World-Building Questionnaire: Religion and Belief Systems

World-building questionnaires are vital for fleshing out a fictional world. They help fantasy writers create immersive settings and are also invaluable for historical fiction authors getting to know their period and setting. A well-developed world adds depth and authenticity, making the story more engaging for readers.

Understanding your world’s religion and belief systems is crucial—they affect your characters' values, motivations, and interactions. Knowing these elements will help you create a believable and consistent world.

Major Religions and Beliefs

1. What are the major religions in your world?
2. How did these religions originate and spread?
3. What are the core beliefs and doctrines of each religion?
4. Who are the key deities or spiritual figures?
5. How do different religions interact with each other?

Religious Practices and Rituals

6. What are the common rituals and ceremonies?
7. How often are these rituals performed, and by whom?
8. What role do religious festivals and holidays play?
9. How do religious practices influence daily life?
10. Are there any rites of passage or significant life events marked by religious ceremonies?

Places of Worship

11. What are the main places of worship (temples, churches, shrines)?
12. How are these places of worship designed and decorated?
13. Who maintains and leads these places of worship?
14. How do places of worship serve the community beyond religious functions?
15. Are there any pilgrimage sites? What is their significance?

Religious Texts and Teachings

16. What are the sacred texts or writings?
17. Who interprets and teaches these texts?
18. How are religious teachings preserved and transmitted?
19. Are there any schools or institutions dedicated to religious study?
20. How do religious texts influence laws and governance?

Religious Hierarchy and Organization

21. What is the structure of religious leadership?
22. How are religious leaders chosen and trained?
23. What powers and responsibilities do religious leaders have?
24. How does the religious hierarchy interact with political and social hierarchies?
25. Are there any notable religious organizations or orders?

Faith and Society

26. How does religion influence social norms and values?
27. What is the role of religion in education and family life?
28. How do religious beliefs shape attitudes towards science and technology?
29. Are there any conflicts between religious and secular authorities?
30. How do individuals express their faith in everyday life?

Religious Conflict and Tolerance

31. Are there any religious conflicts or wars?
32. How do different religious groups coexist?
33. What measures are taken to promote religious tolerance or persecution?
34. How are converts or apostates treated?
35. Are there any laws protecting or restricting religious practices?

Mythology and Folklore

36. Which myths and legends are associated with the religions?
37. How do these stories influence cultural traditions and values?
38. Are there any mythological creatures or heroes?
39. How is mythology passed down through generations?
40. How do myths and folklore shape the worldview of your characters?

A world-building questionnaire helps you unearth details that may not appear directly in your story. However, having these details in your mind will make your world more authentic and vibrant.

Jump to another world-building questionnaire:

• Geography and Environment
• Government and Politics
• Economy and Trade
• Daily Life and Customs
• Religion and Belief Systems
• History and Lore
• Language and Communication
• Technology and Magic

David Griffin Brown is an award-winning short fiction writer and co-author of Immersion and Emotion: The Two Pillars of Storytelling. He holds a BA in anthropology from UVic and an MFA in creative writing from UBC, and his writing has been published in literary magazines such as the Malahat Review and Grain. In 2022, he was the recipient of a New Artist grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. David founded Darling Axe Editing in 2018, and as part of his Book Broker interview series, he has compiled querying advice from over 100 literary agents. He lives in Victoria, Canada, on the traditional territory of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.