Shinto

Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion, closely tied to nature, which recognizes the existance of various "Kami", nature dieties. The first two deities, Izanagi and Izanami, gave birth to the Japanese islands and their children became the deities of the various Japanese clans. One of their daughters, Amaterasu (Sun Goddess), is the ancestress of the Imperial Family and is regarded as the chief deity. All the Kami are benign and serve only to sustain and protect. They are not seen as separate from humanity due to sin because humanity is "Kami's Child." Followers of Shinto desire peace and believe all human life is sacred. They revere "musuhi", the Kami's creative and harmonizing powers, and aspire to have "makoto", sincerity or true heart. Morality is based upon that which is of benefit to the group. There are "Four Affirmations" in Shinto:

1. Tradition and family: the family is the main mechanism by which traditions are preserved.
2. Love of nature: nature is sacred and natural objects are to be worshipped as sacred spirits.
3. Physical cleanliness: they must take baths, wash their hands, and rinse their mouth often.
4. "Matsuri": festival which honors the spirits.

Around 1900 AD, Shinto was divided into:

• Jinja (Shrine) Shinto: This is the largest Shinto group. It was the original form of the religion; its roots date back into pre-history. Until the end of World War II, it was closely aligned with State Shinto. The Emperor of Japan was worshipped as a living God. Almost all shrines are members of Jinja Honcho, the Association of Shinto Shrines.
• Kyoha (Sectarian) Shinto: This consists of 13 sects which were founded by individuals since the start of the 19th century.
• Folk Shinto This is not actually a Shinto sect; it has no formal central organization or creed. It is seen in local practices and rituals.

These three forms are closely linked. An image may be installed by a member of one of the Sectarian Shinto sects who worships at a particular shrine. Shinto is a tolerant religion which accepts the validity of other religions. It is common for a believer to pay respect to other religions, their practices and objects of worship.

source: mb-soft.com/believe/txo/shintois.htm

Buddhism

A visionary named Gautama Buddha who the son of a rich nobleman was sheltered by his parents from seeing any of life's hardships such as poverty, disease, and human suffering. One day he wandered away and observed these things, and was deeply moved. He developed a program of "right living" and traveled around teaching. He taught reincarnation and karma and developed a way for humans to escape the cycle of death and rebirth. Those who manage to do this become "Buddhas" and become "enlightened." This means that upon death, they lose their individuality and become absorbed in the "One Mind." However, Buddhas can somehow choose to defer this final merging and instead live in a spiritual realm where they assist others in their quest of becoming Buddhas.

Since Buddhism is an oriental religion, most Buddhists don't really have any exposure to Christianity. Those who do would consider Jesus Christ to be either a teacher or a Buddha. Jesus, however, did not teach that the goal of life is to lose our identity and merge into the "One Mind." If Jesus was a Buddha, he certainly was not a very good one since he got the teachings all wrong. Jesus Christ taught that after death we retain our individual identity and that, in addition, we will all one day receive a resurrected body (the same kind of body that Jesus received when he was raised from the dead).

In contrasting the teachings of the Buddha with the teachings of Jesus Christ it is clear that either Buddha is wrong or Jesus is wrong — they can not both be simultaneously true. I believe that Buddha was wrong and that Jesus is who he claimed to be — the One God incarnate who died on the cross to save a fallen world. The Buddha died from eating poisonous mushrooms and he's still physically dead, but Jesus sacrificed his life in our place on the cross and was raised from the dead in a resurrected body three days later.

The modern New Age Movement borrows heavily from Buddhist teaching and philosophy.

According to Vatican II, the most recent Council of the Catholic Church, Buddhism, in its various forms, realizes the radical insufficiency of this changeable world; it teaches a way by which men, in a devout and confident spirit, may be able either to acquire the state of perfect liberation, or attain, by their own efforts or through higher help, supreme illumination.

Two major branches of Buddhism are recognized: Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle"). Theravada—the oldest surviving branch—has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Mahayana is found throughout East Asia and includes the traditions of Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Shingon, Tiantai (Tendai) and Shinnyo-en. In some classifications Vajrayana—a subcategory of Mahayana practiced in Tibet and Mongolia—is recognized as a third branch. While Buddhism remains most popular within Asia, both branches are now found throughout the world. Estimates of Buddhists worldwide vary significantly depending on the way Buddhist adherence is defined. Lower estimates are between 350–500 million.

source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions It was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Iran approximately 3500 years ago. For 1000 years Zoroastrianism was one of the most powerful religions in the world. It was the official religion of Persia (Iran) from 600 BCE to 650 CE. It is now one of the world's smallest religions with around a quarter of a million followers worldwide. There are 4000 Zoroastrians living in Britain.

