NationStates Jolt Archive

So, I've decided to try a first hand exploration in a religion and/or cult. After a great deal of comparison, I've settled on Raelianism.

I've read the websites, have the basic premise down, now I need a real practicing Raelian to answer questions, and I thought I might find one here.

The rules from my end are simple. I will genuinely try to practice the tenets of your belief system for one month, and I will try to be as open minded as I can in consideration of its teaching.

If there are no Raelians here, any views or experiences regarding Raelians will be welcome, bearing in mind I've looked over the websites and have a general grasp of the idea.

Never heard of it.

Never heard of it.

Yeah, that's been a big obstruction to this. Not a lot of these folks around. I had an easy time finding a dozen different christian groups, a muslim Imam, and a bunch of others, but these Raelians aren't too common.

um...so your going to join a cult which rejects the concept of God yet you suddenly replace it with magical Aliens and spreading bullshit about cloning?

can't you just worship something that doesn't relate to a fad?

um...so your going to join a cult which rejects the concept of God yet you suddenly replace it with magical Aliens and spreading bullshit about cloning?

can't you just worship something that doesn't relate to a fad?

Well, I talked with the Muslims and started reading the Koran, but they're a no-go on me wanting to be sexually active.

Okay, so thats one vote for "fad", cool.

Shit, should've made a poll.

um...so your going to join a cult which rejects the concept of God yet you suddenly replace it with magical Aliens and spreading bullshit about cloning?

can't you just worship something that doesn't relate to a fad?

Worship NSG. The new religion. Rather than peace and harmony, it promotes bickering and flames, but remains more addictive than any opiate.

Make up your own, get lots of people to join and steal their money. If you straddle the line between religion and cult carefully enough in 50 years I guarantee that some random guys on the Internet will hate your guts and declare war on your entire operation.

Worship NSG. The new religion. Rather than peace and harmony, it promotes bickering and flames, but remains more addictive than any opiate.

The Lunatic Goofballians will just burn me on a pile of donuts like all who threaten the religious dominance of LG on nationstates.

I haven't the courage...

Make up your own, get lots of people to join and steal their money. If you straddle the line between religion and cult carefully enough in 50 years I guarantee that some random guys on the Internet will hate your guts and declare war on your entire operation.

I wanted to do one based on Bruce Campbell, but somebody beat me to it with a religion based on The Dude from the Big Lebowski.

I don't eat healthy enough to plan 50 years in advance.

Well, I talked with the Muslims and started reading the Koran, but they're a no-go on me wanting to be sexually active.

what I think I'm getting at is why your bothering at all?

though really why bother being all that active as its the same pain in the arse only you now have to get two bottomless wallets

Worship NSG. The new religion. Rather than peace and harmony, it promotes bickering and flames, but remains more addictive than any opiate.

so its like hell only with a no nudity policy? :p

what I think I'm getting at is why your bothering at all?


Well, I've noticed the religious folks sometimes seem to be WAAAY into it, like they're high off it or something, and some of them defend it to the death.

Figure I should experience that myself, but without anybody being nailed to anything.

IIRC the only religion I looked at that doesn't have something which immediately ruins any chance of me following it is buddhism.

From a cursory glance at the wikipedia entry, Raelianism sounds a lot Scientology...

The Lunatic Goofballians will just burn me on a pile of donuts like all who threaten the religious dominance of LG on nationstates.

I haven't the courage...

I do, but unfortunately, I'm their god. :(

IIRC the only religion I looked at that doesn't have something which immediately ruins any chance of me following it is buddhism.

From a cursory glance at the wikipedia entry, Raelianism sounds a lot Scientology...

We'll have to see...I don't mind the aliens, I suppose, as long as they know up front I have no money.

Besides, I'm told you are comprised of a substance that doesn't burn, like bantha leather.

Mud is fireproof. :)

I do, but unfortunately, I'm their god. :(

Besides, I'm told you are comprised of a substance that doesn't burn, like bantha leather.

The Lunatic Goofballians will just burn me on a pile of donuts like all who threaten the religious dominance of LG on nationstates.

I haven't the courage...


so its like hell only with a no nudity policy? :p

You see, you have the order wrong. The cult of NSGism is many varied, and we are all adherents to it, in one form or another. The Goofballian philosophy is the reformed church of NSG.

I do, but unfortunately, I'm their god. :(

You are no god LG, but a Pontifex.

You see, you have the order wrong. The cult of NSGism is many varied, and we are all adherents to it, in one form or another. The Goofballian philosophy is the reformed church of NSG.

So, is Cat-Tribes the Orthodox?

Or maybe, who was it, Eutrusca? He still around?

So, is Cat-Tribes the Orthodox?

Or maybe, who was it, Eutrusca? He still around?

No. Eut was the old NSGian, well before the reformist and Orthodox movements came to bear.

You are no god LG, but a Pontifex.

Um... thanks? :confused:

You are no god LG, but a Pontifex.
so what bridges is he building?

so what bridges is he building?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0Fi1VcbpAI

:)

So, I've decided to try a first hand exploration in a religion and/or cult. After a great deal of comparison, I've settled on Raelianism.

I've read the websites, have the basic premise down, now I need a real practicing Raelian to answer questions, and I thought I might find one here.

The rules from my end are simple. I will genuinely try to practice the tenets of your belief system for one month, and I will try to be as open minded as I can in consideration of its teaching.

If there are no Raelians here, any views or experiences regarding Raelians will be welcome, bearing in mind I've looked over the websites and have a general grasp of the idea.That's even dumber than Scientology.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raelianism
your voting rights should be revoked

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0Fi1VcbpAI

And?

