Mormonism, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believes in a Heavenly Father who has a tangible, glorified body, distinct from Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. God is seen as the literal father of all spirits, embodying perfect love, wisdom, and power.
Mormons reject traditional Christian notions of a formless God. Instead, they believe Heavenly Father is a perfected human with a divine body. This belief underscores the potential for humans to become like God through righteousness and familial bonds, central to their theology.
Voodoo recognizes a supreme creator, Bondye, who is distant and uninvolved in daily human affairs. Instead, devotees focus on interacting with spirits called loa, who influence specific aspects of life. Loa are often depicted through symbols, veves, or embodied during rituals when practitioners "serve" them.
Each loa has distinct traits and preferences, and they may appear in visions or through the possession of followers during ceremonies. The spirits are visualized in a variety of ways, from anthropomorphic forms to animalistic representations, reflecting their diverse domains and functions.
Scientology does not emphasize a traditional God but speaks of an infinite, impersonal force called the "Supreme Being" or "Infinity." This abstract concept represents the ultimate truth and source of creation. Scientology focuses on personal spiritual enlightenment rather than worshipping a deity.
Practitioners aim to become "clear" and achieve spiritual freedom by understanding their true nature as thetan, an immortal spiritual being. The concept of God in Scientology stays undefined, adapting to personal interpretations without fixed imagery or theological constructs.
Taoism does not personify God in the way that many other religions do. Instead, it centers on the Tao, an abstract principle that is the source and order of the universe. The Tao is described in the Tao Te Ching as ineffable and beyond description: "The Tao that can be spoken of is not the eternal Tao." Some Taoist traditions, particularly folk Taoism, include deities such as the Jade Emperor, who is often depicted as a regal, bearded figure in flowing robes, overseeing celestial realms.
Other divine beings, like Laozi, the legendary founder of Taoism, are portrayed as wise elders with long beards. However, these figures are more symbolic than literal representations of the Tao itself. The Tao is often illustrated through natural elements—flowing water, misty mountains, or the yin-yang symbol, representing balance and harmony.
In Christianity, God is often imagined as an elderly, wise man with a flowing white beard, seated on a throne in the heavens. This depiction, prominent in Western art, stems from Renaissance paintings like Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, where God extends His hand to spark life into Adam. However, Christian theology teaches that "God is spirit" (John 4:24) and does not have a physical body. At least, not until Jesus was born.
The Old Testament describes God as a presence shrouded in mystery—appearing to Moses as a burning bush and leading the Israelites as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. The New Testament introduces the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Jesus, as God incarnate, provides a tangible representation, often depicted as a bearded man with Middle Eastern features. The Holy Spirit, however, is symbolized as a dove or flame.
In Islam, God (Allah) is utterly beyond human comprehension and cannot be depicted in any form. The Qur’an states, "There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing" (Surah Ash-Shura 42:11). Unlike other religions that provide anthropomorphic imagery, Islamic teachings strictly forbid visual representations of God. Instead, Allah is described through 99 Names (Asma’ul Husna), each highlighting divine attributes such as Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Al-Malik (The Sovereign).
Islamic calligraphy often artistically represents these names in place of imagery. Some Muslim scholars use metaphors—such as light—to describe God’s presence, referencing the Ayat an-Nur (Light Verse) in the Qur’an (24:35), which poetically likens Allah’s guidance to a radiant lamp. While Allah’s physical form remains unknowable, His presence is understood as all-encompassing, filling the heavens and earth.
Like Islam, Judaism teaches that God is incorporeal and beyond human perception. The Torah explicitly forbids making graven images of God (Exodus 20:4-5). However, scripture provides vivid descriptions to help believers relate to God’s nature. God speaks to Moses "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Exodus 33:11), but later tells Moses, "You cannot see My face, for no one may see Me and live" (Exodus 33:20).
