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OUR GOAL is to make this a comprehensive and accurate listing of all credible religions
and groups. If we have missed your legitimate group or one of which you
are aware, or if you can provide reliable additional information, please send your well-written, factual and honest suggestions to our editors
for their consideration. Thank you.
FAITH - An Overview
by E Aquarian
As human beings,
most of us have come to realize that there is definitely more going on
than meets the eye - on our little planet. Most people will tell you
that they have experienced something in their lives that could not be
explained by physical or scientific law. This is one of the great dilemmas facing most atheists. There are just too many "coincidences, flukes, synergisms or whatever" - that can't be explained by rational thought or science.
During the course of our history, we have
evolved many different ways to try to explain these experiences and
phenomena. Early man dabbled in all manner of mysticism, beliefs,
magic, voodoo, etc., and - of course - many used those experiences to serve their own power or greed. The majority of Wo/Mankind still practices variations on
those themes today (including the power trips).
Partially because of all the experimentation and partially because it is true . . . many people have learned that "Faith"
is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. One who has
confidence can do just about anything. When one puts that trust in
something outside of the self (outside of their own ego), then that
faith literally seems to know no bounds.
Many people today toy with the concept
that we create our own reality - with varying degrees of success (depending on many different factors, including their understanding of
the concept and the degree of faith they are able to manifest). Some
scientists have even begun to apply the theories of quantum physics to
our daily lives to try to help explain some of the anomalies. Extreme new
theories have evolved, such as parallel universes, multi-verses and other
explanations of experiencing, feeling or knowing things that are outside of the
realms of space, time and matter that we have come to understand. These theories make
some people more comfortable within their own existence while driving
others deeper into their particular faith.
Many different
Religions have grown to fulfill the need that some people have for a
more constant or reliable place to put their faith. Religions have come
to serve as one of the basic foundations of the faith of vast numbers
of people and they have come to define the doctrines of those people.
Here at Soul Growth, we acknowledge every religion, cult or sect. We
believe that people can do whatever they want to . . . as long as they
are KIND ! We encourage all to respect the faith of others and to share
their own beliefs, values, and the practices of their faith or religion
- without trying to force them on others.
Knowing one's own religion
in depth - and studying the basic tenets of the faiths of others - help us to respect and understand each other better. We share - after all - one small, increasingly crowded planet. And we are undeniably one race, one Sister/BotherHood - no matter WHAT we think.
Below is a
brief overview of many of the different religions around the world.
Enjoy reading about these diverse groups, their causes, principles and
their individual forms of worship as a means of strengthening their
faith.
I AM YOU . . .
AND YOU ARE ME . . .
SO IT EXISTS FOR ETERNITY
Animism
Animism comes from the latin word "anima" which
means soul or spirit. It's followers believe that all things and events
have a spiritual significance. Animism believes that the world is
divine and everything in it is considered god. The trees, animals,
mountains and the people are god. This is Pantheism. Also Animists
believes in Polytheism, that there are many gods.
Asatru
It
started in the year 1970's, a movement formed as revival of the
Germanic paganism. Started in Iceland and recognized as an official
religion a year after.
The Bahá'í Faith
BRIEF HISTORY: The Bahá'í Faith revolves around three central
Figures, the first of whom was a youth, a native of Shíráz, named Mírzá
'Alí Muhammad, known as the Báb (Gate), who in May 1844, at the age of
twenty-five, advanced the claim of being the Herald Who according to the sacred
Scriptures of previous Dispensations, must needs announce and prepare the way
for the advent of One greater than Himself, Whose mission would be, according
to those same Scriptures, to inaugurate an era of righteousness and peace, an
era that would be hailed as the consummation of all previous Dispensations, and
initiate a new cycle in the religious history of mankind.
Mírzá Husayn-'Alí, surnamed Bahá'u'lláh (the Glory of God), a native of
Mazindarán, Whose advent the Báb [Herald and Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh] had
foretold, ... was imprisoned in Tihrán, was banished, in 1852, from His native
land to Baghdád, and thence to Constantinople and Adrianople, and finally to
the prison city of Akká, where He remained incarcerated for no less than
twenty-four years, and in whose neighborhood He passed away in 1892.
His eldest son, 'Abbás Effendi, known as 'Abdu'l-Bahá (the Servant of Bahá),
appointed by Him as His lawful successor and the authorized interpreter of His
teachings, Who since early childhood had been closely associated with His Father,
and shared His exile and tribulations, remained a prisoner until 1908.
