Baha'i.
Baha'i has more than five
million followers. It was founded by Mirza Husayn 'Ali Nuri, who took the
name Baha'u'llah (Glory of God) while in exile in Baghdad. His coming had
been foretold by Mirza Ali Mohammed, known as al-Bab, who founded Babism in
1844, a sect from which the Baha'i faith grew. The central tenets of the
Baha'i faith are the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity, and the common
foundation of all religion. The people of Baha'i also believe in the
equality of men and women, universal education, world peace, and the
creation of a federal system of world government.
Buddhism
Buddhism has 307 million
followers worldwide. It was founded in southern Nepal in the 5th and 6th
centuries B.C. by Siddharta Gautama, known as the Buddha (Enlightened One).
The Buddha achieved enlightenment through meditation and he gathered a
community of monks to carry on his teachings. According to Buddha,
meditation and the practice of good religious and moral behavior can lead to
Nirvana, the state of enlightenment, although before achieving Nirvana one
is subject to repeated lifetimes that are good or bad depending on one's
actions (karma). Existence, for Buddhists, is a realm of suffering. Desire,
along with the belief in the importance of one's self, causes suffering.
Achievement of Nirvana ends suffering. And Nirvana is attained only by
meditation and by following the path of righteousness in action, thought and
attitude.
Confucianism
Confucianism is a community
springing from Confucius, a Chinese philosopher in the 6th and 5th centuries
B.C., whose sayings and dialogues, known collectively as the Analects, were
written down by his followers. Confucianism, which grew out of a
strife-ridden time in Chinese history, stresses the relationship between
individuals, their families, and society, based on li (proper behavior) and
jen (sympathetic attitude). Its practical, socially oriented philosophy was
challenged by the more mystical precepts of Taoism and Buddhism, which were
partially incorporated to create neo-Confucianism during the Sung dynasty
(CE 960-1279). The overthrow of the Chinese monarchy and the Communist
revolution during the twentieth century have severely lessened the influence
of Confucianism on modern Chinese culture.
Catholicism
The Roman Catholic Church,
with 980 million followers, is the largest Christian church in the world. It
claims direct historical descent from the church founded by the apostle
Peter. The Pope in Rome is the spiritual leader of all Roman Catholics. He
administers church affairs through bishops and priests. Members accept the
gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Bible, as well as the
church's interpretations of these. God's grace is conveyed through the seven
sacraments, especially the Eucharist or communion that is celebrated at
mass, the regular service of worship. The other six sacraments are baptism,
confirmation, penance, holy orders, matrimony, and anointing of the sick.
Redemption through Jesus Christ is professed as the sole method of obtaining
salvation, which is necessary to ensure a place in heaven after life on
earth.
Hinduism
A religion with 648 million
followers, Hinduism developed from indigenous religions of India in
combination with Aryan religions brought to India around 1500 BCE, and
codified in the Veda and the Upanishads, the sacred scriptures of Hinduism.
Hinduism is a term used to broadly describe a vast array of sects to which
most Indians belong. Although many Hindus reject the caste system-in which
people are born into a particular subgroup that determines their religious,
social, and work-related duties-it is widely accepted and classifies society
at large into four groups: the Brahmins or priests, the rulers and warriors,
the farmers and merchants, and the peasants and laborers. The goals of
Hinduism are release from repeated reincarnation through the practice of
yoga, adherence to Vedic scriptures, and devotion to a personal guru.
Various deities are worshipped at shrines; the divine trinity, representing
the cyclical nature of the universe, are Brahma the creator, Vishnu the
preserver, and Shiva the destroyer.
Islam
Islam has 840 million
followers around the world. It was founded by the prophet Mohammed, who
received the holy scriptures of Islam, the Koran, from Allah (God) c. A.D.
610. Islam (Arabic for "submission to God") maintains that
Mohammed is the last in a long line of holy prophets, preceded by Adam,
Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. In addition to being devoted to the Koran,
followers of Islam (Muslims) are devoted to the worship of Allah through the
Five Pillars: the statement "There is no god but God, and Mohammed is
his prophet"; prayer, conducted five times a day while facing Mecca;
the giving of alms; the keeping of the fast of Ramadan during the ninth
month of the Muslim year; and the making of a pilgrimage at least once to
Mecca, if possible. The two main divisions of Islam are the Sunni and the
Shiite; the Wahabis are the most important Sunni sect, while the Shiite
sects include the Assassins, the Druses, and the Fatimids, among countless
others.
Judaism
Stemming from the
descendants of Judah in Judea, Judaism was founded c. 2000 B.C. by Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob and has 18 million followers in the U.S. Judaism espouses
belief in a monotheistic God, who is creator of the universe and who leads
His people, the Jews, by speaking through prophets. His word is revealed in
the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament), especially in that part known as the
Torah. The Torah also contains, according to rabbinic tradition, a total of
613 biblical commandments, including the Ten Commandments, which are
explicated in the Talmud. Jews believe that the human condition can be
improved, that the letter and the spirit of the Torah must be followed, and
that a Messiah will eventually bring the world to a state of paradise.
