essentials
of 18 more
religions
& beliefs
ESSENTIALS OF
18 MORE RELIGIONS
& BELIEFS
This book is a really useful guide to 18 religions and
beliefs. Although we come across these we may not
be quite sure exactly what their followers believe,
how they live and what is important to them.
How much do you know about these?
The following are included:
Agnosticism,
Atheism,
Freethinkers,
Secularism,
Rationalism, Postmodernism, Confucianism, Paganism,
The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Jehovah’s
Witnesses, Mormons - The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints, Satanism, Scientology, Humanism,
Universal Unitarians, Shinto, Taoism Zoroastrianism.
Agnosticism
An agnostic is someone who doubts
the existence of any God or Gods. It is
someone who thinks that it is impossible
to prove or disprove the existence of any
spirit or God(s). An agnostic has reserved
judgement on this matter and believes that
there is no sufficient evidence to support or
deny such beings. Some agnostics believe
that it is impossible for humans to ever know.
Atheism
Atheism is the absence of belief in the
existence of a God or Gods. Atheism
can also be seen as having two polar
distinctions – “weak atheism” and “strong
atheism”. Weak atheism describes
someone who is simply sceptical and holds
a disbelief in God. A strong atheist can
be qualified as someone who holds an
explicit belief that there is no God or Gods.
Freethinkers
A freethinker is one someone who thinks freely
and is prepared to consider any possibility.
A freethinker believes in determining which
ideas are right or wrong through reason
according to a consistent set of rules.
Secularism
The word secular means “of this world”
in Latin and it is the opposite of religious.
Secularism is a philosophy which forms its
ethics without reference to religious dogmas
and which believes in the promotion of the
development of human art and science.
Rationalism
Rationalists believe that the source of
knowledge is reason and logic. Rationalists
believe in a naturalistic alternative to the
appeals of religious accounts of human
nature and conduct. Rationalists believe
that significant knowledge of the world
can best be achieved by reason alone.
Postmordernism
Modernism is defined by the idea that
humans and society can be perfected
through the proper use of science, reason
and democratic values. Postmodernism
rejects this premise and believes that science
and reason are not tools which transcend
culture or politics. Postmodernist believe
that science and reason are tools which
are used by people to exercise political
and cultural domination over other groups.
Confucianism
Confucianism was established over 2,500
years ago. It is still alive today and represents
a very diverse mix of interpretation
which is deeply linked to centuries
of Chinese Historical development.
Confucius (or, K’ung Fu-tse, meaning
“Master K’ung”) the founder of
Confucianism, was born in 551 B.C.E.
He was an official of the state of Lu (now
known as Shangtung). He eventually left
his government position to pursue the
development of his philosophy further.
His primary interest was in politics and
ethics rather than religion. He preached
good behaviour and harmonious social
interaction which was underpinned
by
personal
moral
development
and adherence to proper action.
He has been called one of the most
influential thinkers in human history.
Philosophy
Confucius purported that if people
aim to be courteous; practice correct
treatment of others and etiquette; offer
others reverence, and practice human
benevolence within each of the 5 human
relationships (outlined below) harmony
will exist on every level of society.
Confucius identified five human and
ethical interactions which may be seen as
part of the foundation of the philosophy.
These “relationships” depend heavily
on the concept of Jen (the compassion
and
humanity
which
arises
from
genuine love) and on the concept of Li
(correct ritualistic and etiquette-based
behaviour between individuals). The
relationships outlined by Confucius were:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Parent and child
Ruler and minister
Government officials
Husband and wife
Older sibling and young sibling
Friend and friend
When Confucius died, his philosophy
developed into two branches. One, lead
by a man called Mencius, held the basic
tenet that human intention is inherently
good and should act as a guide in making
choices and in action. The other school of
thought was lead by a man called Hsuntzu who believed that people are born
with inherently evil natures and require
ritual in order to cultivate true virtue.
Confucianism is still strong today and has
been reinvigorated by a man called Hsiung
Shih-li (1885-1968). Hsiung Shih-li was
alive during the collapse of the Chinese
monarchy (the early decades of the 20th
century C.E.), a time in which Confucianism
was regarded as decadent and reactionary.
