Religion is a concept that dates back to the earliest days of humanity. Archaeologists and anthropologists all over the world discuss at length how creating markers for the dead is one of the earliest indications of advanced societal arrangements for human ancestors. While a connection to the spiritual side of life is a powerful motivator for many people around the world, religion has taken on many new meanings in the modern age. In fact, outlandish religion might just be the new normal. Today, there are dozens of outlandish religions that most people do not realize are actually classified as such.
From believing in the fictional happenings of a galaxy far, far away to a serious obsession with sports, some religions are unique. Here are a few fun examples to pique your interest.
Iglesia Maradoniana
People who enjoy sports can often be intense. Whether setting cars on fire after a home team wins or loses to violently ridiculing strangers for wearing the wrong team colors, the world of athletics has produced a few unhealthy habits in current cultures. Naturally, this fervor has also led to the creation of a rather outlandish religion: Iglesia Maradoniana. Named after the soccer player Diego Maradona, this system began in 1998 in Argentina. It has its own version of the ten commandments and currently has about 200,000 followers worldwide.
Some classify Iglesia Maradoniana as a syncretism, which means it blends aspects of other religions instead of being a movement all by itself. Many of the people who follow this belief system follow the teachings of Christianity.
Jediism
In 2001, the national census in America released data that surprised many people. Specifically, a large number of citizens listed their religious affiliation as “Jedi.” The shock came from the fact that the Jedi are a fictional group from the Star Wars franchise. At first, media outlets reported this as a practical joke, but over the years Jediism has taken on a life of its own. Actually more of a philosophy than a religion, this particular movement focuses on the teachings and practices of the Jedi Knights.
The followers of this outlandish religion base moral decisions around the teachings of the Jedi but do not particularly adhere to the fictional history or characters depicted in the various films, books, and television shows. The movement has grown significantly, and in 2015, the Temple of the Jedi Order was granted IRS tax exemption. It was even accepted as a registered religion in the state of Texas as of 2005!
Pastafarianism
Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation when he wrote a paper listing 95 reasons the Catholic Church was terrible back in 1517. Similarly, Pastafarianism began as a way of poking fun at religion before morphing into a movement of its own. Also known as the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, the philosophy started as a way of preventing creationism and other unscientific concepts in schools. Followers of this social movement keep attitudes light when it comes to spiritual matters and even have a few holidays throughout the year to honor key concepts.
Banana Cult
Though mysterious and somewhat absurd, the Banana Cult is a movement that has grown in popularity on the internet. The outlandish religion is exactly what it sounds like: people who worship or find a spiritual connection with bananas. While predominantly a joke, it still has enough attention in various circles to develop a following of substance. Like Pastafarianism, the Banana Cult aims to point out the flaws of other religions through absurdity.
From bananas to spaghetti to Jedi, alternative religions really do take all forms. While you might not be eager to worship a soccer star or fictional knight, learning more about these groups can unravel some of the bigger mysteries related to religious movements throughout history.