Samaritanism: The Ancient Religion With Fewer Than 900 Followers

Nosy Guy

Samaritanism is one of the world's smallest surviving Abrahamic religions, with a community numbering fewer than 900 people.  The Samaritans trace their roots back more than 3,000 years to the ancient Israelites of the northern Kingdom of Israel. Although Samaritanism shares historical connections with Judaism, it developed as a distinct religious tradition.  Samaritans follow the first five books of the Bible, known as the Samaritan Torah, and consider Mount Gerizim in the West Bank to be their holiest mountain.  Today, Samaritan communities are found primarily around Mount Gerizim and in Holon, Israel.  This short documentary explores the history, beliefs, traditions, and survival of one of the world's smallest religious communities.  #Samaritanism #Samaritans #AncientHistory #History #Religion #BiblicalHistory #MountGerizim #Israel #HistoryFacts

Transcript

00:00Did you know the world's smallest Abrahamic religion has fewer than 900 followers left?

00:06It's called Samaritanism.

00:09The Samaritans trace their roots back over 3,000 years to the ancient Israelites of the northern kingdom of Israel.

00:16They look similar to Judaism, but they are a separate religion.

00:21Samaritans only follow the first five books of the Bible, which they call the Samaritan Torah.

00:26They do not follow the rest of the Jewish Bible or the Talmud.

00:30And here is the biggest difference.

00:32While Jews believe God chose Jerusalem, Samaritans believe God chose Mount Gerizim in the West Bank.

00:39That is their holy mountain, where they still perform animal sacrifices today.

00:44For centuries, they were persecuted, and their numbers collapsed.

00:49Today, only about 900 Samaritans remain, split between Mount Gerizim and the city of Holon in Israel.

00:55Keeping one of the oldest religions on Earth alive.

Category

Transcript

Recommended