How Many Religions Exist in the World || Origins, Beliefs, and Comparison.

Religion is one of humanity’s oldest and most diverse pursuits. From ancient myths to mighty world faiths, there are thousands of belief systems practiced globally. Here is a comprehensive overview of the main religions, their gods, and which are believed to be the oldest.

How Many Religions Are There?

Estimates suggest there are over 4,200 distinct religions and spiritual traditions globally, including major world faiths, smaller sects, folk religions, and new spiritual movements. While exact numbers vary, the largest share of the global population follows one of several major religions.

Major World Religions and Who They Worship

Religion	Followers (approx.)	Main God(s) or Belief	Primary Regions
Christianity	2.5 billion	God (Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit)	Americas, Europe, Africa
Islam	1.9 billion	Allah	Middle East, South Asia
Hinduism	1.2 billion	Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other deities	India, Nepal
Buddhism	0.5 billion	No central god, but reverence to Buddha	Southeast Asia, China
Sikhism	25 million	Waheguru (God)	India
Judaism	14 million	Yahweh (God)	Israel, USA
Chinese Folk Religions	0.4 billion	Ancestor spirits, local deities	China, SE Asia
Jainism	6 million	No creator god, worship of Tirthankaras	India
Shinto	3 million	Kami (spirits, deities)	Japan
Zoroastrianism	0.2 million	Ahura Mazda	Iran, India
Baháʼí	9 million	God (monotheistic)	Global
Others (folk, tribal, new movements)	0.7 billion	Various deities, spirits, ancestors	Africa, Americas, Asia

Which Religion Is the Oldest?

• Hinduism: Originating between 2300–1500 BCE in the Indus Valley, widely considered the oldest living religion. It worships many gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and emphasizes dharma (duty), karma (action), and reincarnation.

• Zoroastrianism: Ancient Persia, 10th–5th century BCE; worships Ahura Mazda, a monotheistic deity.

• Judaism: Founded around 2085 BCE, worships Yahweh. Its monotheistic beliefs influenced Christianity and Islam.

• Animism & Tribal Religions: Prehistoric religious practices date back thousands of years before writing, including ancestor worship, nature spirits, and rituals. These vary worldwide and are considered humanity’s most ancient traditions.

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Comparison Summary

Religion	Founded (Approx.)	Main Belief/God	Notes
Hinduism	2300–1500 BCE	Many gods	Oldest documented religion
Zoroastrianism	10th–5th century BCE	Ahura Mazda	Ancient monotheism, Persia
Judaism	~2085 BCE	Yahweh	Monotheism, Torah
Buddhism	~560 BCE	Buddha & dharma	No central god, Eightfold Path
Christianity	~30 CE	God, Jesus	Largest, basis in Judaism
Islam	~613 CE	Allah	Monotheism, Quran

What God Should Followers Worship?

• Each major religion has its own central figure or belief:

• Christianity: God, as revealed through Jesus Christ.

• Islam: Allah.

• Hinduism: Multiple gods; practitioners may worship one or many.

• Buddhism & Jainism: Focus on enlightenment and righteous living, no single creator god.

• Sikhism: One eternal god—Waheguru.

• Judaism: One God—Yahweh.

• Zoroastrianism: Ahura Mazda.

Final Thoughts

While there are thousands of religions worldwide, a handful shape the beliefs and cultures of billions. Hinduism is considered the oldest living faith. The choice of which god to worship is tradition- and region-dependent. All religions share a quest for meaning, connection, and guidance, whether through one god, many gods, or spiritual principles.

Disclosure

This article compiles facts from leading encyclopedias, historical research, and religious databases (Wikipedia, Britannica, world religion studies). No religious preference or endorsement is implied.

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