Started around : 1500 BC Believers : Almost 1 billion (About 1.4 million in US) Popular in : South Asia (mostly India) House of worship : mandir Religious leaders : Brahmins, gurus pandits, swamis Religious text : The Vedas

Holy sites: Sapta Puri (Seven holy cities), Brihadeeswara Temple, Ganges River Holidays: Diwali, Dassehra, Holi Sacred symbols: Om

There is only one divine principle; the many gods (thousands of them) are only aspects of that unity. Life in all its forms is an aspect of the divine. The meaningless cycle of birth and rebirth (reincarnation) is determined by the purity of impurity of past deeds (karma). To improve one’s karma by pure acts and deeds is the aim of all Hindus.

Started around: 525 BC Believers: About 450 million (About 3 million in US) Popular in: Southern and Eastern Asia House of worship: Temple Religious leaders: Monks, Lamas Religious text: The Tripitaka

Holy sites: Bodh Gaya (Where Buddha attained enlightenment), Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal Holidays: Vesakha (Buddha’s birthday), Dhamma Day, Uposatha Sacred symbols: Dharmachakra

Life is suffering, and there is no ultimate reality behind it. The cycle of birth and rebirth (reincarnation) continues because of someone’s desire and attachment to their unreal self. Meditation (time spent in quiet thought) and good deeds will end this cycle and achieve nirvana (enlightenment).

Started around: BC Believers: 450 million Popular in: China, Chinese communities in other countries House of worship: Miao (temple) Religious leaders: Laozi Religious text: The Laozi, others

Holy sites: Mount Tai & Dia Miao temple, Temple of Heaven Holidays: New Year Festival, Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon Festival Sacred symbols: Taijitu (Ying-Yang)

More a philsophy (a way of thinking) than a religion, Taoists believe in following the “Tao” or “The Way” – this is described as the right path one must follow in life in harmony with the natural harmony of the world. This includes the characteristics of compassion, moderation, and humility. Associated with Taoism, Chinese folk religions include worship of a multitude of gods and spirits, physical features, and one’s ancestors.

Started around: 2000 BC Believers: About 15 million ( About 7 million in US) Popular in: Israel, United States House of worship: Synagogue Religious leaders: Rabbi Religious text: The Torah

Holy sites: Jerusalem, the Western (or Wailing) Wall Holidays: Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Passover Sacred symbols: Star of David

There is only one God, and He is the creator and ruler of the universe. The Jewish people believe they have a special relationship/agreement with God (covenant): by obeying a divine law God gave them, they would be special witnesses to His mercy and justice. The Jewish people are awaiting their messiah (a savior or liberator of people).

Started around: 1 st Century AD Believers: About 2.2 billion (250 million in US) Popular in: Europe, North and South America, Southern Africa House of worship: Church, Cathedral Religious leaders: Priests, ministers, bishops Religious text: The Bible

Holy sites: Church of the Nativity, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, St. Peter’s Basilica, many others Holidays: Easter, Christmas, Good Friday, Saint feast days (depending on branch) Sacred symbols: Cross

Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine (of, or like, a God) and fully human and the savior of humanity (and therefore referred to as “Christ”). Jesus' ministry, sacrificial death, and subsequent resurrection (rising from the dead) are often referred to as the Gospel. Christians believe in God the Father's eternal victory over evil, and the promise of salvation and eternal life for all people.

Started around: 600s AD Believers: About 1.6 billion (2.6 million in US) Popular in: North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia House of worship: Mosque Religious leaders: Mullah, Imam Religious text: The Quran

Holy sites: Mecca, Medina, Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem Holidays: Eid Al-Fitr, Ramadan, Eid Al-Adha Sacred symbols: Star and Crescent

There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger. It recognizes previous Jewish and Christian holy messengers (prophets), but Muhammad was the final one. Muslims follow the “Five Pillars” of Islam: Stating one’s faith (the top sentence), praying 5 times each day, giving money to the poor, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and making a pilgrimage (religious journey) to Mecca (hajj).

Jainism – About 5 million followers, mostly in India Sikhism – About 30 million followers, mostly in India

Baha’iism – About 6 million followers worldwide Shintoism – About 5 million, mostly in Japan

No religion – 1.1 billion worldwide Tribal religions – Perhaps 100 million, on most continents