Hsiung Shih-li may be viewed as the
inspiration for “New Confucianism”. This
movement strived to make the Confucianist
tradition a model for the development of a
harmonious and tolerant world civilization.
Confucian Texts
During his lifetime, Confucius identified
the Five Classic (Wu Jing) books (which
were produced before his time) as
important writings. The Five Classics were:
•
•
•
•
•
The Book of Changes (I Ching)
The Book of History (Shuh Ching)
The Book of Poetry (Shih Ching)
The Book of Rites (Lu Chi)
Spring and Autumn Annals (Ch’un Chi)
The Four Books (Shi Shu) are another group
of books which Confucians would regard
as important. They incorporate the works
Confucius and his followers. They are looked
upon by many as the fundamental teachings
of Confucianism. The Four Books are:
•
•
•
•
Analects (Lu Yu)
The Great Learning (Ta Hsueh)
The Doctrine of the Mean (Chung Yung)
The Book of Mencius (Meng-tzu)
Confucianism Quotes:
Paganism
“All things are within me, and on
self-examination, I find no greater joy
than to be true to myself. We should
do our best to treat others as we wish to
be treated. Nothing is more important
than to seek after goodness.”
(Meng-tzu)
The cycles of the sun and moon were
integral to most pagan religions. The
cycles of the year hold importance for
all pagan religions, seasonal and nature
observance form a very important part of
the neo-pagan/pagan movement. Among
the celebrations or observances that most
members of this community observe are:
“Be not ashamed of mistakes and
thus make them crimes. “
“Everything has its beauty but not
everyone sees it. “
“Forget injuries, never forget
kindnesses. “
“He who will not economize will
have to agonize. “
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember.
I do and I understand. “
“Ignorance is the night of the mind,
but a night without moon and star. “
“It does not matter how slowly you
go so long as you do not stop. “
“Men’s natures are alike, it is their
habits that carry them far apart. “
“Respect yourself and others will
respect you. “
“Study the past if you would
define the future. “
• The Winter Solstice (the shortest day of
the year in the Northern Hemisphere).
The emphasis is on renewal and rebirth
out of darkness.
• Imbolc (a “cross-quarter holiday”). This
is also known by some pagans/neopagans a Brigid. It falls between the
winter solstice and the spring equinox.
A celebration of the increasing light.
• The Spring Equinox. One of the two
points of the year where the day and
night are in balance. The celebration
of the awakening of plants and
animals and fertility are integral to this
observance.
• Beltane. (a “cross-quarter holiday”). The
midpoint between spring and summer.
The time of the Mother Earth flowering.
The occasion for the Maypole dance.
• The Summer Solstice. The longest day
of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
A time to make commitments to loved
ones and to cultivate healthy self-love.
• Lammas (a “cross-quarter holiday”). The
midpoint between summer and autumn.
A time to honour mother earth.
• The Fall Equinox. Regarded as the most
powerful night of the year.
• Samhain (Hallowmas). Marks the neopagan new year.
Actual dates can vary slightly from year to
year for some of these observances.
Some of the most popular pagan
movements are:
vast array of myths and legends which
incorporate all beings. There are many
rituals and forms of magic in Asatru. There
are six major festivals in Asatru:
• Asatru
• Druidic
• Wiccans
• Yule (Mother Night). This begins on the
20th December at sunset.
• The Charming of the Plow (February 1st)
• Eostre (the Spring Equinox)
• Valpurgis (the beginning of Summer)
• Midsummer (21st June)
• Loaf-Feast. A Harvest Festival on the 1st
of August
• Winter Nights (around the Autumnal
Equinox)
Asatru
Asatru is also known as Odinism and is
an ancient Norse religion. Asatru (from
the Icelandic language meaning “true
to Asa”), believes that each person
is dependant on others and that it is
only through working together that
true harmony can be achieved. It is a
religion or belief system that believes
in contribution by the individual to the
greater good.
The Gods (or Asa) are known as the Aesir
and the Vanir. The Aesir are primarily
warrior gods and are generally speaking
the “higher gods”; while the Vanir are
largely fertility gods. Asatru believe that
there are “nine worlds” held together and
reached by the yggdrassil (world tree).
