Challenge 4, Season 1: Submission Thread

[Ivy]

Bring it on!

[disregard]

Forward
One of the problems of religion is to maintain sacred texts and religious services that stay relevant, inspirational, and enlightening to the modern culture. Modern culture is always in a rapid state of flux, while religion remains fairly static. If we look in the field of economics we see that the shift from Command and Feudalistic economies toward Market economies has greatly increased the wealth of modern people. This is because authority has become decentralized allowing many people to decide what happens in the economy. Likewise modern Democracies are superior to alternative forms of govenment because authority is less centralized, and the ideas for new laws originally come from within the nation's citizenry. Therefore there should be a similar shift in modern religion toward a decentralization of power. The beliefs of the religion should come from within its membership, and it should be able to gradually shift to stay relevant as the culture changes.


Inspirationism
The idea of Inspriationism is that the "scripture" is composed entirely from works of art, specifically music, literature, visual arts and performing arts. Furthermore the Canon is selected by the members of the faith, and the Canon is updated regularly in order to stay relevant within a modern context. Worship services are encouraged to draw their inspiration from the artistic works of the Canon, and artists within each individual congregation are encouraged to add their own works to the worship services. The focus of Inspirationism is for a person to draw their inspiration and enthusiasm about "The Divine" i.e. God, The Tao, etc... from works of art.

Here is how the Canon is chosen:
Initially all of the current members of the Inspirationist faith nominate and then vote in order to choose the 40 most essential religious works ever created. The top 10 are selected from each of these four categories:
Literature - This can include any kind of holy text, book, short story or poem.
Music - This includes any type of musical piece.
Visual Arts - This includes paintings, sculputures, murals, drawings, etc....
Performing Arts - This can include drama, film, dance or any other type of performing art.

These initial 40 works are known as the Major Canon. These are meant to be the focus of religious teaching and worship. Additionally every year afterward 4 more works are selected (one from each category) to be added to the Minor Canon. The number or works in the Minor Canon will always be four times the number of years that the Inspirationist faith has existed (one per category per year). On every fifth year (after the normal annual selection process) members of the Inspirationist faith nominate and then vote on whether to replace any works from the Major Canon with any of the works from the Minor Canon. In this way the Major Canon gradually shifts to fit the needs of an ever changing culture.

One may ask, "How can something be part of a canon if it is not a formal writing?" The purpose of the Inspirationist faith is not to lay down hard and fast rules, but rather to inspire a person's mind toward thoughts of The Divine, humanity, and how the two interact. Obviously one can still follow strict rules if written in literature such as "You shall not kill" or "Seek to remove from yourself all desire", but the goal of the Inspirationist faith is to positively motivate oneself toward a more wise and enlightened way of life rather than to restrict specific behavior. Furthermore many sacred texts of other religions have existed to inspire people over the years. The Inspirationist faith seeks to put even more emphasis on inspiration by including music, paintings, films, etc... as part of our sacred canon.

One may ask, "What role do the Major and Minor Canons play in the life of an Inspirationist?" The Major Canon is meant to be the focus of worship and inspiration. The Minor Canon is meant to be used for sources of further inspiration and shed greater light on the Major Canon. Additionally a congregation is encouraged to use additional artistic works during worship services which they view to be in harmony with the Major Canon including art created by members of the congregation.

The format of worship services is up to the individual congregation. One congregation might use a more traditional format with music and then a sermon or lecture based on a piece of literature. Another group may simply watch a film and then discuss it afterword at a coffeehouse. A third group may use a different format for each week of the month.

One may ask, "What are the Ten Commandments of your faith?" We have no explicitly spelled out "Ten Commandments". Instead all teachings come from the inspiration of our Major Canon which is selected by our members.

One may ask, "What is your Holy City?" If we have anything like Holy Cities they would be New York City and London. Every year the new additions to the Minor Canon are announced in a ceremony in one of these two cities. These cities are chosen, because they are viewed as artistic centers. The location of the ceremony alternates between the two cities each year (New York the first year, London the second, etc...).

One may ask, "Why would I want to join an Inspirationist congregation?" If you are someone who is seeking more spiritual depth but wants their religion to be relevant in a more modern context then you will appreciate Inspirationism. Likewise you will meet and grow with other people who share your desire. Lastly you will have an opportunity to affect what the sacred canon of your faith is. Please come and experience one of our worship services.