And?

http://content.answers.com/main/content/img/webpics/Lloyd_Bridges.jpg

Actually, Raelianism is no stupider than Scientology, or any of the Mainstream religions for that matter.
I have yet to hear a convincing argument for the existance of God(s) which cannot also be used by someone convinced that it was aliens all along.
There is also the bonus of Raelianism (through looking at it's wiki page) that it seems not to spread hate based on people's sexuality, which most mainstream religions have been doing very successfully for a very long time.

So, I've decided to try a first hand exploration in a religion and/or cult. After a great deal of comparison, I've settled on Raelianism.

I've read the websites, have the basic premise down, now I need a real practicing Raelian to answer questions, and I thought I might find one here.

The rules from my end are simple. I will genuinely try to practice the tenets of your belief system for one month, and I will try to be as open minded as I can in consideration of its teaching.

If there are no Raelians here, any views or experiences regarding Raelians will be welcome, bearing in mind I've looked over the websites and have a general grasp of the idea.
Considering the way cults work, this is a really stupid idea if you follow through. I don't think you realize how fallible you will be alone in the midst of a group of people with a psychological strategy to convert you. Cults aren't about being "open-minded". They're about breaking down, then restructuring your psychological defenses and weaknesses such that they block your ability to venture outside the accepted mode of thinking.

Its okay, under the system of government proposed by Rael, I would already have no voting rights, because of my markedly sub-normal intellect.

They think only the upper quartile (as measured by some as yet undeveloped intelligence test and measuring some as yet undefined criteria of "intelligence") should be able to vote, and only the top 0.5 percent can run for office.

So, I'll have voting days off, presumably to eat bananas or something.

Dumber than Scientology? Really? Ouch...

Mmm...bananas.

That's even dumber than Scientology.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raelianism
your voting rights should be revoked

Its okay, under the system of government proposed by Rael, I would already have no voting rights, because of my markedly sub-normal intellect.

They think only the upper quartile (as measured by some as yet undeveloped intelligence test and measuring some as yet undefined criteria of "intelligence") should be able to vote, and only the top 0.5 percent can run for office.

So, I'll have voting days off, presumably to eat bananas or something.

Dumber than Scientology? Really? Ouch...

Pontifex...is that a female sanitary product?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontifex

Considering the way cults work, this is a really stupid idea if you follow through. I don't think you realize how fallible you will be alone in the midst of a group of people with a psychological strategy to convert you. Cults aren't about being "open-minded". They're about breaking down, then restructuring your psychological defenses and weaknesses such that they block your ability to venture outside the accepted mode of thinking.

I'm already atop a sizable mountain of localized maximum for fallibility. My last stupid idea (somehow becoming possessed by a demon) failed, largely because demons don't appear to be real.

Maybe UFO's aren't either, but these people seem to be real (maybe, sort of, in some fashion, and in the loosest sense of the term).

I meant me being "open-minded", not them. I imagine their world view is quite rigid. So, I guess I should rephrase as "vulnerable-minded".

Using psychology on me is like sand-blasting a soup cracker. No subtlety or guile is necessary here. I'm ready to just buy it, whatever it may be, short of anything violent.

I have no money, nothing for anyone to take, and if they put me to manual labor, it will be of brief and solely comedic value to them.

You are no god LG, but a Pontifex.

Pontifex...is that a female sanitary product?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontifex

Ah, I see. S'why I've never heard of you misrouting a boat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontifex

I was thinking of this actually.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontifex_Maximus

And besides, Pontifex Goofballs has a nice ring to it.

I was thinking of this actually.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontifex_Maximus

And besides, Pontifex Goofballs has a nice ring to it.

Can't he be both? Running on a bank of computers in the vatican basement, ensuring efficient delivery of cheap Chinese made hot pants for all of us?

Now THERE's a fookin' saint.

Maybe, but then he'd get into trouble with the Orthodox Church of Cat Tribes.

And if there is too much conflict, the gathered forces of anguish and flames will reach the depths of another world, to the deeps of the infinite, calling from their darkness, the elder gods, dread Modthullu. :p

Maybe, but then he'd get into trouble with the Orthodox Church of Cat Tribes.

Cat Tribes, near as I can tell, appears to be a stalwart defender of not only religious pluralism but also-

Oh, wait...followers of a religion don't always listen to what their god says...

Okay, you're right.

And if there is too much conflict, the gathered forces of anguish and flames will reach the depths of another world, to the deeps of the infinite, calling from their darkness, the elder gods, dread Modthullu. :p

Hmm...the mods have delivered their scripture, yea, verily, but not upon mere stone or plates of paltry gold...but rather the most venerable and everlasting STICKY NOTE!

Bow, bitches.

Well, I've noticed the religious folks sometimes seem to be WAAAY into it, like they're high off it or something, and some of them defend it to the death.

Figure I should experience that myself, but without anybody being nailed to anything.
Some really are high off it, I used to be a charismatic and we jokingly claimed to be THS addicts. Charismatics really do get an emotional high on their belief that God is present when they gather to worship. It's an emotional circus, all about getting pleasure from a dose of God's presence.

Followers of some other religions can reach a state of trance.

