People come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and points of view. The world includes people who adhere to various religions or spiritualities that shape their outlook and how they live. Certain faiths such as Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam are widely followed by billions of people, with each faith having denominations and sects with varying doctrines and rituals. Here’s a look at some faiths and belief systems you may not have heard of.
1. Church of Euthanasia
As the world’s population continues to grow, you may not be surprised there is a religion based on reducing the overall population. The Church of Euthanasia was founded in 1992 by Chris Korda and Robert Kimberk in Boston, Massachusetts. The church’s guiding principle is restoring a balance between humans and other species. The church is anti-procreation, but only on a voluntary basis, as it does not advocate murder or eugenics. Practices include sermons, art installations, public demonstrations, and more to promote their environmental views.
2. Iglesia Maradoniana
Religions based on a central figure are common. Iglesia Maradoniana, or the Maradonian Church, is a parody faith based on Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona. The church was founded on Maradona’s 38th birthday, October 30, 1998, in Rosario, Argentina, by three fans, Héctor Campomar, Alejandro Verón, and Hernán Amez. The church even has its own version of the ten commandments.
- The ball is never soiled.
- Love football (soccer) above all else.
- Declare unconditional love for Diego and all things football.
- Defend the Argentine jersey.
- Spread the news of Diego’s miracles throughout the universe.
- Honor the “temples” where he played and his sacred shirts.
- Don’t proclaim Diego as a member of any single team.
- Preach and spread the principles of the church.
- Make “Diego” your middle name.
- Name your first son “Diego.”
Adherents use the term “D10S” to refer to Maradona, as dios is Spanish for “God” and includes Diego’s jersey number, 10.
3. Aetherius Society
Many faiths and spiritualities are syncretic, meaning they combine elements of more than one religion. One such religious movement is the Aetherius Society. Blending elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism, the Aetherius Society is focused on preventing the destruction of Earth. Founded by George King in the 1950s, this religion believes in the existence of extraterrestrial beings called Cosmic Masters. According to followers, cooperation with these Cosmic Masters is necessary to solve humanity’s problems and advance the planet into a New Age. This is achieved through prayer and psychic abilities. The Aetherius Society is also a UFO religion.
4. Om Banna’s Motorbike
In 1988, a motorcyclist named Om Singh Rathore (aka Om Banna or Bullet Baba) was traveling between the towns of Bangdi and Chotila in India. He lost control of his bike and hit a tree, dying instantly. His motorcycle fell into a nearby ditch. The police took the bike to the police station as part of their investigation, where it mysteriously disappeared. According to legend, the motorbike reappeared at the site of Rathore’s death. Despite police attempts to keep the motorcycle at their station, it kept reappearing at the site. The locals viewed this as a miracle and built a shrine of worship known as the “Bullet Baba’s Temple.” Villagers make offerings and prayers to Bullet Baba for safe travel.
When it comes to belief and spirituality, the world is full of all kinds. Many newer or lesser-known religious movements find inspiration in various things, including veneration of people and objects. Some faiths are inspired by other belief systems as well as science fiction. At least one of these unusual faiths is essentially anti-human. The Christian Bible asserts there’s nothing new under the sun, but with religion, there’s always something quirky and unexpected.