Religion in South Africa

Buddhism

A statue of Buddha

 Christianity Islam
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Buddhism, or "The Middle Way," originated in India. It is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha. He taught that pain and evil are caused by desire and that by conquering desire, a person can attain a state of bliss, or nirvana. It is called the Middle Way because Buddha encouraged people to follow a path of balance and avoid extremes. Buddhism has followers all over the world.

Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. He taught that the only way to heaven is by accepting the free gift of salvation he provided through his death, burial, and resurrection. A large percentage of South Africa's population is Christian, mostly Afrikaners and coloured. Many different denominations are prevalent, such as Dutch Reformed, Pentecostal, Episcopalian, Methodist and Baptist.

Islam is the religion based on the teachings and writings of Muhammad as they appear in the Koran, asserting that there is only one god, Allah, and that Muhammed is his prophet. Followers of Islam, who submit their wills to the will of Allah, are called Muslims. 5% of the coloured population of South Africa is Muslim.