How Did The Major Religions Start?

          The principal religions in the world today are the Hindu, Buddhist, Confucians, Taoist, Shinto, and Zoroastrian, and Islam, Jewish and Christian faiths.The Hindu religion of India was formed about 3000 years ago. Founders of this faith considered that Brahma was the first great god. Brahma created all forms of life and multiples of other gods. Buddha was a great religious teacher who lived about 3,000 years ago. In its original form Buddhism does not depend upon a god or gods but teaches that man can purify himself of all desires and thus do away with evil and suffering. There are various sects and modifications of Buddhism.

          Confucianism, based on the teachings of Confucius, a sixth century B.C. philosopher, is concerned almost wholly with man's right conduct toward his fellow man.Taoism sprang from a little book called Tuo Te king, which was written by Lao-tse in the sixth century B.C. It calls upon its followers to find and follow the natural way of fife.Shinto is the primitive religion of Japan. It has been modified by many later contacts and teachers, mostly Chinese.

          The Zoroastrian religion stems from the teachings of Zarathustra, or Zoroaster, prophet of Iran, born probably in the seventh century B.C. This religion elevates Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) as the great One God. The Mohammedan religion - Islam is based on the teachings of Mohammad, prophet of Arabia in the sixth century A.D.Judaism is the oldest one-god (monotheistic) religion. Originating in Palestine, which was the early home of the Jews, it went with the Jewish people wherever they travelled. The Christian religion is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. He was born in Palestine between 8 and 4 B.C