[EffEmDoubleyou]

The Green Team invites you to consider Caffeinology! Please explore the pages of the Caffeinology website to learn what this powerful new religion can do for you.

Caffeinology | Unlock The Power Of Coffee Within You (http://www.freewebs.com/caffeinology/)

[Jennifer]

God. I'm going to bed.

[Jen]

CLICK ME (http://youtube.com/watch?v=J2inZ2VRP2I&feature=related)
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd203/Jen1357/2677954583_77f9c5f9a8_o-1.jpg

Elvis our prophet on earth, is now The King of Heaven. Like all religions, the Faith of the Elvisism is based upon both logic and faith. We have faith that that he was a prophet; we logically know he is in heaven because he died.


On August 16, 1977 our lord and savior, Elvis Presley, ascended to heaven to assume his rightful throne. Throughout his time amongst us he revealed his divine prophesy through his music, true believers keep the faith by having his music in their hearts.

Elvis re-appeared before his most devout believers at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee on Christmas Day 1977 to spread the divine word as promised in his prophesy I'LL BE HOME ON CHRISTMAS DAY. The following is a recount of that evening by one of his disciples, Ernest Judge;

We had I’M COMIN’ HOME playing on a loop in the background and candles surrounding the Kings shrine, at exactly five past midnight they flickered he appeared before us in a bright light, we were overcome with emotions at the sight of our King and Saviour.

“Thank you, thank you very much” he said. “DON'T CRY DADDY, I’m IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE now and IT FEELS SO RIGHT”

We were in awe of his presence and had many questions, one believer started asking him all the thoughts that had been plaguing us for the past four months but was quickly interrupted “A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION, I come with commandments for my true believers,” We obeyed and stood in silence whilst he recited our new 10 commandments. I’ll never forget that day, many non-believers try to test my faith but an experience like that cannot be denied I JUST CAN'T HELP BELIEVIN'.


Elvisism: Improved Ten Commandments

1. Thou shall BELIEVE IN THE MAN IN THE SKY.
2. Thou shall have no other Idols before me for there shall be DOUBLE TROUBLE if you do.
3. Thou shall LOVE ME TENDER and not use my name in vain.
4. Thou shall wear BLUE SUEDE SHOES on the Sabbath to keep it holy.
5. Thou shall honor thy parents because everyone NEED SOMEBODY TO LEAN ON.
6. Thou shalt not murder because it's not EASY COME EASY GO.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery, I SLIPPED, I STUMBLED, I FELL is not an excuse.
8. Thou shalt not steal but FINDERS KEEPERS, LOSERS WEEPERS.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness as IT'S A SIN TO TELL A LIE.
10. Thou shalt not covert THE GIRL OF MY BEST FRIEND.


Faith Based Recipes Featuring The Elvis Fried Peanut Butter Banana Sammy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7Cepe6bP94&feature=related)


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2041/2674329765_9c466ba2f2_o.jpg

[Ivy]

I have it on good authority that Red is submitting but having technical difficulties. Please stand by.

[NoahFence]

The Red Team invites you to view a pamphlet that is sure to convert you to the Cult of Four!!!
Tract 1 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Sarlith/track1-1.jpg)
Tract 2 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Sarlith/track2.jpg)
Tract 3 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Sarlith/track3.jpg)
Tract 4 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Sarlith/track4.jpg)
Tract 5 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y190/Sarlith/track5.jpg)

[Tallulah]

We can has poll?

[disregard]

Heh. If this challenge were to take place in a high school classroom, Green would be the power-point making hand-raisers, Red would be the stoner misfits, and black would be the popular kids that always get an A with the least effort.

:D

[EffEmDoubleyou]

Black would also be the team that tries to get their paper back and make changes to it after handing it in. ;)

[Firelie]

Black would also be the team that tries to get their paper back and make changes to it after handing it in. ;)

lol Shhh...we weren't supposed to see that.

*Jedi-handwaves*

[Jen]

Black would also be the team that tries to get their paper back and make changes to it after handing it in. ;)I was having issues getting the damn thing posted thanks to word. ;)

[Wolf]

Heh. If this challenge were to take place in a high school classroom, Green would be the power-point making hand-raisers, Red would be the stoner misfits, and black would be the popular kids that always get an A with the least effort.

:D
You forgot blue.

[disregard]

I ran out of ideas.

