An religion based on Ultima?

Honestly, I'm kind of surprised no one has made a religion out of this since this includes 8 main virtues, good messages, it's own holy book ect. I feel like it can make a good philosophy overall and I'd recommend checking it out The book is The Codex of Ultimate Wisdom, and it's all about of course being as good as you can in the world. In the afterlife, they even say in one of the games that there are no answers to life and death, only questions but spirits do roam around much like in ghosts. If anyone played the games you probably know what I'm talking about.


I think it's a good system to follow personally. Jediism is about the beliefs and philosophy from the Star Wars movies, and I don't see any reason why this wouldn't make a good religion or spirituality.

http://ultima.wikia.com/wiki/Codex_of_Ultimate_Wisdom

http://ultima.wikia.com/wiki/Eight_Virtues

It doesn't need to be made into a religion in order for it to be relevant and followed.

That's the problem.

Everyone wants to make religions out of any valid philosophy. Yes, I am speaking of Jediism here, as well as Taoism and even Christianity. None of these were meant to become religions, but ways of living and thinking, ever evolving, not getting stuck in doctrine.

I understand, but I did mention it could be a good philosophy and/or spirituality and doesn't necessarily have to be a "religion" in a sense where it follows a certain creed or dogma. That's why I like Druidry, Judaism and so forth as they don't have to be "religious" about their practice.

I was just wondering if anyone would think this would be a good spirituality or philosophy to follow.

Yeah, I vaguely remember playing these as a kid.
I quickly re-read through literature on Ultima, and found that it really doesn't present anything new. It's basic spirituality in a (1980s) novel package.
Jediism only became a US 501c3 religion because Br. John did all the paperwork; that doesn't mean it needed to happen, or even that it ought to have. I'm not saying Jediism or Ultima is without benefit, but you don't need to put a name on something as simple as virtue.

Some light history:

Philosophies used to be what Religion has taken on today. They used to ask questions like: "how to be good" and "how to live." As Philosophy evolved, it has become concerned with highly academic subjects. Modern philosophers are not often writing about "how to live." Enter the Self Help book section of Barnes and Noble. Once philosophy turned away from Life Philosophy, we filled the gap. This transition is long and begins with religion itself. Religions answered questions like "what is life," but they were (no offense) usually, if not always, fiction. They did provide morality, but usually at the whim of a government censure plan. I vaguely remember hearing that Christianity was intended to control the masses... And, it does a great job of it.

Now, when we have philosophies pop up in culture, like Jedi, we tend to appropriate it to a religion because that is the gap we want to fill. We want a Life Philosophy, and religion owns that in our society these days. Are all religions methods of control? No way. When the West re-appropriated Buddhism, the same method of control was not present because it wasn't propagated by a government; it was a grass-roots movement. It was, I think, a symbol of rebellion anyway.

Because there are so many exceptions to the rule, there isn't much we can do to say that X is religion and Y is philosophy. The lines are so blurred that nothing means anything anymore! HA! If you doubt me, I guarantee you can find Buddhists who believe it is a philosophy and others who believe it is a religion. Even in the same sect. The same is true for Christians, believe it or not. When I was going through my Christian stint, I didn't believe in the religion part.. I was just modeling myself after Christ's Life Philosophy.

In that case, it is not important what we CALL Jediism. Rather, it is more important to consider what is the function of Jediism. In my case, Jediism is the bringing together of my family; it is the pondering and exploration of the Force; it is the cultivation of Peace, Knowledge, Serenity, and Harmony. All in the service of self-understanding and life fulfillment.

Streen wrote: It doesn't need to be made into a religion in order for it to be relevant and followed.

That's the problem.

Everyone wants to make religions out of any valid philosophy. Yes, I am speaking of Jediism here, as well as Taoism and even Christianity. None of these were meant to become religions, but ways of living and thinking, ever evolving, not getting stuck in doctrine.

People like to belong to groups, no one wants to belong to something alone, if some idea becomes a religion or a organization or a group, people will join... Jediism to me its more than a philosphy way to live, to me its like an improved samurai path, jedis are spiritual, they serve otners rather than rule, jedis help others in need, but they are peaceful wartiors too, there is a code, jedi are guardians of peace and justice.

Connor L. wrote: The same is true for Christians, believe it or not. When I was going through my Christian stint, I didn't believe in the religion part.. I was just modeling myself after Christ's Life Philosophy.

I do believe it I am in a similar boat. Christianity has generally turned into Churchianity. There aren't a lot of Christians who don't go to church, but you had the right idea. We're supposed to emulate Christ, not build a system around him.

This isn't going to be a popular opinion, but Jediism never should have come into being. It's become exclusive, in that sense. Now you're either a Jedi or not. Or you're a novice, apprentice, knight, decon, master, bishop, etc., all of which are distinctions that (no offense) mean very little. I'm sure everyone worked very hard for their title, but outside of this Jediist community, no one cares (for lack of a better term).

Like I said, many of you will disagree with that, but Jedi existed long before TOTJO came into being. The titles, the religion, the doctrine... these are not necessary. Ultimately, IMO, you need to let go of titles, be liberated from them.

Streen wrote: Like I said, many of you will disagree with that, but Jedi existed long before TOTJO came into being. The titles, the religion, the doctrine... these are not necessary. Ultimately, IMO, you need to let go of titles, be liberated from them.

When they don't matter, one doesn't need to be liberated from them.

When I was going through my Christian stint

:laugh: