What is Nekoism?

Introduction

Nekoism is a nekomimi-themed anti-dogmatic religion that focuses on achieving Gnosis, a higher understanding of spirituality and the existence we find ourselves in. We aim to do this through a belief that all religions, belief systems, and spiritualities, are speaking to the same higher power (be that a God, many gods, the mathematical nature of the universe, consciousness, etc.). But because we are humans, we are incapable of speaking the divine language that comes from each of these sources. As such, we only receive portions of the true message rather than the full meaning.

We believe that by organizing together and sharing our beliefs, these scraps of knowledge can begin combining into an overarching source of wisdom, gleaming the first hints of a Gnostic truth. We are open to all tolerant faith systems, world views, all genders, sexualities, races, and backgrounds. It's only through the culmination of all peoples that we can achieve a speck of wisdom.

Origins Of Nekoism

Nekoism emerged from conversations between a STEM addict, and an occultist, acknowledging each other's views and finding ways in which they could fit together. We found this to be surprisingly easy in the end and found a lot of mutual ground via the hermetic philophies, and Gnostic scriptures. From those conversations spawned the idea that we should build a community for like-minded people, who also wish to share their ideas and build upon their beliefs through the beliefs of others. 

Despite their surface differences, we believe that all spiritual paths are attempting to communicate universal truths sourced from the same all-encompassing everything. We also believe that learning should be an enjoyable experience and that while beliefs can be life-changing and a way of existing, it's important to keep things fun and not be too serious all the time. This is where Nekos come into play - they're cute, they're fun, and they make great metaphorical tools for expressing aspects of wisdom.

To be blunt I just really like catgirls and wanted to find a good way to incorporate them. Personally, I think I did :3

Core Beliefs And Principals

In Nekoism, we call upon the traits of Nekos to help express our core value systems, as while they may just be cute fictional beings (plus real cats are cute! :3) they prove to be unexpectedly useful tools in expressing a quality way to grow, learn, live, and worship.

1. Curiosity: Nekos have long symbolized curiosity, from exploring any noise to rooting through your hamper. As Nekos of Nekoism, we should follow our hearts through various beliefs to seek out new perspectives and find out hearts truth.
2. Humility: Nekos tend not to take themselves too seriously, while playing and being silly they tend to know their place in the cosmos. As Nekos ourselves, we should acknowledge our limitations and try not to take things too seriously while seeking the wisdom of the divine.
3. Empathy: A Neko's purr is a sign of comfort and connection, and in Nekoism, empathy is the purr that resonates throughout our community. We should recognize each individual's divine spark and aim to support each other's spiritual journeys. 
4. Open-Mindedness: We Nekos should strive to emulate the agility and adaptability shown in our four-legged counterparts, using open-mindedness as our spiritual flexibility. Embrace new ideas and philosophies with an open heart, and understand that each one can lead you a step closer to your personal Gnosis. 
5. Responsibility: Just as Nekos (that aren't orange) are highly in tune with the world around them, and keep a keen awareness. We too must be mindful of how we impact the world, for our external actions will impact our internal spirit.
6. Resilience: Just as a Nekos "nine lives" symbolize their resilience against the challenges of the world, the Nekos of Nekoism should remember their resilience in the face of hardships. Rise up on every stumble, grow stronger and wiser through our mistakes, and pursue the path of wisdom no matter the obstacle. 
7. Harmony: Just as a Neko can find its balance on the edge of a counter, or find comfort in the wildest of positions, in Nekoism we seek to achieve harmony in our lives through the balance of beliefs and practices, creating a cohesive, diverse, spiritual life. 

The Role Of Gnosticism In Nekoism

Being the core pillar of Nekoism, Gnosticism plays a crucial role in its values, particularly in the pursuit of personal gnosis. In ancient tradition, the divine truth is often seen as an unreachable, unknowable, and unattainable force. Nekoism adopts this perspective in an attempt to glimpse the truth, encouraging our followers to seek personal understandings of the divine through introspection, exploration, and spreading of knowledge to other Nekos.

Where traditional Gnosticism limits its divine wisdom to a few, spiritual elites; Nekoism hopes to offer guidance to all Nekos who chose a path of knowledge and spiritual learning, We value all insights, regardless of their source, and the teaching of those insights, because it's only through the complex interconnectedness that the divine light will shine. This approach makes Nekoism a unique, dynamic, spiritual path, and one that constantly evolves as Nekos spread their wisdom into the fur of its being. 

Conclusion

Nekoism is a unique spiritual path that combines the wisdom of Gnosticism with the inclusive spirit of Nekos. It encourages all followers to explore their understanding of the divine, share their insights, and grow together in a community that values curiosity, open-mindedness, and resilience.

By rejecting exclusivity and embracing the contributions of every Neko, Nekoism fosters a dynamic and evolving spiritual journey. It offers a welcoming space for all who seek deeper truths, where each step taken together brings us closer to the divine wisdom we all seek.

FAQ

Q: How can I join or get involved? A: We have a Discord server! Due to the push of American televangelism in the 50s-60s, Nekoism is capable of operating as a fully functional church without the need for a physical location. Our solution to this - the Nekoism Server

Q: Is Nekoism a legally recognized religion? A: Yes, Nekoism is a fully functioning and legally recognized church. It operates as a non-profit organization within the United States and is capable of officiating weddings, issuing ordainment, and other religious functions.

Q: Do I need to believe in a specific god or deity to follow Nekoism? A: No, Nekoism is open to all tolerant belief systems. Whether you believe in one god, or many gods, or see the divine in the universe or consciousness itself, Nekoism encourages you to explore and share your beliefs as part of the collective pursuit of wisdom.

Q: What role do Nekos play in Nekoism? A: Nekos serve as metaphors for key spiritual principles in Nekoism. Their traits - such as curiosity, humility, and resilience -are used to express and embody the values that guide followers on their spiritual journey. They are also cute and fluffy and nice to pet.