Zoroastrians believe there is one God called Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) and He created the world. Zoroastrians are not fire-worshippers, as some Westerners wrongly believe. Zoroastrians believe that the elements are pure and that fire represents God's light or wisdom. Ahura Mazda revealed the truth through the prophet, Zoroaster.

Zoroastrians traditionally pray several times a day. Zoroastrians worship communally in a Fire Temple or Agiary. The Zoroastrian book of Holy Scriptures is called The Avesta. The Avesta can be roughly split into two main sections:

The Avesta is the oldest and core part of the scriptures, which contains the Gathas. The Gathas are seventeen hymns thought to be composed by Zoroaster himself. They are abstract sacred poetry directed towards the worship of the One God, understanding of righteousness and cosmic order, promotion of social justice, and individual choice between good and evil.

The Younger Avesta - commentaries to the older Avestan written in later years. It also contains myths, stories and details of ritual observances.

Zoroastrians are roughly split into two groups:

• The Iranians

• The Parsis

source: The World Religions

Judaism

 Judaism can mean different things depending on which period of history we are discussing. In our modern era, there are Jews who are faithful to the Torah (the Old Testament books written by Moses), as well Jews which are atheists, and everything in between. There are even some Jews who recognize that Jesus Christ was the Messiah (but these are more properly designated as Christians).

Even during the lengthy period in which the Old Testament was being written (up to about 250 BC) there were various Jewish sects. Some of these were the object of rebuke by the various Old Testament prophets. But it was those Jews who recognized the Old Testament as the inerrant, inspired word of God who provided the foundations for Christianity. At the time of Jesus and the early Christian Church, some Jewish sects were rebuked by Jesus (and the writers of the New Testament) for their failure to properly follow God's revealed plan.

The Old Testament records the history of the Jewish people (the Israelites) who at various times became unfaithful to God, and even followed after idols and false gods. On one occasion, God's response to this was to send the Israelites into captivity in Babylon. But they later returned from captivity and again occupied the land that was given to them by God. However, they again turned away from their God and began to follow a religion devised by the rabbis instead of following the traditions of the Old Testament. By the time of Jesus Christ, many Jews were practicing this corrupted version of Judaism.

Jesus Christ was born in a Jewish culture and he was, himself, Jewish. He was the promised Messiah and he fulfilled hundreds of prophecies in the Old Testament. He attempted to teach the unfaithful Jews the error of their ways, but they rejected him as their long-awaited Messiah which resulted in his death. Soon after this, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple as predicted by the Old Testament and by Jesus himself, and the Jews were dispersed.

Today most Jews are no longer practicing the religion of the Old Testament — they are practicing a religion which has come from various traditions. But some Jews of today are beginning to realize that Jesus Christ was, indeed, the Messiah. These Jews are called Messianic Jews and are really Christians who keep their Jewish culture but who accept the New Testament as God's revealed word. These Messianic Jews, as well as Christians, believe that both the Old and the New Testaments of the Bible are God's revealed word.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 839 & 840, the Jewish faith, unlike other non-Christian religions, is already a response to God's revelation in the Old Covenant. . . . When one considers the future, God's People of the Old Covenant and the new People of God [Christians] tend towards similar goals: expectation of the coming (or the return) of the Messiah. But one [the Christian,] awaits the return of the Messiah who died and rose from the dead and is recognized as Lord and Son of God; the other [the Jew,] awaits the coming of a Messiah, whose features remain hidden till the end of time; and the latter waiting [by the Jews] is accompanied by the drama of not knowing or of misunderstanding Christ Jesus.

source: www.bookrags.com/Judaism - Estados Unidos

Hinduism

The origins of Hinduism can be traced to the Indus Valley civilization sometime between 4000 and 2500 BCE. Though believed by many to be a polytheistic religion, the basis of Hinduism is the belief in the unity of everything. This totality is called Brahman. The purpose of life is to realize that we are part of God and by doing so we can leave this plane of existance and rejoin with God. This enlightenment can only be achieved by going through cycles of birth, life and death known as samsara. One's progress towards enlightenment is measured by his karma. This is the accumulation of all one's good and bad deeds and this determines the person's next reincarnation. Selfless acts and thoughts as well as devotion to God help one to be reborn at a higher level. Bad acts and thoughts will cause one to be born at a lower level, as a person or even an animal. 

Hindus follow a strict caste system which determines the standing of each person. The caste one is born into is the result of the karma from their previous life. Only members of the highest caste, the brahmins, may perform the Hindu religious rituals and hold positions of authority within the temples.

Classifying the many groups within Hinduism is a challenge, and not so easy (as, perhaps, with other religions.) In so doing, we may inadvertently promote the idea that Hinduism is a single monolithic religion. It is, more accurately, a family of religions, with each family member autonomous but sharing distinctive family features.

