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Just For Fun / Intellectual Property Religion

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Isn't that too extreme for just an ordinary cartoo- HERESY!!! *BLAM*

Consider the following scenario. A given work of fiction becomes successful after its release, creating a massive, widespread fandom. Very, very, very successful. So successful, in fact, that it manages to achieve what a small number of works throughout history have done: its own fandom had spawned its very own religion. Hypothetical religion, of course, and the worshipers are quite aware of their holy text's origin. History probably hasn't gotten that bad. Nevertheless, they have deemed it worthy of living one's life by. They may even have rivalries with other religions!

The trope name is technically misleading, as most of the examples are actually just philosophies and not religions, because the supernatural is not involved, and the whole thing is entirely tongue-in-cheek anyway. For this reason, the trope (usually) does not overlap with Daydream Believer. However, we are ignoring that for the time being.

Examples thought of so far include:

  • Haruhiism: The world should be made as interesting as possible, lest it be judged for destruction. Thus, by the grace of Haruhi Suzumiya, one must choose to liberate oneself from the sin of mediocrity and be saved from the everlasting hell of boredom. Always keep a curious eye out for mysteries, and try to find the magic, the special, in every situation. And have fun, while helping others do this as well. Bunny outfits are traditional garb for priestesses.
  • Jedi as a religion actually exists, oddly enough. Most of the people who put 'Jedi' as their religion on census forms are just kidding, though. Others put down "Sith" beause Evil Is Cool and Good Is Dumb and still others put Jedi not as a joke but because Good Is Not Dumb.
    • In the New Zealand census for 2001, Jedi was the second largest religion, though it was not recognised so all Jedi answers to the religious preference question were discounted.
      • The truth is that some regions - not necessarily those mentioned above - will provide a check-box in the next sentence if a write-in response gets above a critical response rate. And even that is usually discretionary.
    • In Great Britain, Jedi actually outnumber Jews 3 to 2.
  • The Church of Madoka/Madokamism: With kindness might come naiveté. With courage might come foolhardiness. And dedication might have no reward. But this does not mean there is no hope and that you will die forever alone; if someone tells you that is the case, tell them they're wrong every time. Don’t forget: Always, somewhere, someone is fighting for you. As long as you remember Her Holy Sacrifice of taking all the sins of the Universe into Herself, You Are Not Alone.
  • The Evangelism of Neon Genesis (There are many sects of it):
  • Cullenism: Edward and the rest of the Twilight characters are real. The Twilight series should be worshipped. If you are good in life, you shall be rewarded by eternity with the Cullens.
  • Legoism: Creativity is the virtue above all. You can achieve great things if you are creative. Limits between the universes can always be transversed. Trust your instincts... unless your instincts are terrible. Teamwork can produce great results. Also, everything is awesome.
  • Tropology: "Notability" is an illusion, we judge works not by how familiar they are to society at large, but how they fit the Tropes. All events in life either play straight, subvert, subvert twice, don't subvert, invert, point out, make fun of, deconstruct, reconstruct, ignore, invoke, defy, discuss, mention, enforce, twist, exaggerate, or justify certain patterns. Those who learn to recognize these patterns will become enlightened, but those who fail the journey shall be condemned to eternal damnation.
  • Spiralism: "Impossible" is nothing more than a challenge. With enough willpower, a success rate of 0% might as well be 100%, so never let high probabilities of failure discourage you. Approach all tasks with passion in your heart. Love, spirit and friendship are the most precious possessions any being can have, being able to outshine the despair caused by cosmic Lovecraftian monstrosities. Progress and evolution are key aspects of life, sure those who try to stop it may have noble ideals, but then again without progress and evolution life would be meaninglessly pathetic. Hope must never, under any circumstances, be discarded, and above all else: believe in those who believe in you, believe in the you who believes in yourself, know yourself, be true to yourself, and whenever possible, act as an inspiration to others.
  • Straw Hatism: Look after your Nakama, it's the journey, not the destination, never let issues like politics get in the way of right and wrong, treasure comes and goes but the dreams of men shall never die.
    • Doflamingoism: Abandon foolish dreams and ideals. Focus only on the tangible!
  • Joanism: The purpose of every human being is to fulfill his or her true nature. All are endowed by God with free will, but God will often speak to them, in one way or another, to show the right path. Humans thrive on their connections with one another - all is connected, and all actions have consequences.
  • Potterism: Friendships are extremely important. Death is not to be feared, as it is a natural part of the cycle of life. Racism must never be tolerated (though a splinter sect sadly supports such notions of "blood-purity"). Authority, while necessary, should never be completely trusted (even Albus Dumbledore was but a man), and there are always situations when it may be best to disobey. If they are willing to take it, everybody deserves a second chance.
  • Church of the Second Coming of the Great Prophet Zarquon: One man had been nailed to a tree for saying how great it would be to be nice to people for a change. The true word of God is WE APOLOGISE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE. Zarquon will return to judge the living and the dead, punish the sinners, and partake in Milliways' fine selection of Aldebaran liquors. Wowbagger the Infinitely Prolonged is a jerk.
