religions

lauras · 11th February 2008, 06:46 PM

I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion??

because you hear about new ones starting out all the time or new ones branching of from existing ones and they all seem to make a packet out of it. And i was wondering can anyone start a new religion just your average joe off the street???

XBoxWarrior · 11th February 2008, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by lauras

I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion??

because you hear about new ones starting out all the time or new ones branching of from existing ones and they all seem to make a packet out of it. And i was wondering can anyone start a new religion just your average joe off the street???

PM me again 'lauras'.......I have a cabin in the woods, and I am looking for new members.

~enigma~ · 11th February 2008, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by XBoxWarrior

PM me again 'lauras'.......I have a cabin in the woods, and I am looking for new members.

Best of all...your French...Right Mr. Savage Messiah?

XBoxWarrior · 11th February 2008, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by ~enigma~

Best of all...your French...Right Mr. Savage Messiah?

Well, thus Zarathrustra spoke, "Tonight you shall have the yard bird"!

French Cuisine, ala Cult...

2 pounds chicken pieces meaty, (breast halves, thighs, drumsticks)
1 x nonstick cooking spray (or lottsa butter)
1 cup mushrooms fresh, sliced
1 cup celery sliced
1 cup white wine (or way more) dry
1/2 cup carrot coarsely chopped
1 medium onion cut into sm wedges
1 clove garlic minced (more if the devil is on to you)
1 each bay leaf
2 tablespoons parsley leaves snipped
1/4 teaspoon thyme dried, crushed
Directions
Directions: Remove skin form chicken. (while alive)

Rinse chicken; pat dry. Spray a cold skillet with nonstick coating.

Preheat the skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on all sides in hot skillet. Drain fat from skillet. (save the fat for rituals)

Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper. (and garlic)

Add mushrooms, celery, white wine, carrot, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme to the skillet.

Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes or till chicken is tender and no longer pink.

Discard bay leaf. Transfer chicken and vegetables to serving platter; keep warm.

For sauce, bring liquid in skillet to boiling. Cook about 3 minutes or till reduced to 1/2 cup.

Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables.

So tonight, me and the members are having the Chicken...with FRENCH FRIES!

~enigma~ · 11th February 2008, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by XBoxWarrior

Well, thus Zarathrustra spoke, "Tonight you shall have the yard bird"!

Sounds good. May I bring my cat?

suomynonA · 11th February 2008, 07:15 PM

If L. Ron Hubbard is any indicator, not that hard at all. Just follow these steps.

1. Find gullible people
2. Promise them something impossible, like complete happiness, enlightenment, etc.
3. Keep devising hoops for these people to jump through, so they never actually get what you promise, but still have something to work towards.
4. ???
5. Profit!

~enigma~ · 11th February 2008, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by suomynonA

If L. Ron Hubbard is any indicator, not that hard at all. Just follow these steps.

1. Find gullible people
2. Promise them something impossible, like complete happiness, enlightenment, etc.
3. Keep devising hoops for these people to jump through, so they never actually get what you promise, but still have something to work towards.
4. ???
5. Profit!

Don't forget 6. Purple kool-aid

XBoxWarrior · 11th February 2008, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by suomynonA

If L. Ron Hubbard is any indicator, not that hard at all. Just follow these steps.

1. Find gullible people
2. Promise them something impossible, like complete happiness, enlightenment, etc.
3. Keep devising hoops for these people to jump through, so they never actually get what you promise, but still have something to work towards.
4. ???
5. Profit!

Yeah, but that L. Ron Schmuck is dead.

I am here now, ready to serve my French Yard Bird...

the followers will be here shortly, (with their wallets open)......

Any Yard Bird fans in teh House?

XBoxWarrior · 11th February 2008, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by ~enigma~

Don't forget 6. Purple kool-aid

that whole "Kool-Aid" thing didn't turn out so well for the Rev. Jim Jones.

That's why my Cult, (I mean religion) just serves up the Chicken~n~Fries!

Extra Butter No Freakin Charge!

arthwollipot · 11th February 2008, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by lauras

I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion??

because you hear about new ones starting out all the time or new ones branching of from existing ones and they all seem to make a packet out of it. And i was wondering can anyone start a new religion just your average joe off the street???

Since no-one else appears to have taken your question seriously, let me provide an answer.

suomynonA came closest, but there is one additional essential ingredient: Massive personal charisma. You need to have a powerful personality to make large amounts of people believe in what you say.

