ABSTRACT
The history of the world's religions is reviewed to know about their theoretical, practical, and sociological forms of religious expression. Sometimes one religion is replaced by another. Christianity is becoming strong in the Southern Hemisphere even as it fades in some parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Islam is increasingly a presence in Europe and North America, as are Hinduism and Buddhism. Confucianism was once in decline, but now it seems to be regaining its role as a moral influence in East Asia. Islam is on its way to displace Christianity as the numerically largest religion on the planet. New religious movements mushroom on every side; some survive long, whereas others do not. There are also those who contend that something like religion is necessary for a comprehensive worldview and that religion is the ultimate foundation for valid values that shape self, family, community, and good governance.