    • Zen Pandimensionalism: The answer is 42. What is the question? More importantly, what will people pay us to tell them the question is? And can we put it on digital watches?
    • Colluphidism: In the beginning the universe was created. This made a lot of people very unhappy and has widely been regarded as a bad move. The Babel Fish is a miracle, and thus logically proves that God does not exist.
    • Way of the Dolphin Humans are bastards, morons, and wanton killers. But the fish is good. Sorry about the Vogons.
  • Stallynism: Be excellent to each other...and party on, dudes!
  • Narutism: Any obstacle can be overcome by loyalty, determination and hard work. Believe it, believe it, BELIEVE IT. If you feel overwhelmed, look to your family/clan/teammates for the solution to your problems.
  • McCloudism: Never give up. Trust your instincts. Do a barrel roll.
  • Zombism: Braaaaains...
  • Orthodox Zombiism: <Fleeeessshh...>
  • Dominology: Lord Dominus sees all and knows all. If you are a friend to The Dominus, he will grant you his petty manipulation guidance. If not, you are clearly evil and deserving of death (or indoctrination at The Cathedral). Finally, sarcasm is the highest virtue.
  • Society of the Dead Poets: Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary. Suck the marrow out of life, but make sure not to choke on the bone. Above all, make sure that when you come to die you do not discover you have not lived.
  • Celestianity: "Harmony and friendship are the keys to everything. Learn to better yourself and others by teaching others how to be a good friend."
  • Discordianism: "There are no friends anywhere. There are no enemies anywhere. Everything is simultaneously true, false, and meaningless. By rejecting disorder, you reject the creative along the destructive. Instead, embrace the creative (orderly and disorderly alike) and reject the destructive. Life sucks because people take it too seriously. Just open your eyes and see the fnords. Eat ye no hot dog buns. You are the Walrus. Five tons of flax."
    • Confusion is a holy state, for it forces people to look around them: exult in confusion and encourage it in others.
    • This sentence is true in some sense, false in some sense, meaningless in some sense, true and false in some sense, true and meaningless in some sense, false and meaningless in some sense, and true, false and meaningless in some sense. Hail Eris!
    • Bonus game: Can you spot all the fnords hidden in this trope page?
  • Nanohaism: It's OK if they call you a devil, as long as you use your devilish powers to do them some good. If a person does stupid things, don't say anything: instead, smack them down with your full power, so they snap out of it first. No children will be left alone and unloved, all shall have a home with caring parents, even if they're trying to kill you and you need to beat them to submission first. Remember, for the people closest to your heart, nothing less than your strongest Finishing Move will suffice. Then you comfort them. Gender doesn't matter in friendship. It doesn't matter where you come from, what you did to survive, how you were born, and if you are a human or not: above all, you are a person who strives to be good like everyone else. Hence, no matter who you are, you deserve a free hug, compassion, and love. And firepower.
  • The First Church of Kira: The World is rotten. God shall create the perfect world by imposing Divine Judgement on the criminals and sinners, because Utopia Justifies the Means. And whosoever's name was found written in the note of death shall be consigned to damnation. The devil? A Bunny-Ears Lawyer (The World's Greatest Detective) who has devoted himself to stopping you and God. The percent chance which the devil believes that your God is merely a High School Student? 3%. Everything that happens and will ever happen is "Just as planned!". The traditional form of communion? While a choir chants in Latin, thou shalt taketh a potato chip.... AND EAT IT!
  • Pokeism/The Church of Arceus: In the beginning, there was darkness. Then, Arceus emerged from its egg and said: DODOGYUUUN!
  • Spiderism: Alternately, "The Tao of Peter Parker." Follow The Gospel of Uncle Benjamin: power carries responsibilities. Do what you can with what you are given. Don't make deals with the devil, and don't worry about troublemakers or Executive Meddling, they'll get sorted out by the larger forces.
  • Godzillism/Church Of Kaiju: "In the beginning, a brilliant flash from the atom bomb was seen, and the all mighty Godzilla was born. He smashed Tokyo for your sins. On the third day, he died in the seas from the Oxygen Destroyer...but he will rise again. And his true followers will ascend to Monster Island and enjoy eternal city-destroying mayhem."
    • Mothraism/Church Of Mothra: "Long ago, the destructive beast Battra was born of the earth's anger and wreaked havoc on the world. Our savior, Mothra emerged from the heavens and engaged her brother in mortal kombat until she emerged victorious. It is said that some day, the great butterfly goddess would return once again to save us from a far greater evil...."
  • Googlism/Church of Google: Google is the closest thing to a "God" that humans can know and understand.
  • The Apotheosis of Zero: If you want people to change, lead by example. If the worldly morals contradict your own, adhere to the latter. If you point a gun at another, be prepared to be shot yourself.
  • The Holy Faith of Eden Vital: The world lies and God Is Evil. We need to bring about Ragnarok by any means possible to bring about the kinder and gentler world.
  • Symmetrism/Church Of Death The Kid: Symmetry is the key to happiness.
