World Religions Chart and Comparative Overview

The purpose of ReligionFacts is to provide "just the facts" on the world's religions and topics of religious interest. Every effort has been taken to present material from an impartial, academic perspective. Discovering Sacred Texts provides access to the richness and diversity of the texts from some of the world’s greatest faiths, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism.

Comparative Summary of Major Faiths

Below is a summary of the data based on the World Religions Chart:

  • Christianity: About 2 billion followers. Sacred Writings: Bible (Old & New Testaments). Principal Figure: Jesus Christ. Place of worship: Church on Sunday.
  • Islam: Over 1 billion followers. Sacred Writings: Quran. Principal Figure: Muhammad. Place of worship: Mosque on Friday.
  • Hinduism: About 900 million followers. Sacred Writings: The Vedas. Principal Figure: The Aryans. Place of worship: Temple (Mandir).
  • Buddhism: About 330 million followers. Sacred Writings: Tripitaka. Principal Figure: Siddhartha Guatama (aka Buddha). Place of worship: Temple (Stupa).
  • Sikhism: About 25 million followers. Sacred Writings: Guru Granth Sahib. Principal Figure: Guru Nanak. Place of worship: Gurdwara.
  • Judaism: About 13 million followers. Sacred Writings: Torah (Hebrew Bible). Principal Figure: Abraham and Moses. Place of worship: Synagogue, Temple or Shul on Saturday.

Christianity

Christianity began in the Middle East and is centered on the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and Jesus is the Messiah. Followers observe the 10 commandments and believe in One God. Important practices include Baptism, Communion, and Fasting. The Latin Language and candles are often used in service, and Jerusalem is an important city.

Islam

Islam originated in the Middle East and is based on the belief in One God and the Five Pillars: declare belief in 1 God, pray 5x daily, give alms to the poor, fast during Ramadan, and Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. It also recognizes Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Practices involve the Arabic Language and religious attire for women; men & women worship separately at the Mosque. Mecca is the most important city.

Hinduism

Hinduism developed in the India Indus River Valley. Its core beliefs include One God with many forms (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), Reincarnation, and the concepts of Karma & Dharma. The Sanskrit Language is used, and traditions involve Oil Lamps, Statues, and Fasting. Varanasi is considered an important city, and the Ganges River is sacred.

Buddhism

Buddhism began in North-East India. The faith is guided by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Key concepts include Karma, Rebirth, Dharma, and Enlightenment. Worship practices involve the use of Candles, Prayer wheels, Prayer flags, Statues, and Mandala or sand painting.

Sikhism

Originating in North-West India, Sikhism teaches The Five Virtues (Truth, Compassion, Contentment, Humility, & Love) and the Three Pillars (Meditation, self-actualization, community living). Followers are encouraged to Avoid the Five Thieves: lust, wrath, greed, attachment, & ego. The Gurdwara serves as the gateway to the guru.

Judaism

Judaism began in the Middle East and follows the belief in One God and the promise that the Messiah will come. Followers observe the 10 commandments and keep the Sabbath. Key traditions include the Hebrew Language, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Fasting, and the use of candles in service. Jerusalem remains a significant city.

Library Research and Classification

The library has a comprehensive collection of resources on World Religions. You can browse for books at 200 in the Non-fiction Collection. Use the following Dewey numbers for research on specific religions:

  • 230 Christianity
  • 294.3 Buddhism
  • 294.5 Hinduism
  • 294.4 Sikhism
  • 296 Judaism
  • 297 Islam

Additional digital resources like the World Religions Database and World Book Online are available for finding facts and academic perspectives.