Spiritual traditions throughout history have appeared as quickly as they have faded into oblivion. While most religions preach that their teachings have been around since the beginning of time, it is only a few ancient faiths that have stood the test of time. Today, a few of the oldest religions in the world are still in practice. Some of the major cultural traditions of Europe, the Middle East, India, and China have been independent over extended periods of time. Due to this, no single history of the study of religion exists.
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A Brief History Of The Origins Of Religion
Both in the ancient world and in the Middle Ages, approaches to religion were a result of attempts to criticize or defend particular systems. Further, it was aimed at interpreting religion in harmony with changes in knowledge. Religions became global as commercial and cultural interaction between people across large areas was shared. These religious systems were the foundations of cultural communication and moral expectation. Because of this, people were meeting, sharing ideas, and doing business with one another beyond specific geographies. People were quick to adapt to religion because it provided structure and meaning, the same kind that is offered when one is part of a tight-knit community. Religious texts and tenets were able to speak to large groups of people, offering them a new kind of meaning and helping them define a purpose for their lives.
What Are The Oldest Religions In The World?
What’s important to understand is that tracing the origin and emergence of religion can vary dramatically depending on the point of reference. Most of what we know about the oldest religions of the world today are based on suppositions, archaeological records, and other sources that are subject to debate. It is natural to be curious about the inception of religion as we know it, as well as which religions have shaped the human experience into what it is today. We’ve listed some of the oldest religions in the world based on common scholarly beliefs. Each faith has its own outlook on the human condition and each one has different practices. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are monotheistic. Hinduism provides space for the worship of numerous, powerful gods and goddesses. Buddhism and Daoism also permit the existence of multiple divine beings in various incarnations.
Here’s A List Of Oldest Religions In The World
1. Hinduism – Origin: Indus River Valley (Modern-Day Pakistan), 2300 to 1500 BCE
Hinduism is widely considered the world’s oldest religion that is still in practice. And going by this belief it can also be considered as the world’s first religion that is still practiced. This ancient religion does not have a particular founder or a single religious text. Instead, it combines many ancient traditions and beliefs. The Rig Veda is known to be the oldest scripture of Hinduism, dating back nearly 3,500 years. According to Hinduism, the four goals in an individual’s life include: Dharma: living a virtuous life, Kama: the pleasure of the senses, Artha: achieving wealth and success lawfully, Moksha: release from reincarnation.
Archaeologists have also discovered bull and cow motifs, considered sacred animals in Hinduism, dating back to around 7,000 BCE. This was during a time when an ancient civilization inhabited the area near the Indus River. It is speculated that the caste system existed even then. Millions of people around the world continue to practice the teachings of Hinduism, largely concentrated in India and the countries that surround it.
Important Sites: Varanasi, Haridwar, Ayodhya, Badrinath, Mathura
Also Read: See These Beautiful Hindu Temples From Around The World
2. Judaism – Origin: Southern Levant (Modern-Day Israel, Palestine, And Jordan), Circa 2,000 BCE
Judaism was officially founded by Moses, although Jewish history traces it back to Abraham, who is considered to be the ancestor of the Jewish people. Being one of the oldest religion in the world, Judaism has several sacred texts but the most important is the Torah, which is part of a larger text known as the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible. The most important teaching of Judaism is that there is only one God who wants people to do what is just and compassionate. Modern Judaism is divided into three main movements:
Reform Judaism: Followers retain their Jewish identity but take on a more liberal and relaxed approach to many beliefs and practices.
Orthodox Judaism: This is the most conservative and retains nearly all traditional practices and rituals.
Conservative Judaism: This lies in the middle and takes a moderate approach to Jewish practices.
Important Sites: Jerusalem, Hebron, Safed, Tiberias
3. Zoroastrianism – Origin: Ancient Persia (Modern-Day Iran), Circa 1,500 BC
Zoroastrianism was officially founded in the 6th Century BCE by the prophet and reformer Zoroaster. Archaeological evidence shows that the religion’s roots trace back to 1,200-1,500 BCE. Zoroastrians believe that there is only one God called Ahura Mazda. At one point in time, it was considered to be one of the most powerful religions in the world. Zoroastrianism was also the official religion of Persia from 600 BCE to 650 BCE. It shares many major concepts with religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Zoroastrianism is also dualistic focusing on a twofold nature of the world (good and evil or heaven and hell, for example).
Important Sites: City of Yazd, Abarkuh, Ahura Mazda
4. Jainism – Origin: India, Circa 600 BCE
Jainism is an ancient religion from India that emerged in the 6th Century BCE. It shares similar beliefs and traditions with Hinduism and Buddhism. Jainism does not have a single religious text that its believers refer to. Instead, adherents believe that the truth has been revealed at different times by Tirthankaras (prophets). These prophets have achieved the highest spiritual goal of existence. Followers of the religion believe that there have been 24 Tirthankaras so far. The last of these was Mahavira, who is considered the founder of Jainism.
Important Sites: Sammed Shikharji, Girnar, Deogarh, Pawapuri, Ranakpur
5. Buddhism – Origin: Indian Subcontinent (Modern-Day Nepal), 600 to 400 BCE
Buddhism traces its origins to one founder Siddhartha Gautama, who was allegedly a prince born in modern-day Nepal, 2,500 years ago. Siddhartha left behind his opulent life after witnessing human suffering for the first time ever. He contemplated the meaning of life and attained enlightenment and transformed into the Buddha, sitting beneath the Bodhi tree (the tree of awakening).
