Would it be possible to start a new religion?

Question

Today if someone said a burning bush had spoken to them or that they had parted an ocean, or talked to entity they could not see that person would likely be institutionialized. How can men seen for thousands of years as prophets or messiahs with tales such as these survive in a world where if such occurances happened today, people would suspect insanity?

In response to wonder Will-

The principles were the same all along. Don't kill, don't steal, don't cheat. I don't need an elaborate story to follow those rules. I know this will offend people. We have such a fear of dying that we created the concept of an afterlife to make ourselves feel better about death. The leaders of that time decided that to make people behave themselves they had to instill a fear of going to hell. How are we so different from other creatures living on this earth that we get a God and a heaven when they rot in the dirt?

Answer 1

Hey Sark,

You ask a good question. I think you're giving humanity way too much credit to assume that if magical tales of religion were to occur today, people would suspect insanity. Don't forget, people WANT to believe in magic, in fairytales, in the fact that they will outsmart death. Never underestimate the power of WANTING something to be true. We can be very good at deluding ourselves if it means avoidance of pain.

The way to make money is to start your own religion.
— L. Ron Hubbard, 1954

I don't think any religion makes any sense and I think people who are into that are really getting duped, and I don't think Judaism makes any more sense than Christianity, and I don't think Christianity makes any more sense than Scientology. But here’s a guy, L. Ron Hubbard, who told all his friends, "Look, I'm gonna start a religion, 'cause I can't make any money as a science fiction writer." [Laughter] I mean, he admitted that publicly! At least with Jesus Christ, you can't go talk to the guy.
— Howard Stern

Obedience. A religion of slaves. A religion of intellectual death. I like it. Don't ask questions, don't think, obey the Word of the Lord -- as it has been conveniently brought to you by a man in a Rolls with a heavy Rolex on his wrist. I like that job! Where can I sign up?
— Oleg Kiselev

Man is certainly stark mad; he cannot make a flea, and yet he will be making gods by dozens.
— Michel Eyquem de Montaigne

What gods are there, what gods have there ever been, that were not from man's imagination?
— Joseph Campbell, (1904-1987)

Answer 2

Because your eyes are closed, you miss the very small miracles of everyday that explain the large ones. Open your mind and be willing to look at life through new eyes, all the beauty will become apperent and the pain will surrond you greatly. The more I know the hungrier for wisdom I grow but the sadder I feel. I know why Jesus wept? The people walk in the dark and he had compassion for them and realize the more I learn the least I know. It a flood of useless info that blinds you from the useful info that is in your face everyday. Any new religion is just reintroduction of the old principles with a new twist. Read the underlining theme of most religions and Most call us to morality and unity, what more can a new one teach us?

Answer 3

In all reality, it depends on the part of the world you are in. Some think that there are still prophets, even in America. Unfortunately, most of the people who identify themselves as prophets in America usually have television shows where they perform faith healings (that are never confirmed as actual healings by medical professionals) and then tell you that they want to pray for you, asking for all of your personal information (just before they start sending letters that say that if you don't obey god's prophet and send them money god will not heal your ailments).

Answer 4

interesting question. people are much more cynical these days. someone said its because of advertising. every day we are bombarded with adverts making ridiculous claims about their products ie. buy this chewing gum and you'll be more popular with the ladies, i don't mean directly, but we get all sorts of stupid things suggested to us and if we believed them all we would have bought everything that was advertised to us and not have a lot of money left

Answer 5

There's a new religion on every block in California. Start your own and get the tax benefits like all the other charlatans.

Answer 6

Sure is. Try Carlinism. That'e the worship of George

Answer 7

that is a very good question, and yes we all would think it was insane, well most of us anyway. A new religion would be impossible since christians are still clinging to centuries and eons of old wive's tales

Answer 8

Sure there is - do it like Mohamed did. When he needed a new woman.... Allah whispered into his ears "It is all right, take her" right after her husband was beheaded an hour previously and he consummated the "marriage" right there and then.

It is in the Quran if you care to look it up.

Answer 9

Exactly, but theists don't like to think like that, you know.....logically (j/k thats a bit harsh).

As far as creating a new religion, ask L. Ron Hubbard.

Answer 10

Yes, I think its possible to start a new religion. And I think people probably would suspect insanity unless they are Christian.