I think the most common reason to defend ones religion is that the religion is an important part of ones personal identity. Other things that can also be so important for ones identity that they are defended no matter what can be a culture, traditions, a nation, a political cause or a lifestyle.
Well, I talked with the Muslims and started reading the Koran, but they're a no-go on me wanting to be sexually active.
Can't be that hard to find a religion that doesn't require a promise of lifelong monogamy.
I'm already atop a sizable mountain of localized maximum for fallibility. My last stupid idea (somehow becoming possessed by a demon) failed, largely because demons don't appear to be real.
Last weekend at church when everyone was praying a woman suddenly runs up on the stage, lifts up a speaker over her head and throws it down on the floor, pushes over a couple microphones and starts pulling at the drum set. By then 4 others catch up and group hug her to stop her. She tries furiously to break free, screams out her hatred at the preacher who stands a couple meters away and her facial expression looks truly mad.

I find it easy to believe that she was simply having a difficult period, in prayer she was finally able to admit to herself how difficult her life has been lately and flips out. But it was also easy to get the idea that she was possessed by a demon, she was a completely different person from one moment to the next.

I'll stick with Methodism.

It's great now there's no longer a compulsory teetotalism rule. And there's the fogiveness clause.

Hmm...the mods have delivered their scripture, yea, verily, but not upon mere stone or plates of paltry gold...but rather the most venerable and everlasting STICKY NOTE!

Bow, bitches.

At first, there was nothingness. And then, there was Max Barry. And Max Barry saw the nothingness and said "Let there be NS." And then there was NS.

In the beginning, Max Barry created NS. And the forums were vast and deep. And the cluelessness was upon the face of the forumites. Max Barry created NS, the board separating the forums which were under spam from the forums which were not spam.

II and Gameplay and UN and NS which grew fat with threads; the technical, issues and archives in the support; god modding forumers and trolls; and on the sixth month, "the forums of NS according to their kinds". Then Max Barry said, "Let us make NSG in our image... in the image of NS he created it; politics and religion he seeded them. So Max Barry blessed the seventh forum, NSG and hallowed it, because on it, Max Barry rested from all his work which he had done in creation.

I'll polish this later on into a proper genesis. :p

Some really are high off it, I used to be a charismatic and we jokingly claimed to be THS addicts. Charismatics really do get an emotional high on their belief that God is present when they gather to worship. It's an emotional circus, all about getting pleasure from a dose of God's presence.

Followers of some other religions can reach a state of trance.

I thought about trying some of the more meditative ones, but there seemed to be a lot of diligent practice involved. Yeah...no.


I think the most common reason to defend ones religion is that the religion is an important part of ones personal identity. Other things that can also be so important for ones identity that they are defended no matter what can be a culture, traditions, a nation, a political cause or a lifestyle.

I live in the US, but I'm uncultured, lack tradition, am politically aghast, and my lifestyle is, well, sedentary. But yeah, I can see where all of that can be deeply and intensely expressed by many.


Can't be that hard to find a religion that doesn't require a promise of lifelong monogamy.

That's what I thought, but it turns out, lot of these religions are big on the "don't diddle anybody you aren't married to" bit.


Last weekend at church when everyone was praying a woman suddenly runs up on the stage, lifts up a speaker over her head and throws it down on the floor, pushes over a couple microphones and starts pulling at the drum set. By then 4 others catch up and group hug her to stop her. She tries furiously to break free, screams out her hatred at the preacher who stands a couple meters away and her facial expression looks truly mad.

I find it easy to believe that she was simply having a difficult period, in prayer she was finally able to admit to herself how difficult her life has been lately and flips out. But it was also easy to get the idea that she was possessed by a demon, she was a completely different person from one moment to the next.

Oh, man, that's rough. I hope she gets more balanced, whether with church or a doctor or some collaboration of both. Sounds like people handled it reasonably well, and it sounds like nobody was grievously injured.

Kind of nice, actually, we live in a time where if you flip out, they hug you instead of burning you.

I'll stick with Methodism.

It's great now there's no longer a compulsory teetotalism rule. And there's the fogiveness clause.

Fo' giveness clause?

Fo' giveness clause?

Sorry, Forgiveness Clause

You know. If I do something bad and I'm sorry and ask for forgiveness I get it.

Sorry, Forgiveness Clause

You know. If I do something bad and I'm sorry and ask for forgiveness I get it.

The other churches don't have that?

I think in the Rael thing, if you do bad shit, the aliens don't clone you.

True, but Methodism also has the Really Interesting History.

And I don't have to tell some celibate busybody my sins.

True, but Methodism also has the Really Interesting History.

And I don't have to tell some celibate busybody my sins.

Yeah, the confession thing would be...creepy.

Priest: Tell me your sins.

Me: I masturbated.

Priest: What else?

Me: A lot.

Priest: I understand.

Me: You want details? Time, dates, payload?

Priest: No, of course not-what?

Me: I used porn.

Priest: I see.

Me: With the masturbating.

Priest: I get it, yes.

Me: Is this turning you on?

Priest: Get out.

wtf? im quitting this game because i think its really stupid, but then i saw this thread and was intrigued by the title and by the raelism or whatever thing.

that is the most retarded thing ive ever heard! its just as dumb as scientology. fucking aliens - come on! fucking retarded shit.

i think anyone who has the luck to be born an atheist is a complete fool to join a religion.

dont reply to me, im not coming again. wow, this is a lame game. try wargames2.net

Lmao

Just like I'd imagine it to be except with me:

Me: I had an immoral thought

Priest:Tell me more

Me: Isn't that enough?

Priest: No. How old are you?

Me: look either make with the atonement or... What's that moaning.

Priest (moaning stops): Er, nothing. You must walk down an Alley near the docks at night.

Me: Nuts to this, I'll take the sin.

Priest: DAMNIT

(I run)

Lmao

Just like I'd imagine it to be except with me:

Me: I had an immoral thought

Priest:Tell me more

Me: Isn't that enough?

