Beyond the Armor ❤️ is a soon to become a nonprofit organization.
Our mission
is to guide you toward liberation and love throughout your lifetime
by helping you discover and embrace knowledge
and opportunities previously unavailable or unknown.
We believe in the inherent goodness of each individual,
rooted in the understanding that all babies are born innocent and lovable.
We know that you didn't lose your magic over time;
rather, life's challenges cover you in protective layers,
hiding your loving heart behind years of armor,
just waiting to be free,
feel loved and belong.
Because
"Beyond The Armor"
is
ALL LOVE
❤️
Ilana Libman
But first,
Let's look at this beautiful variety of
Belief Systems
(aka known to most as Religions)
All created by humans.
Non is right or wrong.
All are unique, but most are the same in the root or objective.
This list includes both major world religions and indigenous,
folk, and tribal religions,
along with their approximate time frames of emergence.
ALL
created by humans
Ancient & Major World Religions — Historical Overview
The following is a broad historical overview of major religious and spiritual traditions across human civilization. Dates are approximate and reflect scholarly consensus where available.
1. Hinduism
One of the world’s oldest continuously practiced religions, evolving over several thousand years. Its roots are closely associated with the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE), making its earliest foundations approximately 5,000+ years old.
The Indus Valley Civilization was a highly advanced Bronze Age society spanning present-day northeast Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India. Known for its urban planning, trade networks, architecture, and governance systems, it reached its peak around 2600 BCE and declined around 1900 BCE, likely due to climatic shifts and changes in river patterns.
2. Zoroastrianism
Traditionally attributed to the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra), emerging around the 6th–7th century BCE in ancient Persia.
3. Jainism
Originated in the 6th century BCE, centered on the teachings of Mahavira, emphasizing non-violence, asceticism, and spiritual liberation.
4. Buddhism
Founded in the 5th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, focusing on liberation from suffering through insight, ethical living, and meditation.
5. Confucianism
Developed in ancient China through the teachings of Confucius (551–479 BCE), emphasizing moral conduct, social harmony, and duty.
6. Taoism (Daoism)
Emerging around the same period as Confucianism, traditionally associated with Laozi, focusing on harmony with the Tao (the Way).
7. Judaism
An ancient monotheistic tradition with origins tracing back to the 2nd millennium BCE, developing through centuries of sacred texts and communal law.
8. Christianity
Emerged in the 1st century CE, based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
9. Islam
Founded in the 7th century CE through the revelations received by Muhammad.
10. Sikhism
Established in the late 15th century CE by Guru Nanak, integrating devotion, equality, and social responsibility.
11. Baháʼí Faith
Founded in the 19th century CE through the teachings of Baháʼuʼlláh, emphasizing unity of humanity and religions.
12. San Religion
Indigenous spiritual traditions of the San people of Southern Africa, dating back tens of thousands of years.
13. Native American Religions
Diverse spiritual systems across the Americas, deeply rooted in land, ancestry, and cosmology, with origins spanning thousands of years.
14. Shinto
Japan’s indigenous spiritual tradition, predating recorded history, centered on kami (sacred spirits) and natural harmony.
15. African Traditional Religions
A wide range of indigenous belief systems across Africa, each with deep historical roots and oral traditions.
16. Sami Religion
Traditional spiritual practices of the Sámi people of Northern Europe, shaped by nature and seasonal cycles.
17. Australian Aboriginal Religions
Among the oldest continuous spiritual traditions in the world, dating back over 40,000 years, centered on the Dreamtime.
18. Maori Religion
Indigenous spiritual traditions of the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), evolving over many centuries.
19. Ancient Egyptian Religion
A complex polytheistic system practiced for over three millennia, centered on cosmic order (Ma’at) and the afterlife.
20. Norse Mythology
The pre-Christian religious system of Germanic and Norse peoples, preserved in mythological texts and oral tradition.
21. Druidry
A modern revival inspired by ancient Celtic spiritual practices, largely suppressed during Roman and Christian expansion.
22. Vodou
A syncretic religion developed in Haiti, blending West African traditions with Indigenous and Christian influences.
23. Candomblé
An Afro-Brazilian religion formed through the fusion of African spiritual traditions and Catholicism.
24. Shamanism
A set of spiritual practices found worldwide, centered on mediators (shamans) who interact with the spirit world.
25. Haida Mythology
The traditional spiritual system of the Haida people of the Pacific Northwest, known for its rich symbolism and artistry.
Note
This list provides a high-level historical overview. Many traditions evolved over long periods through oral transmission, making precise origins difficult to determine.