What Is The Oldest Religion In The World?

Preferably, let's discuss where humans' spiritual beliefs started. They started with animistic and shamanic practices. Evidence from ancient burial sites, cave paintings, and ritual items shows that people believed in spiritual things as early as the Paleolithic period, which could be around 50,000 years ago or even earlier.

Evidence Includes:

• The Lion-man of Hohlenstein-Stadel (circa 40,000 BCE): A carved figure, with human and animal characteristics merged together, showing evidence of early symbolic religious expression.
• Cave paintings in Lascaux, France (17,000 BCE): Show possible spiritual rituals and shamanic practices.
• Burial sites with grave goods (100,000+ BCE): Reveals belief in an afterlife.

A large number of adherents of Hinduism may have one question, "How old is Hindu Religion?" The date is always mysterious, but one thing as a fact is that it is the oldest religion in the world which has its roots over four millenniums in the Indian sub-continent. Its origin is complex and multi-dimensional as it emanates from various cultures and religious traditions.

Details

The first signs of Hinduism are found in the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeological discoveries show that people there worshipped small female statues, which might have been goddesses, and took part in other religious rituals as well.

Following this period, the Vedic Age (1500-500 BCE) marked a significant development in Hinduism considering the composition of the Vedas, which are among the oldest sacred texts in Hinduism. The Vedic texts reflect a sacrificial religion practiced by the Indo-Aryans who migrated to India, with them they brought their language and religious customs.

Hinduism evolved through several historical phases:

• Pre-Vedic Period (influences from local traditions and the Indus Valley Civilization)
• Vedic Period
• Epic and Puranic Period (Ramayana, Puranas)
• Classical Period (Bhakti)

Archaeological Evidence

• Indus Valley seals showing yogic figures (3300-1300 BCE)
• Proto-shiva figures found in Mohenjodaro
• Ancient fire altars indicating Vedic rituals

Textual Evidence

• The Rigveda (composed (1700-1100 BCE)
• Upanishads (800-500 BCE)
• Ancient Sanskrit texts describing religious practices

The most interesting and lovely fact about Hinduism is they don't just worship one god or goddess- there are numerous. Every follower of Hinduism prays to every god with equal devotion and happiness. Some deities are:

• Ganesha
• Vishnu
• Shiva
• Durga
• Laxmi and many more.

Zoroastrianism originates in ancient Indo-Iranian religious practices that were popular in Central Asia before their expansion into present-day Iran and northern India. It focuses on celebrating the supreme god, Ahura Mazda, who stands for truth and goodness, as opposed to Angra Mainyu, the spirit of disorder and deception.

Details

Founded by the prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia, Zoroastrianism is believed one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions. Its teachings significantly influenced other major religions, particularly Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Avesta is its sacred text, containing hymns and rituals that are believed to date back to this early period.

Archaeological Evidence

Excavations in regions like Sistan and Helmand in present-day Iran have revealed artifacts that suggest early centers of Zoroastrian worship. These sites contain remnants of fire temples and inscriptions that align with Zoroastrian practices.

Textual Evidence

The Avesta serves as a crucial source for understanding Zoroastrian beliefs. Composed over centuries, it includes tests from the mid-2nd millennium BCE, with the Gathas being among the oldest components. Additionally, manuscripts like "Ashem vohu", dating back to the 9th century CE, provide insights into early Zoroastrian liturgy and theology.

Judaism generally considers itself the third largest system of religion on earth, after Hinduism and Zoroastrianism.

Details

Judaism traces its beginnings to the patriarch Abraham. Its foundational text encompasses the Torah, which holds the laws and teachings that are central to Jewish belief and identity. The religion was transformed significantly during the Babylonian Exile in the 6th century BCE, shaping the religion into what we recognize today.

Likewise, Judaism has stages in its history, the stage of Biblical Judaism (20th-4th century BCE), the stage of Hellenistic Judaism (4th-century BCE to 18th century), and the stage of Modern Judaism (1750 to date).

Archaeological Evidence

Excavations in ancient sites like; Jerusalem have unearthed items associated with early Israelite worship- including pieces of alters and writings that mention important people like David and Solomon. Old writings found at places like Qumran (where the Dead Sea scrolls were found) help us understand early Jewish beliefs and practices.

Textual Evidence

The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) serves as a critical source of understanding Judaism's origins and development. The Torah, traditionally believed to have been given to Moses at Sinai, contains foundational laws and narratives that shape Jewish identity. Similarly, historical texts from later periods document the evolution of Jewish thought and practice, including writings from figures like Ezra during the Persian period.

The origins of Jainism are not well documented, but it is believed to have arisen in India between the 7th to 5th centuries BCE. Jainism traces its history through a succession of "Twenty-four Tirthankaras" or spiritual teachers, who guide followers on the path to enlightenment. Ranging from "Rishabhnatha" who is said to have existed many, many millions of years ago, to the last two historic Tirthankaras, "Parshavanatha" (9th-8th century BCE) and "Mahavira" (599-527 BCE), are definitively dated.

It highlights Non-violence (ahimsa), Truth (Satya), Non-possessiveness (aparigraha), Karma and Rebirth, and Spiritual Liberation. It consists of teachings ascribed to Mahavira, regarded as its last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher). Jain texts were written down much later than their oral traditions began.

Archaeological Evidence

Artifacts from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1300 BCE) suggest that early forms of Jain practices may have existed during this time. Seals depicting figures resembling Tirthankaras and symbols associated with Jainism have been found at sites like Harappa. These findings indicate that Jain concepts may have been part of early Indian spirituality.