Elron was somewhat different, but he was already moderately famous as a science fiction author. The other way to avoid the need for massive charisma is to have a really really good message. I'm not sure anyone's actually achieved this, but it's theoretically possible.

six7s · 12th February 2008, 02:54 AM

Spin, aided by integrity on par with a pit bull on a croquet lawn, can fill gaps if the message isn't quite 'really really good'

Lothian · 12th February 2008, 03:08 AM

Originally Posted by lauras

I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion??

Very easy. Getting people to follow it is a different story.

lauras · 12th February 2008, 08:18 AM

Thank you i would just like to let everyone know that i am not actually planing on starting a new religion its just some thing that i find interesting.

fuelair · 12th February 2008, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by lauras

I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion??

because you hear about new ones starting out all the time or new ones branching of from existing ones and they all seem to make a packet out of it. And i was wondering can anyone start a new religion just your average joe off the street???

It is apparently fairly easy - if you are a lazy, mediocre Science Fiction author!!

Nogbad · 12th February 2008, 08:44 AM

You could find a small island and start dropping off cargo.

Beerina · 12th February 2008, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by lauras

I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion??

because you hear about new ones starting out all the time or new ones branching of from existing ones and they all seem to make a packet out of it. And i was wondering can anyone start a new religion just your average joe off the street???

On the small chance lauras returns, lauras, you should realize that people have actually studied this kind of thing.

The results are disturbing. The mean time between a cult being considered a valid religion is shrinking. For Christianity, it took about 400 years before it "took over" as the dominant religion, with maybe 150 years to become fairly widespread. For the Mormons, it took about 100 years before being widely considered legitimate. For Scientology, it only took about 30 years.

Pastafarianism has only been at it for around a decade, roughly. Let's give it some time.

six7s · 12th February 2008, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Beerina

Pastafarianism has only been at it for around a decade, roughly. Let's give it some time.

A decade???

Heresy!

Lies!

venganza.org » about: The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Quote:

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, while having existed in secrecy for hundreds of years

Quote:

only recently came into the mainstream when this letter was published in May 2005.

Oh... ok... maybe heresy was a bit stiff

Quote:

With millions, if not thousands, of devout worshippers,

Oh... ok... maybe lies was a bit stiff too

Quote:

the Church of the FSM is widely considered a legitimate religion, even by its opponents - mostly fundamentalist Christians, who have accepted that our God has larger balls than theirs.

Well, there's a tip! Wanna start a rival religion? Make a claim for a deity with big balls!

Akhenaten · 12th February 2008, 11:18 AM

This little-known tomb relief may shed some light on the origins of the FSM

Or not . . .

~enigma~ · 12th February 2008, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by six7s

? Make a claim for a deity with big balls!

Chocolate and salty

brodski · 12th February 2008, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Lothian

Very easy. Getting people to follow it is a different story.

you'd have more luck if you took that duck off of your head.

six7s · 12th February 2008, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by brodski

you'd have more luck if you sat on almost anything other than that bag-head

Fixed that for you

Lothian · 12th February 2008, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by brodski

you'd have more luck if you took that duck off of your head.

When our religion is formally recognised your behaviour will rightly be seen as an offence under the law. We know we do not have ducks on our head and your hateful suggestions that we do is discrimination.

No longer will I have to suffer cries of "Duckhead" as I walk down the street. I won't have to respond to childish questions about whether I am "Quackers." Swimming pools will no longer be able to ban me for trumped up 'bringing in an animal' charges.

Just you wait.

fuelair · 12th February 2008, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Lothian

When our religion is formally recognised your behaviour will rightly be seen as an offence under the law. We know we do not have ducks on our head and your hateful suggestions that we do is discrimination.

No longer will I have to suffer cries of "Duckhead" as I walk down the street. I won't have to respond to childish questions about whether I am "Quackers." Swimming pools will no longer be able to ban me for trumped up 'bringing in an animal' charges.

Just you wait.

And the fowl cries of "Hey buddy, get ducked !!" as you pass will vanish forever into the mists of time.........................

six7s · 12th February 2008, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by lauras

I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion??

Are you thinking of one, global brand? Or maybe the 'local franchise' approach?