Judaism promotes community among all people of Jewish faith, dedication to a
synagogue or temple (the basic social unit of a group of Jews, led by a
rabbi), and the importance of family life. Religious observance takes place
both at home and in temple. Judaism is divided into three main groups who
vary in their interpretation of those parts of the Torah that deal with
personal, communal, international, and religious activities: the Orthodox
community, which views the Torah as derived from God, and therefore
absolutely binding; the Reform movement, which follows primarily its ethical
content; and the Conservative Jews, who follow most of the observances set
out in the Torah but allow for change in the face of modern life. A fourth
group, Reconstructionist Jews, rejects the concept of the Jews as God's
chosen people, yet maintains rituals as part of the Judaic cultural
heritage.
Orthodox Eastern Church
With 158 million followers,
the Orthodox Eastern Church is the second largest Christian community in the
world. It began its split from the Roman Catholic Church in the fifth
century. The break was finalized in 1054. The followers of the Orthodox
Church are in fact members of many different denominations, including the
Church of Greece, the Church of Cyprus, and the Russian Orthodox Church.
Orthodox religion holds biblical Scripture and tradition, guided by the Holy
Spirit as expressed in the consciousness of the entire Orthodox community,
to be the source of Christian truth. It rejects doctrine developed by the
Western churches. Doctrine was established by seven ecumenical councils held
between 325 and 787 and amended by other councils in the late Byzantine
period. Relations between the Orthodox churches and Roman Catholicism have
improved since the Second Vatican Council (1962.65).
PROTESTANTISM
Baptists
Founded by John Smyth in
England in 1609 and by Roger Williams in Rhode Island in 1638. The Baptist
Church has 31 million members, and no creed; authority stems from the Bible.
Most Baptists oppose the use of alcohol and tobacco. Baptism is by total
immersion.
Church of Christ
Organized by Presbyterians
in Kentucky in 1804 and in Pennsylvania in 1809. It has 1.6 million members.
Members believe in the New Testament, and they follow what is written in the
Bible without elaboration. Rites are simple. Baptism is of adults.
Church of England
King Henry VIII of England
broke with the Roman Catholic Church with the Act of Supremacy in 1534,
which declared the king of England to be the head of the Church of England.
The Church of England has 6,000 Anglican Orthodox Church members in the U.S.
Supremacy of the Bible is the test of doctrine. Emphasis is on the most
essential doctrines and creeds and on the Book of Common Prayer. The Church
of England is part of the Anglican community, which is represented in the
United States mainly by the Episcopal Church.
Episcopal Church
This U.S. offshoot of the
Church of England has 2.7 million members. It installed Samuel Seabury as
its first bishop in 1784, and held its first General Convention in 1789. The
Church of England broke with the Roman Catholic Church in 1534. Worship is
based on the Book of Common Prayer and interpretation of the Bible using a
modified version of the Thirty.Nine Articles (originally written for the
Church of England in 1563). Services range from spartan to ornate, from
liberal to conservative; baptism is of infants.
Lutheran Church
The Lutheran Church, with 8
million members in the U.S., is based on the writings of Martin Luther, who
broke with the Roman Catholic Church and led the Protestant Reformation. The
first Lutheran congregation in North America was founded in 1638 in
Wilmington, Delaware. The first North American regional synod was founded in
1748 by Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg. Faith is based on the Bible and the
Augsburg Confession, written in 1530. Salvation comes through faith alone.
Services include the Lord's Supper (communion). Lutherans are mostly
conservative in religious and social ethics; infants are baptized, the
church is organized in synods. The two largest synods in the United States
are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church
Missouri Synod.
Methodist Church
Methodism has 13.5 million
members in the U.S. It was founded by the Reverend John Wesley, who began
evangelistic preaching with the Church of England in 1738. A separate
Wesleyan Methodist Church was established in 1791. The Methodist Episcopal
Church was founded in the United States in 1784. The name derives from the
founders' desire to study religion "by rule and method" and follow
the Bible interpreted by tradition and reason; worship varies by
denomination within Methodism (the United Methodist Church is the largest
congregation). The church is perfectionist in social dealings. Methodists
have Communion and they perform baptism of infants and adults.
Pentecostal churches
The churches grew out of
the "holiness movement" that developed among Methodists and
Protestants in the first decade of the twentieth century. There are some 3.5
million followers today in the U.S. Pentecostals believe in baptism in the
Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, faith healing, and the second coming of
Jesus. Of the various Pentecostal churches, the Assemblies of God is the
largest. A perfectionist attitude toward secular affairs is common. Services
feature enthusiastic sermons and hymns, and Pentecostals practice adult
baptism and communion.
Presbyterian Church
Presbyterianism in the U.S.
grew out of the Calvinist Churches of Switzerland and France. John Knox
founded the first Presbyterian Church in Scotland in 1557. The first
presbytery in North America was established by Irish missionary Francis
Makemie in 1706. For 3.2 million members of the Presbyterian Church, faith
is in the Bible. Sacraments are infant baptism and communion. The church is
organized as a system of courts in which clergy and lay members (presbyters)
participate at local, regional, and national levels. Services are simple,
with emphasis on the sermon.
