Hinduism began in India in approximately 1500 B.C. The oldest Hindu scriptures are the "Vedas," written from approximately 1,000 B.C. to the time of Christ. To find peace, a person must overcome sense and feeling through sincere devotion in numerous ways. If successful, a person will be reincarnated at a higher level of life and finally escape human levels to become a god in Brahman-the cosmic soul. Hinduism believes in a strong caste system.

A split from Hinduism, Buddhism was founded by Gautama Buddha, "The Enlightened One," in the late 500s B.C. Buddhism rejects the Hindu: caste system, belief in thousands of gods, and special powers of the priestly class. Buddha taught four noble truths: 1. Life is suffering. 2. The cause of suffering is desiring. 3. The end of suffering is to eliminate all desiring. 4. To eliminate all desiring one must follow an eight-fold path. This will bring a person to "nirvana," a state of perfect peace and happiness.

Confucianism is a Chinese religion based upon the teachings of Confucius, a philosopher in the 400s B.C. Confucianism does not believe in an eternal God nor eternity. It stresses good morality, dedication to public service, and respect for authority. Its teachings are based upon the Five Classics and the Four Books of Conduct.

Taoism, like Confucianism, is a Chinese religion. It became organized around 100 B.C. Taoism strongly believes in spirits which must be pacified through communication with the spirit world via fortunetelling, witchcraft, and astrology. Taoism is a highly superstitious religion. Its goals are to become happy and immortal.

Shintoism is the native religion of Japan. Japan and the Japanese people were specially created by gods. These gods are to be worshipped in various mountains, rocks, trees, etc., in Japan. Until the mid 1900's, the Japanese Emperor was worshipped as a direct descendant of the sun goddess, the most important god.

Shintoism is the native religion of Japan. Japan and the Japanese people were specially created by gods. These gods are to be worshipped in various mountains, rocks, trees, etc., in Japan. Until the mid 1900's, the Japanese Emperor was worshipped as a direct descendant of the sun goddess, the most important god.

Hundreds of different primitive tribal religions exist in the world. In general they include the following characteristics: the belief in many gods and spirits (both good and evil); the constant fear of, and need to pacify, evil spirits; the worshipping of self-made gods (idols); the ability to communicate with the spirit world through various mystical practices, and the religious use of fire or fire worship.

Can you discover any common characteristics found in all false religions? How is true Christianity different from all false religions?

Why are all people in the world "religious"? What false gods are worshipped by educated, civilized "heathenism" today?