Understanding the World’s Fastest-Growing and Newest Religions: Trends, Data, and How to Learn More

Introduction

The landscape of global religion is dynamic and ever-changing. Recent research points to significant shifts not only in the size and spread of established faiths but also in the emergence of new movements. This comprehensive guide unpacks the latest, most authoritative data on which religion is growing fastest and explores how new religions come into being. Whether you’re curious about global trends or seeking ways to learn more about these faiths, this article provides actionable, fact-based insight.

The Fastest-Growing Religion: Islam’s Global Surge

Over the decade from 2010 to 2020, Islam recorded the highest growth rate among the world’s major religions. According to the Pew Research Center’s June 2025 Global Religious Landscape report, the number of Muslims worldwide increased by 347 million, rising from 1.65 billion to approximately 2 billion people. This outpaces all other faith groups in absolute growth and is driven by high birth rates, a youthful demographic profile, and significant population expansion in Muslim-majority countries such as those in the Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa [3] , [1] , [2] .

This rapid expansion means that Islam is closing the gap with Christianity, the world’s largest religion, which grew by 122 million in the same period. The rise in Muslim population is so pronounced that it exceeds the combined growth of all non-Muslim religions during the decade [3] . The share of Muslims globally increased from 23.9% in 2010 to 25.6% in 2020. Christianity’s share declined from 30.6% to 28.8% in the same period, mainly due to slower growth and higher rates of religious disaffiliation in some regions [5] .

Why Is Islam Growing So Quickly?

Several factors contribute to Islam’s robust growth:

High fertility rates: Muslim-majority countries often have higher average birth rates than the global average.
Younger population: The median age of Muslims globally is lower than that of other religious groups, creating a large base for future growth.
Geographical concentration: Rapid expansion in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Asia-Pacific, which already have large populations [2] .

Alternative Views and Other Fast-Growing Movements

While Islam is the fastest-growing major religion according to current demographic data, some scholars have highlighted the rapid expansion of specific movements within Christianity, especially Pentecostalism . Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian movements have seen dramatic growth, particularly through religious conversion in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. However, these are considered subgroups within Christianity and do not surpass Islam’s overall global growth rates [4] .

The Newest Religions: How New Faiths Emerge

Determining the “newest” religion is more complex than identifying growth rates. New religions can form through revelations, charismatic leaders, social movements, or reinterpretation of older beliefs. Many small-scale movements and new religious groups are founded each year, but very few gain widespread traction or recognition.

Examples of modern religious movements include:

Falun Gong: Originated in China in the 1990s, combining elements of Buddhism, Daoism, and qigong practices. It quickly attracted millions of followers before facing government suppression. For authoritative information, consider searching for “Falun Gong” on reputable news platforms or academic databases.
RaÃ«lism: Founded in the 1970s by Claude Vorilhon (RaÃ«l) in France, this movement asserts that life on Earth was scientifically created by extraterrestrials. Information can be found on established encyclopedias or by searching for “RaÃ«lism” in academic resources.
Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (Pastafarianism): Emerging in 2005 as a satirical critique of intelligent design, this movement has grown as a social phenomenon and raises questions about religion and public policy. Academic and news archives provide more background on its development.

Because new religious movements often lack global reach or formal recognition, their status and impact can change quickly. For reliable, current information about emerging religions, you may:

Consult the latest studies from reputable research organizations such as the Pew Research Center.
Search academic databases (e.g., JSTOR, Google Scholar) for peer-reviewed articles on “new religious movements” or specific group names.
Access major news outlets’ religion sections, which sometimes report on significant new trends and discoveries.

Step-by-Step Guidance to Learn More

To find further information on the fastest-growing and newest religions, consider the following approaches:

Start with Authoritative Research: Visit the official Pew Research Center website and search for “Global Religious Landscape” or “Growth of Religion” for the latest comprehensive data.
Use Academic Resources: University libraries and online platforms such as ProQuest and JSTOR provide access to scholarly articles on religious demographics and emerging faiths.
Engage with Local Religious Organizations: Many faith communities offer public seminars, open houses, and educational resources for newcomers interested in learning about their beliefs and practices.
Contact Interfaith Councils: Local or national interfaith organizations can provide introductions and resources for those seeking to understand multiple religious movements, including the newest ones.
Stay Informed via News Media: Reputable international news outlets frequently publish updates on major religious trends and new movements. Use search terms like “newest religion” or “fastest-growing religion” on their platforms.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Researching religious growth and new movements presents unique challenges:

Data Reliability: Some new movements do not have reliable membership statistics. Prioritize sources like Pew Research Center or academic publications for the most rigorously-verified data.
Recognition and Legitimacy: New religions may not be officially recognized in all countries. To avoid misinformation, cross-check claims with multiple reputable sources.
Bias and Satire: Be aware that some groups, such as Pastafarianism, have satirical roots. Use academic or journalistic analysis for objective perspectives.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Islam is currently the fastest-growing major religion worldwide, with substantial demographic momentum. Christianity remains the largest faith, but its growth has slowed relative to Islam and the rising number of religiously unaffiliated people. New religious movements appear regularly, but only a few gain lasting impact or broad recognition. For the most reliable and current information, consult reputable research organizations, academic studies, and established media outlets. If you are interested in joining, studying, or engaging with a new or growing religious community, consider contacting local faith organizations, using university resources, or attending interfaith events in your area.