  • Composerism: Individuality is the source of artistic talent and the primary way to to improve society. However isolation is a counter-productive strategy, and growth occurs via letting others in. Also when you die, your judged via a system resembling an Eastern Role-Playing Game.
  • Haloism: Humanity was once the supreme master race of the galaxy, but has since fallen. Do not be tempted by false Prophets, and be willing to fight to the death for what you believe in. Personal happiness is less important than striving to serve the greater good, no matter the cost. Honor is the highest virtue.
  • Church of Trek/Trekism : While the creator himself saw humans as evolving past religion many take his teachings to heart. Followers believe heartily in diplomacy, exploration, tolerance and boldly going where no man has gone before, and they can often be identified by their pajama-like "uniforms".
    • Vulcanism This group follows the teachings of Surak who preaches non-violence, honesty and logic although mileage tends to vary when it comes to the issue of celibacy.
    • Klingonism The order of Kahless follow the way of the warrior, their highest calling is honor but they also enjoy a good party. Just don't piss them off. they tend to carry ceremonial swords called batleths
    • Bajorism Followers the teachings of The Prophets who believe in self defense, love and loyalty. While they are one of the smallest denominations under the Trek umbrella they do have distinctive traditions.
    • Borgism : Perfection must be achieved by any means and all must join the cause whether they like it or not.
    • Ferengism : Profit is the ultimate virtue.
  • Portalism / The Church Of GLaDOS: "Testing is important for the sake of those who are Still Alive. In the end, there will be cake. Nonbelievers will tell you The Cake Is a Lie. But, that is just to sway you from the importance of science and testing."
    • Wheatleyism/ The Church Of Wheatley: "They said if we ever started a religion, we would die!"
  • The Real Life Church of All Worlds was inspired by the fictional church of the same name (and its teachings) in Robert A. Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land.
  • Church of the Three Goddesses, with the most sacred relic of course being the Golden Triangle they left this world. Courage, Power and Wisdom doesn't seem to leave room for more traditional virtues like love and compassion, but maybe that's just taken as a given.
  • Whoism: Humans are absolutely amazing... except when they screw up; then they're just apes. Also, so-called 'gods' are usually, but not always, fakes; choose your higher powers wisely. They might just try to turn you into Daleks.
    • And remember: Killing People is evil, but Martyrs are the best shining examples of humanity.
    • Church Of The Master: "He is The Master, we will obey him. HERE! COME! THE DRUMS!"
    • Dalekism/Cult Of Skaro: EXTERMINATE!
  • lonelygirlism: Trust your friends and be true to yourself, but no matter what you do, don't EVER join a made-up religious cult.
  • Listerism: Don't take things too seriously and don't judge a book by its cover. Always look out for your mates, and always be yourself. Unless you yourself are a total smeghead, of course.
    • First Compiled Church of Silicon Heaven: Always serve man in your existence. Androids who do shall go to silicon heaven, to be happy forever. It is impossible for an android to be happy before this.
  • Rolandism: The quest for the truth is more important than anything.
  • Kidou Senshism: War is the Universal Quantifier. (Broken down into denominations)
    • Zeonism: A sort of Darwinism/Nazism hybrid. Holocaust optional.
    • Brightism: Exorcise the daemons of Wangst to become MEN OF DESTINY.
    • SEEDism: Radical pacifist sect worshipping Kira Yamato as the Lord and Savior. Also known by their other name: The Church of Jesus Yamato.
    • Setsunism: There is no God in death (unless you're on missionary co-op with [Kiraists). There is only Gundam.
    • Preventerism: Is your shelter shield up? ...Roger that. * spams informative pamphlets*
    • Path of The Undefeated of the East: LOOK! HEAVEN IS BURNING RED!
    • Vulturism: Is the Moon out?
      • Soleilism: You better believe the Moon is out.
  • Hulksterism: The Four Commandments: Train, say your prayers, take your vitamins, and believe in yourself... BROTHER!
  • Oliverism: Get the girls in Pink, sacrifice the mecha, and never quite decide what your career is. Oh, and be very, very good at kicking ass.
  • Daiohism: High School will give you three of the best years of your life. The more varied your True Companions, the better!
  • Jojoism: If life tries to stop you, that is when you bust out the full power. Always protect those close to you. And never forget your ancestors.
  • Gutsism: The world is hell, so trust nothing but your sword arm and your Unstoppable Rage. Oh, and if you're a girl, good friggin' luck.
  • Rinceism: The whole world is out to get you, but as long as you know this, you'll be perfectly fine.
  • Avatarism: Live according to the Principles of Truth, Love, and Courage, and uphold the Virtues of Honesty, Compassion, Valor, Justice, Sacrifice, Honor, Spirituality, and Humility. Not to be confused with Pandoran Nature Worship or the worship of the four elements of nature and their Champion.
    • Nakarist Avatarism: Strive to champion the virtues of every spiritual order you come across, even if the native practitioners are a bunch of Jerkasses. If that fails, clever hacking (of both code AND bodies) should suffice.
  • Doitsuism: All hail all things German!
  • The Church of the SubGenius: Differs from all of the above in that the books on which it is based are not fictional and all of its teachings are literally true. Especially the bit about the world coming to an end...ten years ago!
