This page groups religions by whether they are open to anyone who wishes to join or reserved for a closely defined community. Wikipedia notes that while some religions claim to be universal, "others are intended to be practiced only by a closely defined or localized group." Browsing this way separates missionary faiths that actively seek converts from traditions that restrict who may take part.
Facts
Status
Standing as a Comparative CategoryContested: polytheistic sits badly on traditions whose own theologians argue for one reality behind many forms, and whose schools disagree about whether the deities are distinct beings, aspects of one, or both at once. 2 Overview
What Defines This GroupingTraditions of Indian origin whose practice is addressed to many deities, understood by some schools as distinct beings and by others as aspects of one reality. The classification describes how the tradition is practised. 2 Learn More
Dharmic traditions with many gods
This group gathers Dharmic religions of a polytheistic character: Indian-origin traditions that share the framework of dharma, karma and rebirth while recognising many deities, whether as distinct powers or as aspects of one reality.
The browser will find the traditions the atlas classes here, chief among them the many-deity worship of Hinduism in its broad sense. The entries describe each within the wider Dharmic family, noting how the tradition relates its many gods to its philosophy.
Closed Practice Status
Sources
1. Divinity Atlas Directory Taxonomy, First Edition Category Tree
2. An Introduction to Hinduism
Divinity Atlas Directory Prose, First Edition Category Descriptions
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.