Starting a Religion (doctrine, worship, services, moral)

[Skyl3r]

Hello Everyone,

I was just sitting back and thinking for a moment, what would be the best way to start a religion?
The idea I was tossing around with a friend was starting the National Drag Racing Church. I can imagine several benefits of being recognized as a religion.
We could call drag racing our ritualistic mode of worship thereby making racestrips a house of worship and qualifying for tax exemption.

Or what about creating a church centered around drugs. For instance, a church in Mexico is able to legally use DMT because it is a religious act.

So how far could this be taken?
Is there laws in place to define a religion?

[kab0906]

Google Scientology

[L8Gr8Apost8]

I've been thinking the same thing lately.

[mensaguy]

To define a religion, look here: Religion | Define Religion at Dictionary.com

... a set of beliefs, cause & purpose of the Universe, some Supreme Being, devotion and rituals, a moral code of conduct, and often a holy book.

I think you also want to know what the IRS recognized as a religion. You could look here: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-pr...urches-defined

Certain characteristics are generally attributed to churches. These attributes of a church have been developed by the IRS and by court decisions. They include:

• Distinct legal existence
• Recognized creed and form of worship
• Definite and distinct ecclesiastical government
• Formal code of doctrine and discipline
• Distinct religious history
• Membership not associated with any other church or denomination
• Organization of ordained ministers
• Ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed courses of study
• Literature of its own
• Established places of worship
• Regular congregations
• Regular religious services
• Sunday schools for the religious instruction of the young
• Schools for the preparation of its members

The IRS generally uses a combination of these characteristics, together with other facts and circumstances, to determine whether an organization is considered a church for federal tax purposes.

[Arach Angle]

Originally Posted by kab0906

Google Scientology

lmao.

[Arach Angle]

Originally Posted by Skyl3r

Hello Everyone,

I was just sitting back and thinking for a moment, what would be the best way to start a religion?
The idea I was tossing around with a friend was starting the National Drag Racing Church. I can imagine several benefits of being recognized as a religion.
We could call drag racing our ritualistic mode of worship thereby making racestrips a house of worship and qualifying for tax exemption.

Or what about creating a church centered around drugs. For instance, a church in Mexico is able to legally use DMT because it is a religious act.

So how far could this be taken?
Is there laws in place to define a religion?

how far?

dude died, woke up, and flew away?
maybe?