This article provides an overview of the major religions worldwide and their distribution. This article covers their Origins. Characteristics. Influence. Distribution. It also addresses the major conflicts and beliefs that have shaped their development. A wealth of information is available on world religions.
Origin
The origin of the world's religions is complex. There are many theories. Many believe the origins of religions are cults. Others claim religions were born out of myths. Animism or Fetishism was one of the first theories. Others also believe religions evolved from hedonism.
Characteristics
There are many similarities across the various religions around the globe, but also some important differences. One example is that the early Christians were much more prosocial than their pagan counterparts. This is due to the significance of the golden rules in early Christianity. It has also served to distinguish it form paganism.
Influence
Religion is a key indicator of identity and has the potential for influence on many environmentally-relevant behaviors. This influence is crucial to address transnational environmental issues. Religions have a significant influence on many aspects of our lives, including how we view climate change and how we consume resources. It also influences how we pay for health care.
Distribution
The world's religions are distributed geographically, with the largest concentration of believers in Christianity. Following closely behind is Islam, which accounts for nearly one-fifth, and Hinduism. The remaining religious groups are more diffusely distributed, and include folk religions such as traditional African faiths and Native American and Australian aboriginal religions. You can also find smaller, unorganized faiths like Jainism and Sikhism. There are an estimated 1.2 Billion nonreligious people in the world.
Moral outlook
It is crucial to have a moral outlook in order to determine the religious practices of a community. Different cultures have different moral beliefs. The outlook of one group may differ from the outlook of another. Modern Asia and the West have very different moral perspectives. We can all share our personal preferences and justify them on the basis of neutral criteria. However, one moral outlook cannot be considered superior to the other. Some believe certain moralities are better suited for certain communities and societies than others.
Engagement with environmental issues
The role of religions in shaping how people view and respond to environmental issues has been a multifaceted one. They have a wealth of insight, enduring social networks, and experience to contribute to the debate.