In discussing all religious groups, we may imply that they are static, homogeneous and well-defined "wholes." In actual fact, they are fluid and evolving traditions, internally diverse and contested, and hazy at the edges. In trying to discern specific strands within Hinduism, therefore, we are also in danger of over-generalising, promoting stereotypes and creating false boundaries. Nonetheless, it is useful – even necessary – to establish a somewhat tentative framework for categorising the numerous groups and sub-groups. Here we categorise them according to three criteria:

1. focus of worship
2. doctrine
3. preferred process or practices

Four main communities can be identified, each according to its respective focus of worship (these four communities are discussed in the Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smarta pages). Each community, which we loosely term here a "denomination," favours its own specific deity or deities.

1. Vaishnavas worship Vishnu (usually as Krishna or Rama)

2. Shaivas worship Shiva (often in the form of the linga)

3. Shaktas worship Shakti, also known as Devi (especially Parvati, Durga, Kali)

4. Smartas worship five deities i.e. Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Ganesh, and Surya

In the UK many individuals and temples will not specifically align themselves to one (or more) of these traditions. They worship deities from all these traditions. They often describe themselves as "Sanatanist" to reflect their more inclusive nature. Underpinning them, there is often a leaning towards the monistic Smarta conclusions of Shankara.

Shaivism and Shaktism are often closely related, especially within tantric traditions, which explore the male-female symbolism of Shiva-Shakti.

• Vaishnavas are mostly personalists and favour the path of bhakti-yoga.
• Shaivas are often impersonalists with tendencies towards jnana- and astanga­yoga (closely linked to sankhya-yoga). There are, however, notable personalistic, bhakti strands, especially in South India (e.g. the Lingayats).
• Shaktas tend to be impersonalists, and their worship often focusses on material benefit (karma-yoga). Their theology tends to be less developed and draws largely on Shaivism.
• Smartas follow the impersonal (advaita) doctrine of Shankara and favour the path of jnana, featuring renunciation and philosophical inquiry. 

source: hinduism.iskcon.org/tradition/1200.htm

The Voice of Truth

The words are heard by the mind and heart and soul by various degrees depending on interest, belief filters, and the growing aptitude to determine Truth in and as our Being.

We are all heralds. Just as we might speak different languages in different countries around the world, our distinctive voices may serve different souls even when we speak the same language. We don't need to still feel like our voice doesn't count. It does. We each have the chance to give truth a voice.

Oneness is the light of truth that comprises our electromagnetic being. When we know our True Self as the Spirit of Truth-the Holy-Whole Spirit, we distinguish Truth by being one with it and perceiving its essence. It is our natural essence, our nature, our way of being. Integrity, or oneness with Truth, strengthens our Being and we have a clear sense of uniqueness, which ironically dissolves into wholeness.

Beliefs are a result of training. They play old tapes in our minds. When we replicate these beliefs verbally, we sound like a parrot, or a broken record. If we get wedged on concepts and dualistic thinking that says it's either this or that, then we neglect the quality with Truth that fulfils and sustains our being-the truth light that we are. When we break free, we are inspired with original creative thoughts. This freedom creates a sense of ever-new bliss and consistent feelings of joy.

When we make the move, we are no longer reckless sons and daughters of God, creating unconsciously. We know the Father of un-patent Absolute possible is being reflected in our perception, and we are free to manifest the perfect beginning of the Holy Spirit of Truth. Christ Consciousness shines perfect love. Perfect reflection equals clear perception and pure expression of unconditional love and kindness.

Listen to all voices of truth. Distinguish what is useful, positive, and helpful. Distil the light energy that reflects Divinity.

The value of religion in our existence

The mainly central portion of life is a sense of balance. Being human is all on judgment. In regards to religion it becomes approximately ever since by the days of Christ, and the resistance has still more traditional. The fact of its beliefs has been a confusing problem for many scientific disciplines for years. No matter where you turn in whatever country, you will discover various type of religion. 

We all believed that religion plays a very important role in helping human minds deal with socio-cultural occurrences naturally implied but not totally understood. With better considerate, wisdom of foresight and insight dawns on the possibility of our minds eye, an idea can become our conception.

In several ways, it is far easier to know what’s religion does, rather than what religion is. What religion does is provide consistent reason for aspects of existence instinctively implied in human relations even though not fully understood.

People have been and will continue to be rebuked for their beliefs. The answer to what is religion is that whatever you believe will gives you hope without solid indisputable scientific proof. That is "Faith" to believe without doubt. That's religion.

Every generation contributes to the central of knowledge in replace for the better purpose of our humanity which is to provide a vision to share with the future, and to save ourselves from loosing existence.

