Religion serves a very important purpose for humanity. By connecting with a higher power, people can feel a sense of comfort when faced with the many unknown variables of life. While there are hundreds of active religions currently being practiced around the world, a few tend to be more popular than others. However, even the most well-known religious movement is shrouded in strange and interesting facts. Learn a little more by diving into this info and gaining more perspective on the biggest religious groups around the planet. 

Wicca and Ancient Practices

Modern Wiccan groups can often seem like they are part of a religious movement that is as ancient as nature itself. Wiccan beliefs often revolve around pagan practices that stem back to traditions and rituals from hundreds of years ago. However, the actual religion as it is known today did not come about until sometime in the 1950s. Neopaganism rose in popularity in the United Kingdom after World War II and gained momentum in places like the United States during the counterculture movements of the 1960s. 

A number of the practices utilized in Wicca relate to the traditions of fertility cults from throughout Europe. Over the years, however, the religion has begun to incorporate rituals from cultures all over the world. 

Islam and Conversions

Converting from one religion to another is nothing surprising. In fact, it happens quite often in places where religious freedom is allowed like the United States and Canada. Interestingly, all religions have certain guidelines a person must follow when converting. For those interested in becoming Muslim, there are three specific points a convert must hit: first and foremost, the convert must be undertaking the decision of his or her own volition and without coercion. Second, the convert must proclaim that Muhammad is God’s prophet. 

Finally, a potential convert must make a statement about God and Islam in front of three witnesses who are Muslim. These are quite simple steps when compared to other religions, but still vital to the process of joining Islam. 

The Saints and Catholicism 

In most Christian denominations, God is viewed either as a singular entity or part of a Trinity that includes other aspects of God like Jesus and the Holy Spirit. However, Catholicism walks the line of polytheism at times with how the religion approaches certain concepts. Saints are a perfect example of this. Though not revered as gods themselves, the Saints are venerated in a way that makes them important for specific scenarios. 

An example of this can be found in Saint Anthony. This is a saint who is often connected with concepts of lost items. If a person loses something of importance, a quick prayer to Saint Anthony is said to help the item be recovered. This connects to old concepts from ancient religions, where minor deities were in charge of very specific situations and could be called upon for aid. 

The Amish and Technology

While this might be known to Americans from the Northeast, many people are not aware of how the Amish view technology. Some assume that the decision to live without access to modern comforts like electricity is based on a cultural choice. In truth, this is connected to the religious views of the Amish. In accordance with their beliefs, members of Amish communities will forego all modern tech including electricity, phones, computers, internet access, and everything else that people have become reliant on in society. Those who decide to use technology routinely are often excommunicated. 

Religion and the World

There are plenty of wild and weird facts surrounding the world’s biggest religions. By learning more, you are giving yourself the opportunity to gain more perspective on a force that controls the daily lives of most people.