User:Modified Universal Theology

A religious practice that was first introduced into the United States in the early 1960's by the prophet Zeus Sambazon. It is the practice of modifying one's body in order to become one with the universe in both a physical and spiritual way. It is comprised of a mixture of Greek and Norse Mythology, Astrology, Buddhism, Paganism, Theism, Panentheism, Pantheism, Polytheism, Deism, Animism, Totemism, and Shamanism. It not a very popular religion, however it is still being practiced to this day by a small percentage of the descendants of former followers who refer to their groups as their "clans".

Beliefs and Practices
Modified Universal Theologians (M.U.T.'s) believe the Universe is one massive being that has a divine plan for everyone, and in order to become one with the Universe, we must modify our own bodies to enforce the bond between our spirits and the Universe. M.U.T.'s refer to their physical bodies as "canvass vessels". You come into the world as a fresh canvass, and it is up to you to modify your vessel to better represent your spiritual self, for example: There are many more examples, however these are the ones most practiced.
 * Tattoos play a big part in M.U.T. because they can have a variety of impact on one's representation. They are the symbols of your life, like the cavemen and their paintings. When you die you will leave behind your vessel and it will be marked with the images of your life, which are portrayed as your tattoos. You will be buried or cremated with your tattoos, making you and your "life symbols" one with the universe.
 * Hair Representation is also another way M.U.T.'s choose to personalize themselves, and also celebrate different holidays and ceremonies.
 * Piercings and Ear Stretching to M.U.T.'s are considered as "minor pain ceremonies".Life and the universe balance each other out, just like the good and bad. When an M.U.T. feels they need good karma in their life, they will request an MPC. The pain they feel from the ceremony is non life threatening, however depending on the person, may constitute enough pain in order to achieve good Karma. If the pain is not up to par, they may be redirected to other more drastic body modifications.

Ceremonies
Initiation: If you are not born into a clan then you must ask a member of the clan to schedule an interview with the clan's "Patron of the Universe". You will have to explain to the patron why you feel you belong in the clan. If the patron decides to move forward then you will be asked to choose an element of nature that best represents you. For example, if you feel water is your element, then your initiation ceremony will be held on a beach. You will then be handed a pipe filled with cannabis which will be presented to you by the patron. You will be asked to find a comfortable spot and smoke all of the cannabis. Once you have finished you must meditate until you feel a connection between you and the Universe. After you have achieved universal connection, you will walk back to your new clan and have a feast in your honor.
 * If you have a partner who is already a member of the clan, then in order to end the initiation you must conjugate with each other.

Patron of the Universe: The Patron of the Universe is basically the leader of the clan. It can be either male or female. They are the ones who supervise and commence the ceremonies. They make sure all the members of the clan are being taken care of and settle any dispute that arises within the clan. In order to become the clan's patron, you must first be nominated by a clan member after the original patron dies. You and the other nominees will be asked to explain to the clan why you feel you should become the Patron. The clan members will vote who the next patron will be. In the event of a tie, the nominee whose element overpowers the other will become the new patron.

Minor Pain Ceremonies: please refer to Piercings and Ear Stretching, as stated above

Zodiacal Celebrations: M.U.T.'s believe the Universe makes everything happen for a reason. Whatever zodiac sign you are born under was chosen for you by the Universe. Instead of celebrating your birthday the traditional way, M.U.T.'s believe in celebrating your entire birth month/zodiac month. Since it is a month of celebration in your honor, you will be asked to give up something for the entire zodiac month in order to balance the good and bad karma of the Universe.