This paradox illustrates that while God is personal, He is beyond physical form. And, unlike Christians, Jewish believers do not view Jesus as God incarnate. In some Jewish mystical traditions, God’s presence, or Shekhinah, is symbolized as divine light or cloud. Artistic representations avoid portraying God directly, instead using symbols like a hand reaching from the heavens or the Hebrew letters of God’s name (YHWH). In Jewish thought, God’s essence is best understood through attributes such as omniscience, omnipotence, and justice.
Hinduism presents a complex and diverse vision of the divine. At its core is Brahman, the formless, infinite reality that permeates all existence. However, because the human mind struggles with abstraction, Brahman is worshiped through deities with specific forms. Vishnu, the preserver, is often depicted with blue skin, a crown, and four arms holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus.
Shiva, the destroyer and transformer, is shown with matted hair, a third eye, and a snake around his neck. Devi, the divine feminine, appears in many forms, including Durga (a warrior goddess on a lion) and Lakshmi (goddess of wealth, adorned with gold). Each deity’s appearance symbolizes deeper truths—Vishnu’s blue skin represents cosmic infinity, while Shiva’s third eye signifies higher perception. Hindu iconography provides a tangible way to connect with the divine, but ultimately, Hinduism teaches that God transcends all forms.
Buddhism does not focus on a creator god, but divine-like figures such as Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are central to its spiritual imagery. Gautama Buddha, the historical founder, is typically depicted with a peaceful expression, elongated earlobes symbolizing wisdom, and a cranial bump (ushnisha) representing enlightenment. His hands form symbolic gestures (mudras), such as the Dhyana Mudra (meditation pose) and Bhumisparsha Mudra (earth-touching gesture).
Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who delay Nirvana to help others, are often depicted with elaborate crowns and jewelry, such as Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. In Mahayana Buddhism, celestial Buddhas like Amitabha (Buddha of Infinite Light) are portrayed in radiant golden hues, embodying spiritual purity.
In Sikhism, God (Waheguru) is formless, eternal, and beyond human depiction. Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, repeatedly emphasizes that God is without shape, gender, or physical attributes. The Mool Mantar, the foundational Sikh prayer, describes God as "Akal Murat", meaning "Timeless Being." Instead of images, Sikh art uses the symbol Ik Onkar (?), representing the unity of God.
God’s presence is understood through divine sound (Naam), which Sikhs experience in meditation and prayer. Unlike other traditions that use idols or icons, Sikhs focus on God’s essence—an omnipresent force guiding the universe. While Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus spoke of God in deeply personal terms, they always maintained that the divine is beyond human perception.
Shinto followers believe in countless deities called kami, which are spirits or forces residing in nature, objects, and ancestors. Kami can embody aspects of the natural world like mountains, rivers, and the sun, and are tied to concepts of harmony and vitality.
Rather than focusing on a single, omnipotent God, Shinto emphasizes respecting the spiritual essence innate in the world. Shrines honoring kami often feature symbolic markers rather than depictions of physical forms, underscoring their ethereal presence.
Zoroastrians worship Ahura Mazda, the one and supreme God, known as the "Wise Lord." Ahura Mazda is seen as compassionate, omnipotent, and the creator of all existence. Unlike other traditions, Zoroastrianism holds that Ahura Mazda is formless and impossible for humans to fully imagine or depict, emphasizing spiritual understanding over visual representation.
The faith describes God through divine attributes reflected in six spiritual emanations called Amesha Spentas, each personifying values like truth, devotion, or justice. Adherents often visualize Ahura Mazda metaphorically as pure light, symbolizing wisdom and goodness.
Jainism does not center on a deity in the traditional sense but reveres liberated souls called Tirthankaras, such as Mahavira. These beings attained enlightenment and perfect knowledge through self-discipline and meditation.
Jains view divine qualities like omniscience, purity, and compassion as intrinsic goals for personal attainment rather than external forces. Instead of worshiping God, adherents focus on self-liberation and spiritual discipline, striving to emulate the lives of enlightened beings. Godliness, in Jain thought, is a state of existence rather than a creator figure.