These worlds are the realms of the Gods,
humans, light elves, dark elves, dwarves,
giants and others.
Asatru believe in Nine Nobel Virtues:
• Courage
• Truth
• Honor
• Fidelity
• Discipline
• Hospitality
• Industriousness
• Self-Reliance
• Perseverance
Integral to the religion are a large and
Druids
Druids were ancient priest in a naturebased religion indigenous to Celtic Britain
and other European regions. The actual
term Druid means “oak knowledge”.
Documented evidence (mostly from the
Romans) of the activities of this group
go back to the third century B.C.E. Julius
Ceasar noted that the Druids in Gaul
formed a federation that crossed tribal
boundaries (it seems that this same system
existed in Britain). The Druids met annually
and had great influence over political and
social matters for their areas. The Druids
were well respected and revered members
of their communities.
The actual term Druid, does not refer to
a cleric or religious person. The actual
term refers to an elite class of respected
Celtic officiates who were part of a
powerful network which was based on
common practice and outlook. It has
been discovered that Druids performed
the same tasks for their communities that
a modern day scholar, judge, teacher or
clergy member still performs today.
The Druids also took part in divination
and nature focused worship. There is not
definitive Druidic text. The Druidic culture
was suppressed by ruling nations and lead
to a necessity to keep the practices alive
through myths, historical heroic stories
and songs. The Druid practices of today
still use mythology and heroic stories in
their practice.
Some of the basic beliefs
of the modern-day
Druid are:
• A belief in a multiplicity of Gods and
Goddesses.
• The requirement of respect and love for
Nature
• A love for humanity and a belief that it is
important to help fellow human beings.
• An importance is placed on celebrating
the solar, lunar and other life cycles
present in nature.
Historical Druid worship practices seem
to have included a wide variety of nature
gods. Services took place near lakes
and rivers and in tree groves. Oaks and
mistletoe are regarded as sacred plants.
In modern times, Druids can be varied
and diverse in their beliefs and practices.
There are 8 major Druidic festivals and
observances, 4 correspond to the solar cycle
and 4 correspond to the lunar cycle. The
festivals mark the seasonal equinoxes and
traditional harvest/planting times. The most
well know Druidic celebration takes place
at Stonehenge during the summer solstice.
Wicca
Wicca, or witchcraft, is another earth
religion. It is a religion which honours
many Gods and Goddesses and which is
mindful of the natural cycles in the world.
There is not particular series or precepts
to which a Wicca practitioner must adhere.
In addition to the holidays outlined in the
pagan/neo-pagan section, Wiccans also
observe the Full Moon (there are 13 in the
current calendar year).
There is no sacred text for the Wiccan
follower, however, they do all tend to follow
what is known as the “Wiccan Rede”,
which states “An Ye harm None, Do what
thou wilt”. Harm is defined as anything
which works against an individuals free
will, takes away from another, or harms an
individual mentally, physically or spriturally.
In addition to the “Wiccan Rede”, Wiccans
ethical duties are defined in the Law of
Three. Simply put, the Law of Three states
that the actions and even the thoughts
of an individual are visited back to the
individual at least three fold the intensity of
the original. Wicca’s teach self-discipline,
personal responsibility, kinship with the
planted and all living beings, openmindedness and the virtues of diversity.
There is no specified place of worship
for Wicca followers because of the belief
that all of the earth is sacred. Worship or
witchcraft may be practiced in whatever
location the individual desires. Most rituals
are performed in a ritual space marked
out by a circle. Many Wicca’s liken their
rituals more to meditation than to any sort
of spell-casting. The teachings of Wicca
encourage working in harmony with the
natural elements of Earth, Water, Air, and
Fire. The purpose of most ceremonies is to
promote the inner spirit of the individual.
Actual
ceremonial
practices
and
witchcraft
rituals
vary
widely.
The Religious
Society of
Friends
(Quakers)
Quakers
are
another
Christian
denomination and are best known for
their pacifist principles and their silent and
spontaneous worship. Founded by George
Fox in the 17th century CE. Friends believe
that there is a Divine Light present in every
person and in their worship they wait for
the Holy Spirit to prompt them to speak
or read or say a prayer. The movement
has no leadership locally or centrally but
staff are employed to carry out social
service or peacemaking work. Quakers
do not practice either baptism or Holy
Communion. Quakers are also pacifists.