Priest: No. How old are you?

Me: look either make with the atonement or... What's that moaning.

Priest (moaning stops): Er, nothing. You must walk down an Alley near the docks at night.

Me: Nuts to this, I'll take the sin.

Priest: DAMNIT

(I run)

ROFL

Hee, I should start being more reverent since I'm joining a religion next week..

If there are no Raelians here, any views or experiences regarding Raelians will be welcome.
OK, here's my take on it :

Don't be stupid, this is such a lame religion.

Not that religion though.

P.S. don't tell that Priest but the Cops are waiting for him down an Alley by the Docks.

I am offended by your honestly, candor, brevity, and common sense.

The internet is not the place for that kind of behaviour.

Sorry, but I'm long past stupid. The stupid lay comfortably cradled behind the walls of not knowing any better.

I'm purposely throwing away my self-determination and capacity for critical thought in exchange for what at best will be a hypnotic pseudo-happiness.

Wish me luck.
Jesus fucking Christ. What are you, twelve?

wtf? im quitting this game because i think its really stupid, but then i saw this thread and was intrigued by the title and by the raelism or whatever thing.

that is the most retarded thing ive ever heard! its just as dumb as scientology. fucking aliens - come on! fucking retarded shit.

i think anyone who has the luck to be born an atheist is a complete fool to join a religion.

dont reply to me, im not coming again. wow, this is a lame game. try wargames2.net

Okay, I won't reply to you...wait, fuck, I...okay, don't read this....stop....seriously, don't read any more!!

Okay, now this is as much your fault as it is mine.

OK, here's my take on it :

Don't be stupid, this is such a lame religion.

I am offended by your honestly, candor, brevity, and common sense.

The internet is not the place for that kind of behaviour.

Sorry, but I'm long past stupid. The stupid lay comfortably cradled behind the walls of not knowing any better.

I'm purposely throwing away my self-determination and capacity for critical thought in exchange for what at best will be a hypnotic pseudo-happiness.

Wish me luck.

Jesus fucking Christ. What are you, twelve?

When I was twelve, the absurdity of this would have been reason enough to refrain.

Each to their own.

Although Scientologists should be exiled to Siberia in Swimsuits.

When I was twelve, the absurdity of this would have been reason enough to refrain.
*sigh*

Why did you even want to try religion in the first place?

Each to their own.

Although Scientologists should be exiled to Siberia in Swimsuits.

Yeah, at least the Rael bunch don't want to stop people from getting mental health care.

Course, the Rael bunch probably support the Scientology people...

hmmm....

I nearly had apoplexy when I saw they gave a donation to the Bluebell railway that was accepted.

I reallt don't like them.

In My book they're on a par with child murderers, Nazis, Serial Killers and Labour Politicians.

Well, the religious people I encounter, the emphatic ones in particular, seem to be very...focused..by their religion.

They are very motivated, and have a certainty (often a desperate, needful yet intense certainty). Even if they fool nobody else, they often at least appear to have fooled themselves into thinking they have "The Answer".

If you could actually sell yourself on that kind of thing, it would be nice to have. And if they spaceship never comes, I'm sure it will be explained that it came, we just didn't see it.
Fantacism is fun for about 20 minutes, granted, but it leads you to do extremely stupid things from which your relationships, career etc. may never recover.

Consider that before you do anything too bold, hey?

*sigh*

Why did you even want to try religion in the first place?

Well, the religious people I encounter, the emphatic ones in particular, seem to be very...focused..by their religion.

They are very motivated, and have a certainty (often a desperate, needful yet intense certainty). Even if they fool nobody else, they often at least appear to have fooled themselves into thinking they have "The Answer".

If you could actually sell yourself on that kind of thing, it would be nice to have. And if the spaceship never comes, I'm sure it will be explained that it came, we just didn't see it.

I nearly had apoplexy when I saw they gave a donation to the Bluebell railway that was accepted.

I reallt don't like them.

In My book they're on a par with child murderers, Nazis, Serial Killers and Labour Politicians.

I'm guessing you're not from Texas, then.

So, are the Scientology mob big in the UK?

Anyone can have a religion, it is just a set of rules, what is important is to have a relationship with God. then if you love God you will obey his commandments, if your just following a set of rules without having a relationship with God, you'll have an empty faith, you'll be following rules(aka religious) which you'll eventually break because there is no reason to follow them, instead of following God, the whole point of that faith/religion. Also, truth is not relative. truth is truth. You shouldn't pick a faith according to what works for you.

well good luck and
God bless,

-Faithkiopa

Fantacism is fun for about 20 minutes, granted, but it leads you to do extremely stupid things from which your relationships, career etc. may never recover.

Consider that before you do anything too bold, hey?

See, now you're demonstrating genuine empathy, concern, and regard for another human, and that is NOT how we behave on the internet.

This is a place for specious argument, puerile provocation, and the large scale exchange of porn.

Seriously, though, its okay. I have no meaningful relationships that would abandon me over this sort of thing (I have ample precedent of far worse).

As for my career, I'm a student.

Anything in particular you think they might ask me to do?

I figured they'd just want cash or to have me hand out shit at the park or something.

So, are the Scientology mob big in the UK?
Not yet.

Anyone can have a religion, it is just a set of rules, what is important is to have a relationship with God. then if you love God you will obey his commandments, if your just following a set of rules without having a relationship with God, you'll have an empty faith, you'll be following rules(aka religious) which you'll eventually break because there is no reason to follow them, instead of following God, the whole point of that faith/religion. Also, truth is not relative. truth is truth. You shouldn't pick a faith according to what works for you.

well good luck and
God bless,

-Faithkiopa

Almost every religion insists they are the way to that true relationship with God and that you should obey his rules out of love for him.

