Why is Dudeism not officially recognized as a religion?

[DigitalBuddha]

Why is Dudeism not officially recognized as a religion?

There are currently over 160,000 Dudeist priests registered worldwide.
While some may see it as a mock religion, the followers of Dudeism take it very seriously.

This aggression will not stand, man! - http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20130423051725AAjT80t

[Masked Dude]

I was going to sign in and comment over there, but I reconsidered. That Zimmy guy just seems too eager to fight. Some paraquat just want to argue for argument's sake. What concerns me is his comparison of Dudeism to Scientology. That's... mark it zero. We don't take your money, shun you for criticizing, make fake meters, worship some alien, or have plans involving shooting in the head.

All in all, answer questions, but no reason to invite people like that. Not worth spilling my oat soda over.

[DigitalBuddha]

I was going to sign in and comment over there, but I reconsidered. That Zimmy guy just seems too eager to fight. Some paraquat just want to argue for argument's sake. What concerns me is his comparison of Dudeism to Scientology. That's... mark it zero. We don't take your money, shun you for criticizing, make fake meters, worship some alien, or have plans involving shooting in the head.

All in all, answer questions, but no reason to invite people like that. Not worth spilling my oat soda over.

[Bullett00th]

I think you're asking the wrong question.

The real one is: should it?
I don't think it should. It's a way of life more than a religion. To categorize means to restrict.

Not to mention it may become widespread and 'trendy', quickly losing its essense. Just my thoughts.

[MindAbiding]

I agree that there are unintended consequences of turning an ethos into a religion. Look at Taoism: It starts as a couple of sages advocating folks to take 'er easy, becomes a religion and all of a sudden its alchemy, spirits, gods, and superstition.

I think you're asking the wrong question.

The real one is: should it?
I don't think it should. It's a way of life more than a religion. To categorize means to restrict.

Not to mention it may become widespread and 'trendy', quickly losing its essense. Just my thoughts.

[Bullett00th]

I agree that there are unintended consequences of turning an ethos into a religion. Look at Taoism: It starts as a couple of sages advocating folks to take 'er easy, becomes a religion and all of a sudden its alchemy, spirits, gods, and superstition.

Exactly.
Not to mention that the Dude will be very quickly equated to Christ

[DigitalBuddha]

One reason Dudeism needs some kind of "recognition" is the issue of officiating at marriages. Some ordained Dudes have run into walls regarding marrying people because the state they are in has yet to officially "recognize" Dudeism. Fucking government, nothing ever changes! Otherwise, I concur with the sentiments expressed.

[milnie]

If dudeism became a fully recognised religion what's the difference? Being a dudeist priest is a way of life, not a status symbol, not a tax write off.

[DigitalBuddha]

If dudeism became a fully recognised religion what's the difference? Being a dudeist priest is a way of life, not a status symbol, not a tax write off.

Yeah, mang; but I am working on the tax right off part.