Jehovah’s
Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians who
accept the Bible as factually true in every
detail and they believe that the coming
of God’s Kingdom will be after the battle
of Armageddon. Armageddon is believed
to be imminent once the battle has been
finished Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that
there will be a thousand year reign of
Christ on earth. Unlike most other Christian
denominations, they do not celebrate
Christmas, Easter, birthdays or any other
holidays (except for one celebration at
Passover which is the memorial of Christ’s
death). They also believe that they own
no allegiance to any person, flag, or
nation. They believe that they only owe
allegiance to Jehovah (God). People of
this faith will not serve in the military.
Mormons
The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Mormons are Christians who accept the
divine revelation of the Christian Bible but
they differ remarkably from the doctrines
accepted by most other Christian groups.
The tradition of this church is that an angel
dictated a new and contemporary revelation
the Book of Mormon to the American
founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith.
Mormons believe that God Jesus Christ
and the Holy Ghosts are separate beings.
They also believe that times in which we are
living is just before the Second Coming of
Christ and that the spreading of their gospel
through missionary work is very important.
Satanism
Religious Satanism is comprised of many
different groups and dogmas. The majority
of these Satanists belong to groups like
the Church of Satan, this group does not
believe in the existence of Satan as a deity.
One characteristic of Satanism is the
belief in individual self-determinism
and the idea of Satan serves more as a
symbol of individual liberty and freedom.
In addition, most Satanists believe that
Christianity is flawed, that there is no
absolute morality, and that individuals
are solely responsible for their actions.
A very small number of Satanists worship
Satan as a God, this form of Satanism
is called “Luciferian” Satanism. These
believers worship Lucifer and look upon
him as a liberator who frees his worshipers
from oppression. He is not particularly seen
as an enemy of God. Some members of this
group believe that Lucifer was banished by
the Christian God because he saw flaws
in creation and traced the responsibility
of these flaws back to the creator.
Scientology
Scientology was founded by an American
called L. Ron Hubbard in 1950. The
religion rejects the idea that man is
simply a higher animal and does not
believe that modern materialism is
a positive force. In fact, Scientology
sees materialism as a destructive force.
Thetan is the term used to describe a
persons inner spirit, this spirit is not a
separate part of the person. Scientologist
believe that a person is made up of three
elements – Theta, mind and body – and that
any person can be helped to take control
of themselves though using this “applied
religious philosophy”. Scientology teaches
that the human mind has two parts, an
analytical part and a reactive part. The
reactive part of the mind records everything
the individual experiences, one of the
goals of Scientologists is to neutralise the
activity of the reactive mind so that the
individual may gain better personal control.
Humanism
Humanism is an outlook of goodwill and
reason toward fellow man. Humanist do
not accept a belief in God or any Divine
plan for humanity. Freedom and tolerance
to all are basic Humanist beliefs, a person
of this philosophy believes in respect for all
people regardless of race, class or creed.
Humanist believe in having faith in man’s
intellect and sprit and view the highest
good as any action that serves the best for
mankind. Humanism’s main focus is a sense
of morality and they believe very strongly
in every individual’s freedom of choice.
Universal
Unitarians
Universal
Unitarians
believe
that
individuals should be allowed to pursue
religious truth according to their own
conscience. The membership of this
movement can be widely varied – from
atheist to Catholics, Pagans and Jews.
Universal Unitarians believe that there are
certain fundamental beliefs concerning
religion and how life should be lived.
A few of their beliefs are: that everyone
is of equal value; that justice equality and
compassion should also be paramount
in human relations; that the goal of the
world community is for peace liberty and
justice for all; and finally; that they hold
respect for the interdependent web of
all existence of which humanity is a part.
Shinto
Shinto is a nature focused religion of Japan,
the origins of this belief system are unknown,
it dates back to prehistory. . Shinto stresses
the harmony of natural beauty and the
appreciation of perceived reality. Today’s
Shinto practitioners place a great emphasis
on tradition and ceremonial custom, rather
than on religious or metaphysical doctrines.
