How Many Religions Are There?: Crash Course Religions #2

[@RobinSpellbinder04]

Yknow despite this being about religion I think the riskiest thing in this video is the dig at Taylor Swift

[@AbdellatifMohamed]

I hope this series teaches me tolerance, among other things. Being born in a muslim country, I was raised to not question anything about my religious identity and treat history lessons in school as absolute facts even though they reflect a single viewpoint. Not that I hate Islam, but that I want to keep a human side that relates and understands different people with differing points. Please continue this series!

[@Eliza-98]

That an abundance of Katherines reference was both sneaky and smooth :)

[@MrJackOfAllTraits]

I grew up with a mormon mom and a Muslim father. They still practice their respective religions and are still happily married. They raised me to find my own path in life, arming me with the tools of tolerance, understanding, and empathy. I thank them every day for this. These videos remind me of them. And they remind me that world truly can live together peacefully. ❤️ ✌️

[@Claire-tk4do]

That is incredible! It makes me amazingly happy to see that kind of tolerant attitude and approach taken by people from what are often quite high-control religions! Gives me hope :) and another good reminder of how no group is EVER anywhere close to a monolith!

[@briobarb8525]

Wow...as a former Temple Mormon of 30 years...that is pretty amazing. I have to admire it...even though I can't imagine how they pulled that off. 😅.

[@spandanpandey4081]

5:04 “vibes-based approach”, John at his best 😂

[@meghanmcgowan7748]

The "camera two for jokes" approach is already making itself very useful 😂

[@rosemarycaldwell8611]

I suppose for less controversial or touchy topics, it isn't quite as necessary...but you gotta be careful joking around religion lol

[@AavenTan44-X-Plane]

I’m Malaysian and our country is quite diverse with religions from Islam to Animism, Buddhism to Christianity, Hinduism to Sikhism, Taoism to Atheism. But still, we sometimes don’t really understand each other and make stereotypes about other people, I hope more people can see this and try to be open minded about their and other’s religions.

[@Pupcan]

Image Not Found on the slot machine was IMO comedic, respectful, and inclusive without breaking their rules. On a similar topic, I can't speak for everyone, but your content and delivery of this tricky material are something I would trust in a K-12 public high school classroom. You're not singling out any one religion, and you are giving numbers and comparisons in a way that presents the uncomfortable aspects of human history without blaming any one scapegoat. You definitely know how to teach. Keep up the good work.

[@Sehrafina369]

I am so beyond excited for this series. I love exploring different religions, even though I myself am an atheist.

[@bmp011]

I wonder how much of this ‘Big 5’ is a US issue. When I was at school (UK), we actually covered the ‘Big 6’ which included Sikhism and I seem to remember learning a lot about it.

[@davekijek2302]

There are some "Coexist" drivers who don't drive like other cars should coexist on the highway.

[@madatlas3806]

The way that you approach it with respect, while also stating your own beliefs, sets a very good example for everyone. You and Hank continue to shine a light towards being better people, and I love that about y'all.

[@antoinetremblay22]

4:57 "For the record, this Crash Course video is happening in the oral tradition, and I don't think that lessens the learning" A LITTLE LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK

[@ladrac198]

To summarize the first two episodes, and I suspect the entire series: Religion is COMPLICATED

[@Mu3az523]

This question looks similar to the question :How many languages are there?

[@NynyshAulia]

Thank you for including Islam without judging the religion. As a Muslim myself, I appreciate for what you and your team did for this series

[@the_erin_zone]

John. You are SLAYING this series. it’s such a culmination of everything you’ve done up until this point. Loving the second camera, loving the candles in the background…

[@JamieAsareZiegler]

Bahá'í here, and we're mostly happy with footnotes in World Religions textbooks and the occasional _Simpsons_ reference.

[@isacami25]

today i learned that episcopalian christian is a subset of anglican christian. I was raised catholic and while what i was taught talked about many types of catholisism (jesuits, franciscans, dominicans, etc) it lumped all chistians who were not catholic as "protestant" and went no further.

[@Wordsnwood]

"What is a Cult"... yeah, that's going to be a tricky one!

[@mindykb15]

I had no idea there were that many Sikhs: I always assumed they were a tiny group. Thanks, John. I’m learning stuff already (while being annoyed that I wasn’t taught about that in school).

