Balanced Views of Religion and Spirituality

Featured Articles

Beautiful Sex and the Impact of Porn in Marriage

Bringing porn into marital sex may seem spicy, but in the end, the increased sexual appetite is for the porn, not the spouse.

Meditation vs. Prayer: A Great Debate

If you meditate for three hours a day but never pray at all, the gods may not be getting much from your practice.

A Pentecostal Paradox: Why Are Some Holding Their Tongues?—Part Two

While evangelical churches have borrowed charismatic worship styles, Pentecostals have lost their distinctiveness.

Praying for the Johns

Why I'm praying for the men who use and abuse victims of sex trafficking—and why you should, too.

The Love Lives of Muslims

What "Love InshAllah" reveals about Muslim women and sex.

Inside One Mormon Family: Raising Faithful Children

Everyday family life fosters or hinders a child's spiritual growth than any Sunday manual ever could.

Keeping Our Eyes on Those in Need

Self-restraint, charity, and mercy—three virtues that should govern our relationships.

Free Will: Humans, Animals, and Angels

While many look at the meaning of Free Will as my having the power to assert my will to do what I want to do, it is better to see it is as my having the power to assert my will to do even what I do not want to do.

John Piper Strikes Back!

On the similarities between the "Young, Restless, Reformed" movement and The Empire.

The Danger of "Clergyism"

The church will never become what God intends it to be until God's people embrace their high calling as full-time ministers of Christ.

Waiting on Happiness

The more we pursue happiness and contentment, the less we have.

Wisdom from Below: Reflections on 2 Kings 5:1-14

There is wisdom in low places, and we who are high must listen to what they have to say.

Featured Blogs

Daily Inspiration

What a difference a day can make. Imagine what a whole lifetime of them can accomplish!

Read More...

What our Experts are Talking About

Paul Peter Jesep

Elvis has left the building!

Tim Muldoon

Adopting again

Christine Valters Paintner

Welcoming in Tenderness

Christine Valters Paintner

February Free Monk in the World Podcast

Christine Valters Paintner

Stirring in the Belly: Listening for New Life

Christine Valters Paintner

THE MONASTERY retreats

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Side By Side Religion Comparison Lens

Select two religions/faiths and compare their history, beliefs and rituals.

Astrological Musings

Patheos is pleased to welcome Lynne Hayes and her blog on planets and possibilities. 

Recent Posts:
The Essential Guide to Practical Astrology
Year of the Dragon
Neptune Reenters Pisces
Planetary Illuminations
Read more at Astrological Musings

Photo of the Week

Photo Courtesy: George Chernilevsky

The Orthodox church of Saint Blessed Xenia of Petersburg in Vinnitsa, Ukraine. Read about Orthodox Christianity in the Patheos Library.

Faith Goes Pop on Nightline

Patheos' Lilit Marcus, our Faith Goes Pop blogger, was invited to discuss Victoria's Secret model Kylie Bisutti on ABC's "Nightline." Watch the video below.

BUDDHISM

What are the Origins and History of Buddhism?
How do Buddhists' Beliefs shape their Ethics?
What Rituals do Buddhists Practice?

Subtraditions

Theravada

Mahayana
Zen
Pure Land
Lotus Sutra
Soka Gakkai

Vajrayana/Tibetan

Portal

Buddhist Portal

Summary

Buddhism originated in northern India in the 6th (or 5th) century BCE. The tradition and traces its origin to Siddhartha Gautama (or Gotama), who is typically referred to as the Buddha (literally the "Awakened" or "Enlightened One"). Siddhartha observed the suffering in the world, and set out to find an antidote. Through meditation and analysis, he attained an enlightened state of being that marked the end of attachments (and therefore suffering), and ultimately, upon his death, to release from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). The Buddha's teachings are often summarized in the Four Noble Truths, which form the basis of the first sermon he delivered after attaining enlightenment, and the Eightfold Path which provides a basic guide for how to live in the world. Over the course of its 2500-year history, Buddhism has experienced many schisms and modifications; there are currently three major branches of the tradition, the Theravada ("Doctrine of the Elders"), the Mahayana ("Great Vehicle), and the Vajrayana ("Diamond Vehicle," often simply called "Tibetan Buddhism"), although there are many sects and groups within each of these branches. The Buddhist canon consists of a vast corpus of texts that cover philosophical, devotional, and monastic matters, and each of the major divisions of Buddhism has its own distinct version of what it considers to be canonical scriptures. Buddhism has spread from its roots in India to virtually every corner of the world, and in each place it has spread it has adopted and adapted local practices and beliefs. Although Buddhism is a distinct religious tradition, many people in the contemporary West have adopted philosophical and practical aspects of Buddhism and incorporated them into their religious and social practices; thus there are people who identify themselves "Buddhist Christians," "Buddhist Jews," and "Buddhist Atheists.

CHRISTIANITY

What are the Origins and History of Christianity?
How do Christians' Beliefs shape their Ethics?
What Rituals do Christians Practice?

Subtraditions

Eastern Orthodoxy