The World Religions Family Tree

Matt Baker introduces his new 'World Religions Family Tree' poster, which integrates previous charts on Christian denominations, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. It also includes new additions like Chinese religions, folk religions, and esoteric religions, offering a comprehensive overview of how these faiths are related and their global impact.

The poster features an infographic showing the approximate number of followers for major religions, highlighting Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism as the 'Big 4'. Judaism is recognized as important not by size, but due to its age and influence on Christianity and Islam. The video traces the origins of religion back to prehistoric times with sites like Göbekli Tepe and discusses the four earliest historical religions: Ancient Egyptian Polytheism, Ancient Mesopotamian Polytheism, Proto-Indo-European Polytheism, and Indus Valley Civilization Religion, noting their influence on Judaism and Hinduism.

The video clarifies the loose use of 'denomination' in a non-Christian context, defining it as a branch or sub-group. Hinduism is discussed as a cluster of religions rather than a single one, with adherents calling it a 'dharma'. The diverse beliefs within Hinduism, from monotheism to atheism, are explored, along with its main gods (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and their consorts. The scriptures are divided into Shruti (Vedas) and Smriti (Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas), explaining their historical development and philosophical significance.

Two perspectives on Hinduism's development are presented: the traditional Hindu view, which sees history as cyclical and religion as ancient and divinely revealed, and the academic view, which traces Hinduism's roots to the Indus Valley Civilization, local folk religions, and Proto-Indo-European beliefs. The video debunks the 'Aryan Invasion Theory' in favor of a gradual Indo-European migration and intermixture, leading to the Vedic civilization and its religious texts.

Vedic religion evolved into Brahminism, leading to the Shramana movement and ultimately the 'Hindu synthesis'. This period saw the categorization of Indian philosophies into Astika (accepting Vedic authority) and Nastika (rejecting Vedas). Yoga, often misunderstood in the West, is presented as a complete philosophical system offering four paths to moksha. The four main Hindu denominations—Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism—are explained based on deity worship, with Vaishnavism being the largest.

Hinduism, the world's third-largest religion, is predominantly found in South Asia. The video highlights neo-Hindu movements in Western countries, such as the Hare Krishnas (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) founded by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and the Transcendental Meditation Movement by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Both figures and their organizations have faced controversies, but represent Hinduism's modern global spread.

The video delves into the origins of Buddhism and Jainism from the Shramana movement, which rejected Brahminical authority. Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, founded Buddhism, advocating for a 'Middle Way' and outlining his teachings in the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path. The formation of the Sangha and the First and Second Buddhist Councils are discussed, leading to the early schisms and the spread of Buddhism under Emperor Ashoka.

The Tamrashatiya School, a branch of Vibhajyavada, established in Sri Lanka by Ashoka's son, led to the creation of the Pali Canon, the oldest complete set of Buddhist scriptures. The structure of the Tipitaka (Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma Pitakas) is detailed. Theravada Buddhism, prevalent in Southeast Asia, sees itself as the original Buddhism, emphasizing strict discipline and earthly focus, with enlightenment primarily sought through the Arhat path.

Mahayana Buddhism, a movement within many schools, is characterized by its additional Mahayana Sutras, believed to have been hidden and later revealed. Its spread to East Asia, particularly China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam via the Dharmaguptaka school, is discussed. The Chinese Canon, its differences from the Pali Canon, and the incorporation of Mahayana Sutras and esoteric practices are highlighted. The main distinction between Theravada and Mahayana lies in their paths to enlightenment, with Mahayana advocating the Bodhisattva path for all, leading to a greater number of worshipped Bodhisattvas.

Tibetan Buddhism, rooted in the Vajrayana movement, is distinguished by its esoteric practices and the prominence of the Dalai Lama, the leader of the Gelug school and an incarnation of Avalokitesvara. Jainism, founded by Mahavira and tracing back to the Shramana movement, emphasizes non-violence, with its two main branches being Svetambara ('white clad') and Digambara ('sky clad'). The video then transitions to Chinese religions, explaining how people often blend Mahayana Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It outlines the polytheistic origins, veneration of ancestors, and the evolution of Taoism and Confucianism as the 'three teachings'.

The video touches on modern Chinese religious trends, including Chinese salvationist religions like Yiguandao and Weixinism, as well as Falun Gong, noting their syncretic nature and societal roles. It then shifts to Judaism, highlighting key differences from Christianity. Judaism emphasizes 'doing' (mitzvot) over 'believing' (creeds) and focuses less on salvation from original sin or explicit afterlife details. The concept of Pikuach nefesh (saving a life overrides most other laws) is introduced early on to establish that Jewish law is flexible to preserve life.

Judaism's roots in Ancient Israelite religion are explored, noting both traditional divine revelation and academic views of its slow development from Canaanite polytheism to monotheism. The period of Second Temple Judaism, its influences from Zoroastrianism and Hellenism, and the four major sects within it (Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots, Sadducees) are detailed. The video explains how only the Pharisees survived the destruction of the Temple, evolving into Rabbinic Judaism, which is based on communal prayer, Torah study, and the Talmud. Karaite Jews and Samaritans are presented as groups separate from Rabbinic Judaism due to their rejection of the Talmud or historical divisions.