What you've said is essentially identical to what I heard from the Muslims, the Mormons, the Catholics, the Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.

Every single one of those emphasized having a "relationship with God" as the central theme.

But, see, I like to fuck a lot...so I need to pick a faith that's cool with that or not only will I not follow the religions because of "empty faith", I won't even start.

Once I'm heavy into whatever religion/cult sticks, I imagine I'll start really loving the god/guru/whatever, and be just as joyful about that relationship with god/aliens/universal consciousness/whathaveyou.

Not yet.

Not yet? Are they growing rapidly?

The Scientologists were pared away early in my search because of the monetary costs, and because I don't like how they've treated critics.

Also, Tom Cruise, Kirstie Ally, Juliet Lewis....no sale, man. No sale.

If you are searching for a 'system' that perfectly fits you, you will end up creating your own religion. It has happened countless times. And if that is your goal...what does it accomplish? Simply looking for a belief system to justify whatever sexual desires you have is not necessarily how to search for TRUTH.

OTOH, if you are truly looking for God, that is an entirely different matter. As far as evidence for the existence of a personal creator of the universe, there are actually a number of ways to approach this. Once one has a belief that there must be some sort of divine being that created everything, the next step is trying to sort out truth from falsehood.

Basically, man is generally looking for some understanding of where he came from, what truly has meaning in life, how do we know right and wrong, and where are we going. In order to evaluate/judge various belief systems, we want to find one that is internally consistent in a logical sense, accurately describes mankind and the world, and meets our existential needs.

But, see, I like to fuck a lot...so I need to pick a faith that's cool with that or not only will I not follow the religions because of "empty faith", I won't even start.
So you don't want a religion as a paradigm shift. What you want is a social identity, a group to share it with and a justifiable motive for doing what you want to do.

That's fine; nothing wrong with that in itself. But why bother with "faith" at all, in that case? Why not just state your ideas yourself and go out and meet people? You don't need to have a religious label to be part of a group of people that you can be yourself with.

Sounds interesting. I hope it doesn't completely brainwash you, if it ends up being the wrong one.as if the option existed that it is the right one

Sounds interesting. I hope it doesn't completely brainwash you, if it ends up being the wrong one.

I hate to say it, but a touch of brainwashing is, in a peculiar fashion, exactly what I'm looking for.

My problem, of course, is that I only want selective parts washed, and the religion/cult that gets the green light on this thing will likely have their own ideas on which lobes are off limits...
this whole thread is a joke, right?

So you don't want a religion as a paradigm shift. What you want is a social identity, a group to share it with and a justifiable motive for doing what you want to do.

Yeah, but also want some kind of "Everything is going to be great" supernatural cosmology to go with.


That's fine; nothing wrong with that in itself. But why bother with "faith" at all, in that case? Why not just state your ideas yourself and go out and meet people? You don't need to have a religious label to be part of a group of people that you can be yourself with.

I have no original or even sound ideas to state.

As for meeting people, I have a reasonable circle of people I hang with. They said they had no beef with me joinging a religion/cult, albeit some concerns for my safety were expressed.

I don't really want to be myself, I want to be something different from myself but that can still smoke and fuck. And bacon.

Sounds interesting. I hope it doesn't completely brainwash you, if it ends up being the wrong one.

I hate to say it, but a touch of brainwashing is, in a peculiar fashion, exactly what I'm looking for.

My problem, of course, is that I only want selective parts washed, and the religion/cult that gets the green light on this thing will likely have their own ideas on which lobes are off limits...

as if the option existed that it is the right one

Well, I suppose there is a spectrum of "wrongness", on this thing.

At one end, I wind up with a ridiculous wardrobe and a bunch of space-hippy people at my house.

At the other end, Jonestown Kool-Aid, the last drink you'll ever need.

I'm kidding, I won't drink the kool-aid.

this whole thread is a joke, right?

What a horribly unkind thing to say.

No, I'm serious UB.

I've made arrangements to drive to their seminar next month.

Very little means anything on the internet, but I promise you on my eyes that I have every sincere intention of being at their seminar in March and look into joining.

I have no original or even sound ideas to state.
Maybe not now, but spending a bit of time thinking about it and talking to other people might help you develop some. Heck, you don't even need to come up with ideas; even just coming up with your own arrangement of other peoples' ideas is good enough in finding a reason or purpose in things.

I don't really want to be myself, I want to be something different from myself but that can still smoke and fuck. And bacon.
So be what you think you want to be. And if you don't know what you want to be then ask other people for ideas, or even take inspiration from them, and pick what you like and be that. What's wrong with that?

Glad to hear you're against scientologists.

Anyone with a base in East Grinstead must be cracked like Granny's vase after she dropped it off the Eiffel tower.

I love my religion. After all, I get to meet loads of people and discuss things I'd otherwise never encounter.

What a horribly unkind thing to say.

No, I'm serious UB.

I've made arrangements to drive to their seminar next month.

Very little means anything on the internet, but I promise you on my eyes that I have every sincere intention of being at their seminar in March and look into joining.

are you still set on the raelians?

id check the thread but you are so hard to keep up with in your manic phase. (what do you do in the depressive phase? hide in straughn's root cellar?)

its an excellent choice. rael is still alive isnt he?

