Category Archives: Other Religions
What is Baha’i?
What is Baha’i: Baha’i, a religion teaching the unity of God and all religions, is an offshoot of Islam officially founded in the 1863 in what is now Iran (Persia at the time). Baha’i’s Origins: In 1844 Ali Muhhamad Shirazi declared himself spokesman for the twelfth Imam (prayer leader), a position anticipated by some Shi’ite [...]
What is Buddhism?
What is Buddhism: Whether to call Buddhism a religion or philosophy is often debated. Buddhism teaches nothing about God, has no official scripture, does not attempt to explain the meaning of life, and its founder is not considered divine or even divinely inspired. However, Buddhism does express opinions regarding salvation and the afterlife. Because these [...]
What is Zoroastrianism?
What is Zoroastrianism: While its origins are difficult to date, some consider Zoroastrianism the world’s first monotheistic religion. Some have speculated that Abraham, the “founder” of Judaism, practiced Zoroastrianism before he was called by God, though modern dating places Abraham before Zoroaster by at least 600 years and as much as 1200 years. Whether or not [...]
What are African Religions?
What are African Religions: There is no such thing as an “African Religion.” The African continent is home to thousands of diverse tribes and cultures and the various African Religions are as diverse as the continent itself. Despite its diversity, many of the African Religions share common threads. These commonalities within the African Religions include: [...]
What is Confucianism?
What is Confucianism: More of an ethical guideline than a religion, Confucianism arose in China during a time of political and moral chaos. It is rare for one to call themselves a “Confucian” as a statement of a religious position. Generally, Confucianism is considered only part of a greater collection of thoughts that collectively can [...]
What is Islam?
What is Islam: In Muslim countries around the world a call rings out five times a day from atop a tall tower: Allah is most great! I testify that there is no God but Allah! I testify that Muhammad is the prophet of Allah! Come to prayer! Come to salvation! Allah is most great! There [...]
What is Jainism?
What is Jainism: Considered by many a sect of Hinduism, Jainism is the product of 24 Jinas, or tirthankaras (“path makers”), human teachers who have attained the highest level of knowledge and spiritual insight. Followers of the Jinas, called Jaina or Jains, believe that by following the way of the Jinas they may free themselves [...]
What is Judaism?
What is Judaism: Although Judaism only accounts for 1/3 of 1% of people on earth, it remains a significant world religion due to its relationship with Christianity and Islam. Identifying a belief system of Judaism can be difficult, primarily due to the evolution of Judaism from largely a religion to largely a cultural identity. This [...]
What is Shinto?
What is Shinto: Shinto, meaning “way of the Kami”, is the indigenous and official religion of Japan. Its name comes from the Chinese characters shen, meaning “divine being”, and tao, meaning “way”. In the native Japanese it is kami no michi or kannagara no michi. Shinto has no official scripture, founder, or doctrine. Its origin [...]
What is Sikhism?
What is Sikhism: Sikhism arose during a time of intense conflict between the Hindu and Muslim faiths in the late 15th century in the Punjab region of India. Claiming no union with either Islam or Hinduism, Sikhism is, most simply stated, a blend of the teachings of Islam and Hinduism. Adopting the teachings of strict [...]