History of World Religions (Members Only)

An ancient stone monastery sits atop a rocky hill, surrounded by lush green mountains and valleys, with mist in the background.

History of World Religions

Drawing of a nude male figure with arms and legs extended in multiple positions, inscribed in a circle and square, illustrating human body proportions; known as Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.

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Perspective

Our digital history of world religions concerns itself with the history of human religious feeling and thinking. It began with the invention of writing more than 5,000 years ago. Writing made it possible to standardize sacred texts everywhere, and made it easier to memorize prayers and ritual. The Bible includes accounts of oral texts handed down over many centuries.

The word “religion” in the sense of “organized religion” does not translate well into non-European cultural contexts like Buddhism, Shinto, or Hinduism, which are mystical. But it does resonate with the “Peoples of the Book” who practiced Christianity, Judaism, and Islam and organized their faiths and churches around sacred texts: the Bible, the Torah, and the Quran, respectively. Each of these peoples holds the city of Jerusalem to be sacred, where once upon a time, they coexisted peaceably (more or less). Perhaps the solution to the never-ending religious war in the Middle East could look to this ancient past for an answer.

That said, here’s our assortment… please enjoy! When you’re done perusing a map, click the ⇠ back arrow link in the upper left of your screen (not the < link), and you’ll be back here. Any problems, please get in touch at terrence@wisdommaps.info.

Abstract art print featuring overlapping leaf shapes in brown tones, outlined in white lines, arranged within a square border on a plain background.

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Christianity | Judaism | Religions of India | Chinese Social Philosophy | Religion in Japan | Other Dimensions

A mosaic artwork depicting a man with long hair and a beard, set against a golden, patterned background with a circular halo behind his head. The style is characteristic of Byzantine religious art.

Christianity

Stone relief showing ancient Roman soldiers carrying the Menorah and other spoils from the Jewish Temple, as depicted on the Arch of Titus in Rome.

Judaism

A decorative ceramic tile features Arabic calligraphy surrounded by a floral blue and turquoise border, with “Ya Allah” written in the center.

Islam

Stone statue of Buddha with a calm expression and closed eyes, featuring a circular halo with radiating lines behind the head. The nose of the statue is partially damaged.

Religions of India

A traditional Chinese painting of a bearded man in ancient robes with a blue headpiece, set against a yellow background. He has a calm, dignified expression and his hands are folded together.

Chinese Social Philosophy

A large red torii gate stands in the water near the shore, with mountains and trees in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Religion in Japan

An elderly man with gray hair and a mustache, wearing a red shirt, stands with eyes closed and hands pressed together in a gesture of respect or prayer, against a red and white background.

Other Dimensions

Drawing of a naked man with arms and legs outstretched in two superimposed positions, inscribed in a circle and a square, based on Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, illustrating ideal human body proportions.