When considering "power" in the context of global religions, one significant metric is the number of adherents. Christianity is the most widespread religion globally, with the largest number of followers.
Defining "powerful" can be complex, as it might refer to political influence, economic impact, cultural reach, or simply the sheer number of adherents. While other forms of influence are important, the number of followers provides a quantifiable measure of a religion's global presence and reach.
Major Religious Groups by Number of Followers
Based on current estimates of global adherence, the largest religious groups are:
| Religion | Followers (billions) | Founded | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christianity | 2.4 | Judaea (Middle East) | Middle East |
| Islam | 1.9 | Hejaz (Middle East) | Middle East |
| Hinduism | 1.2 | Indian subcontinent | Indian subcontinent |
| Buddhism | 0.5 | Indian subcontinent | Indian subcontinent |
As evidenced by these figures, Christianity currently has the largest number of followers worldwide, making it the most dominant religion in terms of global adherence. Following Christianity, Islam holds the position as the second-largest religion by follower count.
This vast number of adherents means Christianity has a significant presence across continents, influencing diverse cultures and societies globally.
