The World's Life Frameworks
29 traditions across 11 families, mapped to their geographic origins. Lines trace historical derivation, splits, and influences. Hover to explore connections. Scroll to zoom.
Framework Overview
This taxonomy uses ‘life framework’ rather than ‘religion’ as its master concept, recognizing that several traditions (Confucianism, Aboriginal Australian Spirituality, Kejawen, Secular Humanism, Stoicism) do not self-identify as religions.
The term captures what all 29 frameworks share: structured responses to the universal human experiences of suffering, death, meaning, and community.
Methodological Foundation
Synthesized from Ninian Smart's seven-dimensional model, Jonathan Z. Smith's taxonomic comparative method, Mircea Eliade's cosmogonic analysis, the World Religion Dataset (Maoz & Henderson 2013), and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Six Analytical Axes
Cosmogony & Origin
How does the universe come into being? What is the nature of creation?
Values & Ethics
What is the moral framework? How should humans treat each other?
Purpose & Salvation
What is the ultimate goal of human existence? How is it achieved?
Suffering & Happiness
Why do beings suffer? What is the path to well-being?
Eschatology
What is the ultimate fate of the cosmos and individuals?
Ritual & Practice
How do practitioners engage with the sacred or ultimate?