Whatever, I imagine a great deal would hinge on your actual deity and its probably worthwhile spending quite a bit of time and effort on design

As far as marketing goes, zoomorphism seems to have widespread appeal and there are quite a few to choose from although I suspect that has to do with location - I'm not aware of any elephant worship in Scandanavia...

Cows has been done, obviously. Ditto lions, wolves, dogs and cats... which reminds me; please! don't be the cause of another problem like that caused by some obviously short-sighted Egyptians a while back; cats obviously have some sort of looooooong 'worship-culture' memory at work

Not sure about birds of prey... but the dove seems to have worked quite well, especially from a branding perspective; great logo potential etc

Of course, the old standby seems to be anthropomorphism... I guess it must be relatively easy to sell the idea of a divine being when it looks, talks, etc a bit like your target market

And, of course, marketing analysis is a doddle with the old rule-of-thumb: you can rest assured that you've created a god in your own image when it turns out that he/she/it hates the exact same people that you hate

Good luck

Gazpacho · 12th February 2008, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by lauras

I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion??

Without charisma, self-importance, and the ability to at least appear very compassionate, it's quite difficult.

Originally Posted by Beerina

For Scientology, it only took about 30 years.

Oh no it didn't.

suomynonA · 12th February 2008, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Beerina

For Scientology, it only took about 30 years.

I don't care what the IRS says, the Church of $cientology is a cult that sells their teachings purely for monetary gain and feels they need to attack critics instead of engage in debate with them.

If Anonymous has anything to say about it that tax status will be revoked as soon as possible. Next protest, Beware the Ides of March

X · 12th February 2008, 09:43 PM

I am currently looking for an individual who wishes to be a deity.

Qualifications should include:
Charisma, charm, good looks, plastic-surgery-face, ability to lie convincingly, ability to "work the crowd".

Duties will include:
Staying in a luxury penthouse apartment of a massive temple (in due time), coming out occasionally to give pre-scripted orations concerning religious truths, keeping the people wanting more, ability to lie conivncingly, becoming rich, staying away from the public except at approved church functions.

I, for my part, will remian nondescript and behind-the-scenes, setting up doctrines and truths to be read by the "deity" at the appropriate time. I will be completely anonymous to all but the deity-individual. Every church convert will believe that the deity created the religion, having been told nothing else.

Which allows me free to enjoy massive wealth and influence whilst avoiding the annoying limelight.
It also allows the selected deity-candidate to become rich, popular, and somewhat-influenctial. The candidate, I should mention, must be able to cope with severly restriced mobility and public access (i.e. you spend all your time in the penthouse unless there's an announcement of appearance to be made).

I think that should about do it.
Due to financial constraints, the beginnings will be humble, but I predict rapid growth after an intial "spreading" period.

Seriously, how hard can it be? Maybe I'll make the converts wear magical socks...

six7s · 12th February 2008, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by [X]

setting up doctrines and truths to be read by the "diety" at the appropriate time

A cult designed specifically for those with eating disorders? What a superb niche marketing idea!

arthwollipot · 12th February 2008, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by six7s

Spin, aided by integrity on par with a pit bull on a croquet lawn, can fill gaps if the message isn't quite 'really really good'

Only if you've got the personal charisma to pull it off. No amount of spin will help if it's delivered by someone with no charisma. Which is essentially what I said before.

Furi · 13th February 2008, 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by arthwollipot

Only if you've got the personal charisma to pull it off. No amount of spin will help if it's delivered by someone with no charisma. Which is essentially what I said before.

This is why the Anglican church is a dead duck*.

I would also offer something that allows your followers to feel smug, maybe via some random piece of cocktardary, (dietry rules, lifestyle choices, decorating hints) possibly making them feel that they are the only ones that know Teh Truth, and under threat and persecuted by all non-believers,

Marketing and charisma are very important, you may be on the start of a fantastic cult of personality but whatever you do remember, Don't go on one of the most popular chat shows in the country wearing a shell suit claiming to be the messiah it makes people point and laugh.

ETA *Head not included

fuelair · 13th February 2008, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by suomynonA

I don't care what the IRS says, the Church of $cientology is a cult that sells their teachings purely for monetary gain and feels they need to attack critics instead of engage in debate with them.

If Anonymous has anything to say about it that tax status will be revoked as soon as possible. Next protest, Beware the Ides of March

GO FOR IT !!!!!!!!!

