Introducing John Frum whose followers worship WWII cargo supply lines and Jediism inspired by Star Wars/Taoism.

There are just so many religions in the world how to decide which one is the right one for you. Sure we all know the big mainstream religions like Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhist and you may be familiar with an onslaught of others.

I always found different believes interesting and loved the stories from the ancient times that come with each book they worship.

I am not an atheist. I do believe in something. Too often people think they are atheist because they don’t believe in a particular god but that does not make you an atheist. That just makes you a non believer of (insert belief here).

You can believe in something, anything of a higher power and not be an atheist. I do have a religion it’s all mine. I can share it with you but it’s really only suited for me. I am certain some aspects you will be on board with and probably adhere to similar things I do. Everybody should have a personal religion that guides them through life, no god(s) required though it may help depending what you choose to believe.

The only freedom anyone really has is the freedom to choose. The bible claims that as the ultimate gift from God while Science and Sociology have proven it repeatedly throughout time. Only you can choose what to do, only you can choose what to believe. Your choices will define your character whether they got you good results or damn terrible results.

“If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice” – Rush

So let’s have a look at what these fine people have decided to believe in and why it’s not such a bad thing.

John Frum of the tropical South Pacific islands of Vanuatu.

“John Frum is a figure associated with cargo cults on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. He is often depicted as an American World War II serviceman who will bring wealth and prosperity to the people if they follow him. He is sometimes portrayed as black, sometimes as white.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Frum

Where the heck is Vanuatu?

The current Dear Leader

They are also known as “cargo cults” which popped up all across the region after WWII.

“In John They Trust.”

They built replica airplanes to entice the return of John Frum

So basically this tiny remote island in the middle of nowhere was once used as US Naval Supply facility. These indigenous people had never seen a ship before or an airplane. These are the same type of people that Gilligan’s island portrayed as cannibals, and guess what; some of the tribes were cannibals.

Mimicking what they saw the solders do on a daily basis.

As more cargo ships and huge bombers came to the island leaving supplies and solders the locals began to worship the US Navy for bringing such amazing gadgets and tools with them that were traded.
The item the locals acquired elevated their standard of living thus giving the naval service men the image of gods bringing good fortune.

Before the war many had already become Christian and opted out of those traditions ever so briefly to part take in John Frum festivities. Some of the smaller more remote islands were untouched by Western ideas up until just a couple of decades ago and many still hold ancient traditions.

After the end of WWII the Navy cleared out leaving behind aluminum structures and the expired equipment. The natives continued to believe and worship in hopes of the service men returning. They have rituals and dances to commemorate the past and pray for the future. The old airstrip though over grown and unsuitable to land a plane still has native on occasion go out with fire torches and pretend to guide landing planes full of supplies. For real!!

Well, since then Vanuatu has modernized quite a bit. Today it has very few followers. Almost all the natives in Vanuatu have been converted to Christianity and no longer practice cannibalism. Though there are still a few who continue to practice the faith of John Frum they are all aware that the US Navy weren’t gods.

For more about John Frum please see the links below.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/in-john-they-trust-109294882/
or check this out
http://www.mostlyodd.com/john-frum-and-the-cargo-cult/

Jediism.

Based on Star Wars and other peaceful religions practiced for over a thousand years.

Yes this is an actually religion when thousands of people recorded it on their national census form in 2001. It has solid following and no central organization though in Texas where a powerful but small movement issued “The 16 teachings of the Jedi” it’s kind of like their bible.

“Although followers of Jediism acknowledge the influence of Star Wars on their religion, by following the moral and spiritual codes demonstrated by the fictional Jedi, they also insist their path is different from that of the fictional characters and that Jediism does not focus on the myth and fiction found in Star Wars. The Jedi follow the "16 teachings" based on the presentation of the fictional Jedi, such as "Jedi are mindful of the negative emotions which lead to the Dark Side" and "Jedi are guardians of peace and justice".”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jediism

I think it’s safe to assume that these Jedi’s are peaceful by nature but do be cautious as the force can act in surprising ways.

(Sounds like my kind of thing.)

Aside from adapting the fictional beliefs in Star Wars they suitably included parts from Buddhism such all things in life are connected and the idea of reincarnation among other life principles that lead to a clean and wholesome life. Taoism is an ancient Chinese religion that had a strong emphasis on tradition, putting family unit first and honouring your parents above all else. It was originally preached by Confucius whom you may have heard of.

You can find out more and join them by checking out their website in the link below.
https://www.templeofthejediorder.org/

or try this one
https://thechurchofjediism.org/

So there you have it. 2 strange religions people actually practice. Take your pick or hold that thought as there is more to come.

Image Credits in order of appearance.
http://johnfrummovie.com/
https://www.oceanbluesailing.com/tailored-itineraries/
http://brainshavings.com/2011/10/occupy-wall-street-waiting-for-john-frum/
http://tripfreakz.com/offthebeatenpath/the-cargo-cult-of-john-frum-and-false-prophet-fred-in-vanuatu
http://thereheis.com/nucleus3.22/archive/2/2006-02/catid/11
http://urinieto.com/2012/05/john-frum/
http://no-kill-switch.ghost.io/cargo-cult-in-modern-software-development/

http://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/at-over-255000-strong-the-church-of-jediism-is-a-force
http://www.starwarzspies.com/2013/12/the-church-of-jedi.html
https://twitter.com/churchofjediism
http://www.carbonated.tv/news/turkey-top-religious-body-religion-jediism-threat-to-islam

I hope you found this interesting and informative.

May the Force Be With You

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