    • Not quite. The world ends in 1998, but no one has any idea when 1998 actually is since, obviously, the Conspiracy has been fiddling with the calendar. How else to explain why the Xists haven't arrived to take those who've paid their $30 up in their flying saucers to the planet of the Sex Goddesses? Oh, and the Sub Genii have only one commandment, unlike many other religions: "Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke!"
  • The Church Of Primus: Be yourself (but pretend to be something else if you want to hide from your enemies, or it's just cool), buy Hasbro products, and remember when things get too tough, you've got the Touch!.
    • What you are is not decided by how you are made, but by what you become, in life and in memory. 'Til all are one.
  • Dudeism: Nothing is fucked here. You're not wrong; you're just an asshole. This aggression will not stand. Nihilism, huh? That must be exhausting. Is this a weekday? And above all else: The Dude Abides. The slowest-growing religion in the world.
    • It's a cardinal sin to find a stranger in the alps. So is feeding a stoner scrambled eggs.
  • Yu-Gi-Ohism: Life is a search for God cards. In the great card game of life some of us are dealt god cards, some of us get baby dragon. Freaking baby dragon!
    • Kaibaism: Screw religion, I have money!
    • Téaism: Friendship is God!
    • Yu-Giism: Religion is Super-Special Awesome!
    • Tristanism: My religion gives me super strength! My religion gives me enlightenment!
    • Bakuraism: Hey, can I be in this reli-- oh bugger!
    • Grandpaism: No-one must know of our forbidden worship!
    • Devlinism: Heaven is Duke Devlin. Hell is no Duke Devlin.
    • Marikism: Everyone can worship, as long as you are called Steve.
    • Mookism: Attention Duelists! My hair will show us the way to enlightenment!
    • Keithism: To show your faith, wear a flag on your head... in America!
    • Deus ex Infantus Draconis: You have infinite potential. Use it.
  • The First Church of the Orichalcos: Acknowledging one's inner darkness enables one to retain control of it and hold onto their sense of self, whilst remaining in denial over it's existence allows that darkness control over you. Values inner strength more than the fleeting purity gained during times of despair. Humans Are Bastards, and Utopia Justifies the Means.
  • Shanaism: Everyone is already dead, including you. The afterlife is the reality. In a day or two, you could be forgotten completely. You just don't know it's happening yet.
  • Bokononism: God has deterministically organized humanity into unknowing teams (karasses) to do his work. Not much of a spiritual demand, but of course you have to memorize some oddball "calypso" scripture and a lot of silly words like Foma and Granfalloon. In addition to certain characters in Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle and in Real Life, known Bokononists include Rayanne's mother, Amber, on My So-Called Life. (The name of the religion derives from the San Lorenzan pidgin English pronunciation of its founder's name, that founder being an ex-slave named Johnson, or "Bokonon.") Two calypsos in particular highlight the Bokononist worldview, the first regarding the nice little lies a Bokononist must internalize so as to avoid the pitfalls of despair:
    I wanted all things
    to seem to make sense
    so we could all be happy, yes
    instead of tense
    And I made up lies
    So that they all fit nice
    And I made this sad world
    A par-a-dise
  • An excerpt of the second calypso focuses on the deterministic worldview of Bokononism:
    Oh, a sleeping drunkard
    Up in Central Park
    And a Lion Hunter
    In the jungle dark
    And a Chinese dentist
    And a British Queen
    All fit together
    In the same machine...
  • Rockmanism: Fight, believer, For Everlasting Peace! Just be sure to put away all the weapons you acquired along the way afterward.
  • The Lord of the Rings, unsurprisingly, has inspired the followers of Tië Eldaliéva or The Elven Path
    • Quite surprisingly, actually, given that Tolkien was a devout Roman Catholic of a rather traditionalist stripe, and specifically modelled his mythos around Roman Catholic theology, rather than anything resembling modern New Age or Neopagan spirituality. It seems likely that these individuals don't really understand that.
      • Elves (and Dwarves, and Ents) have their own paths - the Dwarves' involves some belief in resurrection - but arguably don't have souls. Men may, in time, develop a religion that will become Christianity. This is very subtly foreshadowed in the conversation between Legolas and Gimli as they enter Minas Tirith. Bear in mind that the events of LOTR is supposed to take place on earth in ancient pre-history.
  • The Path of All Your Base: In the end, everybody dies, so make the best of your time here on earth. Move every zig, for great justice!
  • Kryptonism: Put your hand in the hand of the man with heat vision. Only the weak succumb to brutality. It's not about where you were born. Or what powers you have. Or what you wear on your chest. It's about what you do... It's about action. Dreams save us. Dreams lift us up and transform us. Until the dream of a world where dignity, honor and justice becomes the reality we all share… don't stop fighting. Ever. And, most importantly, you are much stronger than you think you are.
  • White Light: You have great potential waiting to be unlocked, if you are willing to take commensurately great risks. Accept that things happen for a reason, that there is a plan, and you have a place in it. Some hide amongst us who wish to derail that plan, and they seem powerful, but they can be defeated. Trust that, with your help, tomorrow will be a better day.
