Determining the single "youngest religion" is complex, as it depends on how "youngest" is defined (chronologically, number of adherents, etc.). Several sources offer different perspectives.
Defining "Youngest"
The question's ambiguity arises from multiple possible interpretations of "youngest":
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Chronologically Youngest: This refers to the religion with the most recent founding date. Several sources cite Islam as the youngest of the major world religions, originating in the 7th century CE. [See Quora answers and Lone Star College Research Guide]
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Youngest in terms of adherents: This considers the religion with the smallest and newest following. This is difficult to definitively answer, as many new religious movements emerge constantly. One source suggests Astronism as a contender for the youngest notable religion. [See Oldest.org]
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Youngest median age of adherents: This approach examines the average age of followers. Pew Research Center found that religiously unaffiliated groups in the US had a significantly younger median age compared to other established religions. [See Pew Research Center data]
Chronologically Youngest Major Religions
Among the major world religions, Islam is frequently identified as the youngest, established around 1400 years ago. However, Sikhism, originating in the 15th-17th centuries, is also often considered one of the younger major world religions. [See Wikipedia and Sikhism definition].
Other Considerations
It's crucial to note that the age of a religion can be debated. The origins and evolution of religious traditions are often complex and span long periods. Many faiths have undergone significant transformations and adaptations over centuries.
