Families and Classification

Scholars classify religions in several overlapping ways, by descent (Abrahamic, Dharmic), by structure (monotheistic, polytheistic, non-theistic), by scope (universal, ethnic), and no single scheme is definitive. The atlas records the classifications that are useful for orientation while treating them as maps, not essences, and the religion entries group by such families so a browser can move from all traditions to one family.

Every religion contains internal diversity, and its branches, schools and movements are treated as denominations; the practices, festivals, scriptures and figures of a tradition are found under their own categories throughout the atlas.