Key phrases and key facts

HINDUISM

583,000,000: largely in India, Ceylon and Indonesia: An infinite variety of expression, beliefs, practices: Absorbs new religions underlying the variety, the belief that Brahman is the only Reality: all else is illusion, "Maya": sees life as a seemingly endless series of incarnations towards that realization.

BUDDHISM: HINAYANA

60,000,000: largely in Korea, Vietnam and Thailand. An austere and difficult religion, spurning metaphysical speculation, promising only a way to escape from illusion and, therefore, from desire and pain. No simple or supernatural answers: you must be your own Buddha.

BUDDHISM: MAHAYANA

214,000,000: largely in China, Tibet and Japan. a simpler and more popular form of Buddhism, available to ordinary people, which combines Buddhist principles with deities and practices of other religions. Ideal is the Bodhisattva, the wise - saviour who helps others; trust them, be like them.

TAOISM

20,000,000: China.  A very simple and austere religion, stressing life that is natural, totally passive; few who call themselves Taoist really grasp its subtleties.

CONFUCIANISM

400,000,000: China; many Chinese Bhuddists also consider themselves Confucians. For almost 2,000 years was the "state religion" of China.  It has little concern with metaphysics, seeking to give practical solutions; stresses wisdom, culture, propriety and courtesy.

JUDAISM

17,000,000: throughout the Western world, in some ways responsible for Western civilization since its approach has largely influenced Islam and Christianity; believes in one God who is the Father of all: All mankind is God's family. Believes that God has chosen the Jewish people to reveal to all humankind His will. Stresses a complex system of laws: its beliefs are simple and straightforward; its laws are demanding in every area of life; does not seek converts.

ISLAM

723,000,000: world's fastest growing religion, found throughout the world, but especially among the Arab peoples; has simple beliefs and simple commandments; sees itself as the only true religion; believes that Judaism and Christianity once had truth but lost it. Eager to spread its faith to all humankind. Two major branches: Sunni and Shi'ites: Sunni much more tolerant and reasonable.

CHRISTIANITY: ORTHODOX

132,000,000: largely in Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, Ethiopia; was once the established "state religion" -- and still sees itself in those tems, registering births, certifying deaths, and etc. Beliefs are stated in the Nicean Creed; stresses liturgy, icons, the sacraments, loyalty to both church and state.

CHRISTIANITY: ROMAN CATHOLIC

808,000,000: Largely in Southwestern Europe, Central and South America (350,000,000 in South America); elsewhere in all parts of the world; many in North America; in most areas was once the state religion; sees itself as the only true Church; beliefs are stated in the Nicean Creed; has elaborated on those beliefs and developed many further doctrines. Stresses the importance of the church institution, the primacy of the papacy, the grace that is in the sacraments.

CHRISTIANITY: PROTESTANTISM

344,000,000: largely in Northwestern Europe and North America; found elsewhere throughout the world; divided in four groups: Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed and Free: each of these (especially Free) split into bewildering array of denominations (33,000 +); sees itself as a return to the Biblical Christianity of the New Testament, a "purification" of the beliefs developed by the Mediaeval Church. Stresses salvation by faith (not good works), devotion to God alone, equality of all.