Different between old and new religion tradition

What a fascinating topic! Here's a breakdown of the differences between old and new religion traditions:

Old Religions (Pre-Modern Era)

1. Oral Tradition: Old religions were often passed down through oral tradition, with stories and teachings transmitted from generation to generation through word of mouth.
2. Ancestor Worship: Many old religions involved ancestor worship, where the spirits of ancestors were revered and believed to play a significant role in the lives of the living.
3. Polytheism: Old religions often featured a pantheon of gods and goddesses, with multiple deities worshipped and revered.
4. Rituals and Sacrifices: Old religions often involved elaborate rituals and sacrifices to appease the gods, ensure fertility, and ward off evil.
5. Shamanism: Many old religions incorporated shamanic practices, where spiritual leaders would communicate with the spirit world and perform rituals to heal and protect the community.
6. Local and Tribal: Old religions were often tied to specific geographic locations, tribes, or communities, with unique practices and beliefs.

Examples of old religions include:

• Ancient Egyptian religion
• Hinduism (pre-Vedic period)
• Shintoism (pre-Buddhist period)
• African traditional religions
• Indigenous Australian religions

New Religions (Modern Era)

1. Written Scriptures: New religions often have written scriptures, such as the Bible, Quran, or Book of Mormon, which provide a foundation for beliefs and practices.
2. Monotheism: Many new religions are monotheistic, with a single, all-powerful deity worshipped.
3. Missionary Activity: New religions often engage in missionary activity, seeking to convert others to their faith.
4. Organized Hierarchies: New religions often have organized hierarchies, with a clear structure of leadership and authority.
5. Global Reach: New religions often have a global reach, with followers and adherents from diverse cultural backgrounds.
6. Syncretism: New religions may incorporate elements from other religions, creating a syncretic blend of beliefs and practices.

Examples of new religions include:

• Christianity (Christianity is often considered a new religion, as it emerged in the 1st century CE)
• Islam (Islam emerged in the 7th century CE)
• Buddhism (Buddhism emerged in the 6th century BCE, but its modern forms are relatively new)
• Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, founded in 1830 CE)
• Scientology (founded in 1953 CE)

Key Differences

1. Scripture: Old religions often relied on oral tradition, while new religions have written scriptures.
2. Theology: Old religions often featured a pantheon of gods, while new religions tend to be monotheistic.
3. Organization: Old religions were often tied to specific geographic locations, while new religions often have global reach and organized hierarchies.
4. Missionary Activity: New religions often engage in missionary activity, while old religions may not have had the same level of proselytization.

Keep in mind that these are general differences, and there is significant overlap and diversity within both old and new religions.