From motorcycle shrines to Prince Philip being hailed as a god of the South Pacific and alien deities being seen as most high, prepare to be amazed by faiths you didn’t know existed.
Religion unites people because of the belief that they may share. Sometimes these practices may not seemingly conform to our normal expectations from a ‘religion’. But they succeed in fulfilling what is expected of a religion.
The Prince Philip Movement:
One of the most bizarre religions in the world, the Prince Phillip Movement is a religious sect followed by tribal people in the Pacific island country Vanuatu. The cult is believed to date from 1974, when Prince Philip and the Queen Elizabeth II visited the country. Since then, the villagers have been decorating their shrines with framed portraits of Prince Philip.
Raelism:
Also known as the Raelian Movement, Raelism is a religion that was founded in 1974 by former French car-racing test driver Claude Vorilhon (now known as Rael). The religion is based on the belief that scientists from another planet came to Earth and created all forms of life, including human beings, thousands of years ago.
Aetherius Society:
Created by Australian yoga enthusiast George King after his extraterrestrial experiences in the 1950’s, the Aetherius Society is a religious movement whose philosophy and teachings come from highly advanced intelligence from other planets as well as from other world religions, most notably Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
Scientology:
Developed by L. R. Hubbard in 1954, Scientology is a religion that studies people’s true spiritual nature and their relationships to themselves, their families, groups, Mankind, all life forms, material universe, spiritual universe, and the Supreme Being. According to Scientology, Man is an immortal spiritual being whose experience extends well beyond a single lifetime.
Pastafarianism (Church of the flying spaghetti monster):
Also known as Pastafarianism, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is a mock religion that was based on an open letter by Bobby Henderson to the Kansas School Board that demanded that the theory of the Flying Spaghetti Monster should be taught along with theories of Evolution. Pastafarianism is legally recognized as a religion in the Netherlands and New Zealand.
Church of Euthanasia:
Founded by Reverend Chris Korda and Pastor Robert Kimberk in Boston in 1992, the Church of Euthanasia is considered the world’s only anti-human religion. The church promotes the solution of overpopulation and related ecological problems by a massive voluntary population reduction. The famous slogan of the church, “Save the Planet—Kill Yourself,” has been seen at various public events.
Whether it is a popular or a yet-to-be-understood religion, there is one condition that all must comply with. They must not hinder the lives of others.
Do you have any question or comment? Do share with us in the comment section.