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Grew out of the teachings
of William Miller in the 1840s. Formally founded in North America in 1863.
For 734,527 adherents, the Bible is the only creed. They emphasize the
second coming of Jesus. Members abstain from alcoholic beverages and
tobacco. They baptize infants and have communion.
United Church of Christ
Formed in 1957 by the union
of the General Council of Congregational Christian Churches with the
Evangelical and Reformed Churches. Belief in the Bible is guided by the
Statement of Faith (written in 1959). The church is organized by
congregations, which are represented at a general synod that sets policy.
Services are simple, with emphasis on the sermon. They practice infant
baptism, and communion.
Other Christian-based Communities
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints (Mormons)
Founded by Joseph Smith, in
upstate New York in 1830, then in Ohio in 1831. After two more attempts to
establish a permanent home for the church (the second one resulting in
Smith's death at the hands of a mob), the Mormons trekked to Utah under the
leadership of Brigham Young, and established headquarters in what was to
become Salt Lake City in 1847. For its 9.5 million members, faith is based
on the Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great
Price, all of which are considered scripture as well as the Holy Bible.
Stress is placed on revelation through the connection of spiritual and
physical worlds and through proselytizing. Members abstain from alcohol and
tobacco and believe in community and self reliance. Public services are
conservative. Mormons have baptism, the laying on of hands, and communion.
They have a temple for certain secret ceremonies, including baptism for the
dead.
Jehovah's Witnesses
Founded by Charles T.
Russell in the United States in the late nineteenth century. Some 893,000
members believe in the imminent second coming of Christ and the potential
salvation of mortal souls during the millennium. All members are ministers
who proselytize their faith with door.to.door missionary work. Members
refuse service in the armed forces, will not salute national flags or
participate in politics, will not accept blood transfusions (but will accept
all other forms of medical treatment), and discourage smoking, drunkenness,
and gambling.
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Founded by George Fox in
England in the seventeenth century, who preached a doctrine of Inner Light,
and inveighed against organized churches. The Friends, who have 113,000
U.S. members believe in reliance on the Inner Light, the voice of God's
Holy Spirit experienced within each person. Meetings are characterized by
quiet meditation without ritual or sermon. Quakers are active in peace,
education, and social welfare movements. They refuse to bear arms or take
oaths. Earlier schisms are still reflected in three main affiliations of
Friends.
Unitarian Universalist Association
The denomination's 171,000
members take their origin from the merger of the Universal Church of America
(organized in 1779) and the American Unitarian Association (founded in
1823). They profess no creed. They have strong social, ethical concerns, and
emphasize the search for religious truth through freedom of belief. They
accept theists, humanists, and agnostics in religious fellowship. They are
making efforts to create a worldwide interfaith religious community. Many
members come from other denominations and religions.
Rosicrucianism
Rosicrucianism is a modern
movement begun in 1868 by R. W. Little that claims ties to an older Society
of the Rose and Cross that was founded in Germany in 1413 by Christian
Rosencreuz. The number of its followers is uncertain. The Rosicrucian
Brotherhood was established in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, by Reuben Swinburne
Clymer in 1902. The Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crusis (AMORC) was founded
in San Jose, California, in 1915 by H. Spencer Lewis. Both sects could be
classified as either fraternal or religious organizations, although they
claim to empower members with cosmic forces by unveiling secret wisdom
regarding the laws of nature.
Shinto
Shinto, with 3.5 million
followers in the U.S., is the ancient native religion of Japan, established
long before the introduction of writing to Japan in the fifth century A.D.
The origins of its beliefs and rituals are unknown. Shinto stresses belief
in a great many spiritual beings and gods, known as kami, who are paid
tribute at shrines and honored by festivals, and reverence for ancestors.
While there is no overall dogma, adherents of Shinto are expected to
remember and celebrate the kami, support the societies of which the kami are
patrons, remain pure and sincere, and enjoy life.
Sikhism
Sikhism: A progressive
religion well ahead of its time when it was founded over 500 years ago, The
Sikh religion today has a following of over 20 million people worldwide and
is ranked as the worlds 5th largest religion. Sikhism preaches a message of
devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of
mankind and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to
all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book
and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
http://www.sikhs.org/
Taoism
Both a philosophy and a
religion, Taoism was founded in China by Lao tzu, who is traditionally said
to have been born in 604 B.C. Its number of followers is uncertain. It
derives primarily from the Tao-te-ching, which claims that an ever-changing
universe follows the Tao, or path. The Tao can be known only by emulating
its quietude and effortless simplicity; Taoism prescribes that people live
simply. spontaneously, and in close touch with nature and that they meditate
to achieve contact with the Tao. Temples and monasteries, maintained by
Taoist priests, are important in some Taoist sects. Since the Communist
revolution, Taoism has been actively discouraged in the People's Republic of
China, although it continues to flourish in Taiwan.
