It's been a while. Yes, I'm still alive. Earlier today, I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine about MLP and how, even though most of the fan base differs dramatically, we all still observe and abide (or at least attempt to) by the general code, Love and Tolerate. But then he started talking about how that if a collection of people, despite differences, all work together and abide by the same beliefs and/or moral code, are a religion. I tried explaining to him that we are not a religion, we are a community (and a happy one at that), and that we are all different completely, but are bound by a common love for the show and/or its community. This went on for quite a while, until finally, I looked up the definition of a religion. Religion- noun 1. A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. So, at first, we did share a lot similarities. It did seem to dawn on me we are, in fact, very similar. Still, I insisted that we are not a religion. But then I read the second definition. 2. A specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion So wait a minute... -We do believe in a general and fundamental code -We are a number of persons So what do you all think? Are we a religion? Source(s): http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religion?s=t
We may be very similar to a religion, but I would not say we are in the slightest. My reasons: 1. Most religions follow a divine spirit. While yes, it is true that not all religions do, I still go by this. We worship no one, and we do not follow any religious practices. 2. No one follows our "code" anyway. They did at first, back when I joined the fandom last year. Now, the fandom is filled with hate, and people who judge anyone different. I know my reasons are quite flawed, but this is the best I could think of.
Sorry to disappoint, Finest, but I do follow the code. I know you had some hard times on your other forum, but I won't rest until I prove you wrong. Shouldn't be hard though, since all I have to do is be myself.
Silly, I meant bronies in general don't anymore. I mean, a few still do. I've learned not to expect it from anyone anymore.
For realz dood. I'm glad others share a view similar to mine on the love and tolerate thing. ***************************************************** The way I see it bronies don't have a code, we are fans of a TV and nothing else. Do the DC comic fans have a code, the Marvel comic fans or maybe the Jersey Shore fans. They are like us, I group people brought together by something. Unlike them though, bronies insist everyone love and tolerate. I can say right now I'm losing my Love and Tolerance towards another brony. Why? Because he keeps harassing artist on the "bad" side of the fandom. People shouldn't need a show to be good people. I do not think this is like a religion, if it is, then I want out.
I don't think we are a religion. If we were, then that means 30+ websites are just on this religion. I have my own religion, so if I have 2 religions, that means one out weighs the other. You don't nee a show to be a religion. We are all different, let us believe what you want to believe. If this is a religion, then I never would have came here in the first place. We are just a large group/community of people who share interests, that doesn't mean we are a religion. No matter what the definition says. I'm not one for words, so if this makes no sense let me know. I don't want to give a long explanation, but that's what I think.
I'd say that we're just a fandom, not a religion. While some bronies do follow the love and tolerance thing (like many of us on this site), other bronies do not
"What are we but disgusting things Thrown back into the tangle? When we fall, how many points do we receive? What are we worth?" - Cats Millionaire I was reminded of those words by the title of this thread, and, fittingly enough, they were written and sung by a Brony. I don't think we Bronies follow the same religion (Bronyism?), simply because, while the Dictionary definition of a "religion" is rather vague and lots of things may fit into it, it is for that reason that a more specific definition was adapted by scholars. We are not a religion (and if I had my Sociology course notes with me, I could give a more in-depth reason). We DO NOT observe the same doctrine. I'm a Brony, and I certainly love, but I do not, as a rule, tolerate all things. I do seek greater understanding of those who others call "the haters", but truthfully, those people have always existed no matter what group I belonged to, and their reasons are hardly ever reasons at all, merely justifications thought of after the fact. People fear what they do not understand, or what is unusual to them, and that fear oft transforms into hate. You should not expect any Brony to "love and tolerate." However, I try to enter every encounter with another human hoping (not expecting) that they will be the best they can be. And I certainly have no negative expectations of other Bronies. They're humans like me, and like them I also make mistakes. I won't expect the best from them in the future, but I will try to see the best in what they do. People do not do and say things without a reason. You.
No, we are not a religion, no more than Star Trek fans or Nascar fans are a religion. And no, we aren't a cult either. We're a big group of people that share a common interest. /thread kthnxbai
The concept of Loving and Tolerating is stupid really. I can respect and love and tolerate who I choose, but I -won't- tolerate or love anything or anyone I don't agree with. If I choose to dislike someone, it's my decision. I shouldn't be forced to live by the code. Whoever came up with the slogan 'Love and Tolerate' in my opinion, needs a reality check. Loving and tolerating is good on paper, but it opens up a lot of doors for you to get stomped on later on. Be careful as to who and what you tolerate, and you set yourself up for success with less chance of disappointment. As they say, expect nothing and you shall never be disappointed.
This is how I live my life. It's working like a charm so far. Anyway, to keep this on topic, bronyism is just a fandom, nothing more. If you take away the "love and tolerance" message from the show, that's good but humans should already have those values anyway.
I'm fine with getting stomped on, as long as I'm true to myself and my conscience is clear. I'll get back to you about that "reality check," though. Good to know you think the way I try to live my life is stupid. And by the way, I don't try to live my life by the code because of the show. Love and tolerate has always been my goal. The show and its fans just put renewed vigor in me to redouble my efforts. So I've apparently been stupid my whole life.
Alright. So, as people typically do, we do not think alike. However, just us simply thinking together seems to give him a sense we are all... believing the same thing. However. I will definitely reference this next time we talk. Thank you.
No, if it was a religion it would not allow you to have another, it does not occupy the religion slot on the character sheet. However, it could also be argued that christianity and buddhism are not mutually exclusive, meaning that you can in fact be a christian and a buddhist. My own rule is very similiar to love and tolerate, love and tolerate those that love and tolerate you, if not, be a good example, if someone offend you deeply, explain why they are wrong, if still not listening, send them to the moon (AKA ignore them.).
The values of the show is in my opinion quite worthy of having the authority of religious teaching in my opinion. It is basicly the essence of most religions. Division is an illusion, we are all really one. I just saw a documentary that sugested Jesus went to study with buddhist monks in india as a child, the three wise men according to this theory were monks searching for the reincarnation of the soul we today call the Dalai Lama. Apperently they thought this was Jesus. This does indeed make sense conidering the similarities between the teaching of Jesus and the Buddha. To me, this possibillity means that the religions are not as divided and seperate as they might seem. Bronyism is only a religion if you want to, but even so it does not contradict any other religion as it makes no claim to the nature of the universe.
Hooray, someone else agrees with me. Now we just need to tell everyone and then religion will no longer be a cause of war. Although I don't think that bronies is a religion. It just teaches basic lessons about morality and friendship.
