Link to World Religions Info

Hello Friends!

As an Interfaith Chaplian, Minister and Spiritual Director, an enormous portion of my training was in studies of, and experiential "deep dives" into, the faith paths of a many religions. Ongoingly, maintaining my ministry in good standing entails continuing to broaden my experience and understanding of all faith paths, including the beliefs of those who consider themselves not religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or Atheist.

Many of my fellow hospice workers (some of whom participate in my hospice organizations' "Integrating Spirituality and Health Care" series of workshops, designed by our medical doctor and myself, with wonderful contributions from all members of the team) have asked about various religions, what their beliefs and practices are, and how we might best serve families and individuals with different belief systems.  While a video on this topic is in it's very beginning stages (thank you for your patience - updates will be posted), I wanted to offer some links here, for anyone who might like to begin exploring.

Here you go:

First, a list from WIKIPEDIA - here are major (though far from ALL) religions by number of adherents:

ReligionAdherentsPercentageChristianity2.382 billion31.0%
Islam1.907 billion24.9%
Secular[a]/Nonreligious[b]/Agnostic/Atheist1.193 billion15.58%
Hinduism1.161 billion15.2%
Buddhism506 million6.6%
Chinese traditional religion[c]394 million5.6%
Ethnic religions excluding some in separate categories300 million3%
African traditional religions100 million[7]1.2%
Sikhism26 million0.30%
Spiritism15 million0.19%
Judaism14.7 million[8]0.2%
Baháʼí5.0 million[9]0.07%
Jainism4.2 million0.05%
Shinto4.0 million0.05%
Cao Dai4.0 million0.05%
Zoroastrianism2.6 million0.03%
Tenrikyo2.0 million0.02%
Animism1.9 million0.02%
Neo-Paganism1.0 million0.01%
Unitarian Universalism0.8 million0.01%
Rastafari0.6 million0.007%Total7.79 billion

Here are interesting world-statistics on religions, from PEW RESEARCH (which, by the way, is a fascinating research group that studies lots of interesting religious phenomena):
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape-exec/

Here is some very basic information on the worlds 5 main religions:
https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/world-religions-beliefs

Here is some information on the views of differing Christian denominations:
https://www.learnreligions.com/comparing-christian-denominations-beliefs-part-1-700537

Here is probably the most extensive list of religions and spiritual practices I have seen online.  (Note: I have not read anything close to this entire site and cannot vouch for or against it's scholarly authenticity.  Take a look and see what you think!):
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/List_of_religions_and_spiritual_traditions

Here is the BBC's short and elongated descriptions of major religious beliefs: 
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/

Hopefully, one of the above links will lead you where you need to go!  If you have questions for me, Rev. Maya, please feel welcome to reach out via our contact page.  (I do receive a lot of inquiries, so I thank you in advance for your patience - I WILL get back to you, but it might not be immediately.)

Wishing you each and all much warmth and Love Always,
Rev. Maya