Is the Church of the Latter-Day Dude real?

Founded in 2005 by Oliver Benjamin, a journalist based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Dudeism’s official organizational name is The Church of the Latter-Day Dude. An estimated 450,000 Dudeist Priests have been ordained worldwide as of May 2017 and marriages have been officiated legally by Dudeist clergy in some US states.

Where did Dudeism come from?

Dudeism is a religion and philosophy founded in 2005 by journalist Oliver Benjamin. Its belief system is inspired by the 1998 movie “The Big Lebowski.” The cult classic film stars Jeff Bridges as “The Dude,” an easygoing, carefree Los Angelino fond of weed and White Russian drinks.

Is The Big Lebowski about religion?

Despite its appearance of being a mock religion based on popular culture references, “Dudeism” is a coherent framework of thought that promotes a modern form of Chinese Taoism which is an intersection of Lao Tzu’s philosophy, Epicurus’ thoughts and The Dude’s charismatic irreverence for the hyper-anxiety of modernity.

Can ordained Dudeist priests perform marriages?

Q: Are ordained Dudeist priests legally allowed to preside over weddings and other ceremonies? A: In the United States, yes.

Can a Dudeist priest marry in Texas?

Dudeist priests seem to fall under Sec. 2.202. (a)(3) “a person who is an officer of a religious organization and who is authorized by the organization to conduct a marriage ceremony.” I would just “Minister” as title, “religious” as ceremony, and “non-denominational” as denomination.

Are Latter Day Saints Mormon?

Most members of Latter Day Saint churches are adherents to Mormonism, a theology based on Joseph Smith’s later teachings and further developed by Brigham Young, James Strang and others who claimed to be Smith’s successors.

Is Dudeism recognized as a religion?

While Dudeism in its official form has been organized as a religion only recently, it has existed down through the ages in one form or another. Probably the earliest form of Dudeism was the original form of Chinese Taoism, before it went all weird with magic tricks and body fluids.

What is the meaning behind The Big Lebowski?

The two Jeffrey Lebowskis, then, appear to represent the opposing values of two different eras: the Dude embodies the free-spirited liberalism of the sixties and seventies, and the “Big Lebowski” personifies the accountability-focused capitalism of the eighties and early nineties.

What states can a Dudeist priest marry?

Re: Marriage Laws in different states Separation of church and state and all. The law basically states that any clergy properly ordained by the standard ordination procedure of the specific church is allowed to perform marriages legally.

What is a Dudeist priest?

As an ordained Dudeist Priest, you can minister over religious ceremonies in most U.S. States (laws vary, so check with your local County Clerk first), and assorted other countries. Preside over a wedding, funeral, or any kind of celebration with pride and authority.