Table of Contents
Introduction

Understanding Religion: Definition and Purpose

Major World Religions

Christianity

Islam

Hinduism

Buddhism

Judaism

Sikhism

Jainism

Taoism

Confucianism

Shinto

Indigenous Religions

New Religious Movements

Comparative Analysis of Religions

Religion and Society: Influence on Culture, Politics, and Ethics

Challenges and Controversies in Religion

The Future of Religion in a Globalized World

Conclusion

1. Introduction
Religion has been an integral part of human society for thousands of years, influencing cultures, laws, and individual identities. It gives meaning to existence, provides morality, and promotes unity among people. This article investigates the world's major religions, their beliefs, rituals, and influence on society.

2. Understanding Religion: Definition and Purpose
Religion is an organized set of beliefs, practices, and worship, commonly based upon a higher power or divine presence. Its functions include:

Describing the universe and human life

Giving moral and ethical standards

Forming social bonding and identification

Bringing comfort during suffering

3. World's Major Religions
A. Christianity
Founder: Jesus Christ (1st century CE)

Sacred Book: The Bible (Old and New Testaments)

Central Beliefs:

Monotheistic belief in the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)

Salvation by faith in Jesus Christ

Resurrection and eternal life

Main Branches: Catholicism, Protestantism, Eastern Orthodoxy

Practices: Baptism, Eucharist, prayer, church services

B. Islam
Founder: Prophet Muhammad (7th century CE)

Sacred Text: The Quran

Main Beliefs:

Five Pillars of Islam (Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, Pilgrimage)

Submission to Allah (God)

Judgment Day and afterlife

Main Branches: Sunni (85%), Shia (15%)

Practices: Salah (prayer 5 times a day), Ramadan fasting, Hajj

C. Hinduism
Origins: Indus Valley Civilization (~2000 BCE)

Sacred Texts: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita

Main Beliefs:

Dharma (obligation), Karma (action), Samsara (rebirth)

Moksha (salvation from the cycle of birth and death)

Worship of more than one god (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva)

Practices: Puja, yoga, meditation, festivals (Diwali, Holi)

D. Buddhism
Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha, 6th century BCE)

Sacred Texts: Tripitaka, Sutras

Core Beliefs:
Four Noble Truths (pain, cause, ending, path)

Eightfold Path (right view, intention, speech, etc.)

Nirvana (salvation from pain)

Major Branches: Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana

Practices: Meditation, mindfulness, monastic life

(To be continued in next section.)

4. Comparative Analysis of Religions
Religion\tConcept of God\tAfterlife Belief\tKey Moral Teachings
Christianity\tOne God (Trinity)\tHeaven/Hell\tLove, forgiveness
Islam\tOne God (Allah)\tParadise/Jahannam\tJustice, charity
Hinduism\tMultiple deities\tReincarnation\tDharma, non-violence
Buddhism\tNo creator god\tRebirth/Nirvana\tCompassion, wisdom
5. Religion and Society
Positive Impacts: Charity, education, art, and architecture (e.g., cathedrals, temples).

Negative Aspects: Religious conflicts, discrimination, extremism.

Religion in Politics: Influence on laws (e.g., blasphemy laws, abortion debates).

6. Challenges and Controversies
Secularism vs. Religious Influence

Science vs. Religion (Evolution, Big Bang)

Religious Extremism and Terrorism

7. The Future of Religion
Decline in organized religion in the West

Spirituality without affiliation

Emergence of spirituality without affiliation

Interfaith movements and world harmony

8. Conclusion
Religion is still a strong force in human life, providing meaning, community, and ethical guidance. Although differences exist, understanding and respect between faiths can lead to world peace.

"The essence of all religions is one. Only their approaches are different." – Mahatma Gandhi