Maybe not now, but spending a bit of time thinking about it and talking to other people might help you develop some. Heck, you don't even need to come up with ideas; even just coming up with your own arrangement of other peoples' ideas is good enough in finding a reason or purpose in things.

Even this derivative composition requires at least some insight, or at least an acumen for synthesis. Fresh out. Thanks for the vote of confidence, though.


So be what you think you want to be. And if you don't know what you want to be then ask other people for ideas, or even take inspiration from them, and pick what you like and be that. What's wrong with that?

Thats kind of what I'm doing, except the other people happen to be organized and have a little symbol and some books.

And instead of inspiration, it will be indoctrination.

Inspiration would likely require the aptitude to receive it, the courage to express it, and the conviction to endure the consequences.

Nope. Space Alien Cult.

What a horribly unkind thing to say.

No, I'm serious UB.

I've made arrangements to drive to their seminar next month.

Very little means anything on the internet, but I promise you on my eyes that I have every sincere intention of being at their seminar in March and look into joining.For what purpose? You won't find enlightenment in a wacko religion.

Glad to hear you're against scientologists.

Anyone with a base in East Grinstead must be cracked like Granny's vase after she dropped it off the Eiffel tower.

I love my religion. After all, I get to meet loads of people and discuss things I'd otherwise never encounter.

I hope to feel that way, soon.

As for Scientologists, yeah, I checked a lot on the RickRoss.com webite (anod others, naturally) when I was picking a religion/cult. The Sci-guys are toxic. I don't mind the space alien stuff, its how thoroughly vicious they are. That's TOO far on the "believer" dial for me.

Good luck with that.

are you still set on the raelians?

id check the thread but you are so hard to keep up with in your manic phase. (what do you do in the depressive phase? hide in straughn's root cellar?)

its an excellent choice. rael is still alive isnt he?please don't encourage him. :mad:

I should clarify...there is no pretense of enlightenment here.

To the contrary, I wish to be enshrouded, all candles of understanding snuffed, the harsh light of the examined life extinguished, but the life itself continues...

...like the smoking wick of the doused lamp, untroubled by bearing the harsh heat and enturbulated air of thought, but rather, quiet, dim and unknowing, yet still alive.

That's what I want.wtf?

For what purpose? You won't find enlightenment in a wacko religion.


Given your sig, I'm surprised you'd make a statment ambiguous about non Wacko religons.

are you still set on the raelians?

id check the thread but you are so hard to keep up with in your manic phase. (what do you do in the depressive phase? hide in straughn's root cellar?)

its an excellent choice. rael is still alive isnt he?

In my less active intervals, I slumber peacefully and hope that when I awaken, Straughn won't have the same haircut.

Rael is still alive (to my knowledge), yes.

Supposedly, I'll get to hear him speak in March.

I wonder if I'm supposed to capitalize pronouns percumbent to Him...

please don't encourage him. :mad:

lol

what could be better than listening to a man who is in contact with space aliens? id like to do that myself.

although i guess it probably wont be rael himself but some poor fool who believes him.

in any case, it will get him out of straughn's head for an evening. thats got to be worth something.

I don't want to be enlightened, I want them to eat my mind, hollow it out, fill it with whatever peacable thing suits them.

To be relieved of doubt, fear, and all that makes heavy the burden of whatever free will I have claim to now.

I'm told cults do that.cut the crap. :rolleyes:

Inspiration would likely require the aptitude to receive it, the courage to express it, and the conviction to endure the consequences.
Okay, then. By the power of the ineffable interconnectness of all things, I hereby bestow upon you what you require. I've post-dated it, so it should be getting your way soon. You have no say in the matter; the universal consciousness commands you.

(Hey, you're willing to believe one convenient lie. I might as well throw a few more down.)

For what purpose? You won't find enlightenment in a wacko religion.

I should clarify...there is no pretense of enlightenment here.

To the contrary, I wish to be enshrouded, all candles of understanding snuffed, the harsh light of the examined life extinguished, but the life itself continues...

...like the smoking wick of the doused lamp, untroubled by bearing the harsh heat and enturbulated air of thought, but rather, quiet, dim and unknowing, yet still alive.

That's what I want.

lol

what could be better than listening to a man who is in contact with space aliens? id like to do that myself.

although i guess it probably wont be rael himself but some poor fool who believes him.

in any case, it will get him out of straughn's head for an evening. thats got to be worth something.
what is it with straughn ??

Okay, then. By the power of the ineffable interconnectness of all things, I hereby bestow upon you what you require. I've post-dated it, so it should be getting your way soon. You have no say in the matter; the universal consciousness commands you.

(Hey, you're willing to believe one convenient lie. I might as well throw a few more down.)

You don't have a cool outfit or a bevy of followers to give you faux credibility...perhaps you do, on reflection, until I know for sure, you don't have the power of the Elohim's chosen messenger...

shit what time is it?

You don't have a cool outfit or a bevy of followers to give you faux credibility...perhaps you do, on reflection, until I know for sure, you don't have the power of the Elohim's chosen messenger...Elohim? Why would you follow ancient levantine sky-gods, even if they are now redefined as some weird aliens?

Skepticism can be as easy as blind faith.

Yes, so sharp is the mind that can see through the laughable internet poser.

Smarter still would be the one that can see I'm dead fucking serious.you are not serious.

According to the Website, Rael himself will be there!

Shit, quarter till the hour, I have to go.

Go with Rael, everyone. Or whatever the young people say these days.

wow. well worth the risk of getting sucked into a lunatic cult!

good luck with it. please consider giving us a full report.

wtf?

I don't want to be enlightened, I want them to eat my mind, hollow it out, fill it with whatever peacable thing suits them.

