Personal Religion - What is it?

Have you ever wanted to say "I'm sorry I can't do that. It's against my religion," but your religion (being ancient and all that, or recently invented in the Southwest) just didn't apply? Or perhaps you're a godless atheist and have to abstain from mysterious but useful prohibitions?

Have you ever made a list of resolutions for the new year, only to find out that it's the same as last year's?

Are you uncertain about what you are supposed to do in some situations, because you forgot what "exactly" you really believe or how firmly you believe it?

Or do you have very strong convictions which you have to explain over and over again, because they're not taken seriously by those around you?

Or did you notice that the religion you belong to is strikingly hypocritical, self contradictory, and/or consistently linked to violence, sexism, homophobia and other forms of repression?

These problems, and many more can be solved by PR, short for Personal Religion.

PR comes with a small degree of structure to get you started on your own religion, and a convenient, business-card-sized, bible-resembling booklet. It is simultaneously your reminding book of commandments and your proof of membership in a reputable organization, perfect for scenarios in which people think you're not really serious or that you're just trying to get out of something.

PR is designed to be as harmless and hypocrisy-free as possible, putting you in control of, as well as responsible for, your own actions. All you have to do is commit to your own list of commandments.

Beware, however: once others have read your list, they might be offended that it contradicts their own values, here and there. That's just part of the risk of putting it in writing. Also, they might call you on some transgression and point directly to your booklet as proof of your sinfulness. In the latter case, you will have to look deep within, or rationalize (or change the commandment as soon as possible).

Ask others to put their beliefs in writing. If their beliefs are different from yours, they're prime candidates for inclusion, since one of the rules is that all members MUST have a different set of commandments. If their beliefs are the same as yours, encourage a more detailed assessment, which will invariably come up with some disagreements.

You might say: "But if if everyone joined PR, the world would become a chaotic, murderous mess." Then you might think about what you just said, and join.

Simply print out the .pdf file (requires Acrobat Reader) in color, preferably on "photo paper". Score (create linear indents) using a screwdriver or similar semi-blunt object where the folds will be. Cut with a ruler and blade along the outside marks, fold, and glue together as shown below.

Pdf file (4mgs, no compression for high bandwidth)

Pdf file (800k, compressed for low bandwidth)

Each page makes two booklets, one for you and one for someone else who might want to join after seeing yours. Print more as needed. Fill in with pencil if you're not so sure you can stick to your own commandments. Use pen or computer if you're confident (and even then, you can always print more).

Good luck and welcome aboard. You're on your own!