World Religions
Welcome to the World Religions pages. We hope the information contained in these pages helps to serve as an introduction to some of the many religions and spiritual traditions in the world.
There is special information and activities contained within
for teachers.
Teachers please
visit our Activities section.
What is religion? What is a spiritual
tradition?
Religion is all or some of the attributes described below. Religion is
different for different people and cultures. Some religion is so much a part
of the culture of a given people that it is not so much a formal religion,
but simply the spiritual aspects of that culture or group - the spiritual
traditions which help define it. This is especially true of the indigenous
traditions of a geographical area.
a way of explaining the mysteries of life
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how the world was created
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why it was created
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why there is life and death
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what happens when people die
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why there is suffering
a way of explaining a supreme power or
absolute power, whether impersonal or personal, nameable or not
a way of explaining who or what created the world and all the living beings
a way of describing a dimension beyond the physical world -- the spiritual
world
a way of explaining how to lead a good life on Earth and in an afterlife
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these codes of behavior are often written in sacred documents or passed down through oral tradition
a way of worshiping the creator(s) or spiritual beings who are believed to have power over the world and people's lives and/or a way of paying respects and drawing inspiration from spiritual leaders
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worship often includes prayers of thanks, prayers of hopes, prayers of supplication
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people often worship a god or gods
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worship often happens in sacred places and spaces
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worship often includes ceremonies and rituals conducted by spiritual guides
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worship often involves sacred objects and images A way of joining with others as a spiritual community
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religions and other spiritual traditions often celebrate festivals or holy days and have special calendars that mark the important historical events in the evolution of the religion
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religions and spiritual traditions include both private and public worship and practice
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some spiritual practices do not involve worshipping a god or gods but are introspective and draw on the practitioner's own ability to be responsible for his/her spiritual path