To be relieved of doubt, fear, and all that makes heavy the burden of whatever free will I have claim to now.

I'm told cults do that.

lol

what could be better than listening to a man who is in contact with space aliens? id like to do that myself.

although i guess it probably wont be rael himself but some poor fool who believes him.

in any case, it will get him out of straughn's head for an evening. thats got to be worth something.

According to the Website, Rael himself will be there!

Shit, quarter till the hour, I have to go.

Go with Rael, everyone. Or whatever the young people say these days.

The best way to enlightenment is to try shrooms and listen to psychedelic music.

cut the crap. :rolleyes:

Skepticism can be as easy as blind faith.

Yes, so sharp is the mind that can see through the laughable internet poser.

Smarter still would be the one that can see I'm dead fucking serious.

shit what time is it?
It's about 3:50 GMT.

By the way, relevant prophecy is not limited to people of religious authority. To be prophetic is to be prepared to utilise authority, whether your own or others', in publicly standing up for what you believe in. I might not be a prophet for God, or for some supernatural force, but I am a prophet for the power of relating to each other, and although I can claim no more authority than it will give me, I certainly think that's enough to prophesise on.

So, I've decided to try a first hand exploration in a religion and/or cult.

Why?

How about joining a cargo cult?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_cult

FSM is the true god

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Touched_by_His_Noodly_Appendage.jpg/800px-Touched_by_His_Noodly_Appendage.jpg

and i'll kill any infidels that disagree!

FSM is the true god

and i'll kill any infidels that disagree!your adam could use an upgrade of some other appendage

So true...:D

All Catholic Art is like that.

Now I get why Catholic Priests are Celibate!!!!!!!!:D:D:D

FSM is the true god

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Touched_by_His_Noodly_Appendage.jpg/800px-Touched_by_His_Noodly_Appendage.jpg

and i'll kill any infidels that disagree!

*dies laughing*

So true...:D

All Catholic Art is like that.

Now I get why Catholic Priests are Celibate!!!!!!!!:D:D:D

I disagree. Take a look at Bernini´s ¨Ecstacy of Saint Theresa¨ in the Cornaro Chapel. Look at her face and tell me, if you were a priest, wouldn´t you want to DO her? Or, do you think that´s the pious face of a celibate nun?:eek:
http://analizarte.es/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/extasis%20santa%20teresa.JPG

I was thinking of this actually.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontifex_Maximus

And besides, Pontifex Goofballs has a nice ring to it.

Yeah I suspected you did, but I felt the other would be sillier. :)

you are not serious.

On the issue of joining the Raelians, I am entirely serious.

Look, I recognize that my penchant for jest leaves me less then credible.

That, blended with the inherent idiocy of the endeavor, leaves the resulting mixture hard to swallow.

But I'm going to do this. This foolishness has moved beyond flirtation with the idea, past the conception of intent, and now sits heavy in the womb of plane tickets and a disappointingly meager hotel discount.

In one month, I'm going to sit at the feet of a Frenchman who tells people he is the messenger of extra terrestrial progenitors.

I'm going to shed all critical thought, and yield to whatever he says. Whether you believe it, I don't care. Whether he believes, I don't care.

And, after this event, if I've lost all remaining sense of self, if my mind has become no more than a palette upon which they draw whatever amuses them, leaving me with glassy eyes and a vacant smile, well...

Mission fucking accomplished.

wow. well worth the risk of getting sucked into a lunatic cult!

good luck with it. please consider giving us a full report.

I see I haven't fully explained, or my language has been too florid.

To be sucked in is the reward, not the risk.

I want them to take me, murder my individuality, and in return, they may take the remnants and animate them as they will.


I woke up the other day, and I realized I couldn't be myself anymore. I'm not the first.

Some stand the fuck up and get over it. I didn't.
Some work hard to change. I don't like to work.
Some join the French Foreign Legion. I don't like excercise.
Some find Jesus. I don't like blood or torture, even somebody else's.
Some go to Mohammad. I like to fuck women I'm not married to.
Some go to Scientology. I have no money.
Some realize its not all about them and rise to help others. Again, don't like work.
Some create art. I have no talent.

The space alien religion wasn't first on the list, but its the next one at bat.

It's about 3:50 GMT.

By the way, relevant prophecy is not limited to people of religious authority. To be prophetic is to be prepared to utilise authority, whether your own or others', in publicly standing up for what you believe in. I might not be a prophet for God, or for some supernatural force, but I am a prophet for the power of relating to each other, and although I can claim no more authority than it will give me, I certainly think that's enough to prophesise on.

Voice your prescience at will, Prophet, and the crucible of time will test for its purity.

Your Power is too real for me. When careless or cruel, it leaves wounds that are deeper than nails. When kind and courageous, it makes beauty that only waits to be ruined.

I will go to Rael, and perhaps when he has done his work, I won't know the difference anymore.

"That's no religion! it's a trap!!!"

I see I haven't fully explained, or my language has been too florid.

To be sucked in is the reward, not the risk.

I want them to take me, murder my individuality, and in return, they may take the remnants and animate them as they will.


I woke up the other day, and I realized I couldn't be myself anymore. I'm not the first.

Some stand the fuck up and get over it. I didn't.
Some work hard to change. I don't like to work.
Some join the French Foreign Legion. I don't like excercise.
Some find Jesus. I don't like blood or torture, even somebody else's.
Some go to Mohammad. I like to fuck women I'm not married to.
Some go to Scientology. I have no money.
Some realize its not all about them and rise to help others. Again, don't like work.
Some create art. I have no talent.

