The intended scope of this study will be to facilitate respectful discussions that will delve into the rich tapestry of world faiths, encompassing their practices, experiences, narratives, core beliefs, and social expressions.
By understanding appreciating these similarities and differences, we hope to create a space for constructive dialogue, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious world, one conversation at a time.
The IFSG offers a unique forum to connect with the global community, contribute your voice, and build a more cohesive future.
| Belief System | Characteristics |
| Animism | Nature and spirits (animus) are alive and interconnected. Respect for balance with the natural world. |
| Baha’i Faith | One God, unity of humanity, world peace. Progressive revelation through messengers like Abraham and Buddha. |
| Mahayana (Buddhism) | Achieve enlightenment (Buddhahood) to benefit all beings. Diverse schools like Zen and Pure Land. |
| Theravada (Buddhism) | Individual liberation through following the Buddha’s teachings and monastic life. |
| Catholicism (Christianity) | Centralized authority led by the Pope. Sacraments, veneration of saints, and Virgin Mary. |
| Eastern Orthodoxy (Christianity) | Self-governing churches sharing traditions. Icons, veneration of saints, and focus on liturgy. |
| Protestantism (Christianity) | Diverse group emphasizing scripture, individual interpretation, and justification by faith. |
| Shaivism (Hinduism) | Worship of Shiva, the destroyer and regenerator god. Associated with asceticism and meditation. |
| Shaktism (Hinduism) | Focuses on Shakti, the divine feminine principle, as the source of all creation and power. |
| Vaishnavism (Hinduism) | Devotion to Vishnu, the preserver god, often with avatars like Rama and Krishna. |
| Apache (Indigenous American) | Ancestral reverence, ceremonies for harmony and well-being, respect for the natural world. |
| Cherokee (Indigenous American) | Animistic, veneration of ancestors, seasonal ceremonies to honor balance with nature. |
| Choctaw (Indigenous American) | Great Spirit, belief in “Little People,” ceremonies for creation, community, and social well-being. |
| Cree (Indigenous American) | Diverse traditions, reverence for the Creator, animal spirits, and the natural world. |
| Inuit (Indigenous American) | Animistic, spirits in nature (inua), shamans mediate with the spirit world for balance and well-being. |
| Iroquois Confederacy (Indigenous American) | Harmony with nature, balance achieved through ceremonies and respect for creators. |
| Lakota (Sioux) (Indigenous American) | Great Spirit (Wakan Tanka), dream visions, Sun Dance ceremony for spiritual connection. |
| Maya (Indigenous American) | Polytheistic, creation myths, complex rituals for deities and maintaining cosmic order. |
| Navajo (Indigenous American) | Harmony with the natural world, Blessingway ceremonies for healing and well-being, reverence for sacred mountains. |
| Pueblo (Indigenous American) | Diverse practices, focus on Kachina spirits, ceremonies for rain, harvest, and social organization. |
| Shia (Islam) | Ali and his descendants (Imams) are rightful leaders. Emphasis on social justice and martyrdom. |
| Sunni (Islam) | Caliphate as successors to Prophet Muhammad lead the Muslim community. Sharia law guides daily life. |
| Conservative Judaism (Judaism) | Maintains tradition while adapting practices to modern life. Values scholarship and evolving interpretations. |
| Orthodox Judaism (Judaism) | Strict adherence to religious law (Halakha) and daily observance. Focus on study of Torah. |
| Reconstructionist(Judaism) | Newest movement, emphasizes Jewish identity and evolving interpretations based on historical context. |
| Reform Judaism (Judaism) | More liberal approach, emphasizes ethical teachings and social justice over strict observance. |
| Shinto | Reverence for spirits (kami) in nature and ancestors. Maintaining harmony with kami through rituals for prosperity. |
| Khalsa (Sikhism) | Founded by Guru Gobind Singh, a militant order following additional practices like wearing the five Ks. |
| Non-Khalsa Sikhs (Sikhism) | Follow core Sikh teachings but may not adhere to all Khalsa practices. |
| Ancestor Veneration (Diverse) (Traditional African) | Veneration of ancestral spirits for guidance and protection. Specific practices vary by region. |
| Bwiti (Traditional African) | Initiatory tradition with elements of animism and ancestor veneration. Uses psychoactive plants in rituals. |
| IFA (Traditional African) | Divination system using sacred verses and palm nuts, intertwined with Yoruba religion. |
| Kew الحق (Kemetic) (Traditional) | Reconstruction of ancient Egyptian religion, focusing on cosmic order (ma’at) and multiple deities. |
| Khmerism (Traditional African) | Animistic, belief in spirits and natural forces. Focus on appeasement and offerings for protection. |
| Mwali (Traditional African) | Animistic, veneration of spirits and ancestors in harmony with the natural world. |
| Odinani (Traditional African) | Monotheistic or monotheistic-like with a high god (Chukwu) and various spirits (Alagba). Emphasis on morality. |
| Sangoma (Traditional African) | Belief in ancestral spirits, divination, and use of traditional medicine for healing. |
| Vodun (Traditional African) | Polytheistic, veneration of Vodun (spirits) through rituals to appease them and maintain balance. |
| Yorùbá Religion (Traditional African) | Polytheistic, reverence for ancestors and Orishas (deities). Divination practices and focus on balance. |
| Zoroastrianism | Dualistic: good (Ahura Mazda) vs. evil (Angra Mainyu). Ethical living for a final judgment. |