The World's Major Religions

Estimated numbers of adherents for the world's major religions:

• Christianity: 2.4 billion
• Islam: 1.9 billion
• Hinduism: 1.2 billion
• Buddhism: 535 million
• Indigenous and Tribal Religions: difficult to estimate, but possibly up to 400 million
• Taoism: 20 million (estimates vary widely, I have seen up to 140 million)
• Sikhism: 30 million
• Judaism: 14 million
• Confucianism: 6 million (influence via Chinese culture is much larger)
• Baha'i Faith: 6 million
• Jainism: 5 million
• Shintoism: 4 million
• Zoroastrianism: 100,000-200,000

These numbers are based on estimates and can vary widely depending on the sources consulted. Additionally, many people may identify with multiple religions or with none at all, so the numbers may not reflect the complexity and diversity of individual beliefs and practices. 

There are many spiritual traditions and practices around the world. Here are some of the major spiritualities:

Christianity: Based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, Christianity is the world's largest religion. Central tenets include the belief in one God, the divinity of Jesus, and the concept of salvation through faith and the grace of God.

Islam: A monotheistic faith founded in the 7th century by the Prophet Muhammad in what is now Saudi Arabia. Islam teaches that there is one God (Allah), and Muhammad is the final prophet. The Five Pillars of Islam are the core practices of the faith.

Hinduism: A diverse set of beliefs and practices that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism encompasses various philosophies, scriptures, and gods and goddesses. Some central concepts include karma, dharma, reincarnation, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.

Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) around the 5th century BCE in India. Buddhism emphasizes the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the practice of meditation to achieve enlightenment and break the cycle of suffering and rebirth.

Indigenous and Tribal Religions: Many indigenous and tribal cultures around the world have their own unique spiritual traditions and practices, often emphasizing a deep connection to nature, ancestors, and the community.

Confucianism: A Chinese ethical and philosophical system based on the teachings of Confucius. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of moral character, social harmony, and the cultivation of virtues.

Taoism: A Chinese philosophy and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (the Way), a cosmic force that governs the natural order of the universe. Taoism includes elements of mysticism, meditation, and the practice of moral virtues.

Sikhism: A monotheistic religion founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak in the Punjab region of South Asia. Sikhism emphasizes the importance of meditation, service to others, and social justice.

Judaism: One of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, Judaism originated in the Middle East over 3,500 years ago. Central beliefs include the existence of one God, the importance of following God's commandments, and the concept of the chosen people.

Baha'i Faith: A monotheistic religion founded in the mid-19th century by Baha'u'llah in Persia. The Baha'i Faith emphasizes the oneness of humanity, the unity of religions, and the importance of social progress and justice.

Jainism: An ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence, self-discipline, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation. Jainism teaches that every living being has an eternal soul, and the goal is to attain spiritual purity and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Shinto: The indigenous religion of Japan, Shinto is characterized by the worship of kami (spirits) and a deep reverence for nature. Shinto rituals and practices focus on the purification of both the individual and the environment.

Zoroastrianism: One of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, founded by the prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia. Zoroastrianism teaches the importance of choosing between good and evil, and the belief in a cosmic struggle between the forces of good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu).

These are examples of the world's spiritualities, and many people also follow hybrid, syncretic, or individual spiritual paths that draw from multiple traditions.

Sources (incl ChatGPT) for number of adherents:

1. Pew Research Center: Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, and other data-driven social science research. It publishes regular reports on the size and distribution of religious groups around the world, based on demographic data and surveys.

2. World Christian Database: The World Christian Database is a comprehensive database of global religious statistics that provides detailed information on the size and distribution of religious communities around the world, including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, and others.

3. The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA): The ARDA is an online database that collects and archives high-quality data on religion around the world. It provides information on the size and distribution of religious groups, as well as other demographic and social characteristics of religious communities.

4. The Encyclopedia Britannica: The Encyclopedia Britannica is a trusted and comprehensive reference work that provides information on a wide range of topics, including religion. It includes data on the size and distribution of religious communities around the world, as well as historical and cultural information on different religions.

5. The CIA World Factbook: The CIA World Factbook is a comprehensive source of information on countries around the world, including their religious demographics. It provides data on the size and distribution of different religious groups, as well as other demographic and social characteristics of countries.

There are variation in the numbers reported due to differences in data collection methods and definitions of religious affiliation.