This is the sixteenth of the seventh series of Lanzarote Sessions, transcribed during a break to the Canary Islands in September 2024. During our frequent visits, I sit in the power of the spirit at least once every day and allow the spirit connect to share a message with me.
|| This summary written on 12h February 2025
Have you ever considered how many different religions there are in our world? If you had the time and inclination, how many could you write down? Don’t worry, I didn’t do the exercise! Instead, I turned to A.I. to help me.
I asked my AI source to produce a list showing how many religions there are in the world today. The results weren’t what I expected, but here are some edited results.
Determining the exact number of religions in the world is a complex task due to the diverse nature of religious beliefs and practices. However, estimates suggest there are thousands of distinct religions worldwide, with some sources indicating around 10,000 different religious traditions
Major World Religions
While there are numerous religions, a handful of major religions account for the majority of the world’s religious adherents:
- Christianity: With approximately 2.38-2.52 billion followers, Christianity is the world’s largest religion. It is divided into various denominations, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy.
- Islam: The second-largest religion, with about 1.8-1.9 billion followers. Islam is primarily split into Sunni and Shia branches, with smaller denominations like Sufism and Ahmadiyya.
- Hinduism: The third-largest religion, with approximately 1.1 billion adherents. Hinduism encompasses various traditions and philosophies, including Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism.
- Buddhism: Estimates range from 500-530 million followers worldwide. Major branches include Mahayana, Theravada, and Tibetan Buddhism.
- Folk Religions: Approximately 400-457 million people practice various folk or traditional religions, including African traditional religions, Chinese folk religions, and Native American religions.
Other Significant Religions
Beyond the major world religions, there are numerous other belief systems with significant followings:
- Sikhism: Approximately 25-29 million adherents
- Judaism: Around 14-15 million followers
- Shinto: Estimated 104 million practitioners, primarily in Japan
- Taoism: About 8.7 million followers
- Jainism: Approximately 6.3 million adherents
- Bahá’í Faith: Around 9.1 million followers
Interesting – for a minute! I’m glad the AI didn’t give me the list of 10,000. I used to believe that Spiritualism was the only religion that mattered. I thought it was, indeed the only one that got near the truth. But because of the education I’ve received through this choice of interest, I conclude that all religions are essential to the individuals who follow their faith. An analogy would be, “Some might want to see a snow scene through their window, while others might prefer to see a beach with sunshine.”
Today’s speaker poses an interesting proposition for us to contemplate. The more thought I give it, the less it appeals to me. But what do you think? When you’ve read it, leave your thoughts in the comments below (envoys only).
The one thing I’m content with is that what I’ve come to believe is God, sits comfortably with me. I’m clear in my mind and at peace with my beliefs.
THE SPIRIT INSIGHT
transcribed on Monday, 30th September 2024 at 1.50 am
I hope you didn’t mind me distracting you from your book reading. The book was intended for you to read, but I want to share some words with you first.
Yes, we are aware what you are reading, and what you plan to read. Why? Because these books are placed in your path by the higher powers who know what it is you need.
Here are my words. Have you ever thought about what extra baggage your religions carry that is not required?
Every doctrine, every denomination, every faith has an interpretation of God in one form or another. But all religions, including yours, places rules, guidelines, restrictions and often contradictions between you and the Divine God.
Can you imagine what would happen if religions took away the baggage, the creed and dogma and left just the essence of the Divine?
You might have worked out the answer already. You’d be left with either one religion, or no religions whatsoever. You may wonder if such a vision is realistic. Yes it is, but don’t hold your breath waiting for it to happen on earth any time soon!
One clear window to the Divine powers. Perhaps, some windows smaller than others and some windows coloured or tinted, but all seeing the same view of the Divine.
You see, no religion is correct, and yet, no religion is wrong. It’s the baggage created by humans that make it hard to see the views. The world would be one of peace and lacking so much conflict. Healing would be normal, in no matter what form it takes. The true meaning of “Love Thy Neighbour” would be discovered and acted upon by all.
The atheists and the agnostics would be less likely to rebel and life for everyone would be one of peace. Unfortunately, people seem to have this desire to create segregating groups based on one’s personal point of view. Few people are prepared to accept that one and one is two. Instead, they seek to form groups and communities based on alternative answers. One and one is two. But people always believe it’s wise to offer an alternative option, such as one and one makes one only!
You have come to learn that through your work. God is not seeking to separate, divide or confuse people. God only wants us to recognise who or what he is and work for his greater good. That is something that few religions achieve nowadays. Rules of religion are unnecessary and should be unwelcome. To love thy neighbour, we must all be the neighbour to love.
I’ve said all I want to say this time. Something for you to think about perhaps. Things for you to look out for, and things to avoid. The only religion you require is the religion of your heart and soul.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
MY AFTERTHOUGHTS
written at the time of this presentation
🔷 At first, I thought this speaker’s suggestion for a world with one, or no, religions might go some way to solving many world problems. But the more thought I gave it, the more I concluded that conglomerating the religions into one would be like getting a substantial empty paint tin and filling it with all the other colours. Imagine the results!
🔷 I like the speaker’s suggestion that for all of us to love thy neighbour, we must be the neighbour to love. There is so much truth in that statement.
🔷 The speaker’s final remark should be a mantra we all stand by. “The only religion you require is the religion of your heart and soul.” I nearly chose it as my favourite line, but I chose the one below instead.
“To love thy neighbour, we must all be the neighbour to love.”
