Investigating Diverse Worldviews
This book provides sources and resources for exploring beliefs and practice for three different worldviews: Baha’i, Jainism and Paganism.
- infographics, giving essential demographic
and other data - survey responses from 60 Baha’is, 29
Jains and 20 Pagans, bringing authentic
community voices into the classroom - case studies on beliefs, identity, joys and
challenges, worship, festivals, philosophical
questions and environmental issues - expert scholarly outlines and explanations
Select a topic to explore resources
External links
- ExternalReligion in the UK: Census 2001 (Now archived: The National Archives website)
- ExternalReligion, England and Wales: Census 2011
- ExternalReligion, England and Wales: Census 2021
- ExternalJain population in the UK: analysis of the 2021 Census and figures from Institute of Jainology
- ExternalGlobal Baha’i population, details on the Bahá’í International Community website (See: ‘The Bahá’í Faith’ among the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’)
- ExternalStatistics for Baha’i population in India and around the world on Bahaipedia
- ExternalWorld Population Review: Jain population by country (2026)
- ExternalDefinitions for ‘Pagan’ on the World Christian Database
- ExternalWorldmapper depiction of Pagan world population distribution (using figures from World Christian Database), page includes a link to data for different countries
- ExternalTomalin, E. (2018) report: ' Bahá’í Buildings in England Project Number 7078'
- ExternalStarkey and Tomalin (2018) report: ‘A Survey of Jain Buildings in England’ (Historic England)
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
Student pages from book
- Internal
Investigating the data: diverse religions in the UK and beyond (IW07)Data from the census and other sources presented as infographics. Baha'i, Jain and Pagan populations, places of importance or worship.
External links
- ExternalStephen Pett (ed.), Studying Religion (RE Today 2022)
- ExternalBaha’i RE offers teaching and learning materials for use with students aged 11-14
- ExternalBaha'i RE resources for various age groups
- ExternalThe Bahá’í Reference Library (online source for Bahá’í writings)
- ExternalThe Bahá’í Faith (Official Website of the Worldwide Bahá’í Community)
- ExternalPhotos at Baha’i Media Bank (including gatherings, activities, buildings, holy days inc Ridvan)
Other sources used in this section
- Internal
Sources for the Understanding Baha’i worldviews section (IW07)List of publications used as sources for the Baha'i section of 'Investigating Diverse Worldviews' (RE Today 2026)
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
eResources
- Internal
2.1A Introducing Baha’is: origins (IW07)Information sheet introducing the background and origins of the Baha'i Faith. - Internal
2.2B What do Baha’is identify as matters of central importance? Extended (IW07)Some British Baha'is give extended personal responses describing matters of central importance in their worldview. - Internal
2.3B Why are some people Baha’i? Extended responses (IW07)Some extended responses to our survey of British Baha'is provide details about why they are Baha'i. - Internal
2.5B What impact does being Baha’i have on someone’s everyday life? Extended (IW07)Some extended individual responses to our survey of British Baha'is provide details about the impact of being Baha'i on everyday life. - Internal
2.7 How does your faith influence your response to gender equality? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is offer their personal responses about how their faith influences their response to gender equality. - Internal
2.8 What do Baha’is understand about the relationship between science and religion? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is offer their personal thoughts about the relationship between science and religion in their worldview.
Student pages from book
- Internal
2.1B Introducing Baha’is: key beliefs (IW07)Dr Shabnam Moinipour outlines Baha'i principles and key beliefs. - Internal
2.2A What do Baha’is identify as matters of central importance? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is give their individual responses about matters of central importance in their worldview. - Internal
2.3A Why are some people Baha’i? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is give their individual responses about why they are Baha'i. - Internal
2.4 What are some of the joys and challenges of being a Baha’i? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is give their individual responses about the joys and challenges of being a Baha'i in the UK. - Internal
2.5A What impact does being Baha’i have on someone’s everyday life? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is give their individual responses about the impact of being Baha'i on their everyday life. - Internal
2.6 Worship in the Baha’i Faith (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is give their individual responses about visiting their place of worship or spiritual significance.