BASIC BELIEFS: The Bahá'í Faith upholds the unity of God, recognizes the unity
of His Prophets, and inculcates the principle of the oneness and wholeness of
the entire human race. It proclaims the necessity and the inevitability of the
unification of mankind, asserts that it is gradually approaching, and claims
that nothing short of the transmuting spirit of God, working through His chosen
Mouthpiece in this day, can ultimately succeed in bringing it about. It,
moreover, enjoins upon its followers the primary duty of an unfettered search
after truth, condemns all manner of prejudice and superstition, declares the
purpose of religion to be the promotion of amity and concord, proclaims its
essential harmony with science, and recognizes it as the foremost agency for
the pacification and the orderly progress of human society. It unequivocally
maintains the principle of equal rights, opportunities and privileges for men
and women, insists on compulsory education, eliminates extremes of poverty and
wealth, abolishes the institution of priesthood, prohibits slavery, asceticism,
mendicancy and monasticism, prescribes monogamy, discourages divorce,
emphasizes the necessity of strict obedience to one's government, exalts any
work performed in the spirit of service to the level of worship, urges either
the creation or the selection of an auxiliary international language, and
delineates the outlines of those institutions that must establish and perpetuate
the general peace of mankind.
Buddhism
Brief History
Buddhism
was founded in 580 BC by Buddha Siddhartha Gautama. Buddha was born in
Nepal and he spread enlightenment in different parts of the world.
Buddhism is widespread over India including China, Tibet and all parts
of the globe.
Basic Beliefs
Buddhist belief lies in the
Four Noble Truths: (1) The truth of suffering (dukkha) (2)The truth of
the cause of suffering (samudaya) (3) The truth of the end of suffering
(nirhodha) (4) The truth of the path that frees us from suffering
(magga) The Five Skandhas: (1) Form (2)Sensation (3)Perception
(4)Mental formations (5) Consciousness and The EightFold Path (1)Right
View (2)Right Intention (3)Right Speech (4)Right Action (4)Right
Livelihood (5)Right Effort (6) Right Mindfulness (7) Right
Concentration
Candomblé
Candomblé is a religion
based on African beliefs which is particularly popular in Brazil. It is
also practised in other countries, and has as many as two million
followers.
Caodaism
Caodaism originates in
Vietnam. Caodaism adopts beliefs and practices of many different
reliigions like Buddhism, Confucianism and more. It is the third
largest religion in vietnam whose main religious center is called Tay
Ninh.
Catholicism
Brief History
St. Ignatius
was the last Saint found to have sent a letter that marks the history
of Catholic Church. Being the worlds largest Christian church,
Catholics constitutes about 1/6 of the world's population. Catholicism
was founded based on the Scripture called The Holy Bible.Catholics are
said to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ. It's foundation is based
on the Holy Bible found on Matthew 16:18 "Simon from now on I will call
you Peter, Peter means rock and upon this rock I will build my Church".
St. Peter propagates this religion and considered as one of the
successors of Jesus Christ. This made catholicism the oldest religion
in the world.
Basic Beliefs
Catholics believes in Holy
Trinity, which means three persons in one God. The Father, the Son and
the Holy Spirit are three persons in one God. Unlike the Fundamental
Christians, hold Holy Mass officiated by Catholic priests. The Holy See
in Vatican, Rome is the center of Catholic Church where the Pope (Head
of Catholic Church ) and his bishops stay.
Christianity
Brief History
Christianity
started during the time of Jesus Christ. 2000 years ago. It started
when Jesus of Nazareth ministered and made miracles to the people of
Israel. Jesus followers are called his disciples. With Him are His
12Apostles which he calls, "Fishers of men" who helped propagate
Christianity. It originates in Palestine, moved to Greece, Italy,
Europe, America and is considered as The world's largest religion.
Beliefs
Christian
belief and faith is based in the book of called the Holy Bible. The 10
Commandments is the foundation of Christian faith: (1) I am the Lord
your God. Thou shall not have other gods besides me. (2) Thou shall not
take the name of the Lord thy God in vain (3) Remember to Keep the Holy
Sabbath Day Honor your Father and your mother (4) Thou shall not kill
(5) Thou shall not steal (8) Thou shall not commit adultery (9) Thou
shall not bear false witness against thy neighbors (9) Thou shall not
covet they neighbors wife (10)Thou shall not covet thy neighbors goods.