Textual Evidence

Whereas the Jain scriptures, particularly the Agamas, are considered eternal verities received by the Tirthankaras. There are umpteen number of texts that bear testimony to the historicity of Parshvanatha and Mahavira; the latter is credited with consolidating Jain teachings into a systematic whole in approximately the 6th century BCE. Besides, references to the Jains in historical accounts of later periods confirm the existence and influence of the Jains in Indian society.

Buddhism was born amidst the beautiful scenery of northeastern India in the 5th century BCE, this system was founded on the principles established by Siddhartha Gautam (later known as "the Buddha"- the enlightened one). Born a royal in Lumbini, Nepal, Siddhartha lived a life of accession until the age of 29, when he glimpsed the harsh realities of age, sickness, and death, an experience that cut him to the marrow. This propelled him to abandon his royal life, in search of a means to end suffering.

After many years of practice and meditation, Siddhartha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya. Later he began teaching other people about the path to emancipation from suffering. His teachings were mainly focused on "The Four Noble Truths" and the "Eightfold Path" which definitely gave a practical guide for living ethically and developing positive thoughts.

Key Beliefs and Practices

The Four Noble Truths

1. The truth of suffering (Dukha)
2. The cause of suffering (Samudaya)
3. The cessation of Suffering (Nirodha)
4. The path to the cessation of suffering (Magga)

The Eightfold Path

1. Right View
2. Right Resolve
3. Right Speech
4. Right Conduct or Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Samadhi (Concentration)

Archaeological Evidence

• Sarnath Stupa, where Buddha delivered his first sermon
• Nalanda (centers for Buddhist learning)

Textual Evidence

The first Buddhist writings were in Pali and Sanskrit. The Pali Canon or the Tipitaka is one of the oldest recorded sets of Buddhist teachings. It consists of words by the Buddha, the regulations and directives of the monastic communities, and philosophical treatises.

Confucianism, originating in ancient China, roots traced back to the teachings of Confucius (Kong Qiu), who lived from 551 to 479 BCE during the tumultuous period known as the Spring and Autumn Period of the Zhou dynasty.

Details

Confucius is not considered a traditional religious founder, rather, he viewed himself as a transmitter of ancient cultural values. His philosophy emphasized moral integrity, social harmony, and respect for tradition. The core of Confucian thought revolves around the "Five Classics," which includes:

• Classic of Poetry
• Classic of History
• Classic of Rites
• Classic of Changes (I Ching)
• Spring and Autumn Annals

These texts were pivotal in forming Confucian ideology and were later formalized during the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE) when Confucianism became the state philosophy, combining with other schools of thought like Taoism and Legalism.

Archaeological Evidence

Significant archaeological discoveries have provided insights into the early existence of Confucian texts. For example, in 1973, the tomb of Liu Xiu (King Huai) was excavated, demonstrating bamboo strips marked with "The Analects," a collection of Confucius's sayings. This result dates back to 55 BCE, displaying that Confucian texts were well-established even before the Han dynasty.

Textual Evidence

The classical texts associated with Confucianism were systematically compiled and edited over centuries, particularly during the Han dynasty when they were adopted as foundational educational materials. The formalization of these texts solidified Confucianism's role in Chinese society, influencing governance, education, and social ethics.

Taoism (rooted in ancient China), also known as Daoism, reflects a rich tapestry of philosophical thought and cultural practices that have influenced Chinese society for centuries.

Details

Traditional founding figure- Laozi (Lao Tzu), who is thought to have lived around the 6th Century BCE. The "Tao Te Ching," a foundational test of Taoist philosophy, has been attributed to him, although it is likely dated between the 4th and 3rd century BCE. Some scholars debate Laozi's historicity; some consider him a legendary figure as opposed to a historical person. Similarly, the "Yellow Emperor" Huangdi, is also frequently believed to be Taoist, suggesting that elements of Taoism may have existed before Laozi's time.

The core principles of Taoism began to crystallize during the Warring States period (475-221 BCE), with significant texts like the "Zhuangzi" emerging alongside the "Tao Te Ching". These works emphasize harmony with nature and the concept of the "Tao", or "the Way," which represents the fundamental nature of the universe.

Archaeological Evidence

• Oracle bones from the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) reveal early divination practices that influenced Taoist thought.

Textual Evidence

The "Tao Te Ching" and "Zhuangzi"- two fundamental texts that make up the core of Taoist philosophy. Taoist canon, known as the "Daozang", was compiled mainly starting with the 5th century CE and consists of a wide variety of writings characteristic of the development of Taoist thought to the present. The earliest established form of Taoism is known as the "Way of the Celestial Masters", which arose in the 2nd century CE as a result of the Five Pecks of Rice movement under Zhang Daoling, who claimed to have received revelations from Laozi.

Apart from the above seven religions, there are some more religions that humans practice and follow. Let's see what are those:

1. Shinto Religion: The established religion of Japan, also known as Kami-no-Michi. The people of this religion focus on worshiping nature's divine, ancestor veneration, and harmony with kami AKA divine spirits. Taking a strict stand on purity in rituals, annual celebrations, and nature interconnections, it resonates organically with the Japanese cultural identity through sacred shrines, ceremonial performances, and prime reverence for the spiritual essence of existence.
2. Christianity: A monotheistic religion that worships a single God, Jesus Christ (son of God and Savior of humanity). This religion relies on devotion to Christ, divine love, redemption through Christ's sacrifice, and the teachings of the Bible, which highlights faith, love, and the capacity to forgive, as well as the promise of eternal life through grace and spiritual transformation.