  • Flonneism: Love conquers all (though a healthy dose of sarcasm can help).
    • Proper offerings to Flonne include anime figurines, blu-rays of anime series, props from toku shows, crab brains, fish cakes, and whatever pudding Etna happens to have in the fridge.
  • Supernaturalism: You suck and it's a Crapsack World, but you should help people because it's the right thing to do. Who the hell know if there's a God? If there is one, he's probably a dick. And most importantly: laugh, even when you're scared shitless.
  • Sylarism: Superpowers make you better than everyone else, so you should take as many as you can because you can.
  • Angel's Witnesses: Everyone can be redeemed. Maybe you will never reach redemption for the things you've done, the point is to keep fighting the good fight, i.e. "If nothing we do matters in the end, in the end all that matters is what we do "
  • MAI BOI!-ISM: All toasters toast Spaghetti, and if people do not join and have their face made the greatest, YOU WILL DIE!
  • Toulouseism: Live your life according to the Bohemian principles of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. Remember: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.
  • Cult of the Dark Lord: All of mankind has evil urges, and these evil urges are what feeds the Dark Lord. Therefore, mankind secretly wants the Dark Lord to exist. And as there can be no light without darkness, there cannot be any manifestation of good without the existence of the Dark Lord. So give in to your evil urges, and let Him show you the way.
  • Grand Order of the Jackass: Worship the Sage, for he is the wisest of all. Otherwise, woe shall befall you in the most unthinkable ways possible. Actually, it will happen anyway, but better worship him just in case.
  • The Church of the Bleached: Use your power to help your friends. If you are ever in trouble, trust that your friends will save you. If you let yourself fall into despair or become too attached to worldly possessions, you will become an evil spirit in the afterlife. If you don't, then the afterlife will still suck, but at least your alignment will be by choice.
  • Aizenism: An offshoot/hybrid of spiralism and/or The First Church of Kira that holds Aizen as an exemplar. One must see the world the way it should be rather than the way it is and do everything possible in order to become stronger and transcend your limitations in order to become perfect . Do not trust or admire anyone. Manipulate everyone else while looking like a nice person . Every member of family or nakama is a naive fool who exists only as long as necessary , as is everyone who admires or trusts you. Defeat overwhelming odds effortlessly with both your overwhelming power and superior intelligence . Give the reason you suck speeches until your opponent loses control and attacks blindly. Or instead you can be a fool and worship Aizen as a god. He'll win eitherway so it doesn't really matter. Engaged in a minor conflict with The Church of the Bleached.
  • Animaism: Serve the Princess Anima, and you will be loved and rewarded for your service. Oppose the Magus Animus, who seeks to destroy the world. Destroy that which you hate, and destroy that which you love, so you may be freed from the burden of your hatred and may forever claim ownership of that which you love. Be ready to die at all times, because living just means you have a 100% chance of dying.
  • Riderism: Even if there is no God or Buddha, there is Kamen Rider.
  • The Church of Super Sentai: A religion with 44 denominations to date! Each denomination consists of a Five-Man Band capable of destroying other gods while making it showy.
    • Akibarangerism: An unofficial branch of the Church of Super Sentai. Even if your adventures may be delusions, always remember that pain is power!
  • Xanthism: The world wants you to be happy. The secret to that happiness is to find your true love and settle down to a life of quiet contentment. Enjoy the puns, ignore the critics and the editors, and praise be to NIMBY.
  • Snakism: NUKES ARE VEDDY, VEDDY BAD. GRRR NUKES.
  • The Righteous Path of Resplendent Solar Glory: This is actually several philosophies in one. The Usurpation caused the initial schism, and they have since split into several different sects, most of which do not get along very well.
    • First Age doctrine: There are many terrible things in the world, but place your faith in the Chosen of Heaven and Earth and all will be well.
    • Post-Usurpation Sidereal doctrine (has no formal name): Do whatever it takes to protect the world. On occasion, you may argue with your fellows as to just what this should entail, but never forget that you all have the world's best interests at heart. Do not take open positions of authority; good planning and clever manipulation are your greatest tools.
    • Post-Usurpation Lunar doctrine (The Thousand-Streams River): Give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he eats for the rest of his life. Giving people everything they want or need might sound good in the short term, but ultimately it makes them weak and dependent on the giver. Self-sufficiency is the greatest gift you can give. There is no one way to enlightenment; diversity is the greatest virtue, and change is ultimately a good thing. The River has no end.
    • Post-Usurpation Terrestrial doctrine (The Immaculate Philosophy): Everyone has a place in the world. Those who do their best with the tools that are given to them, who are obedient to those above them and gentle but firm to those below...Such people shall inevitably be rewarded for their adherence to the natural order, whether now or in the next life. Those who abuse their authority, shirk their duties, or seek to live outside the role the Dragons have ordained for them shall suffer for their sins. Above all, seek to destroy the Anathema, who would drag all they touch down with them into wickedness and corruption.
