Bizarre religions and their strange beliefs

Bizarre religions and their strange beliefs - We've all heard of the more familiar religions like Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism. But do you know what Happy Science is? How about Matrixism? And which religion believes in cannibalism and drinking alcohol from human skulls?

Browse the gallery and learn more about some of the world's wackiest religions and their curious beliefs.

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What is religion? - Religion is typically the belief and/or worship of a higher, spiritual being or beings.

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Religion - It is estimated that there are more than 4,000 different religions in the world. Some of the more popular ones include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

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Religion - But there are many others that are a less known, little understood, and harder to come by.

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Church of Euthanasia - "Save the Planet, Kill Yourself" is a popular slogan among these guys. They are also known for their common clashes with pro-lifers, as they support abortion and suicide.

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Rastafarianism - Rastafari refer to cannabis as "the holy herb," believing it to have healing powers and creating feelings of peace and love in those who use it.

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Happy Science - Happy Science practices Love, Wisdom, Self-Reflection, and Progress. Nothing too strange there, right?
Except for the fact that its leader and founder, Ryuho Okawa, claims to be the savior and living reincarnation of Buddha.

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Scientology - This controversial group are said to follow a practice, which is supposedly now-defunct, called "fair game." It essentially allows Scientologists to freely go after and harass anyone who is deemed an enemy, or against the Church of Scientology.

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Wicca - Also known as Pagan Witchcraft, this religion believes in magic, spells, and sorcery.

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Dudeism - Dudeism believes in taking it easy, kicking back, and not worrying so much, as outlined on their site. Hakuna matata!

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Confucianism - Based on the teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucius, this religion revolves around doctrines of good behavior, wisdom, and social relationships.

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Temple of the True Inner Life - Those who follow this religion believe that psychedelic drugs like Dipropyltryptamine and LSD are the true flesh of God.

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Satanism - Satanism could be regarded as the antithesis of Christianity. Followers believe in things like indulgence, kindness only to those who are deserving, egoism, and an "eye for an eye" code of ethics.

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Voodoo - Voodooists believe in a visible and invisible world, and that the two worlds are intertwined, according to HuffPost.

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Matrixism - Inspired by 'The Matrix,' this religion considers the films to be their sacred text.

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Aghori - This sect of Hinduism practices crazy rituals including cannibalism, drinking alcohol from human skulls, and wearing jewelry made of bones.

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The Body of Christ - This religion strongly believes in the practice of faith healing as opposed to relying on modern medicine.

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Christian Science - Likewise, Christian Science (not to be confused with Scientology) also believes in faith healing and that pain does not really exist, relying solely on Christian Science prayers to alleviate ailments and other physical sufferings.

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Pastafarianism - Their deity? The Flying Spaghetti Monster. While not considered a real religion in the US, it is a legitimate religion in the Netherlands and New Zealand.

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Caodaism - This is the third largest religion in Vietnam, according to Religious Tolerance. Followers believe in karma and reincarnation.

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Prince Phillip Movement - In the little known island of Vanuatu, in the south Pacific Ocean, there are followers of the Prince Philip Movement, who believe the British royal is a divine being.

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Cagenism - Followers of this religion are—you guessed it—devotees of actor Nicolas Cage.

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Iglesia Maradoniana - This church idolizes the former Argentinian soccer star, Diego Maradona.

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The Church of Ed Wood - Similarly, this pop culture-based religion centers around the American filmmaker. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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Jediism - Followers of Jediism believe that The Force (from the 'Star Wars' franchise) is a real thing. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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Nuwaubian Nation - This religion is based on black supremacy, and followers worship the Egyptian pyramids and believe in UFOs. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 )

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Aetherius Society - Another UFO religion is the Aetherius Society, which is based on the supposed contact founder George King made with aliens. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 )

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Raëlism - Raëlism also believes in extraterrestrials who created life on Earth. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0 )

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Religion - Whether you are looking to achieve divine enlightenment, or seeking comfort in some form of higher spiritual being, people identify with different religions for various personal reasons.

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Be blessed - Whatever your reason and whatever religion you follow, happy worshiping!

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