Hypothetically, you are tasked to start a new religion.

In 2011, there was a documentary called KUMARE. A man dressed up as a guru in Arizona, sat in a park and started to dribble old worn out spiritual phrases just to see what would happen. You guessed it. The was a huge following that grew quickly. He couldn't bring himself to tell the people that he was a fake and was making a documentary. He finally came clean and some people just couldn't accept it. There will always be people who (think they) need guidance and spiritual direction.
For me?......No guru, no religion, no doctrine. It's all inside you. Just shut up, get off the internet, and get quiet for a while each day.
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/03/movies/vikram-gandhis-documentary-kumare.html
 

My religion would be called Dog lover and worship. Following would be encouraged to come to my place with treats for Suzy and lots of petting and love 💕 for her. Each service will include a great hot meal and then prayer to the Dogology religion.

The rewards will be spending time together and walking Suzy. You will also be given a necklace with Suzy on it. Your further reward will be meeting lots of dog lovers. The only punishment will be if you miss a worship service you will feel lonely.
 
Nathan said:
I think having a deity is a prerequisite for a typical religion.
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That's generally my thinking, but I would add that the deity must have magical powers, but it's only my opinion. I met a Pantheist (a worshiper of the universe) in another forum. When I inquired about what magical powers the universe had, he said, "I don't believe it is magical or sentient or enters human lives in any way, although some Pantheists do." This guy was very bright and one of the most logical thinkers in the forum, but when I asked him why bother with worshiping it, his answer seemed as empty as any theist apology I've heard. He said, "Because I have a God shaped hole in my heart."
 
Religion and politics are close allies. One must be very careful about dictating to people. This is one of the major problems with the established churches. They tell people what to believe. Advice should be the policy.
Jesus was trying to re-establish the teaching in the Old Testament, which didn't feature personalities...so, for me, no saints, no icons and actually, no god. Just the basic advice given to the Children of Israel. That is all that is needed to live a healthy life and create a decent society.
 
Peace to all who enter the Church of the Blessed Furry! If you gave at the office, then you need not give at home. Let us now rise to exchange play bites. The Sacrament of Sharing the Pizzas will begin shortly. Milk and cookies will follow in the Fellowship Hall after the service…

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Knight said:
The features would have to include

Tax free living expenses to include housing, food, travel, transportation, money enough to buy whatever I want.
TV time paid by contributions
Whatever I promote be unquestioned
Whatever I write be considered fact

And whatever else I might decide is appropriate once those with blind faith accept what I promote.
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Sounds similar to..?
 
Personally, I wish I could get through all of the BS and misinformation that surrounds religion today. I don't understand the need to worship and pay homage to a book that I for one do not agree. Religion is a paradox, growing up church and religion were a vital part of the community. Today people don't share the same interest in church, god or religion.

Religion is a mystery, how did religion come about, by whom and why? Why are there so many interpretations of religion, via Catholicism, Protestant, Baptist, Methodist, Jehovah Witness, LDS Mormon, etc, and so? Why do so many religions claim to be only true religion?

Would it be a gift or a curse to understand what people believe and why?

My problem is, I don't know where I stand regarding religion and spiritual matters. Faith based religions have you to believe in things that are no longer there except through faith. A good imagination and acceptance increases the likelihood you will obey and follow as directed.

I questioned faith and the reality of determining what is real and what is not real., by real I mean, solid proof existence. Never mind, what I was told growing up, I needed to find out for myself. I came to the conclusion, the bible and Christianity is based on faith and without faith it cannot support its purpose for being here.

I'm not a Jesus fan. when I pray I pray to god. The question of god's existence never entered my mind. I can't explain, but I believe there is more to the god theory than bible has to offer. If indeed the whole truth be known about god, and the trinity, should they exist the knowledge acquired would eminence and perhaps upon study I may create a religion that does not require faith and imagination as a foundation.
 
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Mr. Ed said:
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Nathan said:
I think having a deity is a prerequisite for a typical religion, otherwise it's more of a philosophy.
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Nathan said:
I think having a deity is a prerequisite for a typical religion, otherwise it's more of a philosophy.
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Why in the hell does anyone need a religion to be honest and decent and follow the commonsense rules of how to treat others?

Religion with such a savage god who seemingly does little else but spread horror and misery throughout our existence is not needed.
 
JustDave said:
I don't have the time, but I'm guessing the next viable religion will come out of the New Age culture. With people turning away from churches, but still claiming to be spiritual, there's a niche there to be filled. So far there have been weak attempts to fill it, but none have gained much traction, except maybe for the Wiccan. New Age religions tend to be more open and inviting.

Here is a description of New Age in a critique by a Christian who claims that Christianity and New Age are incompatible, but the things he points out as wrong, sound quite appealing, even to me, who doesn't have a spiritual bone in my body.

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spi...hy-cant-christians-get-on-board-11573681.html

But to get back to Wicca: When I first learned about Wicca, which is the name of the religion, it sounded like just some more hokum, but even with such a cynical perspective, I had to admit, I felt a draw toward it. Eventually, I met a Wiccan Lady quite by accident. She was gracious and smart, and remarkably so, enough so that one might think she was into something very special and lovely. It still sounded like hokum, but I still felt that draw. But then my love of nature plays a big part in Wicca too, or so I've been led to believe.

No I'm NOT teetering on some religious conversion.
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Same here @JustDave . I grew up with one religion then Papa introduced me to others. Since I'd been married I follow Church of Scotland but I tend to go back to the one discovered in 72, Wicca!

I loved the natural herbal medicines, the freedom of nature. Knowing that there's more in the universe then what limited offerings were in schools. At the end of the day, I respect all religions and I follow the two that offer me the best of both worlds.

Here's hoping that makes sense and no we have enough not to begin others.
 
Nathan said:
I would set up a religion designed to convince people to give all their money. Oh, I forgot that idea is already taken. :D
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I think they all do that anyway! ☺️

I'd start a new religion that edifies people and makes them believe in themselves, something positive that would keep them coming back for more. Now If I wanted to make money, I'd say I have a special secret to doing this so people would be inclined to support me and my church until they know the secret and those who signed on early to do this would become my primary deacons of said church. Yes, there would be mysticism. People love spectacle and intrigue. You would have to offer something to others that they cannot or do not find anywhere else.
 
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chic said:
I think they all do that anyway! ☺️

I'd start a new that edifies people and makes them believe in themselves, something positive that would keep them coming back for more.
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While it's not a religion, the philosophy of secular humanism does this, but it's a small following by comparison.
 
Peculiar is human nature that requires supervision and affirmation to determine self worth. From birth forward the need for a father figure and a communicator is evident in Christian and Catholic faith, however without solid tangible evidence the information provided is not sufficient for me to believe.
 

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