External links
- ExternalInstitute of Jainology
- ExternalJain eLibrary
- ExternalJain Quantum (Search, seek and discover Jain literature)
- ExternalJainGPT: Chatbot for Jainism
- ExternalInternet Sacred Text Archive: Jainism
- External Shrutam AI: Digital Shrut Samadhan portal
- ExternalArihanta Institute
- ExternalThe elephant and the blind men story, as told on jainworld.com
- ExternalDetails of Jain temples in the UK (Institute of Jainology website)
- ExternalDetails of Jain temples in the UK (Leicester Jain Centre)
- ExternalInformation about the Jain communities in England (can be found in 'Survey of Jain Buildings in England' by Dr Caroline Starkey and Professor Emma Tomalin)
Reading list: useful introductions to Jainism
- Internal
Reading list for useful introductions to Jainism (IW07)List of publications all of which provide a useful introduction to Jainism.
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
eResources
- Internal
3.1B Introducing Jainism: extended (IW07)Scholar of Jain Studies Corinne Smith provides an extensive introduction to Jainism. - Internal
3.3 What are some of the joys and challenges of being a Jain? (IW07)Surveyed British Jains provide individual comments on the joys and challenges of being a Jain. - Internal
3.4 What impact does being Jain have on someone’s everyday life? (IW07)Surveyed British Jains provide individual answers about how being Jain affects their everyday life. - Internal
3.5B How do some Jains try not to harm others in everyday life? (IW07)Two Jains describe ways that they apply the principle of ahimsa (non-harming) to daily life. - Internal
3.5D What stories are important to Jains? Non-harming (IW07)Two stories, suggested by our surveyed Jains, which illustrate the principle of ahimsa (non-harming).
Student pages from book
- Internal
3.1A Introducing Jainism (IW07)Scholar of Jain Studies Corinne Smith summarises key Jain beliefs and practices. - Internal
3.2 What are matters of central importance to Jains? (IW07)Surveyed Jains in the UK give their individual responses about matters of central importance in their worldview. - Internal
3.5A How do Jains choose what to eat? (IW07)Two British Jains comment on their decisions about food; pupil activity to spot what they might or might not eat. - Internal
3.5C What does ahimsa look like in everyday life? (IW07)Surveyed Jains in the UK give their individual responses about how they put the principle of ahimsa into practice. - Internal
3.6A What is the doctrine of many-sided truth in Jainism? (IW07)The story of the blind men and the elephant, and how that illustrates the doctrine of many-sided truth in Jainism. - Internal
3.6B The doctrine of many-sided truth in Jainism: commentary (IW07)Text and personal comments from British Jains about the doctrine of many-sided truth in Jainism. - Internal
3.7 What does aparigraha (non-attachment) mean to Jains? (IW07)Surveyed Jains offer personal responses about what the teaching of non-attachment means to them. - Internal
3.8 Jains and the climate emergency (IW07)Surveyed Jains offer personal thoughts about the climate emergency and how their tradition affects their response.
External links
- ExternalFactsheet about Paganism by Jennifer Uzzell (Religion Media Centre)
- ExternalIn-depth knowledge section about Paganism written by Denise Cush (RE:online)
- ExternalMore details of Pagan sites (Horizon travel guides)
Further sources and links for this section
- Internal
Sources and links for the Understanding Pagan worldviews section (IW07)List of useful sources and links about Paganism and Pagan worldviews, supports the Pagan section of 'Investigating Diverse Worldviews' (RE Today 2026)
Member Only Content
This content is available exclusively for members. Not yet registered? Sign up today.
