The classifications of religion geographers find more useful. Buddhism These are faiths that claim they apply to all people and seek to transmit their beliefs through missionary work and conversion.
Membership is open to anyone who chooses to make a symbolic commitment such as baptism.
No one is excluded because of nationality, ethnicity, or previous belief. One becomes a member of an ethnic religion by birth or by adoption of a complex life-style and cultural identity. Not simply by a declaration of faith. These are special forms of ethnic religions. They are distinguished by their small size, unique identity with localized cultural groups.