[@Caterfree10]

Tbh kind of surprised the blend of religious practices as done in Japan wasn’t mentioned. A saying that i don’t remember if I picked up from my religious studies course or one of the many Japanese language courses I took is “born Christian, live Shinto, die Buddhist” which relates to how a person in Japan might be baptized or have similar rituals done at the start of life, then go to visit assorted Shinto shrines both as matters of holidays and to petition the associated Kami of the shrines for help, and then when they die, go on to have their bodies processed in the means of Buddhist traditions. And even the starting Christian bits may be optional as it is for most iirc from polls (tho it’s been a minute since I’ve seen one). And sure, some Japanese people may be more religious than others (there are plenty of historical churches throughout Japan after all!), but this is more a generalization for majority of the population. And hell, some Japanese may see their weekly church visits as the same level as visiting a shrine to get help from that Kami! It’s such a fascinating blend to me tbh.

[@billyalarie929]

You gotta respect a person of faith criticizing his own faith’s conceits.

[@robertmcgann5881]

UsefulCharts has a series of KZbin presentations on religions and their evolutions over time. Could be a useful supplement to this series.

[@thiccempress1183]

as a religion major at a liberal arts college, i can definitely tell that john also studied religion at a liberal arts college. big fan of this series!!

[@blondeenosauce9935]

As a white atheist Canadian, I love Sikh people they are always so kind :)

[@treymedley]

The Coexist bumper sticker was originally designed purely as a commentary for Jerusalem art show. It initially only contained 1 Jewish, 1 Christian, and 1 Islamic symbol. Clearly meant to be a commentary on the state of Jerusalem, rather than a broader religious commentary. It was later taken and modified (without the original creator's knowledge or permission), to be broader by adding a random selection of other religious symbols and sold for a profit the original creator never saw. (Original artist is Piotr Młodożeniec) Also, great overview. I teach world religions and make a point to cover Sikhism, Jainism, Daoism and Shinto in detail (separate sessions, not part of a larger grouping) specifically because they are huge globally. If I have time, I try to also include Zoorastrianism because of its historical importance). Sikhism, in particular, forms a big part of culture where I live (Houston).

[@xophryz]

Would love a video on Syncretism!

[@rrrosecarbinela]

This is really timely especially given Pope Francis' statements that all religions lead to the same place... Which may or may not be problematic depending on how you look at it. It's still a HUGE step for the Pontiff to state that all religions are valid.

[@maanasak7216]

Good to see you Mr Green!!!

[@rachelelizabethcampbell5901]

I would really like to use the phrase "vibes based approach" in a paper.

[@OptimusWombat]

Yes, this video is indeed in the oral tradition. But with a major difference. It can be replayed over and over without any differences in one replay to the next. It's basically a permanent record (for as long as we've got the technology, anyway).

[@MoringLife]

Really enjoying this series! I do think leaving out pre-Christian Paganism (except the Yule tree reference) and their colonization in this episode did a disservice, though. It doesn’t adhere to the definitions of religion (no sacred text and no place of worship), but like Indigenous spirituality, contributed so much to modern Christianity and non-religious culture too. Maybe you’re planning a more in-depth episode on this topic-I hope so!

[@andrewsaul2497]

Love this series so far :)

[@josephcorridon9314]

One thing that's occurring to me during this series, is what's the line between a religion and a cultural practice? If I go to a place every week to celebrate a tradition, pay money to an organisation that facilitates that tradition, teach my kids about it from a young age, and have certain dates during the year that everyone in my country understands as important to that tradition, I'm talking about Australian Rules Football, but it kinda sounds like a religion.

[@stevesmith4901]

This series is going well. I'm impressed.

[@alananimus9145]

I cannot believe i am the only one that loved the dig at the religion of capitalism.

[@flashrogue4376]

Extra credit: watch Cogito's "who are the Sami?" video to find out about why we have Christmas trees.

[@Josh-r3q]

I have to imagine a Coexist with the 10,000 religions would be a bit too big and busy for a bumper sticker. It is the sentiment that counts really.

[@Davlavi]

Informative as always.

[@JuanCarlosDaSilva]

Mr. Green Mr. Green thanks for being awesome.

[@Quest4Tube]

That video game joke slayed me 😂

[@ChaMiranda21]

You're really CRASHING this series, John. Excited for the next one! ❤

[@Aakif.13k]

Enjoying this series Green💚 Eagerly waiting for the next episode ...😅

[@Ratboycure]

really good! I have enjoyed this series so far. much appreciated thank you.

