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Interfaith Literacy Toolkit
Learn about religious traditions through research, videos, and personal reflections.
Interfaith Literacy Toolkit
The Interfaith Literacy Toolkit offers information and resources about different worldviews you may encounter in interfaith work. Because of the sheer diversity of human traditions and multiplicity within each of them, no resource is capable of fully exploring all perspectives. However, we have compiled information about the religions and perspectives you are most likely to come across in the United States. Here, you’ll find brief descriptions of various traditions and links to stories, reflections, and perspectives to enrich your understanding. With a focus on engagement and connection, these examples offer a great start for anyone interested in learning more about diverse traditions and perspectives.
The “nones”
Interfaith cooperation is about bringing together people who orient around religion differently, and this includes people who aren’t religious at all. Including non-religious people is critical to making sure that interfaith spaces are truly inclusive. Non-religious individuals’ beliefs, value systems, and worldviews are just as important to include as any formal religion. According to the 2023 PRRI Census of American Religion, 27% of Americans are religiously unaffiliated, colloquially known as “nones”. Here’s more information about subsets of this growing group.
Religious ‘Nones’ in America: Who They Are and What They Believe | Pew Research Center
Atheism
The term atheist refers to someone who doesn’t believe in the existence of a god or gods. Approximately 4% of Americans identify as Atheist. As with many worldviews, there’s a large range of beliefs encompassed under the label atheist.
- 10 Facts about Atheists
- Reflect Atheists in a More Positive Light: In this article, Chris Stedman discusses the impact the media could have if they discussed atheists (and atheism) in a positive way—and how they’re already starting to.
- Strong Atheism vs. Weak Atheism—Learn more about different types of Athiests.
- Is Atheism a Religion?: Crash Course Religions #13 Learn more about atheism in this video by John Green.
Agnosticism
The term Agnostic refers to someone who believes that it’s impossible to know whether god or gods exist. Most agnostics profess neither a faith nor a disbelief in a god. Approximately 5% of Americans identify as Agnostic. Learn more about Agnosticism with these resources:
Secular Humanism
Secular Humanism is a non-religious worldview that emphasizes the human potential to behave ethically towards one another. Secular humanists believe that holy texts, revelation, or belief in a higher power is not necessary for humans to develop a moral framework and act altruistically. While many secular humanists would also describe themselves as agnostic or atheist, secular humanism is a distinct belief system. Learn more about secular humanism:
Other “nones”
Not all non-religious people identify as atheist, agnostic, or secular humanist. They may identify as spiritual, secular, formerly religious, never religious, some combination, or something else entirely. It is still important to include people’s perspectives, values, and beliefs about the world even if they do not fit into a neat category. If someone says they’re not religious, it is best to respect their self-description. You can still talk about formative experiences and what’s important to them in the context of interfaith cooperation.
Bahá’í
Bahá’í is a monotheistic Abrahamic faith that believes the significant figures in all major religious traditions were all prophets of the same God, including Krishna, Jesus, and the Buddha, ending with the last prophet, Baha’u’llah. Another interesting fact is that the Bahá’í faith has no clergy, so worship gatherings are led by everyday followers regardless of gender or age. Want to learn more? Check out these articles, opinion pieces, and resources. Learn more about Bahá’í:
- Factsheet: The Baháʼí faith – Religion Media Centre
- Understanding the Baha’i Faith: A 2-Minute Overview
- Video: What’s Up with the Baha’i Tradition? In this video, IA alumna Hannah Minks visits the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, IL and speaks with the Temple’s Director about the basics of the Baha’i faith.
Buddhism
Buddhism is considered a religion to some, a philosophy to others, and a spiritual practice for more still. There are some common principles that tie Buddhist traditions together, including impermanence, the inevitability of suffering, and freedom through nirvana. Buddhism is a small religious minority in America, with approximately 1% of Americans identifying as Buddhist. However, it is also among the fastest growing religious movements. Learn more about Buddhism:
- Introduction to Buddhism | Belief | YouTube
- Buddhism and Meditation for Beginners: This Q&A guide walks you through the basic concepts, beliefs, and practices within Buddhism as well as book recommendations and resources to learn more.
