, celibacy || Gnostic scriptures including various//Gospels// and //Acts//attributed to apostles. || Best-Selling Gnosticism books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Greek Religion**]

|| Variety of religions of ancient Greeks || ancient form extinct || Olympic pantheon (Zeus, etc.) mixed with eastern deities like Isis and Cybele || Human life is subject to the whim of the gods and to Fate; these can be controlled through sacrifice and divination. || Beliefs varied from no afterlife to shadowy existence in the underworld to a paradise-like afterlife (mainly in mystery religions). || Animal sacrifice, harvest offerings, festivals, games, processions, dance, plays, in honor of the gods. Secret initiations and rituals in mystery religions. || Epic poems of Homer and Hesiod. || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Greek Religion books

(from Amazon) ||
 * **Religion/Sect/**
 * Belief System** || **Origins & History** || **Adherents Worldwide (approx.)** || **God(s) and Universe** || **Human Situation and Life's Purpose** || **Afterlife** || **Practices** || **Texts** || **More Info** ||
 * [|**Hare Krishna**]
 * [|**Hare Krishna**]

|| Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, 1966, USA (with roots in 15th-century Hindu movement) || 250,000-1 million || Krishna is the Supreme God. || Salvation from this Age of Kali is by a return to Godhead, accomplished through Krishna-Consciousness. || Reincarnation until unite with the Godhead. || Chanting, dancing, evangelism, vegetarianism, temple worship, monastic-style living. || //The Bhagavad-Gita As It Is// || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Hare Krishna books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Hinduism**]

|| Indigenous religion of India as developed to present day. || 900 million || One Supreme Reality (Brahman) manifested in many gods and goddesses || Humans are in bondage to ignorance and illusion, but are able to escape. Purpose is to gain release from rebirth, or at least a better rebirth. || Reincarnation until gain enlightenment. || Yoga, meditation, worship (puja), devotion to a god or goddess, pilgrimage to holy cities, live according to one's dharma (purpose/ role). || //The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana,// etc. || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Hinduism books

(from Amazon || [|**sects**] || [|**Hinduism practices**] || [|**Hinduism**] [|**texts**] || ** [|Hinduism symbols] ** ||
 * || [|**Hinduism history**] || [|**Hinduism fast facts**] || [|**Hinduism beliefs**] || [|**Hinduism deities**] || [|**Hinduism**]
 * [|**Islam**]

|| Muhammad, 622 AD, Saudi Arabia || 1.3 billion (Sunni: 940 million) || One God (Allah in Arabic) || Humans must submit (//islam//) to the will of God to gain Paradise after death. || Paradise or Hell. || Five Pillars: Faith, Prayer, Alms, Pilgrimage, Fasting. Mosque services on Fridays. Ablutions before prayer. No alcohol or pork. Holidays related to the pilgrimage and fast of Ramadan. || //Qur'an// (Scripture);//Hadith// (tradition) || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Islam books

from Amazon || [|**history**] || [|**Islam**] [|**fast facts**] || [|**Islam**] [|**beliefs**] || [|**Islam**] [|**afterlife**] || [|**Islam**] [|**sects**] || [|**Islam**] [|**practices**] || [|**Islam**] [|**texts**] || [|**Islam**] [|**symbols**] ||
 * || [|**Islam**]
 * [|**Jainism**]

|| Mahavira, c. 550 BC, eastern India || 4 million || The universe is eternal; many gods exist. Gods, humans and all living things are classified in a complex hierarchy. || The soul is uncreated and eternal and can attain perfect divinity. Purpose is to gain liberation from cycle of rebirth, by avoiding all bad karma, especially by causing no harm to any sentient being. || Reincarnation until liberation. || Monasticism under the Five Great Vows (Non-Violence, Truth, Celibacy, Non-Stealing, Non-Possessiveness); worship at temples and at home. Meditation and mantras. || The teachings of Mahavira in various collections. || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Jainism books

(from Amazon) || [|**history**] || [|**Jainism**] [|**fast facts**] || [|**Jainism**] [|**beliefs**] || [|**Jainism**] [|**timeline**] || [|**Jainism**] [|**ethics**] || [|**Jainism**] [|**practices**] || [|**Jainism**] [|**glossary**] || [|**Jainism**] [|**symbols**] ||
 * || [|**Jainism**]
 * [|**Jehovah's Witnesses**]

|| Charles Taze Russell, 1879, Pittsburgh || 6.5 million || One God, Jehovah. No Trinity - Christ is the first creation of God; the Holy Spirit is a force. || Salvation is through faith in Christ and obeying Jehovah's laws. The End of the World is soon. || Heaven for 144,000 chosen Witnesses, eternity on new earth for other Witnesses. All others annihilated. No hell. || No blood transfusions, no celebration of holidays, no use of crosses or religious images. Baptism, Sunday service at Kingdom Hall, strong emphasis on evangelism. || //New World Translation of the Scriptures// || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Jehovah's Witnesses books

(from Amazon) || [|**beliefs**] || [|**Jehovah's Witnesses**] [|**and holidays**] || [|**Jehovah's Witnesses**] [|**ethics**] || [|**Jehovah's**] [|**Witnesses**] [|**practices**] || [|**Jehovah's**] [|**Witnesses**] [|**texts**] || [|**Jehovah's Witnesses symbols**] ||
 * || [|**Jehovah's Witnesses history**] || [|**Jehovah's Witnesses fast facts**] || [|**Jehovah's Witnesses**]
 * **Religion/Sect/**
 * Belief System** || **Origins & History** || **Adherents Worldwide (approx.)** || **God(s) and Universe** || **Human Situation and Life's Purpose** || **Afterlife** || **Practices** || **Texts** || **More Info** ||
 * [|**Judaism**]
 * [|**Judaism**]

|| The religion of the Hebrews (c. 1300 BC), especially after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. || 14 million || One God, Yahweh (YHVH). || Obey God's commandments, live ethically. Focus is more on this life than the next. || Not historically emphasized. Beliefs vary from no afterlife to shadowy existence to the World to Come (similar to heaven). || Circumcision at birth, bar/bat mitzvah at adulthood. Synagogue services on Saturdays. No pork or other non-kosher foods. Holidays related to historical events. || Bible (Tanakh), Talmud || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Judaism books

(from Amazon) || [|**history**] || [|**Judaism**] [|**fast facts**] || [|**Judaism**] [|**beliefs**] || [|**Judaism**] [|**theology**] || [|**Judaism**] [|**afterlife**] || ** [|Judaism] ** [|**texts**] || ** [|Jewish] **
 * || [|**Judaism**]
 * [|holidays] ** || [|**Judaism**]
 * [|symbols] ** ||
 * [|**Mayan Religion**]

|| c.250 AD (rise of the Mayan civilization) || Historically, up to 2 million. Some survival today. || Many gods, including Itzamná, Kukulcán, Bolon Tzacab, and Chac || Appease and nourish the gods; determine luckiest dates for various activities. || The soul journeys through dark and threatening underworld; but sacrificial victims and women who die in childbirth go to heaven. || Astronomy, divination, human sacrifice, elaborate burial for royalty, worship in stone pyramid-temples || Dresden, Madrid, and Paris codices;//Books of Chilam Balam//; //Popol Vuh//;//The Ritual of the Bacabs// || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling books on Mayan Religion

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Mormonism (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)**]

|| Joseph Smith, 1830, New York, USA || 12.2 million || God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate individual beings || Humans existed as spirits before this life, salvation is returning to God. Salvation by faith in Christ, good works, ordinances, and evangelism. || All return to spirit world for period of instruction before resurrection. Mormons to heaven with God and families; others rewarded but not with God; hell for those who reject God after death. || Abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea; baptism for the dead; eternal marriage; temple garments under daily clothes; active evangelism. || Christian Bible, //Book of Mormon//, //Doctrine and Covenants//, and//Pearl of Great Price// || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Mormonism books (from Amazon) || [|**practices**] || [|**Mormon**] [|**texts**] || [|**Mormonism vs. Christianity**] ||
 * || [|**Mormon history**] || [|**Mormon fast facts**] || [|**Mormon beliefs**] || [|**Mormon timeline**] || [|**Mormon afterlife**] || [|**Mormon**]
 * **Nation of Islam**