The Bahá'í Faith holds a monotheistic belief in one unknowable God, the creator and sustainer of all life. God is described as eternal, all-powerful, and the source of virtues like love, wisdom, and justice. Since God transcends human understanding, adherents avoid creating images or physical representations, emphasizing study and meditation to connect with divine attributes.
Bahá'u'lláh, the faith’s founder, is regarded as the latest in a series of divine messengers, including Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, who reflect God's will to humanity. These manifestations are seen as mirrors reflecting divine qualities, guiding followers toward spiritual growth and unity.
Animism is not a unified religion but a spiritual worldview that sees all elements of nature as imbued with spirit. Trees, rivers, animals, and even rocks are believed to have a consciousness or life force. Rather than visualizing a single god, adherents honor the spirits residing in these elements, seeing them as guardians or embodiments of nature’s power.
Representations, like masks or statuettes, are often symbolic rather than realistic, capturing the essence of the spirit rather than a physical likeness. Animists regard their relationship with these spirits as crucial to maintaining balance with the natural world.
Confucianism is not a religion with a personal god but a philosophy emphasizing moral conduct, harmony, and respect for the cosmos. Reverence is directed toward Heaven ("Tian"), seen as the ultimate guiding force governing the universe. Tian is less a deity and more a principle of divine order and virtue.
While there are no depictions of a god in Confucianism, ancestors are deeply venerated, believed to intercede on behalf of the living. Rituals honoring them affirm connections to the divine will and moral harmony with Heaven’s mandate. Confucianism prioritizes living ethically to align with this cosmic order.
Rastafari believers identify God as Jah, a singular and all-powerful being. Within Rastafari theology, former Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I is regarded as Jah’s earthly incarnation or manifestation. Haile Selassie is often depicted in Rastafari culture as a majestic, regal figure symbolizing divine authority and black liberation.
Unlike traditional religious imagery, Rastafari adherents often envision Jah as both spiritual and physically present in their lives. They see a connection to God through meditative practices like prayer, music (reggae), and the communal use of ganja, which is considered a sacrament.
Cao Dai blends elements of Buddhism, Christianity, and Taoism in its conception of God as the "Supreme Being," or Cao Ðài. This deity embodies all virtues and is believed to have created the universe. God is sometimes depicted as an all-seeing eye, symbolizing divine wisdom and omnipresence.
Central to Cao Dai is the idea that God’s message is revealed progressively through prophets from different religions, including Buddha, Jesus, and Confucius. Sacred temples often display symbols and imagery that unify these traditions, reflecting the belief in a universal God who transcends culture and time.
Yoruba spirituality centers on Olodumare, the supreme God, seen as the creator of the universe but not directly worshipped. Instead, adherents honor orishas, divine spirits or emissaries of Olodumare, who govern forces of nature and human experiences. Orishas are often depicted in vibrant, symbolic attire that represents their powers and personalities.
Rituals involve offerings, dances, and songs to connect with orishas, seeking blessings and guidance. Icons, statues, and sacred objects embody their presence, allowing practitioners to communicate with these dynamic forces while maintaining respect for Olodumare's ultimate authority.
The traditional Maori faith centers on a pantheon of gods, or atua, who inhabit and govern nature's elements and human experiences. The world is said to have originated from Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother), whose separation by their children created the universe.
Atua do not have uniform physical forms, but they are often represented symbolically through carvings, totems, or natural features like mountains. Rituals and customs, guided by tapu (sacred restrictions), honor these connections. Although Christianity has significantly influenced Maori beliefs, traditional spirituality persists, blending ancestral faith with newer religious practices to maintain reverence for atua and the natural world.
The Druze faith envisions God as both transcendent and immanent, existing above and within all creation, embodying “the whole of existence.” This Abrahamic religion has roots in Islam but integrates elements of Gnosticism, Greek philosophy, and various other traditions. God is considered formless and indescribable, understood only through truthfulness, spiritual awareness, and the study of sacred esoteric texts.
The Druze religion avoids material depictions of the divine, emphasizing inward spiritual connection rather than rituals or ceremonies. They do venerate influential prophets, including Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, with Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, being especially revered.
