This page is part of “Creating a New Positive Religion or Spiritual Tradition”.
This is still a DRAFT.
Beyond the declaration of intention made in the ceremony of joining Lumessianity, we expect each member:
- To take part in gatherings. There is no required number of gatherings.
- To strive to live by the values of Lumessianity.
- To help others live by these values too.
Isn’t that too little?
The economist of religion Laurence Iannaccone, in his well-known paper “Why Strict Churches Are Strong” (1994), argued that a community that asks little of its members suffers from free-riding: many enjoy its benefits while few contribute, and so it weakens. Demanding requirements screen out those who are not truly committed, and raise the participation of those who remain. This helps explain why strict movements tend to grow, while very liberal ones tend to shrink.
We are aware of this argument. In our tradition, commitment does not come from external demands, which would contradict our principle of anti-coercion. It comes from co-creation: each participant takes part in creating the gatherings, the ceremonies, and the tradition itself, and so becomes an owner of the community rather than a consumer of it.
Voluntary commitments
Some of the good or impressive things inspired by religion came from practices religions required of their members. Requirements create durable institutions, but we reject coercion.
Our middle path is voluntary commitments: a member may choose to take on a commitment, for example a monthly volunteering day, giving a percentage of their income, or a year of service. The community then supports them in keeping it. The commitment is freely chosen, but it is a real commitment.