Ever since all followers of Buddhism practice his peaceful teachings and seek the path of enlightenment. The four noble truths of Buddhist teachings—Existence is suffering (dukhka); suffering has a cause namely craving and attachment (trishna); there is a possibility of cessation of suffering which is nirvana; there is a path to the cessation of suffering—are meant to start followers on their journey to ultimate release from the endless cycle of birth and death.
Important Sites: Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar
Book Now: Mikkyo Buddhism Spiritual Experience
6. Taoism – Origin: China, Circa 500 BCE
Also known as Daoisim, this ancient religion is primarily based on the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, a short book containing the teachings of Lao Tzu. It places great emphasis on spiritual harmony within the individual. There are two major schools of Taoism: Religious Taoism (Tao-chiao) which emphasises religious rituals aimed at attaining immortality; and philosophical Taoism (Tao-chia) which tends to focus on the writings of Lao Tzu. Prior to the Communist Revolution, Taoism was one of China’s strongest religions.
In popular culture, Taoism is best known for drawing on the idea of unity and opposites or Yin and Yang. The principle of Yin and Yang is that the world is filled with complementary forces of action and non-action, light and dark, hot and cold, etc. The aim is to create a balance between two opposing forces. This religion is practiced in China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe and America.
Important Sites: Mount Qingcheng, Wudang Mountain, Longhu Mountain, Qiyun Mountain
7. Confucianism – Origin: Northern China, Circa 500 BCE
Confucianism is recognized as a religion, but not practiced as a traditional, organized one. It gets its name from its founder Confucius (an Anglicization of his actual name K’ung-fu-tzu or Master K’ung). Confucius was interested in reviving the values and beliefs of the Zhou dynasty. Believers of Confucianism see it as a system of social and ethical philosophy. Over time, Confucianism has had a strong impact on the spiritual and political life of the Chinese people. Its influence has made its way to many parts of East Asia including Korea, Vietnam, and Japan.
Important Sites: Temples of Confucius Qufu and Beijing
8. Shintoism – Origin: Japan, Circa 700 BCE
Many believe that Shinto officially began only after Buddhism was introduced to Japan around the 6th Century BCE. However, archaeological records mention that Shinto’s roots date back to 700 BCE with some documents dating back even further. Many Buddhist elements are mixed into the Shinto faith and traditions. One of the guiding principles of the Shinto religion is the idea that everything possesses a spiritual essence or energy called ‘kami’. Mountains, rivers, places, animals, and people are said to have ‘kami’ within them.
The belief in the importance and beauty of nature is also integral to this religion. Shinto has no founder and no official sacred scriptures. The ruling aristocracy declared Shinto to be Japan’s state religion during the Meiji Period (1868 – 1912). Shinto and Buddhism continue to remain an intrinsic part of Japanese society and culture.
Important Sites: Nachi Falls, Ise Grand Shrine
9. Christianity – Origin: Judea, Middle East, 30 A.D.
Christianity is one of the oldest religions in the world which has birthed out of Judaism. It is formed and based around the life, death and teachings of a Jewish person called Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples. Just like in Judaism, Christianity is a monotheistic religion where they believe that there is only one God. The main teachings of Christianity are centered on loving everyone, having goodness, humility, self-control and faithfulness.
The sacred book of Christianity is called The Bible which is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament which is the first division of the Bible explains the creation of the World and about the Ten Commandments by God. The New Testament which is the second division of the Bible focuses more on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. With more than 2.4 billion people following Christianity, it is the most widely practiced organized religion in the world.
Important Sites: Jerusalem, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Capernaum
10. Islam – Origin: Middle East, 610 A.D.
Just like Judaism and Christianity, Islam is also monotheistic. The word Islam means “submission to the will of God.” They believe that Prophet Muhammad was sent by God to spread the teachings of their faith and share his divine word. The Quran, the most sacred text in the Islamic faith, is written as if Allah himself wrote it. The Five key Pillars of Islam such as Shahada – to declare one’s faith, Salah – to pray 5 times a day: in the morning, noon, afternoon, sunset and evening, Zakat – to give to and help those in need, Sawm – to take part in Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, Hajj – to embark on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once. With more than 1.9 billion people practicing Islam worldwide, it is the second-largest religion in the world.
Important Sites: Mecca & Medina
What Does Exploring Some Of The Oldest Religions In The World Reveal?
It is always an incredibly fascinating journey to understand how religion has evolved over the years and what it has morphed into in today’s modern times. Religion has been a driving factor in the lives of many individuals and has a major impact on worldviews and the way they choose to lead their lives. Understanding the oldest religion in the world helps us see what ideas and beliefs we have chosen to discard and what we have considered worthy enough to keep around.
Suggested Reads: What Is Religious Tourism And What Are The Challenges It Is Facing?
As time progressed, the nature of religion began to be questioned alongside the growth of various disciplines like sociology and psychology during the 19th century. These fields offered a more analytical approach to religion while theology became more sophisticated, basing itself on science. This promoted an interdisciplinary study of religion and its origin, working to understand the inception of religion and how people are driven by it.
FAQs On Oldest Religions In The World
According to most scholars, Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion with roots dating back to almost 4,000 years.
Sikhism is relatively the youngest of the major world religions. It was founded by Guru Nanak between the 15th-17th century sub-continental India. Guru Nanak being a rebel during his time, rejected the faiths presented to him and started preaching his own.
According to a study done by the nonpartisan wealth research firm, Christians with 55% of the total world wealth hold the largest amount of wealth followed by Muslims with 6.5%, Hindus with 3.9%, and Jews with 1.7%. The remaining 32.9% are held by the other religions.
