5 Weirdest Religions on the Planet
Our world is filled with thousands of ancient religions such as Judaism, Islam, Christianity and Buddhism. There are also many modern religions such as Scientology. Each of these religions differs in its religious beliefs and rituals. However, when most of the religions can be classified as normal, there are certain religions that appear abnormal and bizarre. Here is a list of 5 such weird religions that can be found on earth. I call them weird because of their beliefs and rituals. Check out these bizarre religions for yourself.
5 weirdest religions on earth
1) Scientology
The list of bizarre religions will be incomplete without a mention of scientology. Now, many may not see it as a strange religion. But, here is why I think it is a weird one. Just like few other religions, the Church of Scientology believes that there are certain teachings that must not be imparted to the uninitiated. It imparts mystical teachings to its members at higher levels of initiation. These teachings include reversing the effects of past-life trauma that possibly extend millions of years into the past, and the story of how an alien Xenu, the ruler of “Galactic Confederacy” attached the thetans (similar to a soul) to human beings, and so on… And you thought scientology was purely a scientific religion?
2) Jedism
I am a great fan of the Star Wars series. And I really love some of the teachings of the Jedi. But, I wouldn’t be really creating a religion out of it, would I? The founders of this religion would have obviously thought otherwise. The religion is based on the “teachings of the Jedi”. I will give them the credit for believing in one universal power called god. They also believe in quite a few things which make their beliefs similar to the monotheistic religions. But, a religion based on Jedi is weird. Here is an interesting fact. In 2008, two members of this church were attacked outside their home by a drunken man dressed up as Darth Vader.
3) Nation of Yahweh
Are there any good history teachers here? The followers of this religion can help you rewrite history. Or you may get some real good students who need history lessons. The members of this Nation of Yahweh believe that the African Americans are the original Israelites. Founded by Hulon Mitchell Jr. in 1979 in Miami, the group believes that these original Israelites should be brought back to Israel, their homeland. They believe that white people who presently populate Israel are “white devils” who forcefully occupied the land of the blacks. The founder of the religion has been accused of being a racist, and has also faced other legal issues. But he continues to claim that the religion’s messianic mission is to vanquish the white devils.
4) Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monsters – Pastafarians
Now, here is a religion you would love to eat… I mean, you will love. The followers of this religion, known as the pastafarians believe that there was one Supreme Being that created this world. And that is the Flying Spaghetti Monster. In reality, this is a parody religion created in response to the teaching of Creationism and Intelligent Design in some of the public schools in USA. What makes the religion funnier is that it is officially registered. The followers believe that if one religion can be taught in public schools, all religions can be taught there, however ridiculous they are. Point noted!!
5) Happy Science
Every major religion we know preaches peace. This religion too preaches something very similar. Founded by Ryuho Okawa on 6th October 1986, this religion preaches the “principles of happiness”. According to Ryuho Okawa, one can obtain happiness in life by following Love, Wisdom, Self-Reflection and Progress that constitute The Fourfold Path. All these are good. However, the weird part is this. Mr. Okawa claims himself as the incarnation of a supreme spiritual being, El Cantare (the “true hidden name” of Elohim, the God of creation). He also claims that he channels the spirits of Buddha, Confucius, Muhammad and Christ.
Now, you be the judge whether these religions are truly bizarre or not. These are just a few of many other weirdest religions you may have or haven’t heard of. What other strange religions would you like to add here?