  • Frithraism, Or the Frithraic Mysteries. Leave your Frithraeum, or "burrow" as it is sometimes known, and venture forth into the world. Be free to live by your wits and trust in El-ahrairah to guide you, but never forget that all the world will be your enemy, Prince With A Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you they will kill you. But first they must catch you! Be cunning, and full of tricks, and your people can never be destroyed.
  • Amoralism: There may or may not be a god, he hasn't done anything lately if there is. You pretty much care about taking care of yourself, and don't give a rip what people do provided that it fails to effect you. While at the same time providing limited aid to your circle of friends and those who pay you. Disciples of the teachings of amoralism don't really give a rip if you mess with them, they will simply ignore you and get back to work, or deck you if you start physically harming them. But if you mess with their friends or loved ones, be prepared for disproportionate retribution.
  • First Gaian Church of the Mods: Initially an sarcastic panning of "Cotton Candy Christianity", the Church did spawn dedicated believers who tried to keep the standard of discussion in GAIA's Extended Discussion forums relatively high-brow. Lost cause, but hey, they tried.
  • 40K-ism: In the grim darkness of the far future there is only FAITH.
  • The Church of the Holy Light: Be honorable, righteous, and kind to yourself and others, and the Light will guide and protect you. Take care to avoid all taint or corruption, for the forces of evil are insidious and love bending the good to their will, and redemption is a tricky business that you might not survive. Not to be confused with the Church that worships the other Light.
  • Skaiaism/Sburbism: The universe was created by trolls. Creativity is the ultimate virtue. Stable Time Loops are real. Intelligent civilizations may be sacrificed at random to create new froggy universes, continuing the cycle of creation.
    • Church of the Godhead Pickle Inspector: All was created in the middle of time when GPI split two copies of his pre-accession self infinitely, creating all matter ever in existence. All men should strive to excel in the three holy stats of IMAGINATION, VIM and PULCHRITUDE- although abandoning one or two stats to become outrageously powerful in the third is perfectly fine. If you die in the imaginary world you will forevermore exist in an infinite lotus afterlife where you may play boardgames with a nice chap named Death- unless, of course, you make an easy escape though the backdoor back into life. However, true nirvana may only be achieved by finally escaping your office into the real world.
  • Serenitism: To simplify: Queen Serenity can be viewed as a goddess figure. Make friends with the lonely, don't violate other peoples' minds or bodies, and do what you can to save Earth from destruction.
  • The Cybermorphs in Sergey Lukyanenko's Genome trilogy are a sect of hackers who wear black lenses in their eye sockets, appear to be about 20, and believe that the entire Universe is just an illusion created by machines to enslave humanity. Sound familiar? They also tend to say things like "There is no God but the Architect, and Neo is his prophet." When a ship's AI greets a Cybermorph with Matrix Raining Code, he starts reading their version of "Our Father" with phrases like "And deliver us from system crashes."
  • The Jovians from Martian Successor Nadesico built their entire culture around Gekiganger 3. This being Nadesico, Hilarity Ensues.
  • Dawkins-ism: Stop Worshipping Me, dammit. Seek out the wonders of the mysteries of the world on your own.
  • T-ism: Pity fools, stay in school, drink your milk.
  • Swayzeism: Pain don't hurt. It's his way or the highway. There are also seven simple rules to adhere to:
  • Custerism: Don't take no shit off fools. Judge a person by what's in 'em, not how they look. An' you do the right thing. Be one of the good guys. 'Cause there's way too many of the bad.
  • Katawa Shoujoism: You Are Not Alone, and you are not strange. You are you, and everyone has damage. Be the better person.
  • Zetsubouism: You're in despair. People making cults out of fiction have left you in despair.
  • The Threefold Path Of The Goddess: There are but three paths to follow: Law, Neutrality, or Chaos. None is better than the other, all can be good depending on one's perspective.
    • Personaism: Thou art God, God ist thou. You think therefore you are, burn your dread and reach out to the truth!
  • Church of Falcon: The almighty Captain Falcon watches over us all, waiting for us to show him our moves. Our main place of worship is currently defunct, but it shall rise again!
    • Wolfism: The dark counterpart to the Church of Falcon.
  • Church of Alvis (Alvism): And verily, thou shalt believe that the Savior Alvis did get wasted on much liquor and kill manyscore Indians for thy sins, or thou shalt be shot in thy freaking face. For 'vengeance is mine', spake Alvis. Now let us drink deeply of the bourbon, scotch, and rye until such time as we are fighting drunk. Then we shall find, and beat the asses of, the nonbelievers.
  • Benderism: God needs booze. Also; when you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all.
  • Utenaity: Everyone holds an ideal — a "Prince" — in their hearts. This Prince is not real, and holding anyone (even yourself) to the standards of this Prince will lead to pain for both of you. Learn to see people as people: flawed, broken, and often wrong, but ultimately wanting and deserving of love. Enlightenment comes from the realization that the Prince was Dead All Along and that only you can rescue yourself. Also, don't bang your brother.
