Major World Faiths

 

Christianity - Founded in 30 AD by Jesus Christ.  Abrahamic. Includes Roman Catholics, Eastern Rite Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Protestant denominations (includes Baptist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Amish, Presbyterian, Methodist, Jehovah’s Witness, Latter-Day Saints/Mormon, and many others.) Bible and tradition.

 

Islam - Founded in 610 AD by Muhammad.  Abrahamic.  Includes Sufi and Sunni sects, others. Quran and Hadith.

 

Judaism - Founded about 2000 BC by Abraham. Abrahamic.  Includes Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Hasidic and other Jewish traditions. Hebrew Bible (Torah, Old Testament) and Talmud.

 

Hindu - Founded about 1500 BC.  Sacred texts include Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Agamas.

 

Buddhist - Founded about 525 BC by Gautama Siddhartha.  Includes Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Zen, and many others. Many texts, including Tripitaka.

 

 

 

*****There are many other smaller religious faiths worldwide, including cultural/traditional beliefs.

 

 

 

Atheist - One who disbelieves or denies the existence of a God, or supreme intelligent Being.

 

Agnostic - One who believes that it is impossible to know whether there is a God; one who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism

 

Heresy - An opinion or a doctrine at variance with established religious beliefs. (Heretic)

 

Golden Rule - Common idea in many faiths, helping others as you would want them to help you

 

Fratelli tutti (All Brothers) - Catholic Encyclical by Pope Francis (2020.) The encyclical calls for more human fraternity and solidarity, and is a plea to reject wars.