Shinto has many rituals which are performed
to celebrate purity, clarity and contact with
the diverse forces of nature. Traditionally, the
rituals were closely linked with the seasons.
Beliefs
Kami is a term that is central to Shinto
beliefs. Kami the word used to describe
something that possesses a power that
the individual believer does not. This
Kami can be present in anything. People,
animals, spirits and inanimate objects may
possess Kami.
Fundamental beliefs in Shinto are called
affirmations. There are four Affirmations
for the Shinto follower, they are:
• There is a large importance placed on
the central family unit. Major life events
are revered as well (for example birth
and marriage).
• A closeness to nature.
• Physical cleanliness.
• Matsuri – festivals to honour individual
or group Kami.
A few additional, notable aspects of
Shinto beliefs are:
• There is no written scripture for the
Shinto believer
• There is no “founder” of the movement.
• It is permissible to practice another
religion/philosophy along side Shinto.
• There are no rigid dogmas (moral
codes)
• There is no strict formal doctrine or
body of religious law.
Shinto beliefs do not hold that there
is one Supreme Being, however,
there is an emphasis placed on the
sun goddess Amaterasu. The Shinto
belief is that the Japanese Emperor
is a direct descendant of Amaterasu.
Historically,
Shinto
has
been
practiced by some Japanese people
in
conjunction
with
Buddhism.
Worship
Shinto shrines are made of wood and
usually near a sacred tree and flowing
water. When a visitor enters the shrine,
he/she is regarded as having left the world
of finite things and entered the world of
the infinite and immeasurable. The shrine
is the place where the powerful Kami may
be called upon for the purpose of the
ceremony to be performed. Each shrine
would be dedicated to a particular Kami.
Most Shinto homes would have a Kami-dana,
a shelf in the home with a small depiction of
the holy central section of a real-life shrine.
There will also be a small mirror in its centre
to allow Kami a way to enter and exit.
Matsuri (festivals) are another way in which
Shinto followers practice their beliefs. There
are several types of Shinto matsuri in Japan:
matsuri of supplication to the gods(for
a successful harvest), there are some for
thanksgiving., and others festivals to drive
away pestilence and natural disasters.
There are somber matsuri and lively
occasions
featuring
games
and
entertainment. Some matsuri are performed
in a very traditional way and some have been
considerably adapted to modern times
There are two major purposes of matsuri.
The first is communion between gods and
people. This comprises purificatory rites,
offerings and communal banquets between
gods and humans. The second aspect of
matsuri is communion among people.
There are many Matsuri during the
year, often they coincide with important
seasonal changes and agricultural tasks.
Taoism
Texts
Tao’s literal translation is “path” or “way”.
Some have attempted to describe the Tao as
“the way the universe works” – the changing
from night to day, growth and decline – are
all effortless aspects of the cycles of life.
A few of the beliefs held by Taoist are:
This ancient Chinese religious and
philosophical system originated from
the Tao Te Ching, written by the Chinese
philosopher, Lae-Tzu (d. approximately 520
B.C.E.) this text still remains central to the
Taoist philosophy. However, some scholars
believe that the Tao Te Ching is, in fact,
a compilation of many ancient sources
and not solely the work of one man.
• Submission, flexibility and profound awareness of the natural order are
essential.
• A rejection of calculated restless, goal
oriented efforts.
• A belief that the Tao manifests itself
everywhere.
• A trust in the benefits of effortless,
spontaneous action in accordance with
the requirements of the time.
• An understanding that the Tao is
eternally new, creative and beyond any
literal expression.
In Taoist philosophy there is an emphasis
on the importance of balance in all things
The fundamental precept of Taoism
could be said to reflect the principle of
action based on the natural world. A
Taoist believes that the individual should
seek the truth by adapting a patient,
accepting view on natural patterns
and influences worthy of emulation.
Taoism elevates the principles of noncontrol and non-interference. The goal
of a Taoist is to attain complete simplicity
through prolonged observation and
mediation. This simplicity should also be
combined with a profound faith in the
natural process and transcend any restless
struggling or desire. To pursue the Tao,
one must seek to live in complete harmony
with the patterns of nature. The goal is
to live openly and in touch with nature.