Confucianism
Confucianism
started in China developed by a great chinese philosopher named
Confucius. It propagated to its neigboring places, Korea, Japan,
Taiwan and Vietnam. Although Confucious introduced his ideology, his
teachings were not unaccepted during his time. There was no clear
document of until the 20th Century, the time of Zhu Xi who led
Neo-Confucians.
Creativity Movement,
Is a religious
organization founded in Illinois. They believe in Creativity base on
the eternal laws of nature. This religious group is more of a racist
since they only accept and acknowledge white race in their group and no
other else. Their founder, Mattew Hale is described as white
supremacist because of his hatred to other races.
Damanhur
Damanhur
is founded in North Italy. It is known to be the center for spirutual
research. A group of people in different areas of expertise. They are
studying the practical application of a spiritual philosophy in harmony
with the environment and our planet.
Druze
Originated
in SyriaThe Druze are call themselves as the "People of Monotheism"
which means one god. They originated in Syria and believe in Al-Hakim
whom they consider god.
Elián Gonzalez, The Religious Movement
This
cult emerged after a story of a cuban boy who miraculously survived a
sea accident. Because of the intensity of controversy in the year
2000, a group formed named after the boy Elian Gonzalez.
Gnosticism: Ancient and modern
Gnosticism
is a philosophical and religious movement which started in
pre-Christian times. The name is derived from the Greek word "gnosis"
which literally means "knowledge.". Gnosticism involves the relational
or experiential knowledge of God and of the divine or spiritual nature
within us. A visitor to this web site wrote: "...we believe that
gnosis-knowledge requires ultimate transcendence of the merely
intellectual to be actualized." 1
Gnostics believe that they have
secret knowledge about God, humanity and the rest of the universe of
which the general population was unaware. It became one of the three
main belief systems within 1st century Christianity, and was noted for
four factors by which differed from the two other branches of
Christianity:
Hinduism
Brief History Hinduism is
India's most prominent religion. It consists of "thousands of different
religious groups that have evolved in India since 1500 BC. It is now
considered as the world's third largest religion. The term "Hinduism"
was named after the Indus Valley of Pakistan.
Basic Beliefs
Hindu's beliefs, unlike other religions are written by different
scholars and authors, these writing are called Vedict texts which were
based on archeology. Hindu Scriptures sets standards for Hinduism, it
contains instructions in all aspects of Hindu's life. One of the most
famous beliefs of Hinduism is the (1) Yoga, a meditation practice which
preconditions both the physical and mental aspect of one's self. (2)
Samsara is one basic belief of Hindus about reincarnation or the
continuous birth and rebirth. (3) Karma is another well-known belief
explains a person's destiny is based in cause and effect.
Ifa
The religion of Yoruba people
Islam
Brief
History Islam was founded by Muhammad during 632, believed to be one of
the messengers of Allah (God) for Muslims. Muhammad started preaching
Islam at Mecca, an Arab country which is now a known destination of
Pilgrimage for Muslims.
Basic Beliefs Islamic beliefs is based in
one book, the Quran. There are five (5) Pillars of Faith in Islam: (1)
Kalima is the testimony of faith for Muslims. This is an oath of faith
that Allah is the one and only God and Muhammad is the last messenger
of Allah. (2) Salat is a ritual prayer for Muslims performed 5 times a
day facing towards the direction of Mecca. Muslims are obliged to bend
their knees and bow their heads with the palm of their hands on the
floor while they recite a prayer from Quran. (3) Zakat means
alms-giving is a generous way of giving 2.5% of Muslims yearly savings
to the poor. (3)Sawm is the traditional fasting and self sacrifice for
Muslims, held during the month of Ramadan. Every Muslim is obliged not
to eat or drink. (4) Hajj is the pilgrim to Mecca during the Islamic
month. Hajj is performed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the 12th and
the final month of the Islamic calendar).
Jainism
Brief History
Jainism just like Hinduism, is originated in India. Mahavira, believe
as the founder of Jainism is one of the Jinas or conquerors in ancient
East India.
Basic Beliefs Jains believe that every living
creature is divine and must be regarded with respect. They beleive that
the universe and all that is in it is eternal. 3 Main Levels of Jain:
(1) "the Realm of the Jinas" is reserved for liberated souls. (2) the
realm of the gods (3) "Continent of the Rose-Apple Tree"
Jedi
believe in the Force, a specific energy that flows through all things
and binds the universe together. They also believe that humans can tap
into or shape the Force to unlock greater potential. Many Jedi also
view themselves as guardians of truth, knowledge and justice, and
actively promote such ideals.
