From the introduction...

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR

The range of folks who could enjoy and gain from this book is quite vast. There are those of us who come from a background of faith, or no faith, that believe in something but cannot swallow doctrine or figure out what it is. Some teeter on the edge of agnosticism while others have a strong feeling of something supernatural. Chances are if you’ve picked this up, there is something positive you will walk away with. This could even be a stronger bond with an existing faith you are already drawn toward. Even atheists (yes atheism is a faith!) can grow by contemplating how their own set of scientifically explainable beliefs and evolution connect us all.

This book might be for you if…

1.     You’ve never quite found a religion that spoke your language.

2.     You were upset each time some old person told you a personality you loved wasn’t real. i.e. the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Santa Clause, E.T., and Krampus.

3.     You’ve had experiences that tell you ‘something is out there,’ but just aren’t feeling anything warm and fuzzy when you read about the bloody past of your available top choices.

4.     Fire and brimstone spitting evangelicals turn you off.

5.     Acceptance, love, open hearts and open minds, and panda bears turn you on.

6.     You’re a DIY kinda person that likes to tailor just about everything.

7.     You realize this list goes to seven instead of six to thwart anyone who would determine that ending at six would have some diabolical meaning and therefore deem the book as evile. (You’re out there!)

            It’s almost safe to say that this book is for everybody, but that whole ‘everybody’ thing can sometimes lead to trouble no matter how inclusive one may wish to be. While most people are perfectly capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time, some…not so skilled. Which transitions nicely to the next section.

WHO THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR or WHO THIS BOOK AIN’T FOR 

Animism as Part of your Personal Religion

           People are drawn to totems or objects they regard as special. An inner spirit exists in everything according to beliefs based on animism, and this idea is not difficult to understand because we often become connected with certain material objects: an old coat given by a grandparent, a riskily acquired camera or trinket of some sort, or even the first-ever item we longed for as a child and then finally received: a 1985 Nintendo Entertainment System! All of these serve as examples of important items. While we may not worship the very same objects of significance, we all do tend to engage in this practice of adoration to a lesser or greater extent. Add to this extra aura of specialness a hearty dose of legend, magic, or a connection to your religion, and you truly have a bona fide spiritual totem. For example, there is just something enchanting about a guitar Brian May built by hand with the help of his father, recorded several groundbreaking albums with, and continues to use live to this day.  – (I’m taking recommendations for a better guitar example. This one just came to mind first. Guitar experts and enthusiasts please respond.)

Let’s create our own totem. This can be done with many different things, but I recommend you do it with something you already think is a little special. Different objects will require different techniques, and some objects are not recommended. Something that will last a long time and is durable is usually a good candidate. A watermelon or a half chopped pumpkin may not be. I used a pen to conduct this experiment. I remember having something called a ‘space pen’ when I was younger and, even though I don’t have that very same pen, I picked up another and it almost immediately felt like the one I had had years ago. I liked the idea of having some special item that I use daily. I began this ritual by burying the pen under a pale moon’s light…

Escavation…

Modified, crafted, and customized…

Time in a secret hiding place in an area well traveled…

Given to a trusted friend or child to use or hold for a day…

And etcetera…

Your chosen item will take on a spirit of its own throughout this process, and to anyone who would contend that a World War I medallion bought at an antique sale or an Army & Navy store has more energy than an object you personally know has been on its very own adventure, you will likely disagree.

            The experiences of your talisman have meaning, but don’t think you cannot repeat this process. If something untoward happens to your item or if it gets destroyed, don’t delve into world-ending sorrow. A bit of grieving might stir in your soul, but consider what would be in order for a resurrection.

(these are my jottings for a good Friday post of ideas that will be part of the book, DIY Religion)

A Note on Comments

Several comments are being manually entered by the author. They are posted on a private forum of friends and are included here with permission. Names have been omitted (for the most part) to protect the identities of the guilty.

the Soul

     Though religions often endeavor to answer the age-old questions of existence and our reason for being, some have evolved into vehicles primarily devoted to extending the ego beyond physical death. This concept of spirit or soul should be considered when developing your religious architecture.  Is it important for you to be united with lost friends and loved ones in the afterlife? The mere thought can be comforting and can even evoke tears of joy. On the other hand, the longing of reunion may overwhelm some to the extent that the burdens of their daily lives feel heavier than necessary. What is absolutely not necessary is a personal religion that pains more than comforts. Of course there are plenty of icon wielding and sword swinging adherents that would shout otherwise, but as has been stated at the outset, this book is not intended for them. Besides, they probably never get presents from Santa Claus.

     This example of how the soul can exist in the afterlife follows a traditional view, but you could deem that the soul enters some new life in a different world that bears challenges and experiences similar to those we face now; or does the soul go on to some great spiritual journey? Redefining and breaking free from the cobwebs of passed down religions that are still clinging onto you with all their strength may be required.

Mithra & Old Saint Nick

Interestingly Mithra shares similarities with Jesus, as do plenty of other Gods who had their heyday prior to the birth of Christ. A woman here in the Bible Belt vehemently attacks folks who merely speak of Santa and his magical ability to deliver presents to little boys and girls. She proclaims that, "Santa ain't got nothin' to do with Christmas." Well maybe he doesn't, but I have more proof of the existence of Santa Claus than she does of Jesus. Just check under the tree at my house every X-mas morning, and I have a feeling mine isn't the only house the jolly fellow makes a stop at. There are plenty of people who feel the way this woman does, but I still can't figure out why she decorates a 'Christmas' tree year in and year out. Prophesies of pagan fire! Don't you feel the itch to follow a spiritual path unique to you?

DIY Reigion is a GO

This blog is here to kick around development ideas for a book that is currently in the process of being written. The tentative title for the book is DIY Religion: constructing your own personal religion from the ground up. Any and all ideas, comments, and criticisms are welcome (even from you who have found your perfect place among the more traditional faiths). I have sufficiently convinced myself that I should not waste time in learning about blog craft by putting up with the dismal "What Kind of God Do You Want?" space that I began to dislike immediately after its launch. The title began to drive me insane.