Ten Great Religions

According to James Freeman Clarke, the "Ten Great Religions" of the world are:--

I. The Confucian religion of China, founded by Confucius (B.C. 551-478). Sacred books, "The Kings," and "The Four Books." The chief features, Morality, Reverence for the Past, Conservatism in State. Maxim, "Learn the past and you will known the future."

II. Brahmanism of India. Sacred books, "The Vedas," "The Epic Poems (Ramayana and Mahabharata)," (see Vol. I.) and "The Puranas." Maxims, "The soul knows no person;" "The body is the enemy of the soul."

The worship of Brahma has entirely disappeared. The founder of this religion is unknown.

III. Buddhism, a revolt from Brahmanism, in Eastern Asia, founded by Sakya-muni (who died 543 B.C.). Sacred books, "The Pitikas," or scriptures in the Pali language. Buddhism holds at least one-third of the population of the world under its influence, yet it neither acknowledges nor denies God. "Who shall name Him and dare to say, 'I believe in Him'? Who shall deny Him, and venture to affirm, 'I believe Him not'?" The great object in this religion is to attain Nirvana (Heaven), which is to be obtained only by good works. No knowledge of Christ. The meaning of Nirvana is disputed. Most scholars define it as signifying either annihilation or at least unconsciousness.

IV. The Magian Religion of Persia, founded by Zoroaster. Its sacred book is "The Zend-Avesta," or the Avesta in the Zend language, a Liturgy. It must be remembered that the founder of a religion does not invent it, he gives it a form. Zoroaster lived B.C. 1300. The religion which he founded comes nearer Christianity than any other of the ancient religions, and though nearly swept away by Mohammedanism, its influence remains. It permeates both Judaism and Christianity. The Jews in their Captivity found the Persian religion to be the nearest to their own. There were no idols, and worship was addressed only to the Unseen. The sun and fire which they worshiped were but visible symbols of the invisible God. Another point of agreement was the warfare of life; a battle between right and wrong, between the good and the evil spirit. The Persians also looked for a Mediator, who was to them as the Messiah to the Jews; and here was a real point of union, which gives profound meaning to the story of the "Star" seen in the east, which guided the Magi of Zoroaster to the cradle of Christ. A small body of Parsees remain to-day in Persia and in India, disciples of a venerable faith. They are good, moral, industrious people. During our Rebellion, some of the Parsees sent gifts to the Sanitary Commission, out of sympathy with the cause of Freedom and Union. Who can estimate the value of a single life!

V. The religion of Egypt. Founder unknown. The sacred books, "The Two Books of Kings," "The Book of the Dead." A polytheism or animal worship. Transmigration of the soul after the decay of the body the chief feature, hence the efforts of the Egyptians to preserve the body by embalming. Now entirely extinct.

VI. The Mythology of the Greeks and Romans. No founder, no restorer. Their sacred books the Iliad of Homer and the works of the poet Hesiod. This religion overthrown by Christianity.

VII. The Scandinavian Mythology. Sacred books, "The Eddas." Overthrown by Christianity, under a form which ultimately became Lutheran.

VIII. The Jewish Religion, founded by Abraham. Circumcision instituted 1897 B.C. Sacred books, the Old Testament and the Talmud. Still existing.

IX. The "Islam" Religion, founded by Mohammed. Date of his Hegira, 622 A.D. Sacred book, the Koran. The chief feature of this Unitarian religion is the doctrine of Predestination. It is a retarding element in civilization.

X. Christianity. Jesus Christ the founder. Sacred books, "The Old and New Testament Scriptures." The Incarnation its chief doctrine.