From the beginning of time, humans have always sought a higher power. Even in ancient Greece and Egypt, there are records of them serving gods and mythology about these beings.
Religion has served as a great uniter and divider of people in the world with some of the best communities being religious communities.
But some of the worst wars in history have also been about religion for example the crusade or jihad, or the killing of the Jewish people in Germany in world war II.
Religion has also become a money maker with churches raking in billions of dollars annually mainly from donations and church-owned businesses. These religions differ in practice, belief, and ideology but one thing they have in common is a fat bank balance.
The Top 10 Richest Religions in The World
The top 10 richest religions in the world are the religions that humans exist in that have the highest net worth.
These religions can be widespread or just contained to a particular country but they have all managed to earn more than major corporations do by preaching a practice that many people resonate with and follow, their followers donate to the religious bodies and these donations can amount to millions if not billions of dollars every year. These religions are the top 10 richest religions in the world.
A brief outline of the Top 10 richest religions in the world, their net worth, and some interesting facts to note about these religions.
1. Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic church is the richest religion in the world. While the church which is one of the oldest and most popular religions in the world is under the Christian religion, Roman Catholics have a distinct way and a different doctrine compared to other denominations.
The church is one of the richest religions in the world and this income is mainly from historical items like priceless art, the vast stores of gold, revenue from tourism in the Vatican city which is owned by the Catholic church, and donations from their followers. The net worth of the richest religion in the world is estimated to be worth trillions of dollars.
2. Islam
The Islamic religion is the 2nd richest religion in the world. The majority of Muslims reside in the middle eastern part of the world like Dubai, Morroco, south Arabia, southern Asia, and Africa.
These locations are where prime Oil deposits are located which has left Muslims in charge of some of the world’s richest countries. The oil in these parts has led to great wealth and prosperity in many of these states.
These states are run on strict Islam laws and practice the religion nationwide. the net worth of the 2nd Richest religion in the world is estimated to be about 2 trillion dollars.
3. Judaism
Judaism is the 3rd Richest religion in the world. The religion was originally from Israel but with migration to the western world, Judaism is one of the most popular religions in the United States today. A survey showed that 25% of the top 400 richest people in the world are Jewish.
Followers of Judaism have often made a mark in the business world and entered into high-paying professional careers. Judaism is one of the richest religions in the world with its estimated net worth in billions of dollars.
4. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the 4th richest religion in the world. Although a denomination under Christianity, this sect has a distinct set of rules and ways of worship.
The members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are required to pay tithe which is 10% of their earnings to the church. This practice is not limited to this church. Donations and tithes make up 90% of the church’s earnings.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the richest religions in the world with an estimated net worth of 50 billion dollars.
5. The Church of England
The Church of England is the 5th richest religion in the world. The church is a denomination under Christianity. The church was created by the then king of England, Henry the eighth due to a disagreement with the Catholic church.
However, over the years The Church of England has grown to be one of the most popular religions in the world. The church of England is one of the richest religions in the world with an estimated net worth of 30 billion dollars which is from the church’s investment portfolio, donations and tithes, and gifts.
6. Episcopalian
The Episcopalian church is the 6th richest religion in the world. The church originated from the church of England but split in America’s colony by not vowing allegiance to the monarch of Britain.
The church is one of the most popular churches in the United State and has spread to other places like Asia and Europe. The Episcopalian church is one of the richest religions in the world with an estimated net worth of 10 billion dollars.
7. Televangelism
While televangelism isn’t a religion per se, the sector has amassed a following of millions all over the world.
This religion is the 7th richest religion in the world and this can be attributed to the move of churches and religious meetings online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Televangelism is fast rising and is one of the richest religions in the world with an estimated net worth of 3 billion dollars.
8. Protestantism
Protestantism is the 8th richest religion in the world. The religion consists of all protestant denominations under Christianity. These denominations follow the bible directly and have rejected the ways of the Roman Catholic church.
With so many denominations and followers under Protestantism, it is no wonder it is one of the richest religions in the world. The religion has an estimated net worth of 2 billion dollars.
9. Hinduism
Hinduism is the 9th richest religion in the world. The religion dwells on finding inner peace and achieving ultimate enlightenment hence followers are urged to free themselves from this world. Also, the gods of the Hindu religion are usually adorned in gold or made out of gold and followers donate money to pray.
The gods of Hinduism are showered in wealth in hopes of answered prayers and this has led to Hinduism being one of the richest religions in the world. The religion has an estimated net worth of 1.5 billion dollars.
10. The Church of Scientology
The church of Scientology is the 10th richest religion in the world. The religion is fairly unpopular but was established in 1952 by L. Ron Hubbard, a believer in Scientology. The church is fairly different as members have to pay to move up a level and be more in touch and pure.
This religion has attracted some major celebrities and is one of the richest religions in the world. The church of Scientology has an estimated net worth of 1 billion dollars.
Read Also: The Most Religious Countries in The World
Conclusion
The top 10 richest religions in the world are some of the most popular religions with worship centers all over the world. Religion in this day and age is about power and money rather than worship and an otherworldly connection.
Many of these religions receive billions annually from their followers in the name of giving to God but rather it is used to fill the coffers of the church and its leaders.
