It has often been said that religious light attracts strange moths. But the truth is, sometimes it’s the “religion” itself that is actually the strangest part of the equation. Consider, for example, these 5 bizarre religious beliefs:
- The Religion of Jediism
At first, it feels like a strange, out-of-control version of movie fandom, but Jediism is an actual religious philosophy based on the Jedi characters from Star Wars. As fans of Star Wars can attest, it is “the Force” that holds the Universe together by flowing through any and every material thing. Jediism, then, celebrates and worships this “Force.”
Jediism first claimed world-wide attention when people started listing “Jedi” as their religious affiliation of choice on the 2001 national census. Today Jediism has an impressive following that makes it the seventh largest religion in England.
- The Church of Ed Wood
Ed Wood is a notoriously bad Hollywood director. As in, his films are considered to be some of the worst-made movies of all time. So in 1996 when Reverend Steve Galindo from Oklahoma founded the Church of Ed Wood, it was supposed to be a joke. But today its followers take what they say they believe very seriously.
Today, the church is legally recognized as a pop-culture religion that aims to bring spirituality to individuals who don’t find it in a more mainstream religious affiliation. Over 3,500 followers have been baptized and identify as “Woodites.”
- The Prince Philip Movement
It is understandable how Britain’s Queen Elizabeth is revered and even worshiped in certain parts of the world by wholehearted loyalists, but what may come as a surprise is that her husband, Prince Philip, has an entire religion built on his name. Specifically, the Yaohnanen tribe in Vanuatu believes the consort to be a divine being. It is their belief that Prince Philip married the most powerful woman in the world and has plans to return to their tribe to reign forever. In the meantime, they watch and wait.
Prince Philip accompanied the Queen to Vanuatu for a visit in 1974 bearing gifts and good will, only fueling the tribe’s religious fervor. According to reports, the Prince is aware of his religious namesake.
- Pastafarianism
Also known as “The Deity of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster,” this religion is not recognized in the United States as legitimate in any way. At its beginning, Pastafarianism was intended to be a light-hearted, almost satirical religion that opposed God and intelligent design–specifically making a mockery of those who would like Creation to be taught in the public school system. However, in New Zealand, Pastafarianism has been recognized as a legitimate religion. Adherents are authorized to perform weddings, and thousands of devotees exist around the world.
According to Bobby Henderson, a 24-year-old physics graduate when he wrote the letter that set the religion in motion, “The only dogma allowed in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is the rejection of dogma.” Dogmatically reject dogma?
- Aetherius Society
George King, a cab driver, started the religion in the mid-1950s with the aim of combining alien wisdom with yoga. As he tells the story, he was minding his own business in 1954 when a voice said, “Prepare yourself! You are to become the voice of Interplanetary Parliament.” And the religion was born.
The goal? To bring balance to all of humanity. His extraterrestrial intelligences are called “Cosmic Masters,” and the religion itself borrows material not-so-subtly from many major world religions. This complex religious system has as its aim to thwart the world’s destruction by improving the relationship between humanity and alien masters. In the meantime, the spiritual energy created can be used to promote peace. The Aetherius Society is filled with colorful references–including flying saucers, magical powers, and powerful armies.
A final word on faith
It is a natural desire within the human heart to worship something or someone. Since the beginning of time, people have looked to fill the God-sized void in their hearts with something or someone other than God because there is deep accountability if God and His Word are true. As time marches on, these attempts will continue to be more creative and more elaborate … and likely just as empty at the end of the day.
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
~ Christian Patriot Daily