Most people are familiar with major religions in the world such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism. These faiths tend to have long histories and strong influences on art and culture, so even if you’re not a practitioner or adherent, you probably recognize many of their symbols and concepts. However, in a world of over 7 billion people, you can probably imagine that there are religious movements you’ve never heard of. Let’s take a look at five of the more unusual ones you may not be familiar with.
1. Prince Philip Movement
The Prince Philip Movement describes a religious sect where followers believed in the divinity of Prince Philip, the husband and consort of Queen Elizabeth II. Practiced by the Kaston people from the villages of Yaohnanen and Takel from the Republic of Vanuatu, followers would host celebrations annually on Prince Phillip’s birthday. It is unclear when this new religious movement came about, though scholars estimate that it was during the mid-20th century. Locals observed the respect leaders had for the Queen of England, and believed her husband to be the spirit referred to in their folklore.
Villagers in Yaohnane and Takel mourned the passing of Prince Phillip with various ceremonial rituals and practices, including flying the Union Jack at half-mast at public gathering places. The Kaston people sent their condolences. Many believe the spirit of Prince Phillip still lives on. Scholars speculate that adherents will transfer their reverence to the current King of England, Charles III.
2. Raëlism
Raëlism is a UFO religion founded in the 1970s by French Journalist Claude Vorlihon, who now goes by Raël. Followers believe in a species of human-like extraterrestrials called “Elohim.” According to Raëlism, the Elohim is responsible for the genesis of life and has been mistaken for gods. Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad, and other prominent religious figures were all “prophets of Elohim.” Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Raëlism has approximately 100,000 followers globally.
3. The Cosmic People of Light Powers
This UFO religion was established in the 1990s in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Adherents believe there are extraterrestrial beings that communicate with various “contacts,” including the religion’s founder, Ivo Benda. These extraterrestrial beings operate spacecraft that orbit Earth. These benevolent beings provide guidance and aid to good people with the eventual goal of transporting worshippers to another dimension. Practitioners are also known as the “Universe People.”
4. Pana Wave Laboratory
The Pana Wave Laboratory is a Japanese religious movement centered on the evils of electromagnetic waves and their catastrophic effects on the planet, including climate change. Founded in the late 1970s by Yuko Chino, this religion is named for the facility built in the Fukui Prefecture, which was believed to have the least risk of electromagnetic pollution. Followers dress in white, believing the color to eliminate the threat of electromagnetic harm. The total number of followers is estimated to be around 1,200.
5. The Church of All Worlds
The Church of All Worlds was founded in 1962 by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart and his late wife, Morning Glory Zell-Ravenheart. Based on Robert Heinlein’s science-fiction novel “Stranger in a Strange Land,” adherents worship the Earth, specifically in the form of Gaea, and other deities, especially those established in Greek mythology. Zell-Ravenheart serves as “Primate” or leader of the Church. Members of the CAW are known as “waterkin.”
Although worshipers of the world’s biggest religions number in the millions and billions, there are several smaller, more obscure belief systems. These religious movements tend to be much younger, with many established in the 20th century. They draw inspiration from various sources, including science fiction, technology, and historical figures.