Welcome to Luminism!
Nations are at war, politicians attempt to dictate our lives and beliefs, and acts of kindness, reason, and logic often seem overshadowed by discord. Amidst this chaos, Luminism invites you to explore a different path. A path rooted in inclusivity, kindness, and the betterment of the world around us.
We’d like to share with you our vision of an afterlife, which is open to all who strive to do good, regardless of whether you believe in any particular god or goddess. We’d love for you to celebrate our holidays, which bring communities together in joy and reflection. But before that, let us tell you a little more about who we are and what we stand for:
- What do we stand for?
Inclusivity, compassion, and a commitment to improving the world around us.
- What are we against?
Acts of evil, coercion, and dogmatic systems that harm or limit freedom.
That’s it in a nutshell, but it’s not exactly that simple, which is why we have this book. Almost every religion has its sacred texts. They are sources of inspiration, guidance, and stories that teach us how to navigate life’s dilemmas. This book is our contribution to that tradition.
However, we are not a cult. Cults thrive on exclusion, unwavering loyalty to a leader, and toxic systems of control. They demand conformity and sacrifice, sometimes even the ultimate sacrifice from members.
In contrast, we are a boutique religion.
We strive to be welcoming, adaptable, and respectful of your freedom to explore. Try us out, and if our message isn’t for you, your previous faith (and their collection plate) will still be there to welcome you back into the fold.
We are a Peaceful Religion
Luminism is a peaceful religion. We are perhaps the most peaceful one to emerge on this planet. We neither condone nor encourage violence, coercion, or hostility in our practices. Instead, we strive to promote kindness, inclusivity, and a better world for everyone around us.
We believe in self-defense, so if we were to compare ourselves to the most peaceful religion in the known universe, we’d fall just short of the Laatafarstca of the Whirlpool Galaxy. This remarkable species of sentient plants practices a faith so devoted to nonviolence that they refuse to defend themselves, even in the face of being eaten alive by herbivores. Their most celebrated philosopher’s final words were an apology to the creature consuming him… just in case it suffered indigestion.
As far as terrestrial religions go, we do stand apart from the three major religions:
- Christianity has inspired countless acts of charity and love, but history also reveals moments where that love was imposed under threat. Forced conversions, crusades drenched in blood, and burning people alive to “save their souls” are just a few highlights.
- Islam has united millions under principles of faith and community, and is practiced peacefully by the majority, has nevertheless struggled with violent extremism. Its darker corners are where beheadings, stonings, and sectarian wars fester. Plus, there is a tendency of losing all mental reasoning if their prophet is mocked or even depicted.
- Judaism chronicles a long history of resilience, but let’s not ignore the ancient conquest narratives where entire cities were “devoted to destruction” (roughly translated as killing anyone who wasn’t one of them). Today, the endless conflict over the “promised land” still smolders like a never-ending funeral pyre.
It’s important to note that these challenges are not unique to any one faith. Even Pastafarianism, which claims to be the most peaceful religion on the planet, for all its satire and silliness, isn’t entirely innocent. They have a canonical history of pillaging, and there is potential for strife in the future between Orthodox Pastafarians and those tying Cthulhu into the community. Such a schism could spark a holy war fought primarily by merciless mercenary trolls.
We won’t claim moral perfection for ourselves, because no religion can. What we can promise is that Luminism is a religion that has an unwavering commitment to peace and inclusion, free from coercion or rivalry. We believe there is no need to compete for souls. Any religion claiming otherwise might benefit from reflecting on why it feels the need to control its followers so tightly.
We offer a welcoming, inclusive space where all are free to explore, learn, and contribute to the greater good.
***
On Sacred Words and Shared Burdens
The religious text is not born from visions of gods or commandments carved into stone. It does not demand allegiance to a deity, nor threaten those who doubt. Instead, it begins with a question:
What if we measured worth not by belief, but by what we do for others?
It is a profound insult to humanity to suggest that without superstition or the supernatural, we would not know how to be kind, just, or ethical. To claim that moral action is impossible without divine command is to deny our capacity for empathy and reason. It is to say that, left to our own devices, we would all become monsters.
Luminism rejects that view.
We are not children in need of constant scolding, nor beasts in need of a leash. To argue otherwise is to reduce humanity to a species of frightened serfs. It makes us subjects to a celestial dictatorship whose judgments cannot be appealed, whose presence cannot be escaped, and whose power punishes not only action, but thought.
The true moral awakening of humanity begins the moment we reject the notion that virtue is only possible through obedience. It continues when we realize that kindness, justice, and compassion are not gifts bestowed from above, but capacities cultivated from within.
Luminism holds that moral action is most meaningful when it is chosen freely, not from fear of punishment, nor in hope of reward, but because it arises from empathy and the shared value of wellbeing.
This is a faith built on action, on compassion, on responsibility to one another. It does not seek to replace other religions, but offers refuge:
- For those disillusioned by cruelty done in the name of faith.
- For those cast aside by doctrine.
- For those still longing for something sacred, even if they don’t believe in gods.
Many have greeted these words with silence or quiet curiosity. A few, with anger. That is the nature of sacred writing that dares to ask different questions.
To those who read this with an open mind and a willing heart, please know that you are welcome here. This is a book for those who want to leave the world better than they found it. It’s for the helpers, the kind-hearted, the wounded.
Let this be a map drawn not from revelation, but from shared wisdom of what it means to be good.
Let this be a light for those who need it.
***
Disclaimers
This book is a faith-based work that presents the principles and teachings of our religion. While readers may find similarities with other religious traditions or notice gaps in theological detail, interpretation is left to the individual. Followers are encouraged to approach life’s challenges with thoughtful responses that seek to promote greater good in the world.
Our religion strives to foster kindness, inclusion, and understanding. It is not our intention to discriminate, offend, or disparage any group. However, we acknowledge that no religion can appeal to everyone. If you find any part of this text disagreeable, we hope you will consider the broader message of compassion and goodwill that it seeks to convey.
This text reflects the beliefs and practices of our faith community while respecting the diversity of religious thought. We value mutual understanding among all people and uphold the importance of science and reason in exploring the natural world. For us, spiritual beliefs should complement evidence-based knowledge, not conflict with it.
Our religion respects individual freedom of belief. Our teachings are not prescriptive but are intended to guide followers toward a virtuous and meaningful life. Personal interpretation and reflection are encouraged, allowing each person to apply these teachings in a way that fosters balance and well-being. Followers are free to explore this faith and, if they choose, leave it without fear of judgment.
The stories, characters, and situations described in this book are works of allegory and moral teaching. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to real events or circumstances, is purely coincidental. The narratives are intended to illustrate universal lessons and should not be interpreted as commentary on any specific individual, institution, or organization.
Some stories, allegories, satire, and imagery in this book are symbolic, not literal. They are designed to provoke reflection and highlight moral lessons, not to target or disparage any individual, group, or religious community. Any depictions should be understood as abstract, literary, or artistic devices.
Finally, this religion upholds the importance of acting within the law and adhering to ethical standards. We categorically reject violence, coercion, and harm in the name of belief. No teaching in this book should ever be interpreted as justification for hostility or unlawful action against any individual, community, belief, tradition, or entity.
The Path of Luminism 