There are hundreds of religions in the world. Some of them have their roots in pre-historic times, while others were founded in the twentieth century. Some recognize many gods and goddesses, others only a single God, and some no gods at all. Even agnosticism and atheism have some of the characteristics of a religion.
True Tao -- Taoism (or Daoism) is based on the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, a short book written in China in the sixth century B.C. The book was written by a legendary figure known as Lao-Tzu (Laozi). According to the book, Tao is the underlying force for all phenomena, and each individual must try to live in harmony with it. More information can be found on this True Tao website.
Church of Wicca -- The female deity of Wicca, known as the Triple Goddess, has three aspects: Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The Maiden represents innocence and adventure, the Mother exemplifies love and compassion, and the Crone is the stage of wisdom. The Wiccan male God is called the Great God, the Great father, and the Horned God. Dianic Wiccans only worship the Goddess. A congregations of Wiccans is called a Coven. The Church of Wicca website provides information about all forms of the religion.
Mandaeism -- Mandaeism (or Mandeanism) is a small religious sect in modern Iraq and Iran that can be traced back to the ancient gnostics. Members of the sect regard Jesus as a false Messiah, but revere John the Baptist, and baptism is an essential ritual. The most important scripture is the Genza Rabba, a collection of theology and prayers which may date back to the second century A.D.
Parsi Khabar -- The Parsis of India are a survival from the ancient Zoroastrians of Persia. Persecution in Persia forced members of the sect to flee to India in the ninth and tenth centuries A.D. After integrating into Indian society, they became known as Gabars. The original founder Zoroaster (Zarathustra) lived in Persia more than 2500 years ago.
Jainism.org -- Jainism originated in India in the sixth century B.C. Its founder Vardhamana, or Mahavira, advocated a life of penance and self-denial. Jainism teaches universal tolerance and doesn't try to gain converts. It is known for its belief in ahimsa, or non-injury to all living things. The pantheon includes a number of gods and goddesses. Members of one conservative sect believe that a person should own nothing, not even clothes. The Jainism.org website provides further information about this religion and its followers.
Shinto.org -- Shinto, an ancient religion of Japan, is based on the worship of spirits known as kami. It originated in pre-historic times, and has no sacred texts, though its mythology was put into writing in the eighth century. Believers practice traditional rituals at various ancient shrines.
The Sikhism Home Page -- Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the fifteenth century by Guru Nanak. Most of its members, called Sikhs, live in the Punjab of India. Their holiest site, the Golden Temple, is located in the city of Amritsar. The sacred scripture, known as the Adi Granth, depicts a single supreme God who governs the universe justly. Sikhs believe in proper reverence for God, hard work, sharing, and service to humanity. More information about this religion can be found on this website.
contact email
Please use the following email address to make comments and suggestions.