English

Noun

world religion ‎(plural world religions)

1. A religious belief system which has become generally recognized as having independent status from any other religion, but which nonetheless may have many, sometimes mutually antagonistic, sects or denominations.

   Christianity is a world religion consisting of Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestants.

Usage notes

The term is criticized by the Christian right as allowing religions other than Christianity an unwarranted dignity. It is similarly criticized from elements of the academic left as a 19th century term that "colonialized" other religions in terms of Christianity and European thought. It is nonetheless a convenient easily understood term for classifying the religions of the world.