Collections of Articles Organized by Religion
By Catherine Beyer, About.com Guide to Alternative Religions
Important and informative information about religions covered on this site, organized by religion. This is the quickest way of reading everyone available about a particular religion.
Baha'i Faith
A 19th century religious movement that emerged out of Shia Islam and accepts the validity of multiple other religions. The faith is monotheistic and accepts that God periodically sends manifestations of himself to earth to instruct humanity. These manifestations include not only their own founder but also figures of other religions such as Zoroaster, Jesus, Mohammad, Moses and Krishna.
- Introduction to the Baha'i Faith
- Founders of the Baha'i Faith: Baha'u'llah, the Bab, Abdu'l-Baha, Shoghi Effendi
- Nature of God as Absolute Reality
- Manifestations of God
- Badi Calendar, the Baha'i Calendar
- Naw-Ruz, the Baha'i New Year
- The 19-Day Fast in the Month of Ala
- Ridvan, Celebration of Baha'u'llah's Revelation and Journey
- Obligatory Prayers
- 10 Principles of the Baha'i Faith
- Baha'i Persecution in Iran
- Baha'i and Babi Roots in Shi'a Islam
- Baha'i Symbols
Jediism
Modern religions can draw on some unlikely sources. Thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands, of people have found spiritual meaning in the ways of the Force outlined in Star Wars movies and books. It is highly decentralized, so any information offered about Jedi can only be expected to represent a segment of their population.
Raelian Movement
Based upon the founders encounters with aliens, the Raelian Movement teaches that there are no gods but instead that humanity was created by advanced beings whom we have mistakenly called gods in previous centuries.
Satanism, LaVeyan
While rumors of Satanic practices have circulated for centuries, organized Satanism is very new and very unlike the Christian descriptions. Learn how atheists follow the teachings of Anton LaVey and use Satan as a symbol - rather than a living entity - for material fulfillment and success.
- Introduction to LaVeyan Satanism
- Nine Satanic Statements
- 11 Satanic Rules of the Earth
- Nine Satanic Sins
- Is LaVeyan Satanism a Cult?
- How Can Satanists Have Rules if They Encourage Self-Indulgence?
- How Prevalent is Satanic Ritual Abuse?
- What is the Satanic Panic?
- Is Halloween Satanic?
- Who is Satan?
Scientology
Scientology emerged with the publication of the book Dianetics by L. Ron Hubbard in 1949. This personal development movement offers techniques developed to assist practitioners in ridding themselves of limiting influences keeping their souls from reaching their full potential.
- Introduction to Scientology
- Beliefs and Practices Concerning Death
- What is Auditing?
- How Much Does Scientology Cost?
- What is Silent Birth?
- Why Scientology Is Against Psychiatric Treatment
- How Scientologists Raise Children
- Galactic Overlord Xenu
- Why Do Some Religions Keep Secrets?
- Celebrating L. Ron Hubbard's Birthday
- Celebrity Scientologists
- Is Scientology a Cult?
- Fair Game
Vodoun
Vodoun (also spelled Voodoo, Vodou, Vodun and numerous other variances) is a syncretic, Caribbean religion mixing traditional African beliefs brought over by slaves and Catholic Christianity, which was the primary form of Christianity in the Caribbean during its formation. Similar terms are also used to refer to the original African religions which are still practiced today. This section focuses primarily on Caribbean Vodoun.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions still being practiced today. It emerged in what is modern-day Iran around the 10th century BCE, promoted by its prophet, Zoroaster, who preached monotheism to a polytheistic audience.
