Tips on starting a religion

["slow horse" aka "another sam"]

I'm thinking about starting a religion, or perhaps a cult, which might be a little easier. Best tip wins Russell's teapot.

 

[stephec]

There's probably too much science and education around nowadays to get a new religion started, you might get away with being a bit of a cult though.

 

[Ian H]

Don't worry about doctrine or divine beings, the sketchiest details will be fine. You just need to cultivate a magnetic personality: somewhere between Charles Manson and Russell Brand, with a bit of Donald Trump thrown in. Devotees will then flock to you.

 

[C R]

There's probably too much science and education around nowadays to get a new religion started, you might get away with being a bit of a cult though.

I admire your optimism. In any case, what's the difference between a religion and a cult? Numbers.

 

[All uphill]

I admire your optimism. In any case, what's the difference between a religion and a cult? Numbers.

I thought @stephec made an intentional typo with 'cult'

Being a bit of a cult...

 

[All uphill]

I admire your optimism. In any case, what's the difference between a religion and a cult? Numbers.

If it makes people feel good it will have a following, so, how about

The church of do as I say and you will go to heaven and that horrible bloke down the road will burn in hell.

 

[stephec]

I admire your optimism. In any case, what's the difference between a religion and a cult? Numbers.

A cult leader normally gets to have lots of baby making practice with his disciples.

 

[AuroraSaab]

Tricky to start a new one from scratch. I'd go with a spin off from an established one. Lots of them in history already: the Gnostics, various Indian gurus, Jim Jones, various Mormon sects. Half the work's done for you already.

What takes your fancy? I think Scientology is due for a schism. Already has a flock who have demonstrated a willingness to be parted from large amounts of money. Maybe you could be the charismatic figurehead of the New Hubbardians?

 

[Psamathe]

Reminds me of the novel Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein.

Ian

 

[bobzmyunkle]

A cult leader normally gets to have lots of baby making practice with his disciples.

Where as religious leaders...?

 

[stephec]

Where as religious leaders...?

How very dare you!

 

[Beebo]

Brexit was almost a religion at one point.
Facts went out the window. It seemed that all you had to do was believe in it and it would manifest.
Sadly it never happened.

 

["slow horse" aka "another sam"]

Don't worry about doctrine or divine beings, the sketchiest details will be fine. You just need to cultivate a magnetic personality

And a devoted fanfiction base?

Tricky to start one from scratch

Pastafarianism has made a good go of it.

What takes your fancy?

Anything with a sustainable cash flow.

 

[Fab Foodie]

There's probably too much science and education around nowadays to get a new religion started, you might get away with being a bit of a cult though.

In that case, I've already started a new religion...I'm sure I was called a cult yesterday....

 

["slow horse" aka "another sam"]

In seriousness, though I can't help but think religion is the greatest ever harm we've done to ourselves, the literature, art and architecture it has inspired are undeniably food for the soul that we may or may not have.

I hope there's a heaven for those who want it, a hell for those who deserve it, and endless broadband for the rest of us currently in limbo.

Might as well park this old clip here while I'm at it (can be watched without going to X):


View: https://x.com/Jack_Blanchard_/status/1628307269698961409