A Global Look at the World's Largest Religion
Religion

A Global Look at the World’s Largest Religion

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World’s Largest Religion

Religion, a deep connection between humans and the holy, divine, spiritual, or venerated, shapes how they answer life’s essential issues and their fate after death. The world’s faiths’ rich tapestry of beliefs and teachings has persisted for generations. Discover the top 10 biggest faiths worldwide.

1. Christianizing Over 2 Billion Souls

With almost 2 billion adherents, Christianity influences 30% of the world. The primary belief is in Jesus, notwithstanding the variety of various religions, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox.

Christianity, an Abrahamic religion, worships the Holy Trinity—Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father. This religion centres on Jesus’ death and resurrection, which bring salvation from sin and everlasting life with God.

2. Islam Unites 1.8 Billion Devotees

One of the most popular faiths, Islam has 1.8 billion followers worldwide. Indonesia has the most Muslims, followed by Pakistan and India.

Islam’s two branches, Sunni and Shia, are the world’s fastest-growing religion, according to 21st-century study. This rise is partly due to Muslim birth rates being greater than other religious groups.

3. Hinduism: Raising 1.1 Billion Souls

The world’s third-largest religion is Hinduism (1.1 billion followers). The belief in 330 million deities stems from a mix of beliefs.

Hinduism, which emerged between 2300 BCE and 1500 BCE in the Indus Valley in Pakistan, is centred on a single deity, however many Hindus believe in several gods.

4. Buddhism: Leading 500 Million Practitioners

A Global Look at the World's Largest Religion

About 500 million people worldwide practise Buddhism, including 244 million in China, 64.4 million in Thailand, and 45.8 million in Japan.

Enlightenment, or Nirvana, is Buddhism’s ultimate goal, achieved via meditation, compassion, and hard work.

5. Shinto: Japan’s Indigenous Faith or Religion with 104 Million Followers

Japan’s original religion, Shinto, has 104 million followers. This religion reveres ancestors and environment.

Shinto emphasises personification rather than ideas or origin stories.

6. The Newcomer with 25 Million Followers: Sikhism

Sikhism, a new religion, has 25 million adherents. Guru Nanak and his nine successors created it in 16th-century India.

Sikhs believe all faiths worship one God and promote equality.

7. 14 Million Jews Practise Monotheism

The monotheistic religion of Judaism originated in the Middle East circa 800 BCE. It includes Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism and has 14 million followers worldwide.

8. Taoism: 12 Million Devotees Follow Ancient Wisdom

Taoism, with 12 million followers, promotes harmony and balance. Over two millennia, China has supported it.

9. Confucianism: Ethics or Religion for 6 Million Followers

Chinese civilization, social structure, and political ideology have been shaped by Confucianism, founded about 500 BCE. It has nearly 6 million followers and is considered an ethical philosophy rather than a religion.

10. Caodaism: 4.4 Million Believers in a Faith Fusion

Caodaism, founded in 1921, combines major global faiths. It has 4.4 million followers.

Caodaism emphasises harmony, union with a monotheistic deity, rebirth, and anti-materialism. Caodaism, like Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, believes in several creator deities and demons commanded by a devil.

The faith’s founder, Cao Dai, claimed to have received messages from the Supreme Being during spirit summonings.