What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

The major religions of the world can be divided into two groups: Indian religions, which include Sikhism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and others, and Abrahamic religions, which include Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. With more than two billion adherents, Christianity is the most popular major religion in the world. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

Judaism: 14 million people follow Judaism. There are currently three main branches of this monotheistic religion, which was founded in the Middle East around the eighth century BCE: Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism, and Reform Judaism. Despite sharing a common belief system, the branches’ interpretations of Scripture and particular religious rituals vary.

Judaism, one of the oldest monotheistic religions, traces its roots from the creation of the first humans, Adam and Eve. The covenant with Abraham establishes the Jewish lineage, leading to the covenant at Mount Sinai with Moses and the giving of the Torah. Throughout history, the Israelites face triumphs and challenges, including the construction of the First and Second Temples.

The history of the Israelites unfolds through periods of triumph and tribulation, including the establishment of the Davidic monarchy and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. However, the Babylonian exile marked a significant moment of upheaval for the Jewish people.

The Babylonian exile and subsequent return mark crucial periods, and the prophetic tradition emerges. The Hellenistic influence, Hasmonean rule, and Roman occupation set the backdrop for Jesus Christ’s time. Judaism’s rich history and theological evolution have influenced not only its own development but also the foundation of Christianity, where Jesus plays a central role as a fulfilment of Messianic prophecies. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

Christianity: The largest religion of the world with 2.38 Billion followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and is 2,000 years old. Its largest groups are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the Protestant churches, and its sacred text is the Bible. Over the centuries, Christianity grew in numbers as it spread around the world, often through missionaries and colonizers. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

In Christianity, God took on human form (Jesus Christ) lived among mankind and interacted directly with people. Jesus taught people about love and peace, relieved people’s suffering, healed them from diseases, and even raised many dead to life. He suffered the pain of crucifixion to fulfill God’s plan to free humanity from sin, died and was buried, and rose again on the third day, met people for forty days and then went back to heaven where He sits on the heavenly throne. According to His promise, He is coming again with great glory, with thousands upon thousands of Angels, and with full authority to judge everyone in the world. Today many believers are waiting for Great Day of Jesus Christ.

Islam: Islam is the second most popular religion in the world, with an estimated 1.8 billion adherents. Islam was founded in Mecca, a city in present-day Saudi Arabia, in the seventh century CE, and it was propagated by the Prophet Muhammad (570–632 CE), who is revered by Muslims as the last prophet of God. Islam claims that the spiritual text of the faith, the Qurʾān, is a holy book that contains the revelation from Allah. Eighty percent of Muslims are Sunnies, and fifteen percent are Shiahs. The majority of Muslims are members of one of the two major branches of Islam. The remaining figures are from lower denominations. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

Hinduism: With an estimated 1.1 billion followers, Hinduism is the third most popular religion in the world and one of the oldest, with practices and beliefs that go back at least 1500 years BCE. Hinduism is mainly practiced in Nepal, Indonesia, and India, where about 80% of the population considers themselves to be Hindu. The origins of Hinduism are little known, but its precepts have a profound impact on practically every element of a believer’s life. Certain aspects of Hinduism, like yoga and the use of chakras to diagnose and treat illnesses, have gained popularity in the West in recent years.

Budhaism: With over 250 million followers in China alone, Buddhism is the fourth most popular religion in the world, practiced by about 500 million people worldwide. The religion was established in India almost 2,500 years ago and was based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha. Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism are the two primary schools of Buddhism. A vow of nonviolence and a commitment to moral behaviour in all facets of life are two of Buddhism’s core beliefs. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

Shintō, with 104 million devotees. Shintō, which was formally established in Japan during the 8th century CE, affirms the existence of multiple gods. Although it is not an organised religion in the conventional sense, many Japanese cultural practices are based on it. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

Sikhism (with 25 million adherents). Sikhism, a relatively young religion when compared to many others, was established in India during the fifteenth century CE and is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak and his nine successors. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

Daiism: 12 Million devotees of Daoism. Daoism, sometimes referred to as Taoism, has its roots in China and emphasises living in balance with the erratic changes of the natural world. One of its earliest thinkers was a man by the name of Laozi, who is credited with penning the Daodejing, the main work of the religion. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

Muism (10 Million Flowers). Known as Korean Shamanism, this religion is among the oldest in the world and has a strong connection to traditional Korean history and culture. The adherents of muism assert a strong belief in the afterlife. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

Cao Dai has 4.4 million fans. Cao Dai was founded in Vietnam in 1926 by Ngo Van Chieu, who professed to have had a séance in which he was given a message from the Supreme Being, a god figure. The religion encourages love, peace, and tolerance and combines aspects of many other faiths, such as Christianity, Judaism, and Daoism. What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?