Determining the absolute "newest" religion is complex because the term "religion" and "new" can be interpreted differently, and new religious movements are constantly emerging. However, based on the provided reference, we can discuss some relatively new religious movements. It's crucial to understand that the concept of "newness" is relative and that many movements evolve over time.
Here's a breakdown using the provided data from the List of new religious movements - Wikipedia:
Relatively Recent Religious Movements
The reference provided offers several examples of movements that have emerged more recently compared to established religions. Here are a few:
| Name | Founder | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Baháʼí Faith | Bahá'u'lláh | Babism-Millenarian |
| Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship | Bawa Muhaiyaddeen | Sufism |
| Bethel Ministerial Association | Albert Franklin Varnell | Apostolic Pentecostal |
| Bible Presbyterian Church | Carl McIntire | Reformed Presbyterian |
Key Observations
- Baháʼí Faith: Founded in the 19th century, the Baháʼí Faith is one of the more widely known of the newer religions. Its roots can be traced to Babism, a millenarian movement.
- Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship: This movement is rooted in Sufism, which is itself a mystical branch of Islam. The fellowship is a relatively more recent organization founded by Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, though its roots are in established traditions.
- Bethel Ministerial Association and Bible Presbyterian Church: These are examples of newer denominations or offshoots within Christianity, highlighting the ongoing evolution of even older religious traditions. These were founded in the 20th Century.
The Difficulty of Defining "Newest"
It's important to note the challenges in pinpointing the newest religion:
- Constant Evolution: New religious movements and denominations arise frequently. Tracking all of them is difficult, and many remain small or regional.
- Definition of Religion: What constitutes a "religion" versus a philosophy, spiritual practice, or cult can be debated, further complicating the identification of the newest one.
- Documentation: Many smaller, newer movements may lack formal documentation or recognition.
Conclusion
While the provided list is not exhaustive, it does give examples of relatively new religious movements and denominations. Pinpointing the absolute "newest" religion is difficult, but the Baháʼí Faith on the list is the most recent to be widely known and acknowledged globally. The other examples on the provided list are more recent, but not as widely spread and known.