|| Wallace Fard Muhammad, 1930, Detroit, USA

//« The letters stand for "Justice, Equality, Freedom, Islam"// || Estimates range from 10,000 to 100,000 || "One God whose proper name is Allah." Wallace Fard Muhammad became the divine messiah and incarnation of Allah in 1930. The Earth is over 76 trillion years old and all land was once called "Asia." || "The Blackman is the original man" (//Message to the Blackman//). Live righteously and worship Allah. || Mental resurrection of the righteous. Black people will be mentally resurrected first. || Prayer five times a day. Work for the equality of the African race. Respect laws of the land, don't carry arms, don't make war. Healthy living and abstinence from alcohol, smoking and substance abuse. Modest dress. || Qur'an and "Scriptures of all the Prophets of God" are holy texts. Influential writings include Elijah Muhammad's//Message to the Blackman in America// (1965) || Best-Selling Nation of Islam books (from Amazon) ||
 * **New Age** || Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Annie Besant in the 19th C, Alice A. Bailey (1880-1949), flourished in 1970s and 80s || 5 million (very approximate) || The Divine is an impersonal life force that pervades all things || Dawning of a New Age of heightened consciousness and international peace. Individuals can obtain a foretaste of the New Age through spiritual transformation ("Ascension"). More emphasis on the latter now. Evil comes from ignorance. || Reincarnation based on karma || Astrology; mysticism; use of crystals; yoga; tarot readings; holistic medicine; psychic abilities; angelic communications; channeling; amulets; fortune-telling || Works of a variety of New Age writers || Best-Selling New Age books [[image:http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=religi09-20&l=ur2&o=1 width="1" height="1"]]

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**New Thought**]

|| Phineas Parkhurst Quimby (1802-66) and others, late 19th century, USA. || 160,000 || Generally monism (all is One), but members might be theists, pantheists or panentheists. God is immanent; the universe is essentially spiritual. || Man is divine, essentially spirit, and has infinite possibility. Mind can control the body. Sin and sickness caused by incorrect thinking. Man can live in oneness with God in love, truth, peace, health, and prosperity. || "Life is eternal in the invisible kingdom of God." || Emphasis on spiritual and mental healing, but without rejection of modern medicine. Worship services; prayer for the sick; discussion of New Thought authors and ideas. || Writings of Quimby (such as the //The Quimby Manuscripts//) and other New Thought authors || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling New Thought books (from Amazon) ||
 * **Religion/Sect/**
 * Belief System** || **Origins & History** || **Adherents Worldwide (approx.)** || **God(s) and Universe** || **Human Situation and Life's Purpose** || **Afterlife** || **Practices** || **Texts** || **More Info** ||
 * [|**Rastafari**]
 * [|**Rastafari**]

|| Teachings of [|Marcus Garvey] (1920s, Jamaica) and coronation of Haile Selassie (1930, Ethiopia); most influential follower - [|Bob Marley] || 1 million || God is Jah, who became incarnate in Jesus (who was black) and [|Haile Selassie]. || Humans are temples of Jah. Salvation is primarily in this world and consists of liberation from oppression and return to Africa. || Some Rastas will experience "everliving" (physical immortality). Heaven is a return to Eden, which is in Africa. || Many practices based on Jewish biblical Law. Abstinence from most or all meat, artificial foods, and alcohol. [|Use of marijuana in religious rituals] and for medicine. [|Wearing of dreadlocks]. || Holy Piby (the "Blackman's Bible). The Ethiopian epic Kebra Negast also revered. || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Rastafari books

(from Amazon) || [|**history**] || [|**Rastafarian**] [|**overview**] ||  || [|**Marijuana**] [|**and religion**] ||  || [|**Rastafarian**] [|**practices**] ||  || [|**Rastafarian**] [|**symbols**] ||
 * || [|**Rastafarian**]
 * [|**Satanism**,**LaVeyan**]

[|Satanic symbols] || [|The Church of Satan] was founded in 1966 by [|Anton LaVey] || The Church of Satan doesn't make membership numbers public || Atheistic and/or agnostic || Nine Satanic Statements || N/A || Rituals, church meetings, questioning authority || // [|The Satanic Bible] // || [|ReligionFacts articles]

