Major world religions
| Religion | Began | Followers (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity | 1st century AD, Jesus of Nazareth | About 2.3 billion |
| Islam | 7th century AD, the Prophet Muhammad | About 2.0 billion |
| Hinduism | Ancient India, no single founder | About 1.2 billion |
| Buddhism | ~5th century BC, Siddhartha Gautama | About 320 million |
| Judaism | Ancient Israel, the covenant with Abraham | About 15 million |
About 1.9 billion people report no religious affiliation.
Questions every faith addresses
God or the divine
Who or what is ultimate?
Right and wrong
How should we treat others?
Suffering
Why do people suffer, and how do we respond?
Death and beyond
What happens after we die?
Shared and different
Many share
- A version of the Golden Rule
- Prayer or meditation
- Care for the poor
They differ on
- The nature of God
- Sacred texts and prophets
- Salvation, rebirth or enlightenment
Sources: Pew Research Center (2025 report on 2020 data); Encyclopaedia Britannica
Remember
Understanding what others believe, and why, helps explain history and builds respect between neighbors.
Tap or press Enter to flip
Answer key
- Which religion has the most followers worldwide?ChristianityAbout 2.3 billion Christians in 2020.
- Who founded Buddhism?Siddhartha GautamaSiddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha.
- Which major religion has no single founder?HinduismHinduism developed over centuries in ancient India.
- In what century did Islam begin?7th century ADWith the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.
- What idea appears in many faiths?A version of the Golden RuleTreat others as you would want to be treated.