I'm a loser like that.

[Jen]

It's not polite to brag about yourself.

[NoahFence]

Mine's the one with drag-mark of pen on the last page, which is what happens when Teach yanks it out of your grip while you're still writing. Could'a used another hour or two on this one.

I'd say "could'a used another few days" but let's be real...changing the last minute just changes my start time.

As for the stoner misfit comment, well, I represent that.

[Ivy]

FYI, the next challenge will be posted sometime over the weekend, no earlier than 9pm Eastern on Saturday. I'm still trying to weigh the need for a break against the convenience of some weekend time for our working competitors. Input welcome!

[Edahn]

WE NEED A BREAK!!!!

[Ivy]

I know! You'll get one! I'm just figuring out if it's worth starting the next one on Saturday and letting it go a little longer in the tooth rather than waiting until after the weekend to start it. The end will be the same either way.

[Edahn]

Oh okee. :D

[EffEmDoubleyou]

If it's going to end at the same time, might as well hear it on Sunday morning. Saturday night will just ruin my Saturday night :)

[Anonymous]

I know! You'll get one! I'm just figuring out if it's worth starting the next one on Saturday and letting it go a little longer in the tooth rather than waiting until after the weekend to start it. The end will be the same either way.

So when does the next season start?

[CzeCze]

I just wanted to give big ups to Noah for being so good with the strip. Who needs Carebear and his 'photoshop skillz'. Pshaw. At least, not for this challenge anyway. ;)

Goooooo red!

Seriously, I'm not saying that just cause I'm on the red team either.

While Caffeine gives me serious pause, I was never that into Elvis and sorry Blue, but MANG what a bunch of neo-classicist hippies you are! If I joined your religion I'd have nightmare flashbacks to being back in college.

So in other words --

Red's the way to go!

Yay!

*this advertisement endorsed and paid for by Czecze*

[Anonymous]

I just wanted to give big ups to Noah for being so good with the strip. Who needs Carebear and his 'photoshop skillz'. Pshaw. At least, not for this challenge anyway. ;)

Goooooo red!

Seriously, I'm not saying that just cause I'm on the red team either.

While Caffeine gives me serious pause, I was never that into Elvis and sorry Blue, but MANG what a bunch of neo-classicist hippies you are! If I joined your religion I'd have nightmare flashbacks to being back in college.

So in other words --

Red's the way to go!

Yay!

*this advertisement endorsed and paid for by Czecze*

Alright, your previous attempt to sabotage our awesome religion is forgiven. :D

( ;) )

But yeah, I agree with you, the other religions were kind of lame.

[Trinity]

Heathens :tongue10:

[ygolo]

Drink 100 cups of coffee in 1 hour and save a room full of burning people due to super fast speed, and then we can talk about who the heathens are.

[NoahFence]

Save a room full of burning people by being able to piss for twenty minutes, more like...

[Oberon]

I'd almost forgot to mention one of the great anthems of our creed. I cannot link to an MP3 file from here, but for your edification here is a link to the lyrics:

Elvis is Everywhere (http://www.geocities.com/multielvi/mojo.html) by Mojo Nixon

[bluebell]

But yeah, I agree with you, the other religions were kind of lame.

And you're totally unbiased. Uh huh.

[Oberon]

And you're totally unbiased. Uh huh.

Eh. Anonymous ain' nuthin' but a hound dawg.

[bluebell]

Eh. Anonymous ain' nuthin' but a hound dawg.

I'm all shook up.

[Silently Honest]

Heathens :tongue10:

I resent that. ;)

[Oberon]

Teams Red and Green are on Elvis's sh!t list.

You guys better sing ten "Jailhouse Rock"s and ten "Viva Las Vegas"s each if you want absolution.

Team Blue is okay. Elvis always did favor the Blues.

[Jennifer]

Teams Red and Green are on Elvis's sh!t list.

You guys better sing ten "Jailhouse Rock"s and ten "Viva Las Vegas"s each if you want absolution.

I'm drinking my coffee and waiting to be devoured first, thanks.

[Oberon]

I'm drinking my coffee and waiting to be devoured first, thanks.

...I'm just imagining Jennifer jumping up from her desk and dancing out into the corridor by her cube, launching into "...Warden threw a party at the county jail!" full-voice.

You get extra grace if you swivel your hips.

