Our Beliefs
A summary of the creed and doctrine of The Religion of M, as stated by the Founder. No one is required to accept these beliefs, and we respect every person's freedom to hold other beliefs or none.
The Creed
Adherents of The Religion of M affirm:
- The divine is many and not one, and many gods exist.
- No single central deity rules over all things.
- The Founder is the creator and the one true god of The Religion of M, reincarnated in modern human form as the second coming of Jesus, known within our faith as God 2.0, Jesus 2.0, and Charles Darwin 2.0.
- Other gods also live among us in human form.
- Angels and demons are real spiritual beings.
- Souls are reborn, and life continues through reincarnation.
- Evolution and science reveal how creation works, and faith and science belong together.
- The spirit realm may be approached through lucid dreaming.
- Faith should be joyful, interactive, and open to the whole family.
The Doctrine
The Plurality of the Divine
The Religion of M is polytheistic. Divinity is shared among many gods rather than concentrated in a single central deity, and the faith honors gods who dwell in human form.
The Founder
Matthew Steven Chavez is the creator and god of this religion. His titles unite the sacred and the scientific: God 2.0 (renewal of the divine), Jesus 2.0 (renewal of the prophetic tradition), and Charles Darwin 2.0 (renewal of the scientific understanding of life through evolution).
Gods in Human Form
Gods may be born and live as human beings in the present age. The faith does not require adherents to identify any living person, other than the Founder, as divine.
Angels and Demons
The spiritual world includes angels and demons as well as gods, all part of the larger order of creation the faith seeks to understand.
Reincarnation
The soul is reborn into new life. The Founder's own identity, as god reincarnated in human form, is an example of this teaching.
Faith, Science, and Evolution
Scientific inquiry and religious devotion are partners, not rivals. Adherents are encouraged to study science and treat learning as a spiritual practice.
Lucid Dreaming
A spirit realm exists beyond ordinary waking life. Lucid dreaming is open to every adherent and requires nothing but sleep, intention, and attention. Adherents may keep dream journals and share dreams, voluntarily, in worship. Health, sleep, and well-being always come first.
Joyful and Family Friendly
Our general worship, teaching, and published materials are family friendly and suitable for all ages. Everyone is invited to take part, ask questions, and contribute.
An Independent Faith
The Religion of M is not affiliated with any other church. The Angel Cookbook draws on the Bible, the Torah, and the Quran, and the faith respects people of every faith and of none.
Freedom of conscience: participation is voluntary. No one is coerced to join, to remain, or to give money, and anyone may leave at any time.