Jehovah's Witnesses are members
of a Christian-based religious movement probably best known for their
door-to-door evangelistic work.
Judaism
Judaism was based in the history of the Jewish people from the beginning of the
book of Genesis to the entire book of the Old Testament.Abraham was
said to be the founder of the Jewish religion. The followers of
Judaism are the Jews.The book of Tanakh otherwise known as the Hebrew
Bible, tells the history of the Judaism. Although there are still many
other religious texts aside from Tanakh which the Jews are required to
read like Torah(advance study of Tanakh), Talmud, Responsa and the
Rabinnic Literature.
Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), The International Society for
Is the religious organization for devotees of Krishna (also spelled
Krsna). Their religion is commonly known as Hare Krishna, because of
the first two words of their principle mantra: Krishna means "The
All-Attractive," Hare addresses the energy of God, and Rama means "The
Greatest Pleasure." These names of God and the Hare Krishna Mantra are
derived from ancient Indian texts of knowledge called Vedas.
The Tilaka mark appears on the foreheads of all followers of Hare
Krishna. The two stripes signify the lotus feet of Krishna; the leaf in
the center represents holy basil, or Tulasi which traditionally adorns
His feet.
K'ung Fu Tzu
Brief History K'ung
Fu Tzu was founded by a great chinese philosopher, Confucius(latin name
for K'ung Fu Tzu) during 551 BC. Confucius was a well known adviser of
great chinese rulers. He was in the family of Chou Dynasty in China. He
was a teacher of morality and ethics, a combination of Taoist faith and
Buddhist faith.Confucians are mostly found throughout China and the
rest of Asia.
Beliefs Li - includes ritual, propriety,
etiquette, etc, Hsiao- includes love within family: love of parents for
their children and children for their parents, Yi: righteousness,
Xin:honesty and trustworthiness, Jen- benevolence, humaness towards
others, the highest Confucian virtue, Chung -loyalty to the state, etc.
Lutheran
Lutheran
adheres to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church established by
Jesus Christ. With millions of members worldwide, the church is
composed of numerous self governing ecclessial bodies each body is
guarded by a Synod of independent bishops whose duty is, to teach the
Apostotlic and patristic traditions. All of its bishops have a
traceable lineage of the twelve apostles.
Methodist -
It
is considered as the revival movement of the Church of England. This
is a Protestant Christianity religion with different denominations and
organizations. The methodists spreads throughout British Empire to the
United States and now they are worldwide.
Mormon --
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded in 19th
Century America and has over 12 million members world-wide, including
190,000 in the UK. The Church is centered on Christ, but has
substantial differences in belief to the Catholic, Protestant, and
Orthodox Christian Churches.
Native American spirituality -
Many
followers do not regard their spiritual beliefs and practices as a
"religion" in the way in which many Christians do. Their beliefs and
practices form a integral and seamless part of their very being.
Estimates of the numbers of Native North Americans at the time of the
European arrival/invasion in what is now the United States and Canada
vary between 1.2 to 12 million. By the end of the 19th century, the
number of Native
Satanism
There are probably
dozens of different religious belief systems and practices that have
been called "Satanism." Depending upon the precise meaning given to the
word, the total number of Satanists in the world can be anything from a
few thousand to four billion individuals. Dialog on the topic is almost
impossible because there is such variability in the meaning of
"Satanism" and "Satanist."
In this section, we describe seven
main activities which have been commonly referred to as Satanism:
religious Satanism, and six forms of pseudo-Satanism -- practices that
either don't exist or are unrelated to any worship of Satan as a deity.
Shinto
Brief history
Shinto is an
ancient Japanese religion. It is known as the official religion of
Japan aside from Buddhism. The term Shinto was derived from chinese
word, "shin tao" which means "The Way of Gods". Unlike most other
religions, Shinto has no real founder, no written scriptures, no body
of religious law, and only a very loosely-organized priesthood.
Basic Beliefs
The
Shintos call their gods and godesses as"Kami". Kami reveals itself
mysteriously in the form of nature. Shintos believe that a person owes
his life from the Kami which they consider sacred.
Sikhism
Brief History
Sikhism
was founded by Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, (1469-1538). At Sultanpur, he
received a vision to preach the way to enlightenment and God. He taught
a strict monotheism, the brotherhood of humanity. He rejected idol
worship, and the oppressive Hindu concept of caste. The name of the
religion means learner. It is often mispronounced 'seek' It should be
pronounced 'se-ikh', with the final 'kh' sound like the 'kh' in Mikhail
Gorbachev.