eResources
- Internal
4.2B Overview of Pagan paths (IW07)Overview of four major paths in British Paganism. - Internal
4.2C Four Pagan pen portraits (IW07)Descriptions of four surveyed British Pagans, providing real-life examples of the diversity of Paganism in personal practice and belief. - Internal
4.3B Why are you a Pagan? Extended (IW07)Detailed answers from four surveyed Pagans about why they are Pagan. - Internal
4.5 What impact does being Pagan have on everyday life? (IW07)British Pagans offer responses about the impact of Paganism on their daily lives. - Internal
4.6 What spiritual practices do some Pagans do at home? (IW07)Personal responses from surveyed Pagans about prayer or worship at home. - Internal
4.9A What are the joys of being Pagan in the UK? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans provide individual comments on their sources of joy. - Internal
4.9B What are the challenges of being Pagan in the UK? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans provide individual comments on the challenges of being a Pagan in the UK. - Internal
4.10 How do some Pagans respond to the climate emergency? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans comment on how their tradition guides their response to the climate emergency. - Internal
4.11 Scholarly views: Denise Cush (IW07)Professor Denise Cush summarises some of her research about Pagan ideas and practices.
Student pages from book
- Internal
4.1 Introducing Paganism (IW07)Introduction about Paganism, with background knowledge and information about key beliefs of Pagan traditions and celebrations. - Internal
4.2A What paths of Paganism do people choose to follow? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans give personal responses identifying whether they belong to a particular Pagan community. - Internal
4.3A Why are you a Pagan? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans give their individual response about why they are a Pagan, and whether they were born into a Pagan tradition or chose it. - Internal
4.4 What are the matters of central importance to Pagans? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans in the UK give their individual responses about matters of central importance in their worldview. - Internal
4.7A What are the important festivals for Pagans? (IW07)The Wheel of the Year and important festivals for Pagans through the seasons. - Internal
4.7B What do Pagans say about their most important festivals? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans provide individual responses about festivals of greatest importance to them. - Internal
4.8A What places are sacred to Pagans? (IW07)Some British Pagans identify places of spiritual significance to them and respond to our survey about how often they visit such places. - Internal
4.8B Significant Pagan places (IW07)Identification and description of six places around the UK which are of significance to many Pagans.
Select a topic to explore resources
Investigating the data: diverse religions in the UK and beyondUnderstanding Baha'i worldviews: listening to Baha'i voicesUnderstanding Jain worldviews: listening to Jain voicesUnderstanding Pagan worldviews: listening to Pagan voices
External links
- ExternalReligion in the UK: Census 2001 (Now archived: The National Archives website)
- ExternalReligion, England and Wales: Census 2011
- ExternalReligion, England and Wales: Census 2021
- ExternalJain population in the UK: analysis of the 2021 Census and figures from Institute of Jainology
- ExternalGlobal Baha’i population, details on the Bahá’í International Community website (See: ‘The Bahá’í Faith’ among the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’)
- ExternalStatistics for Baha’i population in India and around the world on Bahaipedia
- ExternalWorld Population Review: Jain population by country (2026)
- ExternalDefinitions for ‘Pagan’ on the World Christian Database
- ExternalWorldmapper depiction of Pagan world population distribution (using figures from World Christian Database), page includes a link to data for different countries
- ExternalTomalin, E. (2018) report: ' Bahá’í Buildings in England Project Number 7078'
- ExternalStarkey and Tomalin (2018) report: ‘A Survey of Jain Buildings in England’ (Historic England)
Member Only Content
Student pages from book
- InternalInvestigating the data: diverse religions in the UK and beyond (IW07)Data from the census and other sources presented as infographics. Baha'i, Jain and Pagan populations, places of importance or worship.
External links
- ExternalStephen Pett (ed.), Studying Religion (RE Today 2022)
- ExternalBaha’i RE offers teaching and learning materials for use with students aged 11-14
- ExternalBaha'i RE resources for various age groups
- ExternalThe Bahá’í Reference Library (online source for Bahá’í writings)
- ExternalThe Bahá’í Faith (Official Website of the Worldwide Bahá’í Community)
- ExternalPhotos at Baha’i Media Bank (including gatherings, activities, buildings, holy days inc Ridvan)
Other sources used in this section
- Internal Sources for the Understanding Baha’i worldviews section (IW07)List of publications used as sources for the Baha'i section of 'Investigating Diverse Worldviews' (RE Today 2026)
Member Only Content
eResources
- Internal 2.1A Introducing Baha’is: origins (IW07)Information sheet introducing the background and origins of the Baha'i Faith.