11th February 2008, 06:46 PM	#1
lauras Student Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 39	religions I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion?? because you hear about new ones starting out all the time or new ones branching of from existing ones and they all seem to make a packet out of it. And i was wondering can anyone start a new religion just your average joe off the street???
lauras Student Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 39

11th February 2008, 07:15 PM	#6
suomynonA Student Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 34	If L. Ron Hubbard is any indicator, not that hard at all. Just follow these steps. 1. Find gullible people 2. Promise them something impossible, like complete happiness, enlightenment, etc. 3. Keep devising hoops for these people to jump through, so they never actually get what you promise, but still have something to work towards. 4. ??? 5. Profit!
suomynonA Student Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 34

11th February 2008, 11:25 PM	#10
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: The other side of your screen Posts: 43,038	Originally Posted by lauras I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion?? because you hear about new ones starting out all the time or new ones branching of from existing ones and they all seem to make a packet out of it. And i was wondering can anyone start a new religion just your average joe off the street??? Since no-one else appears to have taken your question seriously, let me provide an answer. suomynonA came closest, but there is one additional essential ingredient: Massive personal charisma. You need to have a powerful personality to make large amounts of people believe in what you say. Elron was somewhat different, but he was already moderately famous as a science fiction author. The other way to avoid the need for massive charisma is to have a really really good message. I'm not sure anyone's actually achieved this, but it's theoretically possible.
	__________________ Jadey (in RvB game thread): I just want to take a moment to commend Arth on his role as Parasitic Alien Tumor. I think he really connected with the character and there were times when I forgot that he was just acting. That's the kind of talent that you can't teach.

12th February 2008, 02:54 AM	#11
six7s veretic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Aotearoa Posts: 8,710	Spin, aided by integrity on par with a pit bull on a croquet lawn, can fill gaps if the message isn't quite 'really really good'
	__________________ Evolution and the rest of reality fascinates the be-jeebus out of me!

12th February 2008, 08:18 AM	#13
lauras Student Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 39	Thank you i would just like to let everyone know that i am not actually planing on starting a new religion its just some thing that i find interesting.
lauras Student Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 39

11th February 2008, 06:54 PM	#2
XBoxWarrior Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Down in the Treme... Posts: 1,232	Originally Posted by lauras I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion?? because you hear about new ones starting out all the time or new ones branching of from existing ones and they all seem to make a packet out of it. And i was wondering can anyone start a new religion just your average joe off the street??? PM me again 'lauras'.......I have a cabin in the woods, and I am looking for new members.

11th February 2008, 06:56 PM	#3
~enigma~ Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Center of the universe Posts: 7,954	Originally Posted by XBoxWarrior PM me again 'lauras'.......I have a cabin in the woods, and I am looking for new members. Best of all...your French...Right Mr. Savage Messiah?

11th February 2008, 07:10 PM	#4
XBoxWarrior Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Down in the Treme... Posts: 1,232	Originally Posted by ~enigma~ Best of all...your French...Right Mr. Savage Messiah? Well, thus Zarathrustra spoke, "Tonight you shall have the yard bird"! French Cuisine, ala Cult... 2 pounds chicken pieces meaty, (breast halves, thighs, drumsticks) 1 x nonstick cooking spray (or lottsa butter) 1 cup mushrooms fresh, sliced 1 cup celery sliced 1 cup white wine (or way more) dry 1/2 cup carrot coarsely chopped 1 medium onion cut into sm wedges 1 clove garlic minced (more if the devil is on to you) 1 each bay leaf 2 tablespoons parsley leaves snipped 1/4 teaspoon thyme dried, crushed Directions Directions: Remove skin form chicken. (while alive) Rinse chicken; pat dry. Spray a cold skillet with nonstick coating. Preheat the skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on all sides in hot skillet. Drain fat from skillet. (save the fat for rituals) Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper. (and garlic) Add mushrooms, celery, white wine, carrot, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme to the skillet. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes or till chicken is tender and no longer pink. Discard bay leaf. Transfer chicken and vegetables to serving platter; keep warm. For sauce, bring liquid in skillet to boiling. Cook about 3 minutes or till reduced to 1/2 cup. Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables. So tonight, me and the members are having the Chicken...with FRENCH FRIES!