The Tao Te Ching is one of the shortest
primary religious texts in the world
(there are just under 5,000 words). The
Tao Te Ching is also recognised by
Confucianism as an important text.
Another Chinese philosopher responsible
for some of the Taoist foundations is ChuangTzu (c. 369 – 286 B.C.E.), he wrote collections
of satirical parables and allegories which
are meant to illustrate the relative nature of
all “rational” processes and assumptions.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is the first recorded
monotheistic religion of the world.
The date of it’s founding is not certain,
but scholars generally agree that it
began between 2000 and 1800 BCE.
The founder of Zoroastrianism was a
man called Zarathustra (or Zoroaster
as called by the Greeks). It is said that
Zarathustra saw the God (Ahura Mazda
(the wise Lord)). It is believed that
during this encounter Zarathustra feld
conscious of His presence and heard His
words, words which are recorded in the
five songs or poems he subsequently
composed. These songs or poems are
called “Gathas”, which forms part of the
Zoroastrian sacred text called the Avesta.
Beliefs
The beliefs of Zoroastrians include:
• A belief in a single supreme God,
Ahura Mazda.
• A belief in Asha, a form of righteous
natural law.
• A belief that a Saoshyant (saviour) will
be born of a virgin, the saviour will be
from the lineage of Zarathustra. This
saviour will raise the dead and pass final
judgment on everyone.
One school of thought in the religion
believes that there is a cosmic dualism
between: Ahura Mazda (the Supreme
Being) and an evil spirit of violence and
death called Angra Mainyu. This cosmic
conflict involves the entire universe and
humanity is required to choose which to
follow. It is believed that evil and Angra
Mainyu will be destroyed at the end of
time and Goodness will be universal.
Another school of thought within
Zoroastrianism believes that the battle
between good and evil as an ethical
dualism within human consciousness. The
symbol for Zoroastrianism is the Faravahar
which represents the spirit of human beings.
Zoroastrian Practices
Ceremonies are performed in front of a
sacred fire (fire is the symbol of Ahura
Mazda. Worship is comprised of prayers
and symbolic ceremonies.
There are
7 major
Zoroastrian
Holy Days:
Maidhyoizaremaya
(April/May)
Maidhyoishema
(June/July)
Paitshahya
(September)
Ayathrima
(October)
Maidhyairya
(January)
Hamaspathmaedaya,
Muktad
(March)
NoRoz
(March)
other books available
the full catalogue of ebooks available at www.diversiton.com
here are just some of our most popular titles…
Essentials of Buddhism.
Essentials of Judaism.
Essentials of Christianity.
Essentials of Islam.
Essentials of Hinduism.
Essentials of the Bahá’í Faith.
Essentials of Sikhism.
Essentials of Jainism.
Essentials of 18 more Religions and Beliefs.
20 Minute Workplace Audit of Religion & Belief.
Some thoughts on Prayer.
Setting up a quiet room – 15 key points.
Book 1 Religion and Belief in the workplace:
www.diversiton.com
Copyright © 2009 Diversiton.
all rights reserved worldwide. no part of this
ebook may be copied, sold, shared or given
away as this is an infringement on the copyright
of this work. This ebook is for your personal use
and you cannot distribute it to other people.
Overview of the Employment Euality,
(Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003.
Book 2 Religion and Belief in the workplace:
A practical guide for managers.
Book 3 Religion and Belief in the workplace:
Published by new activity Publications
Dealing with day to day situations.
Book 4 Religion and Belief in the workplace:
Policies and Procedures PLUS The employee perspective.
World’s Favourite Legacy Quotes.
Part of your Legacy Handbook.
Diversiton is non profit making and all
resources are used to support the
development of new products and services
to promote equality and inclusion.
Diversiton also supports a range of
charitable projects for those dying of
hunger in Africa
www.partofyourLegacy.com
diversiton
8 osborne Promenade
warrenpoint
co down
bT34 3nq
northern ireland
europe
Tel: 00 44 28417 54777
www.diversiton.com
The Diversity Calendar is published
each year by Diversiton and is
available in print and web formats.