- Internal 2.2B What do Baha’is identify as matters of central importance? Extended (IW07)Some British Baha'is give extended personal responses describing matters of central importance in their worldview.
- Internal 2.3B Why are some people Baha’i? Extended responses (IW07)Some extended responses to our survey of British Baha'is provide details about why they are Baha'i.
- Internal 2.5B What impact does being Baha’i have on someone’s everyday life? Extended (IW07)Some extended individual responses to our survey of British Baha'is provide details about the impact of being Baha'i on everyday life.
- Internal 2.7 How does your faith influence your response to gender equality? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is offer their personal responses about how their faith influences their response to gender equality.
- Internal 2.8 What do Baha’is understand about the relationship between science and religion? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is offer their personal thoughts about the relationship between science and religion in their worldview.
Student pages from book
- Internal 2.1B Introducing Baha’is: key beliefs (IW07)Dr Shabnam Moinipour outlines Baha'i principles and key beliefs.
- Internal 2.2A What do Baha’is identify as matters of central importance? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is give their individual responses about matters of central importance in their worldview.
- Internal 2.3A Why are some people Baha’i? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is give their individual responses about why they are Baha'i.
- Internal 2.4 What are some of the joys and challenges of being a Baha’i? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is give their individual responses about the joys and challenges of being a Baha'i in the UK.
- Internal 2.5A What impact does being Baha’i have on someone’s everyday life? (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is give their individual responses about the impact of being Baha'i on their everyday life.
- Internal 2.6 Worship in the Baha’i Faith (IW07)Surveyed Baha'is give their individual responses about visiting their place of worship or spiritual significance.
External links
- ExternalInstitute of Jainology
- ExternalJain eLibrary
- ExternalJain Quantum (Search, seek and discover Jain literature)
- ExternalJainGPT: Chatbot for Jainism
- ExternalInternet Sacred Text Archive: Jainism
- External Shrutam AI: Digital Shrut Samadhan portal
- ExternalArihanta Institute
- ExternalThe elephant and the blind men story, as told on jainworld.com
- ExternalDetails of Jain temples in the UK (Institute of Jainology website)
- ExternalDetails of Jain temples in the UK (Leicester Jain Centre)
- ExternalInformation about the Jain communities in England (can be found in 'Survey of Jain Buildings in England' by Dr Caroline Starkey and Professor Emma Tomalin)
Reading list: useful introductions to Jainism
- Internal Reading list for useful introductions to Jainism (IW07)List of publications all of which provide a useful introduction to Jainism.
Member Only Content
eResources
- Internal 3.1B Introducing Jainism: extended (IW07)Scholar of Jain Studies Corinne Smith provides an extensive introduction to Jainism.
- Internal 3.3 What are some of the joys and challenges of being a Jain? (IW07)Surveyed British Jains provide individual comments on the joys and challenges of being a Jain.
- Internal 3.4 What impact does being Jain have on someone’s everyday life? (IW07)Surveyed British Jains provide individual answers about how being Jain affects their everyday life.
- Internal 3.5B How do some Jains try not to harm others in everyday life? (IW07)Two Jains describe ways that they apply the principle of ahimsa (non-harming) to daily life.
- Internal 3.5D What stories are important to Jains? Non-harming (IW07)Two stories, suggested by our surveyed Jains, which illustrate the principle of ahimsa (non-harming).
Student pages from book
- Internal 3.1A Introducing Jainism (IW07)Scholar of Jain Studies Corinne Smith summarises key Jain beliefs and practices.
