What are the Top Fastest Growing Religions Today?
The demographics of religion are rapidly changing worldwide. In most cases, the populations of major world religions remain relatively steady through a constant birthrate. Practitioners of a certain religion will stay numerous as long as the individual members of the religion continue to reproduce and start families. However, there are a few religions that tend to grow faster than the birthrate, which means that adults are converting and adding to the population, causing steady growth that may continue over a period of years or decades.
Buddhism is usually recognized as one of the fastest growing religions. Most of this new growth is attributed to Western countries, since the population in Eastern countries remains steady. While Americans and Europeans convert to Buddhism, the equilibrium experienced in Asian countries turns into positive growth worldwide. There are over half a million people practicing Buddhism in the United States alone, which is a significant increase from recent years.
Hinduism is another religion that experiences significant growth. Nearly all people living in the Republic of India identify as Hindus, which accounts for a huge portion of the worldwide members of the religion. India has experienced some population growth in recent years with a rapidly growing population of young people and juveniles. Most of the recent growth of Buddhism can be attributed to this increase in population.
Other religions continue to experience rapid growth in certain areas, not the least of which are Christianity, Judaism and the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. Most of this growth is attributed to missionaries and other active conversions that occur worldwide on a regular basis. Some religions that were previously obscure in Western culture are becoming more prominent, including Zoroastrianism and Sikhism, as well as some that may be considered a philosophy instead of a religion such as Confucianism.
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Mormons and Christianity: Are Mormons Christians?
Most people who are unfamiliar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are not quite sure whether Mormons are actually Christians. Although their beliefs and traditions differ significantly from those of blanket Christianity, most Mormons identify themselves as Christians. This is because of a number of key similarities between their beliefs.
One of the most important similarities is that Mormons and Christians both agree that the Bible is an important book of scripture to be taken as gospel. Mormons also study the Book of Mormon, but take the Bible as seriously as Christians do. Additionally, Mormons believe that they are children of God, which is a basic prerequisite in most Christian churches.
Mormons believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet, which may conflict with some Christians and their view that there was only one prophet, Jesus Christ. However, Mormons believe that Smith restored the ability for the church to enforce ordinances which are similar to sacraments performed by certain Christian denominations. These ordinances allow living prophets to continue spreading the word of Jesus Christ and encouraging atonement.
Mormons also believe that in order to become a child of God, one needs to follow the examples that Jesus originally set. This directly parallels the Christian belief in following Christ and emulating his paths and his image. They believe in the power of prayer and feel strongly that God answers prayers and speaks to his followers, which are also beliefs vehemently held by Christians of most denominations.
Although Mormonism and Christianity do have some differences, they are more similar than they are different. Mormons hold all the core beliefs that Christians do regarding their status as children of God. Their beliefs regarding prophets differ significantly, but because they share these beliefs about God and Christ, most Mormons consider themselves to be Christians as well.
Posted by Derrick on November 8th, 2011 :: Filed under
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The population in the United States is diverse. Many cultures maintain their religious beliefs. There is no doubt that Christianity is still the dominant religion. However, Judaism and Islam are also religions that are deeply rooted in the American culture. There are many other religions practiced in the United States such as Buddhism.
Many people have become frustrated with Christianity because of a well-known Baptist hate group that protests at soldier’s funerals. In addition, a recent elderly radio show host and religious leader, claimed the Christian rapture would happen in May 2011. Of course, the rapture did not occur. He has since amended this date to October 2011.
Depending on which statistical date you review, the number of Americans with no religious affiliation is approximately 22 percent. This does not mean that 22 percent of Americans are atheist. It simply means 22 percent to do not practice a religion. However, many do believe in God. They are disillusioned and jaded by the antics of religious institutions.
Religion continues to be popular in the United States. In addition, with the looming date of December 21, 2012 on the horizon, many people are once again turning to religion. The global economic unrest has many people evaluating if religious prophecy may have merit.
Many people are returning to religion for comfort and some sense of stability. People are frightened by world events such as major earthquakes and unusual weather patterns. People have become uneasy about the seemingly bleak times in the country and around the world. Regardless of the religion, people are finding comfort by getting involved with a religion.
Religion continues to be apart of mainstream America. However, millions of Americans have luke warm feelings toward religion. Many people still believe in a higher power, they simply do not believe in the institution of religion.
Posted by Derrick on October 25th, 2011 :: Filed under
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