Beliefs

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The concept of "beliefs" varies significantly across major religions and philosophies. Beliefs reflect a system of accepted truths, principles, or understandings about existence, divinity, morality, and the universe. Below is a summary of how 20 major religions and philosophies define or perceive "beliefs" within their worldviews:

Religions

1. Christianity
   • Beliefs: Faith in God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Holy Trinity, and salvation through Jesus' sacrifice.
   • Example: “Belief in the resurrection of Christ leads to eternal life.”
2. Islam
   • Beliefs: Faith (iman) in one God (Allah), the Qur’an as God’s word, angels, prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine destiny (Qadr).
   • Example: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet.”
3. Judaism
   • Beliefs: A covenant between God and the Jewish people, monotheism, and adherence to the Torah’s laws.
   • Example: “God is One and the Creator of all things.”
4. Hinduism
   • Beliefs: A vast, diverse system that includes belief in Brahman (Ultimate Reality), karma, reincarnation, and dharma (duty).
   • Example: “All living beings are connected through Brahman.”
5. Buddhism
   • Beliefs: The Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, impermanence, and non-self (Anatta), leading to enlightenment.
   • Example: “Life is suffering, but liberation (Nirvana) is attainable.”
6. Sikhism
   • Beliefs: Oneness of God (Ik Onkar), equality of humanity, service (seva), and following the teachings of the Gurus.
   • Example: “God is without form, eternal, and beyond time.”
7. Taoism
   • Beliefs: Harmony with the Tao (the Way), natural balance, and living simply in accordance with nature.
   • Example: “The Tao cannot be named but is the source of all existence.”
8. Confucianism
   • Beliefs: Moral values, social harmony, and filial piety (respect for elders), based on relationships and ethics.
   • Example: “Humanity (ren) and virtue lead to a harmonious society.”
9. Shinto
   • Beliefs: The presence of kami (spirits) in nature, ancestors, and sacred traditions.
   • Example: “Sacred spirits inhabit natural objects like mountains and rivers.”
10. Zoroastrianism
    • Beliefs: Dualism between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu), truth, and eventual triumph of good.
    • Example: “Good thoughts, good words, and good deeds bring salvation."
      

Philosophical Traditions

1. Platonism
   • Beliefs: Reality consists of eternal Forms or Ideas, which are the true essence of things.
   • Example: “The world we see is a shadow of a higher, perfect reality.”
2. Aristotelianism
   • Beliefs: Knowledge and beliefs are grounded in logic, observation, and cause-effect relationships in nature.
   • Example: “Reason and virtue are the keys to a flourishing life.”
3. Stoicism
   • Beliefs: Acceptance of natural law and the idea that virtue is the highest good.
   • Example: “Belief in controlling what is within your power brings inner peace.”
4. Epicureanism
   • Beliefs: Pleasure (especially mental tranquility) is the goal of life, achieved through simplicity and avoiding fear.
   • Example: “Belief in the absence of pain and fear leads to happiness.”
5. Skepticism
   • Beliefs: Questioning the certainty of knowledge, emphasizing doubt and open inquiry.
   • Example: “True knowledge may be unattainable, so beliefs are provisional.”
6. Existentialism
   • Beliefs: Individual freedom, choice, and the search for personal meaning in an indifferent or absurd world.
   • Example: “Belief in creating your own meaning gives life purpose.”
7. Pragmatism
   • Beliefs: Truth and beliefs are validated through practical success and usefulness.
   • Example: “If a belief works in practice, it holds value.”
8. Empiricism
   • Beliefs: Knowledge and beliefs arise from sensory experience, observation, and evidence.
   • Example: “Belief must be grounded in observable, testable phenomena.”
9. Rationalism
   • Beliefs: Reason is the primary source of knowledge and belief, independent of the senses.
   • Example: “Belief in logic and reason provides certainty.”
10. Materialism
    • Beliefs: Physical matter and natural processes are the only reality; beliefs arise from material interactions.
    • Example: “Consciousness and belief are products of the physical brain.”

Across these traditions, "beliefs" serve as guiding principles or accepted truths that shape individuals' understanding of reality, morality, and purpose. In religions, beliefs are often grounded in divine revelation, scriptures, and spiritual experiences. In philosophical systems, beliefs emerge from reason, inquiry, evidence, and practical outcomes. Understanding these diverse definitions highlights how humanity approaches truth, existence, and the search for meaning.