Engaged Dudeism?

[BikerDude]

Do what you want and don't worry about it.
That is pretty darn Dude for my money.

[Rev. Jimmy]

In reference to engaging with the world as Dudeists, perhaps we've been thinking about it all wrong. When Christians do charity work, they usually make it very clear that they are Christians and let it be known what church they represent. Now, what is the point of that? It's advertising in a sense. They may very well be good-hearted people who sincerely care about the world, but they also have a goal of bringing more people to their faith.
We don't really need to spread the word of Dudeism, because we don't need to convert people to Dudeism. We have found a path to walk that resonates with us. We can engage the world as ourselves, just as the Dude represented himself.
I do not see the Dude as a Jesus figure in our religion. He does not represent moral perfection, as we can see that he has flaws. I see the various characters as representing different archetypes in the modern world, each with lessons to impart. 

[BikerDude]

In reference to engaging with the world as Dudeists, perhaps we've been thinking about it all wrong. When Christians do charity work, they usually make it very clear that they are Christians and let it be known what church they represent. Now, what is the point of that? It's advertising in a sense. They may very well be good-hearted people who sincerely care about the world, but they also have a goal of bringing more people to their faith.
We don't really need to spread the word of Dudeism, because we don't need to convert people to Dudeism. We have found a path to walk that resonates with us. We can engage the world as ourselves, just as the Dude represented himself.
I do not see the Dude as a Jesus figure in our religion. He does not represent moral perfection, as we can see that he has flaws. I see the various characters as representing different archetypes in the modern world, each with lessons to impart. 

Yeah. In a way nothing captures the BS more than the thing they point to as most legitimate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABUKVMj9ocY

Engaging in Dudeism is going bowling and enjoying a few oat sodas IMO.
If I feel strongly about evangelizing I buy a round.
But that's just like my opinion man.
I see nothing wrong with the full deal. Dudeist retreats. A Dudeist vatican (bowling alley) whatever.
It's all good.

[Rev. Jimmy]

We need an order of Dudeist monks to tend a bowling alley. The bowling alley must be kept running on donations and volunteer labor. May as well get the tax exemption as it is a church.
Said bowling alley will use score sheets instead of computers and will generally be a laid back retreat from the working class grind. No cosmic bowling with goddamn disco lights and shit. 

[Reverend Al]

...No cosmic bowling with goddamn disco lights and shit.

Unless you're having the occasional acid flashback. 

[BikerDude]

And no fucking Eagles man!

[Brother D]

As per recent discussion, I knew I'd seen this topic down there somewhere.

[Rev. Trisha]

As per recent discussion, I knew I'd seen this topic down there somewhere.

And very interesting it is. Some deep thoughts and a goodly number of posts that resonate strongly  with me.

[Dudelyflier]

Okay my fellows dudes.  Just want to point out that any posting to this a here forum are engaging as Dudeists. Just sayin'. Further the Dude attended a performance of dance (?) and, I would presume, gave notes as requested. So I would argue that the idea of being dude is not about not doing but doing in a dudely way.  The Dude not only abides but cares deeply.  He didn't want any harm to come to Bunny Lebowski,  nor did he toss Walter on the dust heap of friends past after the whole debacle of the ringer, the further destruction of the dude mobile and the fucking travesty that was Donny's funeral. He defended Maude from the perceived threat of brother Seamus Da Fino at risk to himself.  When full realization of what the Big Lebowski had actually done, the dude recruited Walter to drive with him to confront the old man and get the truth.
Sorry, lost my train of thought there..
My point is being a Dudeist does not excuse you from engaging with the world.  It does deny you the dubious pleasure of knowing you're right as a dudeist, like a Taoist, must admit of limited knowledge and occasional uptight thinking.  At times like that I prefer to say "Fuck it" grab an oat soda and get a lane.

[Brother D]

A fair point, however, taking it easy and keeping a limber mind makes engaging with the world more enjoyable.

Opting out is a choice and people are free to not get involved, but burying your head in the sand doesn't make problems go away. The whole point is to make the world a better place (at least your own little corner of it).

We all have our way of abiding and some take it more seriously than others but in the end, we all want the same thing - a peaceful life, for ourselves and others.

Would that make dudeist crusaders, Redi knights?

[Rev. Trisha]

A fair point, however, taking it easy and keeping a limber mind makes engaging with the world more enjoyable.

Opting out is a choice and people are free to not get involved, but burying your head in the sand doesn't make problems go away. The whole point is to make the world a better place (at least your own little corner of it).

As I see it, opting out is not necessarily the same as abiding and taking it easy. As one of my colleagues on the council (I serve on our local Parish council) remarked a while back. Nothing seems to phase me. Well I hope he is right since I have long taken the view of let others have their uptight moments and when the dust settles, I will just get on with trying to do my best to resolve whatever the problem is.
Not sure I always succeed but that's life I guess.