- What is “The Church Of LOTU”? It’s a religion for atheists and critical thinkers – believe it or not. LOTU stands for “Laws Of The Universe”, the idea being that atheists respect and “worship” the natural laws as explained to us by scientists. It struck me that there aren’t many opportunities for atheists to get together to discuss how they get meaning and inspiration in life without the traditional crutches of gods, etc. There also aren’t any places for people interested in learning more about atheism to gather with existing atheists for a friendly chat. Where does one go to hear the atheist “gospel”?
- What does LOTU stand for? It stands for “Laws Of The Universe”. The idea is that this religion will be fully based in science and critical thinking. It will not worship any mythological deity but will respect, and try to interpret, the laws of the universe as delivered to us by the latest scientific research.
- Does The Church Of LOTU worship any gods? Not unless any scientific evidence for gods emerges and is accepted by the majority of scientists.
- Is this a joke religion like FSM? No. It’s serious.
- Isn’t religion antithetical to atheism? Traditionally, yes. Wikipedia defines religion as “… both the personal practices related to communal faith and to group rituals and communication stemming from shared conviction.” This is the way we look at it. Atheism doesn’t have to be a solitary practice. Atheists (especially new atheists, former believers) may get value out of gathering together to discuss their approach to answering the ‘big questions’ about life. So let’s not be afraid of the terms “religion” or “church” and, instead, embrace them and extend them to rational thinkers.
- Does LOTU have a prophet or any leadership to be worshipped or glorified? Ah, no. Not now, not ever. Putting any particular human being up on a pedestal wouldn’t be very rational, would it?
- Are there any fees or other forms of financial contribution required to be a member of the Church of LOTU? No.
- What do you have to believe to be a member of the Church? LOTU doesn’t have any dogma or set of “commandments”. Apart from trying to understand and appreciate the scientific laws of the universe, LOTU will also endorse the United Nations Charter on Human Rights. Unlike other religions, LOTU will not condemn people who do not agree with us to an eternity of torture and vilification. We may debate with them vigorously, but we don’t want them punished.
- When was the Church created? It probably started with this post by Cameron Reilly on Saturday, January 5th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
The Church Of LOTU
A religion for atheists and critical thinkers. Yes, that’s what I said.
Recent Comments
 | cameronreilly on The Church Of LOTU FAQ |
 | kmccready on The Church Of LOTU FAQ |
Almost but not quite. The revealed truth is that it’s actually LOHA. Your divine messenger must have had a cold.
Loha = LOgical HAppiness get it?
an attempt to live life maximising my happiness by maximising the happiness of family, friends and communities through logical action.
- you should be happy first and you can’t be a
full human being if other humans are suffering.
- you have a responsibility to your family, friends and the different communities you live in from local to global and including other animals and the environment
- all your actions must be driven by logic (meaning a proper
application of science and reason)
Logic and science are beautiful and anyone who thinks they’re not hasn’t spoken to a child before the poor little blighter has been caught by another religion.
Dear K, I like the sound of loha. Perhaps we can integrate it into LOTU?