[@cookicha]

Got to admit it: You are a beast of a host, John. I loved many CrashCourse series, kudos to all the team, but you, John, have that extra something. So happy you host this! ❤

[@AlinaComeau]

Umm John, I think it's actually Swiftism. But I could be wrong.

[@LucasAlmeida-dz5xh]

Nice work! I respect all religions (even though I don’t personally follow one)

[@Occultcafe]

This is great, loving it so far!

[@scinerd11]

Cackling at the Adam Smith joke 🤣

[@Stealthkiller17]

Crash Course is the series, that I love to binge watch without a bad conscience.

[@kirtytheGOAT]

I disagree with the notion that colonialism made no sense. The reason was to increase the resources of the northern European empires/countries at the expense of the southern African, Asian and American empires/civilizations. Religion was just one tool in the arsenal. Ofc Europe was not the 1st and only civilisation to come of with this concept, just the most recent and large scale.

[@logank9177]

Hype! Loving this series

[@itsshayene]

Such an amazing series. Thank you John and PBS❤❤

[@brettkeeler8822]

Good stuff, Mr. Greene!

[@chrisv.h.2307]

This is already a fascinating series! Thank you so much.

[@marielpackard8935]

It’s so good!! Take a breath of relief, John.

[@Helmofphilosophy]

Glad to see a channel for religion! Excellent content.

[@sam-brownezeh5811]

Still one of the most educative and comical content creators. Pure passion.

[@JuliaBambooliaASMR]

I love this series! I'm learning so much in such accessible language, and the pacing, the context provided, and the levity are all engaging.

[@TalonSky]

I love this series so far! When you guys do new/modern religions, I would love it if you touched on Jediism; it's a religion/philosophy that started online, and blends together a lot of elements of Racism, Sikhism, Stoicism, and others all with a Star Wars coat of paint. It's practiced both spiritually and secularly depending on the person.

[@wisamfaris478]

Thank you crash course.

[@IndoorSasquatch]

I haven’t watched Crash Course in a minute since my schooling stopped being about general ed topics. That being said though this series drew my old self right back in

[@rohithmoolakatt9256]

john had me laughing in this one. i love it! keep it up!

[@KathyDubs]

We love the Abundance of Catherines mention.

[@isabbygabbyorcrabby]

It's impossible for me to pick my favourite crash course but this one is quickly becoming a contender ❤

[@ericreativecuts]

I used to yell about this bumper sticker when I was doing a religious anthropology degree and also working at an occult shop all the time for exactly this reason. It made me so annoyed lol 😂

[@EyeLean5280]

Just want to put in a good word for the priest who was along for Columbus's ride... Bartolome de las Casas did _not_ approve of the way the Tiano were treated by Columbus and his men and he exposed the heartless genocide he witnessed in his writings, which helped lead to charges being brought against Columbus by the Spanish crown. And when de las Casas saw the abuse of African slaves in the "new world," he condemned that, too. You can read his memoir today titled, "A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies."

[@letitiajeavons6333]

Even "big" religions can have multiple variations, denominations and splinter groups.

[@Spirallllllllllll]

What is a Cult: Tailorism. 😂 You're a hero John.

[@veronicamcghie5238]

Is this video really in the oral tradition given that it's a single source, forever unchanging (forever as long as KZbin servers exist at least) and with no place for change in the delivery or interpretation?

[@takanila]

YESSSSSSSSS RELIGION PLAYLOSTTT 🦅🦅🦅🦅‼️‼️‼️‼️ crash course is my religion john and you are my shepard

[@uncle.daylily]

yay! the green couple! love sarah and crash course art history too!

[@mariannetfinches]

I love the set for this series. I'll be disappointed if the finale isn't a seance though

[@heloisacmg]

Brasil mentioned! ❤

[@janmelantu7490]

0/10 didn’t even answer the question (jk love the episode)

[@almac808]

Is the pronunciation 'sic' for Sikh an American thing or a John thing? In the UK we pronounce it like 'seek'.

[@ConQuixote]

2:17 couldn't keep his laugh in. Me tto😅

[@petersmith1343]

Nicely put.

