8 Oldest Religions in the World Before Christianity and Islam
Although some religions claim to have teachings that date back to the beginning of time, spiritual practices and beliefs have emerged, persisted and some have even faded since imperial times. Some major religious movements have been lost to history, but some ancient religions are still practiced today.
It is important to note, Bela, that while some of these religions can definitely trace their origins, overall, it is difficult to know when most religions actually appeared and their exact dates, as they vary depending on the translation reference. Come on, take a look at the oldest religions in the world and their origins below.
1. Hinduism (Around 7,000 BC)
Country or region of origin: Indus River Valley (Modern Pakistan)
Hinduism is often considered the oldest religion in the world that is still practiced today. Although some consider Brahmanism to be a precursor to Hinduism, among Hindus—especially in India—Brahmanism is generally seen as part of their tradition, rather than as a separate religion.
While this may be true, it is important to note that Hinduism does not have a single founder or text, but combines several ancient traditions and beliefs. The oldest sacred book of Hinduism is the Rig Veda, which is believed to be around 3,500 years old. However, archaeologists have discovered motifs of bulls and cows, which are sacred animals in Hinduism, dating back to around 7,000 BC during a time when ancient civilizations inhabited areas near the Indus River.
2. Judaism/Jews (Around 2,000 BC)
Country or region of origin: Southern Levant (modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Jordan)
Judaism is the oldest of the three monotheistic religions of Abraham (Ibrahim), with the other two religions being Christianity and Islam. The religion was officially founded by Moses, although Jewish history can be traced back to Abraham, who is considered the forefather of the Jewish people. However, Judaism has many important and sacred texts with the most important religious document being the Torah, which is part of a larger text known as the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible.
Modern Judaism can be separated into three movements: Orthodox Judaism—the most conservative and retaining nearly all traditional practices and rituals; Reform Judaism—followers retain their Jewish identity but take a more liberal approach to manybeliefs and practices; and Conservative Judaism, which lies in the middle and takes a moderate approach to Jewish practice.
3. Zoroastrianism (Around 1,500 BC)
Country or region of origin: Ancient Persia (Modern Iran)
Although Zoroastrianism was officially founded in the 6th century BC by the prophet and reformer Zoroaster, through archaeological evidence, the roots of the religion may date back to between 1,200 - 1,500 BC. At one point in history, Zoroastrianism was one of the most powerful religions in the world and was the official religion of Persia from 600 BC to 650 BC. Zoroastrians believe in one God called Ahura Mazda and contrary to popular belief, they are not fire worshipers. They believed that fire represented God's light or wisdom.
Although today Zoroastrianism is a fairly small religion in comparison, it shares many central concepts with major religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Such as, the concept of life after death, as well as the concept of heaven and hell.
4. Shinto (Around 700 BC)
Country or region of origin: Japan
Meanwhile, many people believe that Shinto only officially began after Buddhism was introduced to Japan around the 6th century BC, there are historical records that date Shinto's roots to around 700 BC, although there are also archaeological records that date it even further back. After Buddhism arrived, many Buddhist elements were mixed into Shinto and Confucian beliefs and traditions.
The ruling nobility eventually combined the three religions and developed Shinto as a way to guide the Japanese people. Shinto was officially established as Japan's state religion during the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). Today, Shinto and Buddhism are closely linked to Japanese society and culture.
5. Buddhism (Around 600 BC)
Country or region of origin: Indian Subcontinent (Modern Nepal)
Unlike most other ancient religions, Buddhism can trace its roots back to one of its founders, a prince born in modern Nepal, more than 2,500 years ago named Siddhartha Gautama. According to Buddhist history, Siddhartha Gautama put aside his life of luxury as a prince after he witnessed suffering outside the palace walls for the first time.
After that, he sat under the Bodhi tree (tree of enlightenment) and finally achieved enlightenment, thus becoming Buddha. Since then, Buddhist followers have practiced the peaceful teachings of Buddhism and sought the path of enlightenment for themselves.
6. Jainism (Around 600 BC)
Country or region of origin: India
Jainism is another ancient religion from India that is believed to have emerged in the 6th century BC, around the same time as Buddhism. Jainism has beliefs similar to Hinduism and Buddhism.
Adherents believe that the truth has been revealed at different times by tirthankaras (prophets), who have achieved the highest spiritual goal of existence. They also believe that there were 24 tirthankaras and the last was Mahavira, who is credited as the founder of Jainism and also a contemporary Buddhist.
7. Confucianism (Around 600 BC)
Country or region of origin: China
Confucianism is often recognized as a religion even though it is not practiced as an organized traditional religion. Its adherents view Confucianism more as a system of social and ethical philosophy. The religion gets its name from its founder, Confucius (an Anglicization of his original name K'ung-fu-tzu, or Master K'ung), who had no intention of founding a new religion, but was interested in reviving the values and beliefs of the dynasty. Zhou.
Over the years, Confucianism has had a strong influence on the spiritual and political life of Chinese society. Its influence has spread to other parts of East Asia including Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
8. Taoism (Around 500 BC)
Country or region of origin: China
Taoism (Dan Taoism) is based on the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, a short book containing the teachings of Lao Tzu and emphasizing spiritual harmony within the individual. Although there are no sharp distinctions today, there are two main schools within Taoism: philosophical Taoism (Tao-chia), which tends to focus on the writings of Lao Tzu, Chuang-Tzu, and other early mystics; and the religion of Taoism (Tao-chaio), which emphasizes religious rituals aimed at achievingeternity.
Taoism is perhaps best known for utilizing the ideas of unity and opposites or Ying and Yang. The main idea of Yin Yang is; the world is filled with complementary forces such as action and non-action, light and darkness, heat and cold, and so on. Before the Communist revolution, Taoism was one of the strongest religions in China and has now recovered. Toiame is practiced in China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and to a small extent in the West.
These are the eight oldest religions in the world and their origins that still survive today, apart from Christianity and Islam. Which one interests you to explore?