Create Your Own Religion

1. Question Everything: Forge Your Own Beliefs

On an individual level, one of the healthiest things we can do is question everything we have ever been taught.

Becoming an Adult. True adulthood involves questioning inherited beliefs, not blindly accepting them. This isn't about disrespect, but about critical evaluation. Psychotic control freaks aside, any parent should be proud to see their kids grow up to think for themselves.

Breaking Free from Psychological Infancy. Many remain in a state of perpetual psychological infancy, clinging to beliefs simply because they were taught them. They never become individuals, never psychologically grow up and choose their own values—they are mere machines replicating a program that was downloaded in their brains.

Creating Your Own Worldview. This book proposes examining various religions' answers to life's key questions and, based on this knowledge, crafting your own answers. This may involve adopting existing answers, mixing them, or creating entirely new ones. The goal is not to trade one prepackaged ideology for another, but to develop a personal worldview.

2. Religion is a Personal Journey, Not a Dictated Path

Everyone already creates their own religion. Some people just don't lie about it.

Selective Reading. Even devout members of established religions engage in selective reading, adopting what suits them and rejecting the rest. They highlight passages supporting their values and conveniently forget those that contradict them.

Intellectual Dishonesty. Rather than admitting their selective approach, most people hide under the guise that their interpretation is the only correct one. This intellectual dishonesty stems from a fear of taking responsibility for choosing their values.

The Illusion of Orthodoxy. Many believers are simply ignorant of the contradictions within their own traditions. They espouse simplistic fairy tales, never bothering to delve deeper. This ignorance shields them from facing the complexities and inconsistencies inherent in religious texts.

3. Embrace Paradox: Hold Conflicting Ideas in Harmony

I consider myself an agnostic with an asterisk—not the agnostic that is sitting on the fence unsure which side to support, but one who can be simultaneously very atheist and very religious because his experience leads him down both paths at once.

Beyond Simple Answers. Life is full of contradictions, and trying to force it into a neat, coherent theory requires heavy editing of the truth. It's better to embrace the ambiguity and live with the tension of opposing viewpoints.

The Agnostic with an Asterisk. This is not about sitting on the fence, but about actively holding seemingly contradictory beliefs simultaneously. It's about being both atheist and religious, acknowledging both the chaos and the purpose in the universe.

Rejecting Certainty. Certainty is the enemy of truth. It leads to reassuring lies and prevents us from facing the full spectrum of experience. Only strong personalities can accept to live with mystery, recognizing that any answer based on incomplete information is tentative.

4. Nature and Experience: The True Scriptures

Do we want to know what God is? Search not the book called the scripture, which any human hand might make, but the scripture called the Creation.

Rejecting Second-Hand Revelation. Sacred books are poor candidates for hearing God's voice, as they are filtered through human perceptions, memories, and languages. They are also prone to errors, translations, and intentional alterations.

The Book of Nature. True religion begins with the study of nature, an unadulterated testimony of the power behind creation. By discovering the principles of nature, we discover the secrets upon which the universe is founded.

Personal Experience as a Guide. Our own experience is the only honest guide we have. It may be vague and imprecise, but it is direct knowledge, unlike hearsay. It is crucial to trust our own insights and feelings, even when they contradict established dogma.

5. Beyond Fear: Finding Strength in Accepting Death

Accepting death is the key that frees us from the prison of fear.

The Inevitability of Death. Death is a demon that consumes everything we have ever been. It is the greatest source of anxiety for human beings, and the engine driving most religions.

Rejecting Otherworldly Fantasies. Many religions offer detailed descriptions of the afterlife to reassure us of life after death. However, these notions of heaven, hell, and reincarnation can be rooted in fear rather than understanding.

Embracing the Present. By accepting the inevitability of death, we can free ourselves from fear and live more fully in the present. This involves acknowledging that everything can be taken away from us, and choosing to face life without illusions of control.

6. Inclusivity Over Exclusivity: A Foundation for Peace

If you are not with me, you are against me.

The Exclusive Mindset. Exclusive religions claim a monopoly on truth, viewing those who disagree as agents of evil. This leads to intolerance, conflict, and a desire to impose their beliefs on others.

The Inclusive Approach. Inclusive religions recognize that no one can know the entire truth. They respect independent inquiry and embrace diversity, understanding that multiple paths can lead to wisdom.

Choosing Inclusivity. The choice between inclusivity and exclusivity is a fundamental one. Inclusivity fosters dialogue and respect, while exclusivity breeds hostility and violence. A healthy religion chooses inclusivity, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives.

7. Reclaim the Body: Celebrate the Physical Self

There is more reason in your body than in your best wisdom.

The Body as a Source of Insight. Many religions denigrate the body, viewing it as a source of sin and temptation. However, the body is an essential part of who we are, and a primary source of insight.

The Mind-Body Connection. The mind and body are interconnected, and neglecting the physical self limits our intellectual and spiritual potential. Engaging in physical activities can transform our state of consciousness and enhance our well-being.

Embracing Our Animal Nature. By celebrating our physical instincts and senses, we can break free from shame and self-repression. This involves finding joy in movement, pleasure, and the raw energy of life.

8. Morality Beyond Rules: Cultivate Heart and Discernment

The torch of chaos and doubt—this is what the sage steers by.

Rejecting Moral Absolutes. Rigid moral laws can be limiting and ineffective. True morality requires the ability to discern right from wrong on a case-by-case basis, guided by empathy and good judgment.

The Importance of Context. Ethical choices depend on the specific context. What is right in one situation may be wrong in another. This requires a flexible and nuanced approach to morality.

Cultivating Inner Guidance. A healthy religion fosters good judgment and self-confidence, empowering individuals to make ethical choices based on their own internal compass. This involves developing empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of human nature.

9. Global Identity: Transcend Tribalism for Shared Humanity

Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind.

The Limits of Tribalism. Ethnic pride, nationalism, and patriotism are forms of tribalism that divide humanity along artificial lines. They foster a sense of superiority and can lead to conflict and oppression.

Toward a Global Consciousness. In an interconnected world, we need to transcend narrow identities and embrace a global consciousness. This involves recognizing our shared humanity and working together to solve common problems.

A Religion for Humanity. A healthy religion promotes a sense of belonging that extends beyond national or ethnic boundaries. It encourages us to see ourselves as citizens of the world, united by our shared humanity and our responsibility to protect the planet.

10. Laughter as a Sacred Act: Embrace Joy in the Spiritual Quest

I could only believe in a God who can laugh.

The Importance of Playfulness. Many religions are somber and joyless, but true spirituality should be infused with playfulness and humor. Laughter is a sign of strength and resilience, and a powerful antidote to dogma and self-importance.

Laughter as a Tool for Insight. Humor can unlock the doors of perception and make us more open to the sacred. It helps us to relax, let go of our egos, and connect with the deeper truths of existence.

A Religion of Joy. A healthy religion celebrates the sheer joy of being alive. It encourages us to find humor in the darkest of circumstances and to embrace life with enthusiasm and wonder.

Last updated: March 1, 2025