11th February 2008, 07:12 PM	#5
~enigma~ Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Center of the universe Posts: 7,954	Originally Posted by XBoxWarrior Well, thus Zarathrustra spoke, "Tonight you shall have the yard bird"! Sounds good. May I bring my cat?

11th February 2008, 07:17 PM	#7
~enigma~ Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Center of the universe Posts: 7,954	Originally Posted by suomynonA If L. Ron Hubbard is any indicator, not that hard at all. Just follow these steps. 1. Find gullible people 2. Promise them something impossible, like complete happiness, enlightenment, etc. 3. Keep devising hoops for these people to jump through, so they never actually get what you promise, but still have something to work towards. 4. ??? 5. Profit! Don't forget 6. Purple kool-aid

11th February 2008, 07:23 PM	#8
XBoxWarrior Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Down in the Treme... Posts: 1,232	Originally Posted by suomynonA If L. Ron Hubbard is any indicator, not that hard at all. Just follow these steps. 1. Find gullible people 2. Promise them something impossible, like complete happiness, enlightenment, etc. 3. Keep devising hoops for these people to jump through, so they never actually get what you promise, but still have something to work towards. 4. ??? 5. Profit! Yeah, but that L. Ron Schmuck is dead. I am here now, ready to serve my French Yard Bird... the followers will be here shortly, (with their wallets open)...... Any Yard Bird fans in teh House?

11th February 2008, 07:31 PM	#9
XBoxWarrior Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Down in the Treme... Posts: 1,232	Originally Posted by ~enigma~ Don't forget 6. Purple kool-aid that whole "Kool-Aid" thing didn't turn out so well for the Rev. Jim Jones. That's why my Cult, (I mean religion) just serves up the Chicken~n~Fries! Extra Butter No Freakin Charge!

12th February 2008, 03:08 AM	#12
Lothian Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: https://twitter.com/CV4UK Posts: 10,373	Originally Posted by lauras I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion?? Very easy. Getting people to follow it is a different story.

12th February 2008, 08:29 AM	#14
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 28,961	Originally Posted by lauras I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion?? because you hear about new ones starting out all the time or new ones branching of from existing ones and they all seem to make a packet out of it. And i was wondering can anyone start a new religion just your average joe off the street??? It is apparently fairly easy - if you are a lazy, mediocre Science Fiction author!!
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 28,961

12th February 2008, 08:44 AM	#15
Nogbad Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 2,515	You could find a small island and start dropping off cargo.
	__________________ Cogito cogito ergo cogito sum.

12th February 2008, 10:06 AM	#16
Beerina Sarcastic Conqueror of Notions Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: A floating island above the clouds Posts: 23,835	Originally Posted by lauras I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion?? because you hear about new ones starting out all the time or new ones branching of from existing ones and they all seem to make a packet out of it. And i was wondering can anyone start a new religion just your average joe off the street??? On the small chance lauras returns, lauras, you should realize that people have actually studied this kind of thing. The results are disturbing. The mean time between a cult being considered a valid religion is shrinking. For Christianity, it took about 400 years before it "took over" as the dominant religion, with maybe 150 years to become fairly widespread. For the Mormons, it took about 100 years before being widely considered legitimate. For Scientology, it only took about 30 years. Pastafarianism has only been at it for around a decade, roughly. Let's give it some time.
	__________________ "Great innovations should not be forced [by way of] slender majorities." - Thomas Jefferson The government should nationalize it! Socialized, single-payer video game development and sales *now!* More, cheaper, better games, right? Right?

12th February 2008, 10:44 AM	#17
six7s veretic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Aotearoa Posts: 8,710	Originally Posted by Beerina Pastafarianism has only been at it for around a decade, roughly. Let's give it some time. A decade??? Heresy! Lies! venganza.org » about: The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster Quote: The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, while having existed in secrecy for hundreds of years Quote: only recently came into the mainstream when this letter was published in May 2005. Oh... ok... maybe heresy was a bit stiff Quote: With millions, if not thousands, of devout worshippers, Oh... ok... maybe lies was a bit stiff too Quote: the Church of the FSM is widely considered a legitimate religion, even by its opponents - mostly fundamentalist Christians, who have accepted that our God has larger balls than theirs. Well, there's a tip! Wanna start a rival religion? Make a claim for a deity with big balls!
	__________________ Evolution and the rest of reality fascinates the be-jeebus out of me! Last edited by six7s; 12th February 2008 at 10:45 AM.