Best-Selling Satanism books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Scientology**]

|| L. Ron Hubbard, 1954, California || 70,000 or several million, depending on the source || God(s) not specified; reality explained in the Eight Dynamics || Human consists of body, mind and thetan; capable of great things. Gain spiritual freedom by ridding mind of engrams. || Reincarnation || Auditing, progressing up various levels until "clear". Focus on education and drug recovery programs. || Writings of Hubbard, such as //Dianetics//and //Scientology// || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Scientology books

(from Amazon) || [|**books**] || [|**Scientology**] [|**symbols**] || ** [|Scientology symbols] ** ||
 * || [|**Scientology history**] || [|**Scientology fast facts**] || [|**Scientology beliefs**] || [|**Scientology ethics**] || [|**Scientology glossary**] || [|**Scientology**]
 * [|**Seventh-day Adventists**]

|| Rooted in Millerite movement; founded 1863 in New England; early leaders: Ellen White, Hiram Edson and Joseph Bates || 10 million [ [|source] ] || One God who is a Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit || Second Coming of Christ is imminent; salvation is by faith in Christ; emphasis on quality of life both now and in afterlife || A "peaceful pause" after death until the coming of Christ, then resurrection to judgment, followed by eternity in heaven or nonexistence. No hell. || Sabbath observance on Saturdays; healthful lifestyle; baptism by immersion || Christian Bible; later prophets like Ellen White are inspired and authoritative when tested against Scriptures || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Seventh-Day Adventist books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Shinto**]

|| Indigenous religion of Japan. || 3-4 million || Polytheism based on the //kami//, ancient gods or spirits. || Humans are pure by nature and can keep away evil through purification rituals and attain good things by calling on the kami. || Death is bad and impure. Some humans become kami after death. || Worship and offerings to kami at shrines and at home. Purification rituals. || Important texts are//Kojiki// or 'Records of Ancient Matters' and//Nihon-gi// or 'Chronicles of Japan' || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Shinto books

(from Amazon) ||
 * **Religion/Sect/ Belief System** || **Origins & History** || **Adherents Worldwide (approx.)** || **God(s) and Universe** || **Human Situation and Life's Purpose** || **Afterlife** || **Practices** || **Texts** || **More Info** ||
 * [|**Sikhism**]
 * [|**Sikhism**]

|| Guru Nanak, c. 1500 AD, Punjab, India. || 23 million || One God (Ik Onkar, Nam) || Overcome the self, align life with will of God, and become a "saint soldier," fighting for good. || Reincarnation until resolve karma and merge with God. || Prayer and meditation on God's name, services at temple (gurdwara), turban and five Ks. Balance work, worship, and charity. No monasticism or asceticism. || //Adi Granth (Sri Guru Granth Sahib)// || [|ReligionFacts section]

Best-Selling Sikhism books

(from Amazon) || [|**history**] || [|**Sikhism**] [|**fast facts**] || [|**Sikhism**] [|**beliefs**] || [|**Sikhism**] [|**glossary**] || [|**Sikhism**] [|**timeline**] || [|**Sikhism**] [|**things**] || [|**Sikhism**] [|**holidays**] ||  || (from Amazon) ||
 * || [|**Sikhism**]
 * **Spiritualism, a.k.a. Spiritism** || Modern movement: c.1850, USA, UK, France || 11 million || Beliefs vary, but generally based in a Christian worldview. || Body and spirit are separate entities. Morality and contact with spirits affect afterlife. || A spiritual existence with access to the living. Condition depends on morality of life and advancement is possible. || Sunday services. Seances and other communication with departed spirits. Spirit healing. || No authoritative texts. Doctrine learned from spirit guides (advanced departed spirits). || Best-Selling Spiritism books [[image:http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=religi09-20&l=ur2&o=1 width="1" height="1"]]
 * [|**Stoicism**] || Zeno in c.313 BC, Athens. || unknown || Pantheism: the logos pervades the universe. || Purpose is happiness, achieved by virtue, i.e., living reasonably. || Possible continued existence of the Soul, but not a personal existence. || Ethical and philosophical training, self-reflection, careful judgment and inner calm. || Fragments of founders plus later writers like Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius. || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Stoicism books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Taoism**]

