What are the requirements for being recognized as a religion?

[WestCoastLib]

And how many ridiculous things could I choose to make up as religious rules and laws that I would be excluded from if I gathered enough people to be "believers" in my cause to be recognized as a religion?

In fact isn't it the case that, throughout history, many people have done exactly that in order to get their way?


Evolve, please.

[PoliticAverse]

1. You can see the IRS requirements to be recognized as a religion here...

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p557/ch03.html#en_US_201502_publink1000200104

http://www.irs.gov/irm/part7/irm_07-025-003.html

http://www.irs.gov/irm/part7/irm_07-026-002.html#d0e29

Note that the "Church of Scientology" is recognized by the IRS as a religion.

[hifiguy]

2. Become a Dudeist minister.

A religion worth believing in, the Church of the Latter-Day Dude: http://dudeism.com/

[Buns_of_Fire]

8. "I now pronounce you, like, married. Go forth and abide."

Gotta love a religion where the sacred vestments are a bathrobe.

[jberryhill]

3. For the purpose of what?

For the purpose of ordering coffee at a restaurant in Brigham City, Utah?

Or for something like taxes?

[WestCoastLib]

4. Anything I feel like

Maybe my religion worships electricity, therefore the power company is denying my religious rights, preventing me from praying if I can't afford to pay my bill and they cut off my power.


Or we believe that since we were born naked, we should stay naked and I shouldn't be forced to wear clothes to work a government job.

[jberryhill]

6. AC or DC?

[WestCoastLib]

7. Thunderstruck?

[Bluenorthwest]

5. Let John Oliver explain it, he just started his own Church.

Follow up article:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/08/24/john-oliver-s-bogus-church-is-a-huge-success-thousands-of-dollars-received.html

[yuiyoshida]

9. This was my first thought

glad you found the video!