A Dozen Different Types Of Religion

How many different types of religion are there? More than I can outline here, yet there are some themes most of them have in common. In fact, most religions have a tradition of mysticism that involves meditation or similar practices designed to bring about a more direct experience of a god or of a reality beyond what our senses and minds show us. The following are some of the religions of the world, along with their basic ideals or "goals," and a note or two about their mystical traditions (my own interpretations and opinions).

Some of the Different Types of Religion

Judaism

For many adherents, Judaism is all about being faithful to the Torah, or God's Law. The mystical branch that most have heard of is the school of thought known as the Kabbalah. Like most religious mysticism the goal is a more direct experience of God.

Christianity

The aim of Christianity is salvation through the grace of God, which is accomplished through an acceptance of Jesus Christ as one's redeemer. At the extremes the primary belief is that this is the only way to find salvation. There is a mystical tradition that doesn't give as much credence to belief though, and relies on contemplative meditation and other practices aimed at a more direct experience of God.

Islam

The key point of Islam is to submit to the will of God. But there are mystical traditions too. Perhaps the best known is Sufism, which uses practices (like the famous spinning around of the whirling dervishes) to achieve a union with the ultimate (Allah). Islamic mysticism often leads towards what mainstream Islam considers heresy.

Buddhism

The goal of Buddhism is to become enlightened. Although there are many very ritualistic varieties of Buddhism, the essential teachings are more relevant to personal transformation in a psychological sense than in any reaching for things beyond this world. Meditation is a part of this, and can be considered a mystical practice by virtue of its bringing one to a more direct non-intellectual experience of reality.

Hinduism

Hindus seek to be liberated from the worldly cycle of life and death. This is an essentially pessimistic world view (why else would you want to be "liberated?"), as is that of Christianity and other eastern religions. Meditation is an important part of Hinduism, as are mystical experiences of every sort.

Taoism

The goal of Taoism is simply "oneness" with the universe. It points to the inter-connectedness of all things, and encourages the simple life. Quiet contemplation of "the way things are" is an important element.

Confucianism

Human morality and good deeds are the important ideals in Confucianism. It's a complex system of practical guidance in matters of morality, politics, philosophy, and social interactions. Though it is quasi-religious there isn't much of a mystical tradition.

Shinto

The "way of the gods" is important in this native Japanese religion (it was the official state religion at one time). Honor, family and nation are its important values.

African Tribal Religions

Most tribal religions of Africa are about communion with the rhythms of nature or the earth. Mystical experiences are also a common element in some practices.

Native American Religions

Most Native American religions concentrate on an understanding of the natural and supernatural organization of life, and mans role in that. Communion with nature and the "the great spirit" (or grandfather) is accomplished through an understanding that is passed down through the generations and through mystical practices.

Classic Myths

The classical myths of the ages often served as a kind of religion. They commonly deal with the struggle between fate and human freedom or desires.

Is Religion Necessary?

Considering the almost universal attraction of religions, it seems that they must serve some true needs for their believers. It is possible though, that those needs might be better served through spiritual or psychological practices that make no reference to religious dogma and tradition. And although mystical experiences can be very profound and even useful, their is no evidence that they require a belief in gods or forces beyond the natural (perhaps beyond our understanding, but that doesn't imply they are beyond natural forces). The fact that there are so many different types doesn't suggest that religion itself is needed, but the opposite: It suggests that whatever the underlying function is, it could be served by many other practices too - even those that don't appear religious at all.