- The Five Mindfulness Trainings: Mindfulness is at the core of many Buddhist theologies and these five practices are the root of the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, one of IA’s interfaith heroes.
- The Dalai Lama’s Message on Compassion: The Dalai Lama (the leader of Tibetan Buddhism) is widely known for his compassion and respect for all, regardless of worldview. Here’s his message on compassion for the individual.
Hinduism
Hinduism is the third largest tradition in the world. While it arose out of India and South Asia, not all Indians are Hindu and not all Hindus are Indian. Because Hinduism is such an old tradition, it encompasses a broad range of rituals and traditions, but one thing that ties many Hindus together is the idea of the Divine Light existing in all people and that the entire universe is a family. Learn more about Hinduism:
- Introduction to Hindusim | Belief | YouTube
- Factsheet: Hinduism – Religion Media Centre
- Video: Hinduism Misconceptions: Students at Mississippi State University put together a series of videos to dispel common misconceptions about their worldview. In this video, student Aishwarya talks about misconceptions about Hinduism.
- Video: Ramayan, the Story of Diwali: Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most well-known Indian holidays. This animated video shares a story of the victory of good over evil, and the reason why Diwali is celebrated.
Jainism
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes enlightenment through non-violence, or Ahimsa. Jains don’t believe in a deity the way that many other religions do. Rather, they believe that the universe is eternal and that it is possible to transcend the cycle of life and death by achieving “moksha”, or spiritual enlightenment. Beings who have achieved moksha, called tirthankaras, are revered as divine spiritual guides. Jainism emphasizes asceticism, self-discipline, and the non-injury of any living being. Learn more about Jainism:
Islam
Islam is the second largest tradition in the world with almost 2 billion followers. Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam: the declaration of faith, daily prayers, fasting during the month of Ramadan, almsgiving, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Learn more about Islam:
- What Is Islam And What Are Its Core Beliefs? – World Islam Expo (WIE)
- The History and Practice of Islam on Earth and Beyond: Crash Course Religions #10
- On Black American Muslim Contributions to the Fabric of Our Society: In our society today, many folks assume that all Muslims are immigrants or of Middle Eastern descent, but more than a third of Muslims in the U.S. are Black. Check out this opinion piece that examines the substantial impact Black Muslims have had on American society.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a denomination of Christianity. As with other denominations of Christianity, Latter-day Saints believe in the Holy Trinity and Jesus Christ as savior, but Latter-day Saints also believe in living prophets and the Book of Mormon as an additional holy scripture. Learn more about Latter-day Saints:
- Youtube: What Latter-day Saints Believe
- Article: What do Latter-day Saints Believe?
- Article + Embedded Youtube: Are Mormons and Latter-day Saints the Same?
Paganism
Paganism encompasses traditions that are earth-focused, such as Wicca, Druidism, animism, and many others. The celebration of nature is one of the most important aspects of Paganism. Most major Pagan holidays revolve around nature, the passing of seasons, and renewal and growth. Learn more about these traditions:
- Differences in Wicca, Witchcraft, and Paganism
- What is Paganism? Learn more about the basics of Paganism, including the common beliefs that tie the multiple traditions together and how many Pagans approach the idea of the Divine.
- 10 Things I Love About Witchcraft: Witchcraft is one common way Paganism is lived out and can be a great source of comfort, especially to Wiccans. Here are 10 things that help one Pagan effectively navigate his life and empower him to face the world.
- Everyday Magic: Witchcraft for Busy Lives: In this piece, one college student outlines a few simple ways they keep up with Pagan rituals while managing the busy, sometimes overwhelming life of a college student.
Sikhism
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes the oneness of god. Sikhism emerged in a society that was deeply divided by caste and gender and emphasizes equality of all people. Because of this, egalitarianism is very important for many Sikhs. Many Sikh women have the last name “Kaur” and many Sikh men have the last name “Singh” to promote unity among all Sikhs, regardless of caste or family background. Sikhs worship at gurdwaras, which often host langar, or community meals in which everyone is welcome to eat regardless of membership or background. Learn more about Sikhism:
