Matrixism
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Closely tied to its pop-culture inspiration, Matrixism writes that “The Matrix films themselves are the sacred text of our religion.”
In case you haven’t seen it, the film is based on the following premise: Sentient robots control all of humanity, and the world in which we live exists digitally in their minds. To break free of the Matrix, one must take a red pill that will free the mind and allow the individual to wake in the real world. Prophecy tells of “the One” who will lead humans to freedom, and enable them to take back their world.
Thus, the four tenets of Matrixism fittingly include:
1. Belief in the prophecy of the One.
2. Acceptance of the use of psychedelics as sacrament.
3. Recognition of the semi-subjective, multi-layered nature of reality.
4. Adherence to the principles of one or more of the world’s major religions until such time as the One returns.
While Matrixism uses the films to underpin its views, it credits Abdul Baha as the religion’s true founder. Baha, who founded the Baha’i faith, mentioned “the matrix” in a series of speeches beginning in 1911. These speeches culminated in the 1912 book The Promulgation of Universal Peace, which is famous in the world of Matrixism likely because it includes the following quote: “In the beginning of his human life man was embryonic in the world of the matrix.”
Matrixism claims to have more than 2,000 members, though the “join” link now takes visitors to a completely unrelated website.
The Church Of Ed Wood
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In 1996, Reverend Steve Galindo started Woodism, whose savior is B-movie director extraordinaire Ed Wood. This religion claims that over 3,000 people now worship the late moviemaker.
The punk-libertarian religion blends spirituality and realism in crafting its beliefs. “The basic premise of Woodism coincides with what we believe was the basic premise of Ed Wood himself, which is the constant search for happiness and the following of dreams and being proud of who you are,” Galindo said. “There are no specific practices in Woodism other than to constantly be proud of who you are, accept others, and don’t let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn’t do.”
The church realizes — and accepts — that some might find their beliefs silly. All they ask for is that critics respect their right to hold these beliefs. “We don’t expect you to believe in Woodism,” the a href=”http://www.edwood.org/” target=”_blank”>official website writes. “We expect you to respect OUR belief in Woodism.”
Church members hope to use Wood’s films to inspire connection and happiness. “We at the Church of Ed Wood use Ed and his films to inject spirituality into those who get little fulfillment from more mainstream religions like Christianity. By looking at his films and his life, we learn to lead happy, positive lives.”
If you consider yourself very conservative, Woodism is probably not for you. In staying true to the spirit of Ed Wood, members frankly discuss sex, race, drugs, and cross-dressing — and it’s not a joke.
“We are serious,” Galindo told Huffington Post. “We are not some sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek religion that’s totally made up like the Shatnertology or the Flying Spaghetti Monster or Scientology. We find our strength and belief in the world of movies with Ed Wood as our guide.”
Next, read about how Jesus became white — and then learn about these perspectives on Jesus that might surprise you.