12th February 2008, 11:18 AM	#18
Akhenaten Heretic Pharaoh Pither Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Pi-Broadford, Australia Posts: 24,682	This little-known tomb relief may shed some light on the origins of the FSM Or not . . .
	__________________ Life is mostly Froth and Bubble - Adam Lindsay Gordon The Australasian Skeptics Forum

12th February 2008, 11:21 AM	#19
~enigma~ Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Center of the universe Posts: 7,954	Originally Posted by six7s ? Make a claim for a deity with big balls! Chocolate and salty

12th February 2008, 11:58 AM	#20
brodski Tea-Time toad Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 15,089	Originally Posted by Lothian Very easy. Getting people to follow it is a different story. you'd have more luck if you took that duck off of your head.
brodski Tea-Time toad Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 15,089

12th February 2008, 12:04 PM	#21
six7s veretic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Aotearoa Posts: 8,710	Originally Posted by brodski you'd have more luck if you sat on almost anything other than that bag-head Fixed that for you
	__________________ Evolution and the rest of reality fascinates the be-jeebus out of me!

12th February 2008, 12:16 PM	#22
Lothian Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: https://twitter.com/CV4UK Posts: 10,373	Originally Posted by brodski you'd have more luck if you took that duck off of your head. When our religion is formally recognised your behaviour will rightly be seen as an offence under the law. We know we do not have ducks on our head and your hateful suggestions that we do is discrimination. No longer will I have to suffer cries of "Duckhead" as I walk down the street. I won't have to respond to childish questions about whether I am "Quackers." Swimming pools will no longer be able to ban me for trumped up 'bringing in an animal' charges. Just you wait.
	Last edited by Lothian; 12th February 2008 at 12:21 PM.

12th February 2008, 04:49 PM	#23
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 28,961	Originally Posted by Lothian When our religion is formally recognised your behaviour will rightly be seen as an offence under the law. We know we do not have ducks on our head and your hateful suggestions that we do is discrimination. No longer will I have to suffer cries of "Duckhead" as I walk down the street. I won't have to respond to childish questions about whether I am "Quackers." Swimming pools will no longer be able to ban me for trumped up 'bringing in an animal' charges. Just you wait. And the fowl cries of "Hey buddy, get ducked !!" as you pass will vanish forever into the mists of time.........................
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 28,961

12th February 2008, 05:49 PM	#24
six7s veretic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Aotearoa Posts: 8,710	Originally Posted by lauras I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion?? Are you thinking of one, global brand? Or maybe the 'local franchise' approach? Whatever, I imagine a great deal would hinge on your actual deity and its probably worthwhile spending quite a bit of time and effort on design As far as marketing goes, zoomorphism seems to have widespread appeal and there are quite a few to choose from although I suspect that has to do with location - I'm not aware of any elephant worship in Scandanavia... Cows has been done, obviously. Ditto lions, wolves, dogs and cats... which reminds me; please! don't be the cause of another problem like that caused by some obviously short-sighted Egyptians a while back; cats obviously have some sort of looooooong 'worship-culture' memory at work Not sure about birds of prey... but the dove seems to have worked quite well, especially from a branding perspective; great logo potential etc Of course, the old standby seems to be anthropomorphism... I guess it must be relatively easy to sell the idea of a divine being when it looks, talks, etc a bit like your target market And, of course, marketing analysis is a doddle with the old rule-of-thumb: you can rest assured that you've created a god in your own image when it turns out that he/she/it hates the exact same people that you hate Good luck
	__________________ Evolution and the rest of reality fascinates the be-jeebus out of me! Last edited by six7s; 12th February 2008 at 05:52 PM.

12th February 2008, 07:23 PM	#25
Gazpacho Master Poster Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Valley Lodge, USA Posts: 2,136	Originally Posted by lauras I was just wondering how easy is it to start a new religion?? Without charisma, self-importance, and the ability to at least appear very compassionate, it's quite difficult. Originally Posted by Beerina For Scientology, it only took about 30 years. Oh no it didn't.
	Last edited by Gazpacho; 12th February 2008 at 07:23 PM.