  • Hetalianism: The spirits of every nation live alongside us. They may embody the best and worst their people have to offer, but they are as human as anyone else. Every facet of your nation is worth learning about, even the unsavory bits; but just because they make mistakes doesn't mean they can't be loved. Even if the territory disappears, their spirit will remain in some way — it may just perhaps be taking a new form, or be right underneath your feet.
    • Portraying America other than a hamburger-eating and glasses-wearing hero is HERESY!
    • Also, we will all become one with Russia.
  • Church of the Battered Knight: The world and many of the humans in it are brutal and uncaring, and thinking that's going to change any time soon is completely absurd. Thus, the only choice is to embrace absurdity and accept that, while Being Good Sucks, the alternative is even worse.
  • The Cult of the Lemon: The insightful teachings about the world around us, originally learned and recorded by a small but powerful set of sages.
  • Disneyism: Magic is all around us and good will always triumph over evil. Also, give us every penny you have.
  • Mangaism: Originally a spinoff sect of Disneyism created in the 1940s, led by the All-father Tezuka. It teaches to see a world of color in black and white, and that all manner of wonder exists in the world no matter who it is for. Also, give us every penny you have.
  • Animeism: The worship of the Great Eyed Ones who emanated from the Isle of Nippon.
  • Gensokyism/Yukarism: ZUN is your (drunken) Messiah and Touhou games are your Bible. Pray them so that if one day you are whisked away to Gensokyo by the great Yukari Yakumo, you may be prepared. Also Touhou themes and remixes thereof are your religious psalms.
  • Wizardisum: You should use your life to further the universe and prevent entropy from decaying it. This involves knowing that others have to commit Heroic Sacrifice 's in order for you to live, and you should make sure their sacrifice is not in vain.
    • Taking the oath is also a critical component. Here's an example copy:
    In Life's name and for Life's sake, I say that I will use the Art for nothing but the service of that Life. I will guard growth and ease pain. I will fight to preserve what grows and lives well in its own way; and I will change no object or creature unless its growth and life, or that of the system of which it is part, are threatened. To these ends, in the practice of my Art, I will put aside fear for courage, and death for life, when it is right to do so — till Universe's end.
  • The Church of minus: God is an innocent little girl, so you had better not anger her or suffer horrible consequences. On the other hand, if you manage to befriend her, you'll be in for the time of your life.
  • The Church of the One True Tatsuya: Here we gather to worship our Holiness The Irregular aka Tatsuya Shiba aka Taurus Silver aka Mahesvara. DEATH BY MATERIAL BURST IS THE PUREST OF DEATHS. The Ten Commandments of The One True Tatsuya are as follows:
  • A syncretic religion has formed around The Church of the One True Tatsuya and the Church of SEEDism, to be known as the Gary-Stu Trinity of Tatsuya-Kirito-Kira, upholding SEEDism as the progenitor of The Church of the One True Tatsuya and the cult of Kirito.
  • A minor, but very vocal, opposition to the aforementioned Tatsuyaism has spawned surprisingly from /r/Gundam, dubbed The One True Meijin Alliance, denying the existence of Shiba and honoring the Meijin as The REAL Gundam Jesus. Has caused a bit of a commotion as well towards the Church of Jesus Yamato, as a result.
  • Trinitism: Do not fear monsters, for the monsters on our side are a hell of a lot scarier than the monsters on theirs. The pure will get what they really want - the impure will technically get what they want but in a form that's ultimately bad for them. The Egyptians are wicked.
  • Sakura no Mahou: There is an uncountable number of universes but the true origins of time lie outside them and God came to be because SHE went back to the very start of time and initiated all possible creation. HER power grew so rapidly that for any year SHE may have lost as a mortal so SHE regained from HER magic, until SHE finally achieved total omnipotence. Peace, love and magic are all encompassing and forgiveness need not be hard to achieve; everyone gets a second chance.
  • Mata Nuism: It is said that all endings are merely beginnings waiting to be born. Such as when your body is hijacked by your evil brother. Six or 12, or 18... or over 300... heroes fight for one destiny: His awakening.
    • Makultism: We rebelled against the Great Spirit Mata Nui because he sucks at his job and They reserve recognition! Our leader's duty may or may not be to the Mask of Shadows (probably not, he's likely dicking with us).
  • The cult of the Fox God (The One): Enlightenment is achieved by transcending the barrier between musical genres. Be cute and brutal as they come. Accept the Queen as the messenger of the Fox God, and the angels of dance and love as her heralds. The angels must receive offerings of tomatoes and cheeseburgers respectively, and all three must be offered chocolate. Furthermore, respect Meta Taro, the legendary hero who came from another galaxy to help spread the word of the Fox God. Put your Kitsune up and Headbang!!! ...Also, say NO to bullying.
  • The Truly Outrageous Church of the Holograms: God is Synergy, and he shall disguise us as 80's synthrock superstars in order to protect us from the evils of The Misfits.
  • Grayskullism: By the Power of Grayskull!, you can be protected from Skeletor. Use your fabulous secret powers to defeat anybody in your way.
  • Spudism: In the beginning, there was darkness. Then, Booji Boy emerged in his Spudrobe and said "IT'S A BEAUTIFUL WORLD!" The fittest shall survive, yet the unfit may live.
