How do Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity fit the definition of world religions? Why were other religions unsuccessful in gaining a following around the world?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary but correct responses should include: Flexibility and adaptability made Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism suitable for projection around the world. These religions could combine local with universal appeal. This does not explain, of course, why other religions failed in this respect or never made the attempt. The blend, which we now call Hinduism, of local Indian religions with the universally applicable philosophy of the textual tradition that began with the Upanishads spread throughout India and parts of Southeast Asia, but no farther. Similarly, Daoism never reached beyond China. Nor, until migrants carried it to small colonies abroad, did Zoroastrianism penetrate beyond Southwest Asia, where it struggled to compete with Islam. Traditional paganism, Manichaeanism, and the many cults that came and went, leaving little trace in the record, withered in the face of Christian, Muslim, or Buddhist competition. Some religions, such as Bon in Tibet, Shinto in Japan, and, as far as we know, the religions of sub-Saharan Africa, had no universal aspirations and were designed only for their traditional followers.