The space alien religion wasn't first on the list, but its the next one at bat.

sorry. there is no easy path to living with yourself. no one can do it for you. if you dont get off your ass and make your life better, it will just continue to suck no matter what stupid choice you make that is supposed to make it easy.

It sounds like a rip off of Scientology.

At least look at Paganism or Wiccaism. Those two ideas are less silly than this.

sorry. there is no easy path to living with yourself. no one can do it for you. if you dont get off your ass and make your life better, it will just continue to suck no matter what stupid choice you make that is supposed to make it easy.

That's the great thing about the cult/religion. If it works, I don't have to make any choice thereafter, or even be troubled to hold any idea at all, save what the guru deigns.

In fact, if they really do have the vaunted ability to "brainwash" me, or otherwise compromise my self-determination, and somehow program me to only be happy by obeying, then I'll submit, obey, and be happy.

It seems to work for many. I'm not that hard to fool. If Rael can convince me, then I'll be happy, waiting for the space aliens, and whatever I'm doing will, as far as I'm aware, be for a purpose and meaning.

I don't think that will suck, but I'm going to find out.

It sounds like a rip off of Scientology.

At least look at Paganism or Wiccaism. Those two ideas are less silly than this.

Paganism is very broad...even researching it to any thorough degree would already be more difficulty than I'm looking for.

The Wiccans seemsokay, but at least from the few I've met, its too balanced for my purposes. I need off-the-deep-end brain melting.

I do like that most of the Wiccans I met were non-violent, but its missing some features for this app.

You're right, though, they're both less silly than the space aliens.

In a few months, my hope is not to know that anymore.

Yeah I suspected you did, but I felt the other would be sillier. :)

Think about it, you get to wear a pie on your head, and call it the holy hat of deliciousness.

I see I haven't fully explained, or my language has been too florid.

To be sucked in is the reward, not the risk.

I want them to take me, murder my individuality, and in return, they may take the remnants and animate them as they will.


I woke up the other day, and I realized I couldn't be myself anymore. I'm not the first.

Some stand the fuck up and get over it. I didn't.
Some work hard to change. I don't like to work.
Some join the French Foreign Legion. I don't like excercise.
Some find Jesus. I don't like blood or torture, even somebody else's.
Some go to Mohammad. I like to fuck women I'm not married to.
Some go to Scientology. I have no money.
Some realize its not all about them and rise to help others. Again, don't like work.
Some create art. I have no talent.

The space alien religion wasn't first on the list, but its the next one at bat.

What the hell?!

How weak willed can you be?! Are you too much of a damn coward to be your own person, and live your own life?

I'll probably be reading about your punch party in a year or two...

Worship NSG. The new religion. Rather than peace and harmony, it promotes bickering and flames, but remains more addictive than any opiate.If it wasn't so much work, this would make my sig.

That's the great thing about the cult/religion. If it works, I don't have to make any choice thereafter, or even be troubled to hold any idea at all, save what the guru deigns.

In fact, if they really do have the vaunted ability to "brainwash" me, or otherwise compromise my self-determination, and somehow program me to only be happy by obeying, then I'll submit, obey, and be happy.

It seems to work for many. I'm not that hard to fool. If Rael can convince me, then I'll be happy, waiting for the space aliens, and whatever I'm doing will, as far as I'm aware, be for a purpose and meaning.

I don't think that will suck, but I'm going to find out.

well good luck with it then.

when you are brainwashed, dont go back to straughn to get him to join up too.

What connection is there between Jhahannam and Straughn ?

What connection is there between Jhahannam and Straughn ?

they seem to claim that jhahannam is a puppet of straughn. but i think he is straughns profligate brother who drops in on straughn when he bottoms out on drugs and gambling.

they seem to claim that jhahannam is a puppet of straughn. but i think he is straughns profligate brother who drops in on straughn when he bottoms out on drugs and gambling.:rolleyes:

Make up your own, get lots of people to join and steal their money. If you straddle the line between religion and cult carefully enough in 50 years I guarantee that some random guys on the Internet will hate your guts and declare war on your entire operation.

Yeah. L. Ron Hubbard did it and look where he is today.

Yeah. L. Ron Hubbard did it and look where he is today.in a grave?

in a grave?

:p

I don't know what you are talking about. But, it sounds like heresy to me.

Here is what you shall soon have released upon you!!?!!!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xpbM_dFHKWQ&feature=related

Since no one else here has actually met a Raelian, it looks like I'm the most qualified to speak. One of my friends joined before I met him. He's a pretty decent guy and doesn't seem brainwashed. He's only mentioned his faith to me twice, so they're not terribly pushy. I'm of the opinion that Rael was just high on something when he thought he was abducted, but there's far worse people to follow. They're not particularly greedy, although they do want to build an embassy for the aliens...

My head is reeling (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raëlism)...:headbang:
So this is being a Raelian? Odd.

Since no one else here has actually met a Raelian, it looks like I'm the most qualified to speak. One of my friends joined before I met him. He's a pretty decent guy and doesn't seem brainwashed. He's only mentioned his faith to me twice, so they're not terribly pushy. I'm of the opinion that Rael was just high on something when he thought he was abducted, but there's far worse people to follow. They're not particularly greedy, although they do want to build an embassy for the aliens...

Doesn't sound too bad.

What the hell?!

How weak willed can you be?! Are you too much of a damn coward to be your own person, and live your own life?

I'll probably be reading about your punch party in a year or two...

I"ve been my own person. I don't enjoy it. So I'm going to try being a "true believer" instead.