When you ask people these days if they are religious, many say they are "spiritual but not really religious." Let's face it, with all the infighting going on among Christians about various "hot topics," many of us are seeking an alternative to the church we were brought up in, one that will satisfy our longing to acknowledge a creator greater than ourselves without requiring us to step into the fray. So...what other choices do we have?
Alternative religions come in all varieties and flavors: Zoroastrianism, Scientology, Jediism, Rastafari, Satanism, Baha'i, and many others. There is bound to be one to suit our tastes. Let's look at some of the components of religious systems and identify some elements that may appeal to us.
First, religions can be monotheistic or polytheistic. An example of a monotheistic religion would be Rastafari, where there is one god, the Emperor Hailie Selassie. Polythestic religions such as Paganism worship multiple gods and goddesses and other entities who help out, such as faeries.
You might also believe in pantheism, the belief that the god or spirit is inherent in all living creatures and in everything in the universe. Pantheism fits in well with Christianity to a certain degree, and with Paganism too. Maybe an athestic viewpoint is the one that appeals to you most, a belief that there is no god, no creator of the universe. The Church of Satan is atheistic; it denies the existence of a god at all. Jediism, a belief system based on the Star Wars movies, is "non-theistic" or having no creator associated with it. It is based on moral principles and its followers have a creed or set of beliefs that they observe. They are rather like the knights of the Round Table in the modern-day world; chivalry and bravery are not out of place with the Jedi.
Some religions honor and revere nature. For instance, Celtic and Pagan traditions have a deep respect for the earth and its creatures. This is a very important element in Pagan, Celtic, and Wiccan worship, and many rituals and ceremonies are performed outside.
Does the religion have a "golden rule"? Most spiritual traditions do. For Christians, it's "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." For Wiccans, it's the Wiccan Rede, "an ye harm none, do what ye will," or in plain English, "Do what you will, as long as it harms no one." I have only found one belief system that does not include a form of this moral guideline: it's found in Buddhism, Baha'i Faith, Islam, Hinduism, and Islam, to name a few. If this rule is important to you in how you live your life, chances are that any religion you investigate will include it. However, if you feel that kindnesses should only be bestowed on those who are deserving, then it could be Satanism that you seek.
Does historical tradition appeal to you? Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religious traditions
A certain open-mindedness is needed to start investigating alternative religions. For instance, I've found that, even though the very name, Satanism, conjures up scary images in my mind, the Church of Satan's actual beliefs are more palatable to me than I would have expected.
For more info: See about.com's Quick Reference Chart of alternative religions. Although the chart is not all-inclusive, it does name several of the most well-known alternative religions.
Comments
Another one is Frisbieatarianism, the belief that when you die your soul goes up on the roof and no one can get it back down.
Take the advise of someone who is a former longtime member of the cult of scientology: Open-mindedness is not what is needed. A diserning eye and a willingnss to question anything is needed if one is to venture into what may be the path to spriritual death.
I thank the God of my youth for giving me the courage to leave it. He never forgot me, though I'd abandoned him. God is love.
Alternative Religions! Incase you don't find the "Majors" ridiculous enough!
"Only 2 things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity" - Albert Einstein
Which alternative religion is right for you? Like choosing Gummi Bears to put on your Ice Cream Cone at Breslers?
Seriously, How about NO Religion - Just Say No to Primitive Ignorance! Grow up, get rid of the Pacifier and "Blankey" and march into the real world and the 21st Century!
I became involved in Scientology because it asks that you question its philosophy and its practice and to evaluate it for yourself. It has helped me immensely on a personal level in my spiritual journey. But more than this, it has helped me to understand that the pursuit of spiritual knowledge is very valid and thus I appreciate all religions for holding open the doors for those who want to walk this path. Religion is belittled in an age of science, but science itself holds onto dogmas and beliefs that even it cannot explain (except by some chemical accident). One day we will move into a more enlightened age and it will be built on the wisdom and truth held by all the religions that we are spiritual and that all life has this unseen spiritual quality--this is the beauty of this world (it was no accident).
I chose Paganism,mainly Wicca because it requires thinking and studying and analyzing things in terms of seasonal cycles,personal development,(meditation,affirmations)and a lot of other things and how you view life as a spiritual person not just as a human being having a spiritual life but moreso as a spiritual being living in a human existence. I also like the duality and balance because of honoring male and female as deity, not one over the other but as equal just two aspects of the same whole.
Kimberly, you have presented an excellent summary of Paganism here. Thank you for your thoughtful comments from a more experienced point of view than mine. It is much appreciated.
Mike, thank you for your comments about Scientology. You show that you have found something that seems to be a good fit for you, something you can learn and grow from. There will be others who do not agree with you, as there are with nearly every religion; and it reminds me that what is good for one person may not be for another. Again, thank you for sharing your experience.
Thanks, Bob, for your comments. I agree about saying no to primitive ignorance, and there are days that I want to throw the ice cream and gummi bears out the window. I agree to an extent, there are many religions that do seek to provide that 'pacifier and blankie' for us. But that's not enough for me.
Thanks again for writing, Bob.
Mary, I am glad that you were able to discern that scientology was not right for you. You are absolutely right about maintaining discernment and willingness to question.
Thank you,
Pam
Richard, you made me smile. I may have to write a whole column about this new religion!
Pam
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