Basic Beliefs
Sikhism being the world's
fifth largest religion. Shikhs believe that God exists in nature and in
ones self. They do not believe in heaven or hell instead a person needs
to experience the spirit of God. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, is the
golden scripture of the Sikhs which contains hymns authored by the
sikhs gurus.
Shamanism
A
believer of the spirit world. Their beliefs and practices focus on the
spiritual aspect of their lives. Shammans think believe they are able
to treat inllnesses with their spriitual powers and are capable of
supernatural realms to answer humans.
Smartism
Smatists considere Vedas
and Shastras as their gods. However, they also acknowlegde other gods
or philosophers. they are known as polythieists.
Source, The Family
Brief History
An Aquarian Tribe who all took Aquarian their last names and many still use
it. They helped
to birth the consciousness of the era of the '60's and '70's - helping to insure that it was more than just sex, dope,
rock & roll and communes . . . but that it also begat THE
SPIRITUAL REVOLUTION. Jim Baker was already a Hollywood legend when he opened The “Source
Restaurant” in 1969, on Sunset Strip. It
was among our nation’s first true “Health Food” Restaurants. We called Jim “Father”, then Father Yod and,
later, he recognized ~ and Named
Himself ~ “Ya Ho Wha”.
 BASIC BELIEFS: YHVH (YOD HEH VAU
HEH) are the consonants of
the ancient and Sacred Name of God. The Jews have hidden the Name behind these letters
for thousands of years. They represent The
FATHER / GOD and YHSVH IS THE SON/JESUS (YOD
HEH SHIN VAU HEH). Father could
see that we were approaching a time during which humankind’s tests would be so
great that he would need every tool we could get, so Father made it his life’s
work (and now, ours) to share this name with common man. You may read much more about this at and order the story of the Family in our AwareHouse ("Goods" & Services).
It seems that – at this “End Time” – many Religions, Secret Societies
and Indigenous Peoples have finally begun to make available their “Inner
Teachings” to the many “Seekers of Wisdom”.
And it continues . . . indeed, it is about time that this takes place .
. . to help enable the “Quantum leap of Evolution” that will be needed on this
planet. Taoism
Brief History
Taoism
originated in China. It was founded by a great historian Lao Tse.
Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism are the three great religions in
China.
Basic Belief
Taoism has provided an alternative
to the Confucian tradition in China. The two traditions have coexisted
in the country, region, and generally within the same individual.
Theravāda
Originated
in India and very much related to Buddhism. It spread over Southeast
Asia in countries like Cambodia, Laos, Burma and Thailand. In Sri
Lanka, this religion is the most prominent.
Unitarianism
Founded
in North America, the religion of Universalism whose members were
converted from different other religions. It's belief focus more on
social justice and service to humanity, equality and more freedom for
homosexuals and biosexuals.
Vaishnavism
Is very
much related to Hinduism. They consider Vishnu as their god. They
acknowledge and worship only one god and practices Yoga, and other
traditions of Hindus.
Vajrayāna Buddhism
Is
known for its mantra prayers in different languages. Although it is
related to Buddhism, they have diffferent practices and philosophy.
Vodun
Brief History
Vodun
was originally founded in Africa by West African Yoruba people during
18th century. The term Vodun also known as Vodoun, Voudou, Voodoo, Sevi
Lwa is commonly called Voodoo. It was originally called the religion of
slaves of Africa.
Basic Beliefs
Vodun is considered to
be a evil religion. Among its practices are human sacrifice,
cannibalism and the likes. It is known to influence making of horror
films. It has awakened the imagination of filmmakers in doing horror
movies.
Wicca
Wecca was first introduced by Geral
Gardner during 1950's. It was kept a secret during those times. The
cult is odd and eccentric and practices mysticism.
Yazidi,
This
cult are the ethnic Kurds of Iraq. It spreads throughout Russia, Iran
and Syria. Yazdi does not publicly pronounce their beliefs and
traditions.
Yoruba
A group of cultures linked by
a common language. They occupied an area bounded by the Niger River,
and including what is now known as the Benin Republic, southwestern
Nigeria, and part of Togo. They held a belief system in common: the Ifa
religion. Starting in the 16th century, large numbers of Yoruba natives were transported as slaves to the Caribbean and the Americas.
Zoroastrianism
One of the world's oldest monotheistic religions.It was founded by the
Prophet Zoroaster in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago.
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