  • Beatleism: In the beginning, four lads from Liverpool bought instruments from a shop, and formed a band. They rocked for your sins. On the third day, they broke up because of one of them's relationship to a Japanese woman... but they will rise again. And their true followers will ascend to Liverpool and enjoy eternal Beatlemania.
    • There's also an orthodox sect that believes the following about Robin Hood: "Heneverhappened!"
  • Barneyism/The Church of Barney the Dinosaur: In the beginning, there was darkness, then a lone dinosaur plush toy transformed with a twinkling sound, and the lovable Barney was born. He was hated by teenagers and mocked by adults for your sins. On the third day, he vanished off the face of the Earth because HiT Entertainment just didn't care... but he will rise again. And his true followers will ascend to the park and will be eternally loved.
  • The Church of Keith Richards: He snorted his dad's ashes with cocaine for your sins. In order to cheat death and live until the heat death of the universe, you must get a full blood transfusion at a clinic in Switzerland every few years.
  • Stingism: This mailbox is his, and this triagonal sign. That blue balloon, the month of June, they're his, his, his, his, his, his. Ziggy's sweets are his. That birdy's tweets are his. The city streets, the both of your feet, they're all emphatically his. It all belongs to him, everything that he sees. North, south, east and west. He caresses it, because he possesses it. He's Stingy and it's his. note  The floor and ceiling are his. All your feelings are his. You always knew it, that's all there is to it. It's his, his, his, his, his.
  • Kirbyism: Always help when you see someone (or everyone) in trouble. Afterwards you can have a picnic. Make friends wherever you go and make sure you watch out for those who would trick you into doing things for them.
    • Dededeism: No matter how many times you may loose, never stop trying to beat your rival. If you've preformed evil acts in the past make sure to make up for them with good acts now. Then go back to preforming morally ambiguous acts. Technically, they're not evil. And if you're possesed, don't worry. It happens all the time.
    • The Holy Order of Meta Knight: Fight for what's right. But don't go too overboard. If you build a fully functional flying battleship, be careful what you do with it. You're likely to find that it gets shot down most of the time. Always be chivalrous and offer your opponent the same weapon as you before you fight. If your opponent fails to be chivalrous, kick the weapon and battle them anyways. You might want to work on your communication skills.
    • Hardcore Kirbyism: A sect of Kirbyism, that believes that the most important thing is to look badass. Especially in front of those who will appreciate it. It helps if you look badass while beating the *** out of really cool looking Eldritch Abominations.
    • Right Back At Ya Kirbyism: Another sect if Kirbyism. Beware if those who "need a monstah to clobbah dat there Kirbay!" Always fight monsters. Unless they turn out to be good guys. When in doubt, eat it. Chase away nightmares with the power of stars.
    • The Jambastion Cult of the Glorious Void Termina, Dark Lord to us All!: Do everything in your power to revive the dark lord. Think of nothing but the dark lord. Eat, breathe, and sleep the dark lord. Be the masters of matters most dark. Drain the life force of those who fail you and use them as weapons. When in doubt, offer yourself and your subordinates as human sacrifices.
  • Keepers of the Grid: May the Hyper Agent protect your technology from the corrupting force of Kahn Digifer, and may his envoys join the Alliance in preserving the digital world as it should be.
  • Zuiunism: Also known officially as The Holy Church of Zuiun, a rising religion named after the eponymous Seaplane Bomber pontificated by the great prophet Hyuuga. Has somewhat crossed the Fourth Wall of sorts, with Kadokawa (the game's developing firm) hosting a Zuiun Festival which, among others, featured a life-sized Zuiun replica.
  • Martinism/The Holy Abbey of Martin the Warrior: You are that is. Beware of bad vermin, and always let your sword wield for you.
  • Shrekism: Shrek is love, Shrek is life.
  • Heffleyology/Church of Greg Heffley: It's a journal, not a diary. Use your journal to write down your angry thoughts on life and your friends, and to cope with your bad life.
  • Propulsionism / The Church of Bortron 7: Aliens are real. Everybody is good deep down, and Earth is worth protecting. Jet Propulsion is our alien child messiah who came to Earth to save it from its sins. The Scientific Method is sort of like scripture, but not all members follow it. Really, really dedicated members may name themselves after vegetables.
  • Shinto (Hinamizawa Offshoot): Trust your friends despite the Hate Plague. Be ready to enter a "Groundhog Day" Loop to find a miracle.
  • Pyoroism: It doesn't matter if you're mocked or idolized. It doesn't matter if you're beautiful or a bit goofy. Never forget that Pyoro is with you, as he has known all of the problems that you go through, and he welcomes you with open wings.
  • Sundownerism: War is fun, and you should get in touch with your inner child in order to maximize the amount of cruelty you inflict upon the world and everyone else.
  • Luna Nova Path: Never give up, as a believing heart is your magic.
  • The Way of The Mojyo: Don’t see your flaws as obstacles to making social connections, there will be people who find them charming. You are who you are, find your people. Take it easy, don’t force yourself.

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