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Though no one is currently able to prove the existence of one god or many, much evidence of the power of religious belief has been found. Religion—from the Abrahamic faiths of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism to the Dharmic religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism—has shaped cultures, laws, and lives for thousands of years. While experts disagree on what exactly constitutes a religion, most agree there are several thousand worldwide. Over half of religious people currently adhere to one of the three major Abrahamic faiths, with Dharmic and East Asian religions claiming significant numbers as well.
Organized religion has inarguably been responsible for many of history’s wars, atrocities, and injustices. Yet it’s not all bad. Religion can help people make sense of a confusing world, provide motivation, encourage altruism, and bind communities together. In fact, though the causal link is currently unclear, some evidence suggests that religious people may be physically and mentally healthier than nonbelievers.
Because many holidays, customs, and artworks stem from religion or deal with religious themes, faith factors into many individuals’ everyday functioning—whether those people are religious or not.
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Atheism
Atheists are people who believe that god or gods are man-made constructs.
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Baha’i
One of the youngest of the world’s major religions.
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Buddhism
A way of living based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.
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Candomblé
A religion based on African beliefs, originating in Brazil.
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Christianity
The world’s biggest faith, based on the teaching of Jesus Christ.
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Hinduism
A group of faiths rooted in the religious ideas of India.
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Islam
Revealed in its final form by the Prophet Muhammad.
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Jainism
An ancient philosophy and ethical teaching that originated in India.
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Jehovah’s Witnesses
A Christian-based evangelistic religious movement.
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Judaism
Based around the Jewish people’s covenant relationship with God.
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Mormonism
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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Paganism
Contemporary religions usually based on reverence for nature.
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Rastafari
A young religion founded in Jamaica in the 1930s.
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Santeria
Afro-Caribbean syncretic religion originating in Cuba.
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Shinto
Japanese folk tradition and ritual with no founder or single sacred scripture.
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Sikhism
The religion founded by Guru Nanak in India in the 15th Century CE.
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Spiritualism
Spiritualists believe in communication with the spirits of people who have died.
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Taoism
An ancient tradition of philosophy and belief rooted in Chinese worldview.
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Unitarianism
An open-minded and individualistic approach to religion.
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Zoroastrianism
One of the oldest monotheistic faiths, founded by the Prophet Zoroaster.