- "Religion is a range of social-cultural systems, including designated behaviors and practices, morals, beliefs, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that generally relate humanity to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements."
Religion is a complex system of beliefs, practices, and values that seeks to explain the meaning and purpose of life, as well as our relationship with the divine or spiritual realm.
Theology: The study of the nature of God, religious beliefs, and the doctrine of religions.
Comparative Religion: The study of similarities and differences between religions.
Anthropology of Religion: The study of how religion shapes culture.
Philosophy of Religion: The study of the philosophical problems and questions raised by religion.
History of Religion: The study of the evolution and development of religion over time.
Sociology of Religion: The study of the social aspects of religion, including its role in society and its impact on individuals.
Psychology of Religion: The study of the psychological aspects of religion, including belief, behavior, and spirituality.
Religion and Politics: The study of the relationship between religion and political systems.
Religious Ethics: The study of ethical principles and moral values in religion.
Mythology: The study of myths and legends in religious traditions.
Mysticism: The study of spiritual experiences and practices.
Religious Art: The study of the role of art in religious expression and worship.
Religion and Science: The study of the interaction between religious beliefs and scientific discoveries.
Religious Education: The study of how religion is taught and passed down to future generations.
Women and Religion: The study of the role of women in religious organizations and the impact of religious beliefs on women.
Global Religion: The study of religion on a global scale, including its impact on culture, politics, and society.
Folk Religion: The study of the non-institutionalized aspects of religion, including traditional beliefs and practices.
Interfaith Dialogue: The study of the communication and cooperation between different religious groups.
Ecumenism: The study of the unity and cooperation between different branches of Christianity.
Eastern Religions: The study of religions originating in Eastern cultures, such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism.
Western Religions: The study of religions originating in Western cultures, such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Religious Law: The study of the legal systems within different religions.
Religion and Health: The study of the impact of religious beliefs and practices on physical and mental health.
Religious Tourism: The study of the cultural and economic impact of religious pilgrimage and tourism.
Christianity: A monotheistic religion that believes in one God and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Islam: A monotheistic religion that believes in the teachings and revelations of Allah as transmitted by the Prophet Muhammad.
Hinduism: A polytheistic religion that is based on the Vedas and focuses on the individual soul (atman) and the universal soul (Brahman).
Buddhism: A religion that focuses on the teachings of the Buddha and achieving enlightenment through meditation and non-attachment.
Judaism: A monotheistic religion that follows the teachings of the Torah and Talmund.
Taoism: A religion and philosophical system from China that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, a force that permeates the universe.
Sikhism: A monotheistic religion that combines aspects of Hinduism and Islam and is based on the teachings of Guru Nanak.
Shintoism: A religion from Japan that focuses on the worship of Kami, or gods or spiritual forces.
Confucianism: A philosophical system and religion from China that emphasizes ethical behavior, family values, and social harmony.
Jainism: A religion from India that emphasizes non-violence and achieving enlightenment through rigorous self-discipline.
Religious Ethics: Study of moral principles and values, including their role in religion and society.
Religious Literature: Study of religious texts, including their interpretation and analysis.
Rituals: Study of the importance and significance of religious rituals in different religions, including their importance to the followers of the religion.
Religious Institutions: Study of the organizational structure of different religions, including their doctrinal beliefs, leadership, and governance.
Contemporary Issues in Religion: Study of the contemporary challenges and controversies facing different religions, including issues related to gender, sexuality, and social justice.
Religious Traditions: Study of different religious traditions, including their history, beliefs, practices, and impact on society.
- "Although there is no scholarly consensus over what precisely constitutes a religion."
- "Religious practices may include rituals, sermons, commemoration or veneration (of deities or saints), sacrifices, festivals, feasts, trances, initiations, matrimonial and funerary services, meditation, prayer, music, art, dance, or public service."
- "Religions have sacred histories and narratives, which may be preserved in sacred texts, symbols, and holy places, that primarily aim to give life meaning."
- "Religions may contain symbolic tales that may attempt to explain the origin of life, the universe, and other phenomena; some followers believe these to be true stories."
- "Four religions—Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism—account for over 77% of the world's population."
- "92% of the world either follows one of those four religions or identifies as nonreligious."
- "The religiously unaffiliated demographic includes those who do not identify with any particular religion, atheists, and agnostics, although many in the demographic still have various religious beliefs."
- "A portion of the world's population, mostly located in Africa and Asia, are members of new religious movements."
- "The study of religion comprises a wide variety of academic disciplines, including theology, philosophy of religion, comparative religion, and social scientific studies."
- "Most definitively including the Abrahamic religions Christianity, Islam, and Judaism."
- "Nearly all of them have regionally based, relatively small followings."
- "Traditionally, both faith and reason have been considered sources of religious beliefs."
- "Scholars have indicated that global religiosity may be increasing due to religious countries having generally higher birth rates."
- "Both faith and reason have been considered sources of religious beliefs."
- "Religious practices may include rituals, commemorations or veneration (of deities or saints), sacrifices, festivals, feasts, trances, initiations, matrimonial and funerary services..."
- "Although there is an estimated 10,000 distinct religions worldwide, nearly all of them have regionally based, relatively small followings."
- "Religion is a range of social-cultural systems that generally relate humanity to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements."
- "Different religions may or may not contain various elements ranging from the divine, sacredness, faith, and a supernatural being or beings."
- "Religions have sacred histories and narratives, which may be preserved in sacred texts, symbols, and holy places."