Obscure practices and beliefs.

[Rude Louis]

These are just a few systems and practices not talked about much in today's circles. Add any at will.


Millenarianism:
Millenarianism is the belief by any religious group, political group, or social group, in a soon to be coming transformation of society after which all things will be changed in either a positive or negative direction. The term is of the one thousand year cycle, and had a small surge near Y2k.

This term of one thousand years is not an essential part of the belief.


Apocalypticism
The belief or worldview that civilization will soon come to an end with some sort of global cataclysmic event, usually war. This belief is usually conjoined with esoteric knowledge that will be revealed with the forces of good and evil. Apocalypticism is often assumed to religious views, but there is a non-religious scientific version as well. This is included in many religions and communities but can be concentrated in some areas.


Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is a religion that began with a philosopher known as Zarathustra, or Zoroaster, in ancient Persia. There are around 150,000 followers of Zoroastrianism today. Like other monotheistic religions, Zoroastrianism asserts that there is one creator, God. Zoroaster, or Zarathustra, taught about the Creator God, Ahura Mazda, meaning "Lord Wisdom." In Zoroastrianism, fire is seen as sacred, the symbol of truth, and of the energy of creation. Fire is viewed with respect, and each Zoroastrian temple has a flame burning in their temples. Zoroastrians tend to pray in front of a fire or other source of light, to focus their mind on Ahura Mazda, or the Creator God. Zoroastrianism is occasionally thought to be a fire-worshiping religion.

[dreiman]

Epiphenomenalism In philosophy of mind, a view according to which some or all mental states are mere epiphenomena (side-effects or by-products) of physical states of the world.
Neat.

[0omnidirectional]

Heres a link to seven bizarre religions and cults around the world. (http://www.oddee.com/item_90977.aspx)

[Rude Louis]

Oh I forgot to mention Discordianism. Hail Eris and all that jazz. Although I would encourage everyone to find that out by yourself.

[Ambient]

"Dynamic Meditation"

http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z07dMbyANI&feature=related

[ArmsMerchant]

Oh I forgot to mention Discordianism. Hail Eris and all that jazz. Although I would encourage everyone to find that out by yourself.

Actually, I think that was meant as a joke, as was Anton Levey's brand of Satanism.

[Rude Louis]

Actually, I think that was meant as a joke, as was Anton Levey's brand of Satanism.

But a lot of people don't consider it a parody religion.

[Benpari]

Actually, I think that was meant as a joke, as was Anton Levey's brand of Satanism.

I find that the philosophy of Discordianism is much much deeper then it is on the surface. Most discordians, even if they take their spiritual beliefs seriously, like to be able to laugh at it. I think this is something that a lot of people are missing in their spirituality....

Laveyan Satanism can also be extremely serious. In my research I found it to be nothing more than atheist mysticism. I think there is little doubt that Lavey intented to piss a lot of people off, make a lot of money, and have a good laugh though. If nothing else it insured that his new religion would be noticed. I know of more than a few theistic satanists who aren't happy about the naming and popularity of Lavey's religion.


Pastafarianism on the other hand is definitely a joke.

[Killface]

Some people beleive that if you don't follow the rules of a man made book, you'll burn forever and ever. I forget the religion though. :facepalm:

[Rude Louis]

Some people beleive that if you don't follow the rules of a man made book, you'll burn forever and ever. I forget the religion though. :facepalm:

Freud has been largely discredited.

Did you know that some people believe that if you don't pay taxes and take your kids to state controlled schools and follow the rules of a man made law book, you'll go to jail for ever and ever. I forget the name though.

Oh wait, government. But that is so much safer than that "hypocritical bullshit" about loving thy neighbor.

[Benpari]

Some people beleive that if you don't follow the rules of a man made book, you'll burn forever and ever. I forget the religion though. :facepalm:

Considering almost 1/3 of the worlds population calls themselves Christians I think you would have a hard time arguing that its beliefs are 'obscure.'

[Ambient]

Rastafarian ism

Believes Hallie Selassie is the Messiah, even though he was a Christian and didnt want a Religion made out of him.

Oh wait thats kind of like that Jewish Messiah 2000 years ago isn't it?

Mind you, nothing obscure about the spiritual knowledge of da Ganja.

Ya Mun!