It doesn’t take a religious expert to realize that there is significant disagreement globally when it comes to religion. However, according to the UsefulCharts video above by Matt Baker, a PhD holder in Religious Studies, all sources agree on the four largest religions in the world: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. These are the indisputable ‘big four,’ as Baker states, and he has created various videos and charts explaining their histories and characteristics. Interestingly, in his area of expertise, it is often mentioned that there are actually five major world religions.
The fifth major religion, as you might have guessed, is Judaism, with its sixteen million followers not matching the numerical scale of 1.9 billion Muslims or 2.4 billion Christians. Despite its smaller number, Judaism stands out due to its age and being the parent religion to both Christianity and Islam. With 400 million followers, Chinese folk religion, also known as Chinese Syncretism, is a less familiar category to many readers, characterized by its blend of diverse ideas and traditions.
You can delve into Chinese Syncretism, as well as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, in the comprehensive two-hour video featured above, which presents Baker’s explanations of the evolution of these religions and the intellectual, doctrinal, and cultural branches that have developed over time. For Christianity, the largest of the big four, Baker has dedicated an entire series, highlighted in the three-hour video in the link provided. Understanding the differences between various Christian denominations can be challenging, but Baker uses his family tree-style charts as visual aids to clarify these distinctions.
Baker meticulously describes the differences between different Christian factions, showcasing the diverse and varied forms of Christianity practiced throughout history. This exploration underscores the idea that there isn’t just one Christianity, but rather multiple interpretations and practices that have evolved over the centuries. The same principle applies to the other major world religions, each rich in its complexities and nuances. Even the so-called minor religions reveal intricate layers when examined closely, highlighting the diversity and richness of spiritual beliefs worldwide.
Related Content:
An Animated Introduction to the World’s Five Major Religions: Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity & Islam
180,000 Years of Religion Charted on a “Histomap” in 1943
A Visual Map of the World’s Major Religions (and Non-Religions)
Animated Map Shows How the Five Major Religions Spread Across the World (3000 BC — 2000 AD)
70,000+ Religious Texts Digitized by Princeton Theological Seminary, Letting You Immerse Yourself in the Curious Works of Great World Religions
Philosophy of Religion: A Free Online Course
Based in Seoul, Colin Marshall writes and broadcasts on cities, language, and culture. His projects include the Substack newsletter Books on Cities and the book The Stateless City: a Walk through 21st-Century Los Angeles. Follow him on Twitter at @colinmarshall or on Facebook.
