All religions have made contributions in particular areas, which although present in other religions as well, are not as predominant. Thus one can learn something from all religions. In this thread we will look at only the contributions made by the religions in the world and not their shortcomings.
Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
These are known as the dharmic religions and have all originated from the original Vedic religion known as Santana dharma or eternal religion. What is common to all of these religions are the doctrines of enlightenment as being the ultimate salvation by realising some ultimate reality. The doctrine of karma and reincarnation as the moral law of reality. The practice of Yoga as a means to achieiving enlightenment. However, they differ in how they interpret these doctrines. In Hinduism the ultimate reality is often a supreme being of which all beings are an aspect of. In Jainism the ultimate reality is a state of consciousness which enlightened beings realise. In Buddhism the ultimate reality is absolute silence and stilness.
The dharmic religions contribution is in philosophy, science and logic. The best discourses in these areas that have ever been composed are found in the dharmic religions. Most of philosophy, science, logic, mathematics comes from the contributions of dharmic religions. Also, the very best research in consciousness. The science of meditation is a dharmic gift to the world.
Sikhism
Sikhism is a syncretic religion which combines Hinduism with Islam, but has more Hinduism than Islam within it. It is India’s first proper monotheistic religion in that it does away with all the Hindu deities and accepts only one almighty and supreme god that loves us, but can also punish us for misdeeds. It does away with all the rituals, diversity, caste system and rituals of Hinduism, in order to develop an organized religion with a canon of scripture, clergy, liturgy and dogmas. The Sikh is expected, like Muslims, to pray a number of times a day. There are also baptism rites.
Sikhism’s contribution is in social upliftment and social equality. Sikhism is the only religion that builds its religion around social work (seva) and it believes that food, water, shelter should be free for all. This is why it is the only religion where you can go to a temple(Gudwara) and be served food for free throughout the day. It is heavily involved in social upliftment programs such as womens rights; women are considered the absolute equal of a man. There are no double standards. The life of a Sikh adherent is heavily based on participation in the temple life, which they go to frequently throughout the week. This is why the Sikh community is very communal.
Islam
Islam is not just a religion but it a socio-political system, with its own judicial and banking systems. There is no separation of state and religion in Islam, as can be found in other religions. It is basically a theocracy. It was founded by Prophet Mohammed as a new code of conduct described in the Quran, addressing matters like how to share booty won in a war, dealing with prisoners, taxes, the rights of men, women and children. Islam means surrender, this is not just surrender to the Islamic god Allah, but a surrender to Islam as the state to rule your life.
Islams contribution is to fully integrate the individual with religion such that their national identity becomes a religious identity. Then social life is religious life. Social ritual is religious ritual. The Muslims are some of the most loyal, most ardent and most faithful people on the planet. To them Islam is not just a religion they practice, it is their entire way of life. They pray religiously 5 times a day, go on pilgramages, and attend their mosques and masjids without fail. Islam is the most organized religion of all religions in the world. This means that an aggressor against any Islamic nation on the planet, automatically becomes an aggressor to all Muslims.
Christianity
Christianity is a particular way of life that was lived by Jesus Christ. In order to be a Christian one must accept first Jesus as the way, and then imbibe within themselves the qualities that Jesus had such as forgiveness, humility, love and compassion, being non judgemenetal etc It is the only religion that worships a man who is mortal or half mortal as god or the son of god(in Hinduism there are sects that worship Krishna, but Krishna is an avatar of the deity Vishnu, thus not a human being and the Vaishnavites worship Vishnu rather than Krishna ) It would be safe to say then that Christianity is personality worship. There is feverish devotion for this man called Jesus, in hearing and reciting his name, in remembering his life and his sacrifice, and the goal of Christianity is to be with Jesus for eterntiy.
Christianity contribution is the immense work it has done in charity and alleviating the suffering of people on the planet. Christianity has done huge work in helping the poor and countless saints have come from this tradition. If you meet a good Christian they will be the most compassionate and loving person you will have met, exuding love, understanding, tolerance and compassion. They will never refuse you help.
Taoism
Taoism is the most practical of religions on this planet. It is not concerned with the transcendental like other religions. In Taoism the sacred is the flow of life in the world itself, known as the tao. This principle of flow is the natural outcome of the masculine and feminine(ying and yang) aspects of the world. If one lives by this balance of the tao, then one lives in harmony with the world.
Taoism contribution is that it prescribes an art of living which will produce harmony in the world. One important principle in Taoism is the principle of economy, such can be seen with Far Eastern art which is minimalist, simple and elegant. The Far Eastern cultures which are heavily inspired by Taoism are all about economy, etiquette and grace. The art of Feng shu is all about improving the flow.
Shamanism
Shamanism does not refer to any one particular religion, but a whole collection of religions which share Shamanic features. Such as Native American religion, Australian Aboriginal religion, African religions, European religions/Drudism. The common feature of all these religions is that they are nature worshipping. There is a much greater sense in religions than of nature being sacred and how one should like in harmony with nature. These religions also have great love and care for animals, plants and environments. They do not seek to exploit nature, but to share nature. A great quote comes from the recent Avatar movie, “Everything we take is borrowed” The adherants of these religions aspire to live according to nature. Nothing that is natural is wrong. Thus Shamans have very liberal views on sexuality.
The contributions of Shamanism is the great all encompassing ecological view it presents. While most religions to some extent or the other give nature a subordinate or even sinister role, Shamanism embraces nature and natural living. Shamanism is especially relevant today in a world that is ravaged by capitalism, deforestation, climate change, pollution, destruction of natural ecosystems.
Secular Humanism
Secularism Humanism is based on the rejection of the belief in deity and mysticism. It divests the world of mysticism and religious jargon and concentrating on what really matters: the truth, justice, beauty, equality, harmony, happiness. If there is a god in Secular Humanism then that god is a collection of qualities like truth, justice, beauty, equality, harmony and happiness.
Secular Humanism has made massive contributions to the world in the areas of technology, civil and human rights and material progress. The current spirituality worldview that is emerging has significant contributions from secular humanism.