Other Traditional Religions  

In addition to the major world religions, whose adherents number in the hundreds of millions, there are many other important traditional religious groups which have fewer followers. Among the most prominent are Sikhism (with an estimated twenty million adherents), Jainism (with approximately four million adherents), Baha'i (with about six million adherents), and Shinto (with an estimated three million practitioners). Confucians and Taoists also number in the millions, although these groups are sometimes classified as practitioners of a philosophy rather than a religion.

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.

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.

The Baha'i World
The baha'i religion was founded in Iran in the nineteenth century by Baha Ullah. Worship includes readings of scriptures from many different religions. This website provides more information.

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.

Other Sections  

• Buddhism
  Web resources pertaining to the various branches of Buddhism

• Hinduism
  Websites that relate to Hinduism

• Islam
  Websites about Islam

• Christianity
  Web resources that relate to various Christian denominations and sects

• Judaism
  Websites pertaining to Judaism

• More Religions
  Websites about various other religions

• Skepticism
  Websites which express or promote a skeptical view of organized religions

• Some Common Themes
  Descriptions of some ideas and themes common to many religions

• Other Resources
  Other useful web resources about religion

• More Resources
  Some general web resources and informational websites.

Home