- Internal 3.2 What are matters of central importance to Jains? (IW07)Surveyed Jains in the UK give their individual responses about matters of central importance in their worldview.
- Internal 3.5A How do Jains choose what to eat? (IW07)Two British Jains comment on their decisions about food; pupil activity to spot what they might or might not eat.
- Internal 3.5C What does ahimsa look like in everyday life? (IW07)Surveyed Jains in the UK give their individual responses about how they put the principle of ahimsa into practice.
- Internal 3.6A What is the doctrine of many-sided truth in Jainism? (IW07)The story of the blind men and the elephant, and how that illustrates the doctrine of many-sided truth in Jainism.
- Internal 3.6B The doctrine of many-sided truth in Jainism: commentary (IW07)Text and personal comments from British Jains about the doctrine of many-sided truth in Jainism.
- Internal 3.7 What does aparigraha (non-attachment) mean to Jains? (IW07)Surveyed Jains offer personal responses about what the teaching of non-attachment means to them.
- Internal 3.8 Jains and the climate emergency (IW07)Surveyed Jains offer personal thoughts about the climate emergency and how their tradition affects their response.
External links
- ExternalFactsheet about Paganism by Jennifer Uzzell (Religion Media Centre)
- ExternalIn-depth knowledge section about Paganism written by Denise Cush (RE:online)
- ExternalMore details of Pagan sites (Horizon travel guides)
Further sources and links for this section
- Internal Sources and links for the Understanding Pagan worldviews section (IW07)List of useful sources and links about Paganism and Pagan worldviews, supports the Pagan section of 'Investigating Diverse Worldviews' (RE Today 2026)
Member Only Content
eResources
- Internal 4.2B Overview of Pagan paths (IW07)Overview of four major paths in British Paganism.
- Internal 4.2C Four Pagan pen portraits (IW07)Descriptions of four surveyed British Pagans, providing real-life examples of the diversity of Paganism in personal practice and belief.
- Internal 4.3B Why are you a Pagan? Extended (IW07)Detailed answers from four surveyed Pagans about why they are Pagan.
- Internal 4.5 What impact does being Pagan have on everyday life? (IW07)British Pagans offer responses about the impact of Paganism on their daily lives.
- Internal 4.6 What spiritual practices do some Pagans do at home? (IW07)Personal responses from surveyed Pagans about prayer or worship at home.
- Internal 4.9A What are the joys of being Pagan in the UK? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans provide individual comments on their sources of joy.
- Internal 4.9B What are the challenges of being Pagan in the UK? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans provide individual comments on the challenges of being a Pagan in the UK.
- Internal 4.10 How do some Pagans respond to the climate emergency? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans comment on how their tradition guides their response to the climate emergency.
- Internal 4.11 Scholarly views: Denise Cush (IW07)Professor Denise Cush summarises some of her research about Pagan ideas and practices.
Student pages from book
- Internal 4.1 Introducing Paganism (IW07)Introduction about Paganism, with background knowledge and information about key beliefs of Pagan traditions and celebrations.
- Internal 4.2A What paths of Paganism do people choose to follow? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans give personal responses identifying whether they belong to a particular Pagan community.
- Internal 4.3A Why are you a Pagan? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans give their individual response about why they are a Pagan, and whether they were born into a Pagan tradition or chose it.
- Internal 4.4 What are the matters of central importance to Pagans? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans in the UK give their individual responses about matters of central importance in their worldview.
- Internal 4.7A What are the important festivals for Pagans? (IW07)The Wheel of the Year and important festivals for Pagans through the seasons.
- Internal 4.7B What do Pagans say about their most important festivals? (IW07)Surveyed Pagans provide individual responses about festivals of greatest importance to them.
- Internal 4.8A What places are sacred to Pagans? (IW07)Some British Pagans identify places of spiritual significance to them and respond to our survey about how often they visit such places.
- Internal 4.8B Significant Pagan places (IW07)Identification and description of six places around the UK which are of significance to many Pagans.