Present Times: Religions

Years passing by, humankind has trying to clarify the world around. To the point that people came to the conclusion that there should be some superior force controlling and creating the marvels of the Earth, the universe, all kinds of living that exist. As of close by came the idea to honour the controlling force by making a set doctrine of worship, or a religion. Formerly added came the insight, particularly recently, that century passing of the same worship and beliefs might not be working. Further than only some have chosen to feel right to these new religions, whose teachings seem unconventional, unusual, and even amusing. In searching, here are some of those, in no exacting order.

  Discordianis- also known as “Paratheo-Anametamystikhood Of Eris Esoteric (POEE)”. The symbol signifies the Sacred Chao, symbol of the hodge and podge. It was founded in Malaclypse the Younger (aka Greg Hill) with Omar Khayyam Ravenhurst (aka Kerry Thornley) in 1958 or 1959. The Discordian Society has no definition. It’s still up in the air as to whether or not Discordia is a deride religion or not. Discordia is mainly about nothing; they teach that conflict and chaos are supreme. Discordians do not worship, but are very interested in Eris, the goddess of conflict. They also believe that everything is true, even lies.

Kibology- It was founded by James “Kibo” Parry in 1989. Kibologists, sometimes referred to as “kibozos”, follow the amusing teachings of Kibo, who was a strong presence on the internet in the ‘90’s. Most of the religious texts engage hilarious anecdotes, facts, short stories, and decrees made by Kibo and his followers. Kibo has run for office of President of the United States. He also wrote a fact page very similar to many Chuck Norris jokes years before the internet meme was created.

Church of Google- also known as “Googlism” and was founded by Matt MacPherson. Google.com, the world reknowned search engine, has a follower. These people believe that Google, being omniscient and universal, is the closest Mankind will come to knowing and facing a god. Google can solve all their problems through knowledge, and knowledge is power. They even have nine proofs of Google’s godliness.

Last Thursdayism- The omphalos theory claims that there is no proof that history wasn’t created and set in by God as a test for us. Creationists use this when referring in arguments about dinosaur bones being planted on Earth to test our faith. Last Thursdayism takes this to another level by claiming that there is no proof that everything wasn’t created last Thursday. In fact, they believe that you are God, and You have created a copy of yourself, created the world, and are testing yourself. Any memories prior to Thursday have been implanted, as well as Your belief system.

 

Church of the Subgenius- The Church of the Subgenius parodies all. Science, New Age, Christianity, plan theories, pop culture, and the government are not safe from the taunting of Rev. Ivan Stang and his brethren. The fundaments of church are based on achievement of “slack”, which is freedom, humour, money, and comfort. They have many holidays, including Hate for the Sake of Hating Day and the Feast of Weird Al Yankovic. They have a deity, “Bob”, and his wife, Connie, the anti-virgin. They also have a complex religious order, which you can be a part of for a one-time fee of $30.

Campus Crusade for Cthulhu- also known as “The CCC” and the main doctrine is “Why settle for a lesser evil?” The Dark, Tentacle Lord is coming and the CCC wants you to be part of it! By joining Cthulhu’s followers, the group promises years of friendship, bonding, and fear-of-dying-at-the-hands-of-Cthulhu-free existence. The religion’s sole (soul?) purpose is to please the god Cthulhu, a deity created by debatably science-fiction author, H. P. Lovecraft. 

  Church of Emacs (and the Church of Vi) - The Editors Wars began some time ago, pitting emacs using editors versus vi using editors. Anyhow, the Church of emacs upholds the teachings that emacs is good and vi is evil. The church of vi is the opposite. 

Iglesia Maradonian- was created by fans of the retired Argentine football player Diego Maradona, who they believe to be the best player of all time. 

Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth- it was also known as “TOPY.” It was created to break through restraints many of the founding members were feeling. They feel that society puts too much stigma on things being “right” or “wrong”. They are heavily involved in occult and magical practices as well as the arts. Many TOPY followers will create and mail magical sigils, created on the 23rd hour of the 23rd day of each month.

Pastafarianism- it was also known as “The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.” In an open letter to the Kansas School Board, Bobby Henderson challenged the state to either include his version of Intelligent Design or dismiss it from the curriculum altogether. He gives a very convincing argument for the belief system of his Nude Saviour. Bobby claims that he has written documentation that the world was created by a flying spaghetti monster. He demands that if the Board is Okaying the admission of teaching in school systems about the Christian God and his teachings, then the FSM teachings should be included as well.

Religion has changed with people more than time, as people advanced technological, so did religions. Through time passes by, religion has had a deep effect on people. Religion involves the bond between peoples, and domains are united through a common bond. All through history religions has made people feel fine about them and also has assisted people when they are in times of low self esteem. In present times religions are very different then what they used to be formerly. 


source: 10 Post-Modern Religion