The regional subcultures of Sephardic, Ashkenazi, and Mizrahi Jews are explained as cultural rather than denominational divisions, emphasizing shared religious tenets despite differing minhag (customs). The Shulchan Aruch is highlighted as a unifying text for Jewish law. The eighteenth century marked a shift with the rise of modern denominations, particularly in Western countries. Hasidism, a mystical and conservative movement originating in Ukraine, is discussed as a subset of Ashkenazi Judaism, centered around rabbinical dynasties. The Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment) led to the re-examination of Judaism, contributing to the emergence of new movements.

The development of modern Jewish denominations in the United States is traced through the migration of German and Eastern European Jews. Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox Judaism emerged, differing primarily in their approach to Halakha (Jewish law). Reform Jews view Halakha as neither binding nor unchanging, emphasizing individual ethics. Conservative Jews see it as binding but evolving, exemplified by their adjustments for modern life. Orthodox Jews consider it binding and largely unchanging, reflected in their strict observance, with Haredi (Ultra-Orthodox) and Modern Orthodox distinctions. Reconstructionist and Renewal Judaism are also mentioned as more liberal, distinct movements.

The fluidity of denominational lines in Judaism is illustrated through the Canadian experience, where individuals might engage with multiple branches (Reform, Reconstructionist, Orthodox, Renewal). The video clarifies that Messianic Jews are considered Christians. In the UK, two major Reform denominations are merging, and a Chief Rabbi oversees Orthodox Jews. In Israel, the Reform-Conservative-Orthodox trichotomy is less prominent; instead, Jews are categorized as Hiloni (secular), Masorti (partially observant), Dati, and Haredi (fully observant), with two Chief Rabbis (Ashkenazi and Sephardi) governing religious matters.

The origins of Islam are discussed from both traditional and academic perspectives. The traditional view holds that Islam began with Adam and was preached by subsequent prophets, culminating with Prophet Muhammad and the revelation of the Quran. Academic scholars suggest Islam emerged from a blend of ancient Arabic pagan traditions and Jewish-Christian influences. The Quran, received by Muhammad until his death in 632 CE, is presented as the highest authority in Islam, with its chapters divided into Meccan (theological) and Medinan (jurisprudential) sections. Key Islamic concepts like Aqidah (theology) and Fiqh (jurisprudence) are introduced.

The initial disagreement over succession after Prophet Muhammad’s death (Abu Bakr vs. Ali ibn Abi Talib) laid the groundwork for the Sunni-Shia split, which fully crystallized in the 11th century. The rapid expansion of the Islamic empire led to questions of governance and law not explicitly covered in the Quran. The Sunnah (Prophet’s examples and sayings) became another source of guidance. Sunnis relied on the opinions of the Ulema (learned scholars) and Imams, while Shias believed in infallible Imams from Muhammad’s lineage, who held divine authority to interpret scripture and tradition. This difference in the role of Imams remains a core distinction.

Sunnis constitute about 90% of Muslims and are divided into four main Schools of Jurisprudence (Fiqh): Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali, dominant in various regions. The interplay between Greek philosophy and Islamic thought led to Schools of Theology, such as Athari (traditionalists) and Mu’tazilites (rationalists). The Mihna, an inquisition over the nature of the Quran, solidified Sunni Islam's decentralized religious authority, preventing the emergence of a single head of faith like a Pope.

The decline of Muslim empires in the 18th century spurred revivalist movements like those led by Shah Wali Ullah Dehlawi (India) and Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (Saudi Arabia). These movements emphasized a return to the Quran and Sunnah, challenging medieval interpretations. Groups like Wahhabis and Ahl-e-Hadith (Salafis) emerged, often adhering closely to the Hanbali school, while Barelvis integrated Sufi mysticism. The video also covers Shia sub-sects: Zaydis (Yemen), Isma’ilis (historically influential, forming the Fatimid Caliphate), and Twelvers (the majority, dominant in Iran). Divisions among these groups often arose from succession disputes over Imams.

The Druze, originating from the Fatimids, are a secretive religious group in Syria not considered Muslim by most. Twelver Shia internal divisions led to the Usuli and Akhbari schools. Alawites, primarily in Syria and Turkey, are also often not considered Muslim by other sects. The Babist and Baha’i faiths emerged from Twelver Shias but are not Muslims. The Kharijites (Muhakkima), the earliest division among Believers, are noted for their rigid interpretation of Islam, with the Ibadis in Oman being a moderate surviving branch claiming no direct lineage to Kharijites. Finally, groups with disputed Muslimhood, Ahmadis and the Nation of Islam, are discussed due to their leaders' perceived prophetic or divine claims, conflicting with mainstream Islamic belief in Muhammad as the final prophet.