Little-Known Religious Groups

Cheondoism is a Korean religion that teaches that God is within all of us and that people should strive to make Earth into a paradise.

Founded by the Persian reformer Mazdak in the 6th Century BC. It taught that people of all classes had equal rights to material wealth. It soon came into conflict with the Zoroastrian establishment after the homes of the rich were raided and the goods distributed among the populace.

BOTA is a religion that combines elements of Christianity, Judaism, Astrology and the occult. There is a wide range in beliefs held by adherents.

Asatru is a modern reinvention of the ancient Norse religion practiced by the Vikings.

Founded by the Indian mystic Mahavira, one of Jainism's main tenets is the utmost respect for all life. Monks carry brooms around with them so that they can sweep the ground before them, sparing the lives of tiny insects. The goal of life in Jainism is to break the cycle of reincarnation.

Followers of the Unification Church, often called "Moonies" after their leader, worship Sun Myung Moon, whom they regard as the Messiah.

Founded in Africa in the early 1900's, the Aladura religion revolves around "Prophet healing". Most adherents are of Nigerian heritage.

Falun Gong is a religion that was founded in 1992 by Li Hongzhi. The main goal of Falun Gong is to achieve mental revival.

A religion that mixes elements of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Catholicism, Cao Dai holds that the purpose of life is to produce a more tolerant world. The religion also teaches that human beings have a collective divinity.

This Christian splinter-group broke away from the Catholic Church to observe extreme adherence to the 10 Commandments. Followers do not speak so that they cannot accidentally bear false witness.

A religion made up of African and African-American followers, it is an alternate branch of the Black Hebrew Israelites. The religion claims that Africans were the true Israelites, and envisions a return to Israel.

This cult, prominent amongst Yaohnanen Tribesmen in Vanuatu, holds that Prince Philip of the United Kingdom is a divine figure.