China has over 100 million believers, but it’s hard to estimate the percentage of each religion due to government discouragement. Folk religions, Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism are recognized religions in China, but some face hostility from the government. Ancestor worship is popular but not officially considered a religion. Shamans are respected as part […]
The Church of Almighty God, also known as Eastern Lightning, is a cult in China that believes Jesus Christ is a Chinese woman. Other cults exist in China, including The Apprentice Society, the Unification Church, and The Shouter’s Cult. Some cults have become deadly, such as the People’s Temple, the Branch Davidians, and Heaven’s Gate. […]
Religious pluralism refers to different religious beliefs working together, with at least four different concepts implied. It is broader than religious tolerance and suggests that different religious truths and values exist. Pluralism can cause problems for religions that preach exclusivity. It can also mean efforts to form an overall spiritual community and practitioners build their […]
India has a diverse religious makeup, with around 80% of the population being Hindu. Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism also have devoted followers. Imported faiths include Islam, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. Hinduism is the oldest religion and is polytheistic. Buddhism is atheistic and focuses on meditation. Sikhism is monotheistic and follows the teachings of ten Gurus. Jainism […]
Around 20% of US adults are not affiliated with any religion, with over a third of those under 30 stating the same. However, not belonging to a religion does not necessarily mean a lack of belief in a deity, with up to 89% of Americans believing in God. The involvement of young people in organized […]
Around 20% of US adults are not affiliated with any religion, with over a third of those under 30 not considering themselves part of a particular religion. However, not belonging to a religion does not necessarily mean a lack of faith in a deity, with up to 89% of Americans believing in God. The involvement […]
Freedom of religion allows people to choose and practice their beliefs without persecution. This includes the right to choose which deity to worship, or not to worship at all. However, these freedoms are limited by the law and cannot be used to justify illegal activities. While many countries have laws protecting freedom of religion, they […]
Religious tourism involves visiting sacred places on important anniversaries. Travel companies offer all-inclusive trips to temples, churches, and sites of historical or mythical significance. Religious communities organize trips to holy places, sometimes staying in monasteries. Religious tourism can take the form of extended group tours or short visits to sacred sites. Religious tourism usually involves […]
Religious exemptions allow individuals to avoid certain taxes or laws due to their beliefs. In the US, exemptions include not paying Social Security or buying state health insurance. Exemptions may also apply to medical treatment, grooming standards, and compulsory school attendance. Religious minorities may conflict with legal obligations and each country has its own standards […]
Religious discrimination is when someone is treated unfairly due to their faith or lack of it. It can occur in various contexts, including the workplace and housing. Laws and policies exist to prevent and remedy this behavior, and legal action can be taken. Discrimination against atheists is also prohibited. Discrimination occurs when a person or […]
Religious vows are a public promise to follow the beliefs of a religion and devote one’s life to religious service. Different religions have different vows, including chastity, obedience, and poverty. Vows are taken after a period of study and are often accompanied by ancient ceremonies. An individual who wishes to commit his life to religious […]
Religious fiction includes literature with religious elements, regardless of the author’s affiliation. It can feature characters and narratives from various religions and may convey moral or cosmological worldviews. Publishers may use the label to promote sales, and readers can search for it in literary markets. Religious fiction is literary fiction that has a religious element. […]
Religious abuse can occur through exploitation or abuse in the context of religion or spirituality. Victims may experience abuse from religious leaders or institutions, including financial abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and opposition to medical care. Vulnerability to abuse can arise from a sense of religious importance and devotion. Religious abuse describes a variety of […]
Religious demographics analyze populations based on religious composition and individual breakdowns. It provides information about norms, beliefs, attitudes, and trends over time. It is important for advertising, foreign relations, and religious groups to understand demographics. Religious demographics are analyzes of populations based on religious composition, along with individual demographic breakdowns of various religions. Statistics on […]
Religious people are less likely to own cats, according to a study of 2,000 Americans by social scientists Ryan Burge and Samuel Perry. The faithful have 1.4 pets on average, compared to two for non-attenders. Cat owners are also more likely to be introverts than dog owners. Prominent critic and atheist Christopher Hitchens said that […]
Religious poetry is a diverse genre that varies by culture and era. It includes epic poetry, devotional poetry, and mystical poetry. Examples include the Vedas in ancient India, Greek epic poetry, and Islamic mystical poetry. John Donne and George Herbert popularized devotional poetry in 17th-century England, and TS Eliot continued the tradition in modern times. […]
Sending religious cards to non-religious or different religion friends can be offensive and pervert the thoughtfulness intent. It’s polite to send a generic card to business associates or new acquaintances. Condolence cards should consider the recipient’s beliefs and not preach through religious papers. Postcards honoring the deceased and expressing sympathy may be more appropriate. People […]
Religious satire uses irony, ridicule, or sarcasm to denounce or mock religious practices with the intent of changing views. It can take many forms and is often sensitive. To qualify as satire, the work must have a larger motivation and intent to expose an issue with the subject being satirized. Satire can incite change but […]
