The world’s major religions are each based on their own set of scriptures, which contain their core teachings, beliefs, and practices. These scriptures have been handed down through the centuries and have been a source of inspiration, guidance, and comfort for millions of people around the globe. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the oldest scriptures of some of the world’s major religions.
Here is a list of the world’s major religions, organized from oldest to earliest:
- Hinduism – originated in the Indus Valley civilization around 4000-2500 BCE.
- Judaism – founded by Abraham around 2000 BCE.
- Zoroastrianism – founded by the prophet Zarathustra around 1200 BCE.
- Buddhism – founded by the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) in the 5th century BCE.
- Taoism – originated in ancient China in the 4th century BCE.
- Confucianism – founded by Confucius in the 6th century BCE.
- Jainism – founded by Mahavira in the 6th century BCE.
- Christianity – founded by Jesus of Nazareth in the 1st century CE.
- Islam – founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE.
- Sikhism – founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century CE.
- Bahá’í Faith – founded by Bahá’u’lláh in the 19th century CE.
It’s worth noting that the origins and development of these religions are complex and nuanced, and this list is not intended to be comprehensive or definitive. Additionally, some scholars may disagree on the exact dates or categorization of these religions.
Religion has been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years, and has given rise to a variety of belief systems, rituals, and practices. Some of the world’s oldest religions have survived through the ages and continue to influence millions of people today. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the four oldest religions and their sacred texts.
1. Hinduism
Hinduism is considered the oldest religion in the world, with roots that go back to the Indus Valley civilization in present-day India and Pakistan, which flourished between 4000-2500 BCE. The religion has evolved over time, incorporating a wide range of beliefs, practices, and deities.
The oldest sacred texts of Hinduism are the Vedas, a collection of hymns, chants, and prayers that were transmitted orally for generations before they were written down. The Rigveda, the oldest of the Vedas, is believed to have been composed around 1500 BCE. The Vedas are considered the foundation of Hinduism, and are still revered and studied by millions of Hindus today.
2. Judaism
Judaism is a monotheistic religion that traces its origins to Abraham, who is believed to have lived around 2000 BCE. The religion is based on the belief in one God who revealed himself to the prophet Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments and other laws.
The oldest sacred text of Judaism is the Torah, also known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses. The Torah is believed to have been written down by Moses around 1200 BCE. It includes the story of creation, the history of the Jewish people, and the laws and commandments that govern Jewish life.
3. Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion that was founded by the prophet Zarathustra (also known as Zoroaster) in present-day Iran around 1200 BCE. The religion is based on the belief in one God, Ahura Mazda, who represents truth and light, and opposes evil and darkness.
The oldest sacred text of Zoroastrianism is the Avesta, a collection of hymns, prayers, and teachings that were transmitted orally for generations before they were written down. The Avesta includes the Gathas (hymns) attributed to Zarathustra, as well as other texts that describe Zoroastrian beliefs and practices.
4. Buddhism
Buddhism is a non-theistic religion that was founded by the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) in present-day Nepal and India in the 5th century BCE. The religion is based on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which offer a path to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering.
The oldest sacred texts of Buddhism are the Tipitaka (Three Baskets), which include the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), the Sutta Pitaka (discourses of the Buddha), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical analysis). The Tipitaka was orally transmitted for several centuries before it was written down in the 1st century BCE.
5. Taoism
Taoism is an ancient Chinese religion that dates back to the 4th century BCE. The religion is based on the belief in the Tao (the Way), an all-encompassing force that underlies and permeates everything in the universe.
The oldest sacred text of Taoism is the Tao Te Ching, a collection of 81 short poems attributed to the philosopher Lao Tzu. The Tao Te Ching emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the Tao, and offers practical advice on how to live a virtuous and fulfilling life.
6. Jainism
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that dates back to the 6th century BCE. The religion is based on the belief in non-violence, truthfulness, and the principle of non-possession.
The oldest sacred text of Jainism is the Agamas, a collection of scriptures that were transmitted orally for several centuries before they were written down. The Agamas include teachings on ethics, philosophy, and spiritual practices, and are considered the foundation of Jainism.
7. Confucianism
Confucianism is an ancient Chinese religion that dates back to the 6th century BCE. The religion is based on the teachings of the philosopher Confucius, who emphasized the importance of moral values, education, and social harmony.
The oldest sacred text of Confucianism is the Analects, a collection of sayings and teachings attributed to Confucius and his disciples. The Analects emphasize the importance of personal and social morality, and offer practical advice on how to lead a virtuous and fulfilling life.
8. Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion that traces its origins to the teachings of Jesus Christ in the 1st century CE. The religion is based on the belief in one God, who revealed himself through Jesus Christ, and the importance of faith, love, and forgiveness.
The oldest sacred text of Christianity is the Old Testament, which includes the Hebrew Bible and the writings of the prophets and other religious figures before the time of Christ. The New Testament, which includes the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the letters of the apostles, was written after the time of Christ and is considered the foundation of Christian theology.
9. Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion that emerged in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century CE. The religion is based on the belief in one God, Allah, and the importance of the Five Pillars of Islam: the declaration of faith, prayer, giving to charity, fasting during Ramadan, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
The oldest sacred text of Islam is the Quran, which is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. The Quran contains the teachings of Islam, including the stories of the prophets and the importance of faith, morality, and social justice.
10. Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that emerged in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century CE. The religion is based on the belief in one God, who is revealed through the teachings of the Ten Gurus.
The oldest sacred text of Sikhism is the Guru Granth Sahib, a collection of hymns and teachings by the Ten Gurus and other saints and poets from different religious traditions. The Guru Granth Sahib emphasizes the importance of devotion, service, and social justice, and is considered the eternal guru of the Sikh faith.
11. Baha’i Faith
The Baha’i Faith is a monotheistic religion that emerged in Persia in the 19th century CE. The religion is based on the belief in one God, who has revealed himself through a series of prophets, including Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad.
The oldest sacred text of the Baha’i Faith is the Kitab-i-Aqdas, a book of laws and spiritual principles revealed by Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith. The Kitab-i-Aqdas emphasizes the importance of unity, justice, and the oneness of humanity, and provides guidance on a wide range of social and spiritual issues.
In conclusion, the world’s oldest religions have shaped human history and culture in countless ways, and their sacred texts continue to inspire and guide millions of people around the world today. Whether it’s the Quran, the Guru Granth Sahib, or the Kitab-i-Aqdas, these scriptures offer valuable insights into the beliefs, practices, and values of these ancient traditions, and can provide guidance and inspiration for people of all faiths and backgrounds.