Which religion existed first

Others appear to have risen out of an amalgamation of spiritual beliefs and ritualistic practices of a section of people which have been promoted by one or more spiritual leaders. Most traditional religions have such an origin. The religious experience of humans predates written history. Much of the knowledge of pre-historic religions have been derived from suppositions, archaeological records, and View More on Twitter.

Issues and Issues Today are used primarily by librarians and teachers to help their students gain a better understanding of the world around them and the issues which affect their lives. Issues Online is a full web based resource enhancing and supplementing the pshe subjects and topics used in the Issues and Issues Today publications.

Free Trial Login. Toggle navigation. Home What is the oldest religion in the world? What is the oldest religion in the world? But many Hindus argue that their faith is timeless and has always existed. Around B. Rituals, such as sacrifices and chanting, were common in the Vedic Period. Hindus began to emphasize the worship of deities, especially Vishnu, Shiva and Devi.

The concept of dharma was introduced in new texts, and other faiths, such as Buddhism and Jainism, spread rapidly. Hinduism and Buddhism have many similarities. Buddhism, in fact, arose out of Hinduism, and both believe in reincarnation, karma and that a life of devotion and honor is a path to salvation and enlightenment.

But some key differences exist between the two religions: Buddhism rejects the caste system of Hinduism, and does away with the rituals, the priesthood and the gods that are integral to the Hindu faith. The Medieval Period of Hinduism lasted from about to A. New texts emerged, and poet-saints recorded their spiritual sentiments during this time. In the 7th century, Muslim Arabs began invading areas in India.

During parts of the Muslim Period, which lasted from about to , Islamic rulers prevented Hindus from worshipping their deities, and some temples were destroyed.

Indian statesman and activist Mahatma Gandhi, Between and , the British controlled India. At first, the new rulers allowed Hindus to practice their religion without interference. But later, Christian missionaries sought to convert and westernize the people. Many reformers emerged during the British Period. The partition of India occurred in , and Gandhi was assassinated in British India was split into what are now the independent nations of India and Pakistan , and Hinduism became the major religion of India.

Starting in the s, many Hindus migrated to North America and Britain, spreading their faith and philosophies to the western world. An early 18th century depiction of Devi revered by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Hindus worship many gods and goddesses in addition to Brahman, who is believed to be the supreme God force present in all things.

Followers of Hinduism can visit the Mandir any time they please. Hindus can also worship at home, and many have a special shrine dedicated to certain gods and goddesses. The giving of offerings is an important part of Hindu worship.

Others believe that all the deities are a manifestation of one. The caste system is a social hierarchy in India that divides Hindus based on their karma and dharma. And if you look at the following dates, one can see that Prophet Mohammed, whose teachings are recorded in the Quran and form the basis of Islam, was alive between circa and Even if Zahid considers Abraham as the patriarch of Muslims, he still doesn't get the dates right as there is archeological evidence as far back as BCE [Before Common Era] from the Punjab and Indus Valley suggesting that Hinduism is indeed the world's oldest religion.

The Vedas were written in BCE. Moses recorded Torah in BCE. Zoroastrianism sometimes called world's oldest prophetic religion was started by Zarathustra while Jainism and Buddhism started in India in the eighth century and BCE respectively. Although I understand the perceived notion of religious scholars to say that their respective religion is the oldest and therefore the most purest, this doesn't always hold well if not corroborated with evidence.

Kini Lens. Kini Morning Brief. Kini News Lab. Special Reports.