12th February 2008, 07:49 PM	#26
suomynonA Student Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 34	Originally Posted by Beerina For Scientology, it only took about 30 years. I don't care what the IRS says, the Church of $cientology is a cult that sells their teachings purely for monetary gain and feels they need to attack critics instead of engage in debate with them. If Anonymous has anything to say about it that tax status will be revoked as soon as possible. Next protest, Beware the Ides of March
suomynonA Student Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 34

12th February 2008, 09:43 PM	#27
X Slide Rulez 4 Life Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Launching the army, waiting for Hok to commit her forces (then the moles strike...) Posts: 4,082	I am currently looking for an individual who wishes to be a deity. Qualifications should include: Charisma, charm, good looks, plastic-surgery-face, ability to lie convincingly, ability to "work the crowd". Duties will include: Staying in a luxury penthouse apartment of a massive temple (in due time), coming out occasionally to give pre-scripted orations concerning religious truths, keeping the people wanting more, ability to lie conivncingly, becoming rich, staying away from the public except at approved church functions. I, for my part, will remian nondescript and behind-the-scenes, setting up doctrines and truths to be read by the "deity" at the appropriate time. I will be completely anonymous to all but the deity-individual. Every church convert will believe that the deity created the religion, having been told nothing else. Which allows me free to enjoy massive wealth and influence whilst avoiding the annoying limelight. It also allows the selected deity-candidate to become rich, popular, and somewhat-influenctial. The candidate, I should mention, must be able to cope with severly restriced mobility and public access (i.e. you spend all your time in the penthouse unless there's an announcement of appearance to be made). I think that should about do it. Due to financial constraints, the beginnings will be humble, but I predict rapid growth after an intial "spreading" period. Seriously, how hard can it be? Maybe I'll make the converts wear magical socks...
	__________________ It is sad that this is necessary: Argumentum Ad Hominem: "You are wrong because you are ugly." Not Ad-Hom: "You are wrong and you are ugly." [X's posts are] ...as good as having 24 hours of Justin Bieber piped into your ears! - kmortis Last edited by X; 12th February 2008 at 10:07 PM. Reason: See six7s post below...

12th February 2008, 09:51 PM	#28
six7s veretic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Aotearoa Posts: 8,710	Originally Posted by [X] setting up doctrines and truths to be read by the "diety" at the appropriate time A cult designed specifically for those with eating disorders? What a superb niche marketing idea!
	__________________ Evolution and the rest of reality fascinates the be-jeebus out of me!

12th February 2008, 10:59 PM	#29
arthwollipot Observer of Phenomena Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: The other side of your screen Posts: 43,038	Originally Posted by six7s Spin, aided by integrity on par with a pit bull on a croquet lawn, can fill gaps if the message isn't quite 'really really good' Only if you've got the personal charisma to pull it off. No amount of spin will help if it's delivered by someone with no charisma. Which is essentially what I said before.
	__________________ Jadey (in RvB game thread): I just want to take a moment to commend Arth on his role as Parasitic Alien Tumor. I think he really connected with the character and there were times when I forgot that he was just acting. That's the kind of talent that you can't teach.

13th February 2008, 03:31 AM	#30
Furi Felix Sapiens Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Living life in the bus lane Posts: 2,006	Originally Posted by arthwollipot Only if you've got the personal charisma to pull it off. No amount of spin will help if it's delivered by someone with no charisma. Which is essentially what I said before. This is why the Anglican church is a dead duck. I would also offer something that allows your followers to feel smug, maybe via some random piece of cocktardary, (dietry rules, lifestyle choices, decorating hints) possibly making them feel that they are the only ones that know Teh Truth, and under threat and persecuted by all non-believers, Marketing and charisma are very important, you may be on the start of a fantastic cult of personality but whatever you do remember, Don't* go on one of the most popular chat shows in the country wearing a shell suit claiming to be the messiah it makes people point and laugh. ETA *Head not included
	__________________ =^..^= Felix Sapiens,Drink Beer! It is big, and it is clever, There’s a man with a mullet going mad with a mallet in Millets The chances of anything coming from mars are a million to one they say. Last edited by Furi; 13th February 2008 at 03:31 AM.

13th February 2008, 06:09 AM	#31
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 28,961	Originally Posted by suomynonA I don't care what the IRS says, the Church of $cientology is a cult that sells their teachings purely for monetary gain and feels they need to attack critics instead of engage in debate with them. If Anonymous has anything to say about it that tax status will be revoked as soon as possible. Next protest, Beware the Ides of March GO FOR IT !!!!!!!!!
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 28,961