[Trinity]

I resent that. repent

Fixed :)

[Silently Honest]

I resent that. repent. still resent that.

Fixed :)

Unfixed, adjusted, then repaired.:yes:

[Jennifer]

...I'm just imagining Jennifer jumping up from her desk and dancing out into the corridor by her cube, launching into "...Warden threw a party at the county jail!" full-voice.

You get extra grace if you swivel your hips.

:coffee:

[Uytuun]

Red. Blood red.

[CzeCze]

Prepare to be devoured convert!

:rock:

[disregard]

Must. Restrain myself. Need. To know. What the next challenge is.

(It's like christmas only with presents!)

[Jennifer]

Must. Restrain myself. Need. To know. What the next challenge is.

(It's like christmas only with presents!)

You can give me presents if it will make you feel better.
(Always glad to help a friend!)

[Jen]

Black is Beautiful and so is Elvis!

[Anonymous]

And you're totally unbiased. Uh huh.

Eh. Anonymous ain' nuthin' but a hound dawg.

I'm all shook up.

Note to self: Check whether or not you're posting in the team's private forum before ragging on the other teams. :doh:

For the record, I was just kidding, really! I thought team black's entry was awesome! I mean, Elvis, right? Yayz!

[Jennifer]

For the record, I was just kidding, really! I thought team black's entry was awesome! I mean, Elvis, right? Yayz!

Have another peanut-butter-and-banana deepfry, sugar.

[Oberon]

Have another peanut-butter-and-banana deepfry, sugar.

Oooh, to actually deep-fry it...

I think I'd coat it with pancake batter first to make a nice crust, then dust it all over with powdered sugar after it was fried.

The result would be a kind of peanut-butter-and-banana funnel cake.

[Jennifer]

Oooh, to actually deep-fry it...

I think I'd coat it with pancake batter first to make a nice crust, then dust it all over with powdered sugar after it was fried.

The result would be a kind of peanut-butter-and-banana funnel cake.

okay, you can make one of those things for me too. ;)
With a big scoop of hagen-daas vanilla bean ice cream on the side.

[ygolo]

Save a room full of burning people by being able to piss for twenty minutes, more like...

Well, that's certainly one way to do it.

[NoahFence]

Well, that's certainly one way to do it.

Well hallelujah! It's a murkle!

[EffEmDoubleyou]

Must. Restrain myself. Need. To know. What the next challenge is.

(It's like christmas only with presents!)

Ugh! I don't want to know. If I know, I'll just start thinking about it. And I don't wanna think about it.

[MacGuffin]

Moved chatty posts to Discussion thread.

[Edahn]

Ugh! I don't want to know. If I know, I'll just start thinking about it. And I don't wanna think about it.

I heard it has something to do with writing a math equation.



:devil:

[ygolo]

I heard it has something to do with writing a math equation.



:devil:

You said that just to get me excited didn't you?

[CzeCze]

OMG --

WE WONNNNN!!!!!!

HA HA HWA HWA HW AHWA!

IN YO FACE blue/black/green TEAM!!!

[Firelie]

OMG --

WE WONNNNN!!!!!!

HA HA HWA HWA HW AHWA!

IN YO FACE blue/black/green TEAM!!!

It only took 4 challenges.

[Jennifer]

It only took 4 challenges.

Yeah, we wanted to give everyone else a chance to win before we started

Kicking!
Your!!
Hineys!!!

[Firelie]

Oh, of course.

[Jennifer]

Oh, of course.

Thank you for not arguing -- it will spare you further humiliation.

[Firelie]

No use arguing with delusional people. :)

[Jennifer]

No use arguing with delusional people. :)

You're right -- I'll take your advice and go to bed. :D

[Firelie]

Glad to hear you're no longer at odds with yourself. That's a really hard way to live. Sweet dreams!

[Rajah]

Did Jennifer just say "hiney"? Really?



Since when does transitioning turn you into a total ESFJ?

[Jennifer]

Did Jennifer just say "hiney"? Really?
Since when does transitioning turn you into a total ESFJ?

If you want to be part of this community, you should start acting like one!!!

Sorry. DarkJen moment. Won't happen again. ;)

[Jen]

I liked the green teams website.

I have a great idea for challenge 5. Now if i can just get people geared up to make it happen! Where's my team? :cry:

[Carebear]

Right here. ;)

[substitute]

present!

[Haight]

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