F.A.Q.

Yes, it is.

•  It is a "binding to" ethical principles that are clear, consistent and morally defensible. So, from a functional perspective, it very definitely is a body of religious teachings.
• Are you living the values shared in The Nine Principles, those being PEACEFULNESS, TRUTHFULNESS and CHOICE in all you do, as sincerely held beliefs and to the best of your ability? If the answer to that is "yes", then again, it is truly a religious practice in your life.

Considering yourself to be among those who believe in the principles of this path merely means you truthfully and wholeheartedly agree to follow the Three Tests of PEACEFULNESS, TRUTHFULNESS and CHOICE in your life, while allowing the same latitude of belief for others.

Think of it this way: if you are a Christian, you consider yourself to be Roman Catholic, or Greek Orthodox, perhaps Lutheran or Pentecostal or Southern Baptist, or Church of Christ, and so on. You may be a Mormon. If you follow Judaism, you may be Orthodox, Conservative or Reform. If you follow Islam, you may be Sunni or Shia or perhaps are most comfortable identifying as Sufi. These are all variations of the great underlying spiritual ideals that inspired them.

Establishment of Religion should be considered in the same way. You do not renounce any of your previously held beliefs, unless of course you wish to. We have no need of a membership roll or donor list. Your sincere attempt to live the principles espoused here is all the commitment sought, and all that will ever be asked of you.

The notorious Willie Sutton reportedly was asked why he robbed banks. His reply: "Because that's where the money is." Establishment of Religion uses the same reasoning when it comes to government and coercive action: because that's where we find the greatest concentration of violence and corruption.

The assumption here seems to be that religions shouldn't concern themselves with the political sphere. But why assume that?

We believe the political class the world over is greatly in need of what true religion tries to impart: compassion instead of indifference; cooperation instead of the projection of naked power; persuasion instead of coercion; and a healthy appreciation for virtue rather than the mindless pursuit of pelf and privilege.

Further, we believe the sphere of government action is a natural fit for religion's influence. After all, religious inquiry has preoccupied human thought from the earliest days of civilization.

While we respect and appreciate value in the principle of separation of church and state, the fact is today's Church of State  demands unwavering loyalty, blind faith in its goodness, our willingness to allow it unlimited license to punish any and all it finds lacking, and the sole and exclusive right to determine guilt and innocence.

The Church of State is the only church the parasitic governing class will allow influence in our secular society. It is in their interest to assure there will be no serious questioning of the moral character of our political class as true religion might pose, and no strict calling to account for their actions.

Establishment of Religion refuses to be silenced in our critique of the rot at the heart of our political leadership. As we do not seek tax exemption, we are free to offer our thoughts on any topic we consider worthy of comment, without the censorship IRS rules would impose. That leads us to cast our eyes toward government, a target-rich environment for those seeking an object crying out for fundamental reformation.