I'm agnostic, but I'm toying with the idea of "joining" a religion out of interest, for research and adventure. I'm particularly interested in religious fundamentalism and parallel societies. Adopting a different identity for such a project (within an ethical and legal framework), becoming a "seeker", is also very appealing to me. I may turn it into a creative writing project.
Over the past months I have already attended various religious events with a friend, from Catholic to Queer Christian services, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Eastern Lightning Online-Events and even a Scientology event. Obviously actually joining a religion takes way more time and effort.
The rules are:
I may officially join and play the role of a convert, without any inner conviction
Aware that joining under the pretence of an inner conviction can be seen as deeply disrespectful, I nevertheless try my best to respect the beliefs and privacy of others.
In carrying out this role, I try not to give money to the organisation, unless it is absolutely necessary (pay to play situations). Contributions may not exceed a total of €100, under any circumstances.
I will not join any organization I consider dangerous and will abort the project, if I sense I'm in danger
For this market to be resolved YES, I must complete the equivalent of a baptism. My membership must be recognised within the organisation.
I will not bet on this market.
1,000
3.00Beware the drumbeat of ideology. With that being said, it seems like you're aware of the risks and the benefits given the way you've worded the description.
Pick your religion. Don't let it pick you. I think you've got this. I have enjoyed the books of Steven Hassan -- if you ever want to be taught a tool that can test and see if a particular organization is destructive, I think he's the industry expert on the subject.
The open and affirming organizations are pretty cool nowadays. 😊
@Quroe Thank you for the suggestions. I love exurb1a, but had somehow forgotten about the channel. I also heard a lot about Steven Hassan's Combatting Cult Mind Control and have always wanted to read it.
@redcat Oh, wait, perhaps I originally read the description entirely backwards! I think I see what you're up to now. This seems more interesting; you're trying to experience the less mainstream religions to see what they're like, but not necessarily buy into them?
Also, I've read that book. Would recommend. If my updated understanding of your market is correct now, I would say it's required homework.
@Quroe Yes, exactly. I'm mostly interested in joining a fundamentalist community. I'm interested in the subjective reality of people who orientate their entire lives around their beliefs, who don't fit into society, because of it.
For example, I've always found the accounts of ex-Scientologists very fascinating. Scientology is a good example of a very extreme and all-encompassing ideology that makes you see everything around you through one lens. I find it fascinating how someone adopts such a worldview and how he or she can get out of it. For me, this represents the limits of personal development and I have a deep admiration for people who have completed such a path and found their way out. Scientology is an organization thats too dangerous for such experiments, in my eyes.