[@maryam.m]

It's interesting because Islam doesn't define itself as a "religion" but rather "a way of life" - which I think is much more broadly applicable towards other faith traditions around the world, even when they may not have the stereotypical hallmarks of an established religion as described in this video.

[@pauljsm]

"Let me take my notes: PENNSYLVANIA! 👀" LOL ... very subtle

[@rustomkanishka]

I miss Me From The Past. Any chance he will be showing up?

[@blakehelgoth5247]

I'm Chickasaw, a south eastern woodland tribe. Many colonizers that came into contact with us thought we had religion, maybe the wind sort, but still. We, on the other hand, didn't think they were particularly religious. See, we have the Sacred fires that we danced our stomp dances around and the smoke of the Sacred fire carried out prayers to the Great Spirit, Shalombish Ishto - who gives all things life. We had liturgies, the most famous being the annual Green Corn Festival with fasting, ritual ceremonies, renewal of the Sacred fires, and forgiveness of wrongs that had been committed through our the year. We also had rituals and ceremonies for every day living, like songs of renewal that went with the daily morning bath, offerings in thanksgiving for the life of an animal that had to be killed for food and resources, fasting and prayers before a game of Stickball, etc. We were, and are, very spiritual as well and believe connection to the Great Spirit comes through both personal prayer and communal prayer. We also know of many spiritual beings that are active in the world, beyond what the physical eyes can see.

[@lmv2s]

Funny that "the big 5" is how we call the 5 most popular fútbol teams in Argentina.

[@amirattamimi8765]

This is a very important subject

[@Danploof]

I would enjoy a video about the Bias that is in all conversation about religion. Especially when a person from one religion talks about another. It would be neat to have it interview based and the people interviewed are the writers/creators of these videos. This isn;t me think these videos are chalk full of bias, I'm just saying it's a part of the conversation that isn't usually covered. Thanks!! Dan

[@shawnguy3317]

Also, the yin-yang symbol represents Taoism

[@valvalyrian19]

You and hank are like modern day greek philosophers! Love your educational videos! please don't give up since the world only wants to hear fake news. The truth will set us ALL free!

[@niambim401]

Thank you!

[@fayem4091]

Please do one for veganism. I am vegan and orthodox Christian and other than shit from my friends my family isn't happy with it. My father (even if he himself a Christian and pretty much vegetarian) thinks we have a cult way of thinking. We have many good natured and bad natured debates on this.

[@afshinrohani]

Hey @crashcourse , what about the Baha'i Faith?

[@cogitoergopod]

In the UK we base our fundamental teaching about religion about the 'Big Six', including Sikhism for as long as I can remember. Strange that it would be left out of any conversation regarding religions...

[@pestrinmarco]

Nice

[@culwin]

I think it was in 3rd grade, our book said the definition of "civilization" was a group of people that fit several criteria, one of them being that they had a religion. I asked why that was in there, and argued to the teacher that a civilization doesn't need a religion or could have many religions. She kind of uncomfortably just shut me up and moved on.

[@BlubSeabass]

I love this, thanks for doing this! Watching it, a universalist shroud creeps on me though. For example, essentialism is presented as a deviation or a bug. But for many people worldwide essentialism is a core tenet, not only in "religion" but in any ideology, like the Austrian school in capitalism or nativism in (etno)nationalism. Why is it being cast out as a conclusion of a falsehood instead of something more essential? And it's really cool to look at the overlaps, but there is no suggestion being made of tensions and true distinctions. (There was in the first episode though) There is acknowledgement of different branches doing different things, but there is no acknowledgement of something that is vital to religion: to what group does an individual aspire to belong, and on what basis do you form outer groups yourself? The matter of utmost importance should distinct to some degree, right? When summing how Christianity is practiced differently throughout the world, it might have suited to say that for a lot of people, some distinctions can really matter a lot. The lines of distinction are not only blurred, but also dislegitimized, which I think is a very American Christian thing to do. ;D I am saying this as someone who mostly agrees with that worldview, but I think it should be stated as a matter of belief, not fact.

[@khaliljackson1839]

How often are these Crash Course Religion episodes going to be posted?

[@TheBear-guy]

I love this video and I’m a Mormon

[@rolfewrites]

"That's only true of our founder." Sure John 🤨 Love from Southern California.

[@SnickerDoodleBug05]

There's so many types of paganism

[@joshuas9236]

Andrew Henry sent me here