|| Lao-Tzu, c. 550 BC, China. || 20 million (394 million adherents of Chinese religion) || Pantheism - the Tao pervades all. Yin-yang - opposites make up a unity. || Purpose is inner harmony, peace, and longevity. Acheived by living in accordance with the Tao. || Revert back to state of non-being, which is simply the other side of being. || General attitude of detachment and non-struggle, "go with the flow" of the Tao. Tai-chi, acupuncture, and alchemy to help longevity. || //Tao Te Ching, Chuang-Tzu// || [|ReligionFacts section]

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(from Amazon) || [|**fast facts**] || [|**Taoism**] [|**beliefs**] || [|**Taoism**] [|**deities**] || [|**Taoism**] [|**sects**] || [|**Taoism**] [|**timeline**] || [|**Taoism**] [|**texts**] || [|**Taoism**] [|**symbols**] ||
 * || [|**The Tao**] || [|**Taoism**]
 * [|**Unification Church**]

|| Sun Myung Moon, 1954, South Korea. || Over 1 million (3 million acc. to official sources) || Monotheism, with the duality of God (esp. masculine and feminine) emphasized. No Trinity doctrine. || Purpose is true love and world peace instead of selfish love. True love and the kingdom of God on earth will be restored by the creation of "true families." || Eternal life in a spirit world. || Blessing Ceremony || //The Divine Principle//(1954) by Rev. Moon. || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Unification Church books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Unitarian Universalism**]

|| Formal merger of Unitarians and Universalists in 1961, USA. || 800,000 || Not specified. Members might believe in one God, many gods, or no God. || Salvation is "spiritual health or wholeness." Members seek "inner and outer peace," insight, health, compassion and strength. || Not specified. Some believe in an afterlife, some do not. Very few believe in hell - "Universalism" indicates the belief that all will be saved. || Ceremonies for marriages, funerals, etc. Church services have elements from various religions. Emphasis on civil rights, social justice, equality and environment. Most UUs are anti-death penalty and pro-gay rights. || Many sacred texts are revered by various members; some none at all. The Bible is the most commonly used text. || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Unitarian Universalism books

(from Amazon) ||
 * [|**Wicca**]

|| Based on ancient pagan beliefs, but modern form founded early 1900s. Founder generally said to be Gerald Gardner. || 1-3 million || Polytheism, centered on the Goddess and God, each in various forms; also a belief in a Supreme Being over all || "If it harms none, do what you will." || Reincarnation until reach the Summerland || Prayer, casting a circle, Drawing Down the Moon, reciting spells, dancing, singing, sharing cakes and wine or beer || No sacred text; foundational texts include //The Witch Cult in Western Europe// and //The God of the Witches// || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Wicca books

from Amazon ||
 * [|**Zoroastrianism**]

|| Zoroaster in c.6th cent. BC, Persia. Official religion of ancient Persia. May have influenced Judaism and Vedic religion. || c. 200,000 || One God, Ahura Mazda, but a dualistic worldview in which an evil spirit, Angra Mainyu, is almost as powerful. || Humans are free to do good or evil, must choose the side of good. || Judgment followed by heaven or hell. Hell is temporary until final purgation and return to Ahura Mazda. || Good deeds, charity, equality, hard work. || //Zend Avesta// || [|ReligionFacts article]

Best-Selling Zoroastrianism books

(from Amazon) ||
 * **Religion/Sect/**
 * Belief System** || **Origins & History** || **Adherents Worldwide (approx.)** || **God(s) and Universe** || **Human Situation and Life's Purpose** || **Afterlife** || **Practices** || **Texts** || **More Info** ||


 * Web Sites about various religions:**
 * BBC
 * Religion Facts
 * Religious Tolerance

>
 * [|Christianity]
 * [|Islam] - Revealed in its final form by the Prophet Muhammad.
 * Muslim [[file:Muslim.ppt]]
 * [|Classroom book recommendations about Muslim culture and beliefs by author, Rukhsana Khan.]

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