Global / Cross-Regional
Ancient religions, new religious movements, and traditions that transcend geographic boundaries.
Sub-topics
Diverse set of ancient religions (1st-3rd century CE). Salvation through gnosis (secret knowledge). Material world created by a flawed demiurge. Nag Hammadi library rediscovered in 1945.
Founded by Gerald Gardner in 1940s England. Modern pagan witchcraft honoring the Goddess and the Horned God. Wheel of the Year, ritual magic, and the Wiccan Rede ('harm none').
Founded by L. Ron Hubbard in 1954, USA. Spiritual technology (Dianetics) to clear engrams and reach the state of 'Clear'. Controversial — classified as religion in some countries, cult in others.
Merger of Unitarianism and Universalism in 1961, USA. No creed — draws from all world religions, humanism, and reason. Seven Principles emphasizing inherent worth and dignity.
Codified by Allan Kardec in 1857, France. Communication with spirits of the dead, reincarnation, moral evolution. ~15 million practitioners, primarily in Brazil.
Founded by Nakayama Miki in 1838, Japan. Joyous life through returning to the mind of God the Parent. One of Japan's largest new religious movements (~2 million adherents).
~3000 BCE to 4th century CE. Polytheistic — Ra, Osiris, Isis, Horus, Anubis. Afterlife central — Book of the Dead, mummification, judgment by Maat. One of the oldest documented religions.
~800 BCE to 4th century CE. Olympian gods (Zeus, Athena, Apollo), mystery cults (Eleusinian, Dionysian), oracles, and philosophical theology. Profoundly influenced Christianity and Western thought.