World Religion Day 2024: World Religion Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in January every year and is a reminder of the need for harmony and understanding between religions and faith systems. On this day, communities of different faiths have the opportunity to get together and listen to each other, as well as celebrate the differences and commonalities that the delicate intermingling of culture and religion brings. There are approximately 4,200 religions around the world. While many people live their lives without religion, faith in a higher being or power works for the majority of people. Whatever the reasons, we are all for the idea of people being unified despite differences and celebrating them.
World Religion Day 2024: History
World Religion Day was first observed in 1950; however, the idea began earlier. In October 1947, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’í Faith in Portland, Maine, held a presentation at the Eastland Park Hotel, leading to the creation of World Peace Through World Religion, an annual event. The event became popular in other U.S. states by 1949. By 1950, it was World Religion Day. Authors, educators, and philosophers attend various events on this day to discuss world religions and the need for unity. It’s a terrific place to learn about other religions and civilizations and socialize with people from diverse worldviews.
Since this concept was the brainchild of people from the Bahá’í Faith, it is worth exploring what this faith is and tracing its historical roots. As a religion, Bahá’í first emerged in Persia (modern-day Iran) in the 1800s. There are three core principles of this faith: unity of God, unity of religion, and unity of all mankind. It is a monotheistic faith, believing in a single god, and the spiritual aspects of all religions in this world stem from this single god. Another central tenet is the belief in the innate equality of all human beings. Thus, all humans have the same rights and responsibilities. If you look at it, the Bahá’í Faith is an all-encompassing one that recognizes the commonalities between all religions, so Baháʼí believes that all faiths have common spiritual goals too, especially since religions are ever-evolving.
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5 Lesser-Known Facts About Global Religions
You name it, and there’s a patron saint for it
In Catholicism, there is a patron saint for nearly everything, including coffee, beekeepers, and headaches.
Wicca is not an ancient religion
Though it sounds like it would be ancient, considering its roots in European fertility cults, Wicca was introduced in the 1950s.
Mormons have limited beverage options
Mormons are forbidden from drinking beverages like tea, coffee, or alcohol; soda, however, seems to be okay.
The “Qur’an” mentions Jesus more than Muhammad
Though this is not a popularity contest, the “Qur’an” apparently mentions Jesus Christ five times more than Muhammad.
Hindus can also be atheists
While Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, it is also possible to be a practicing Hindu and an atheist; the moral and ethical code remain the same.
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World Religion Day 2024 FAQs
How many religions are there in the world?
Many scholars estimate that there are approximately 4,200 different active religions in the world today.
How many countries celebrate World Religion Day?
World Religion Day is currently celebrated in over 80 countries around the globe.
Which religion has the most adherents?
Christianity tops the list, with a whopping 2,3 billion. Next comes Islam with 1,8 billion. Third on the list are those unaffiliated with any particular religion, at 1,2 billion.
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