Few movies can spawn a religion. In the last UK Census in 2001, approximately 400,000 U.K. residents claimed "Jedi" as their official religion, so Star Wars might be one. But another made-up religion might take the cake this year, with the birth of "Dudeism," based on the film The Big Lebowski. Dudeism brings "takin' it easy" to the next level with ordained Dudeist Priests, the weekly Dudespaper, and a holy book entitled The Dude De Ching, written by Dudeist Preists. The group will even ordain you a Dudeist Priest online for free, without having to spend years in Seminary School. Now, Dudeism.com is calling for U.S. Citizens to claim Dudeism as their official religion on the census. Few movies can spawn a religion. In the last UK Census in 2001, approximately 400,000 U.K. residents claimed “Jedi” as their official religion, so Star Wars might be one. But another made-up religion might take the cake this year, with the birth of “Dudeism,” based on the film The Big Lebowski. Dudeism brings “takin’ it easy” to the next level with ordained Dudeist Priests, the weekly Dudespaper, and a holy book entitled The Dude De Ching, written by Dudeist Preists. The group will even ordain you a Dudeist Priest online for free, without having to spend years in Seminary School. Now, Dudeism.com is calling for U.S. Citizens to claim Dudeism as their official religion on the census.
Dudeism.com officially asked their congregation of fans to “send emails to all your friends urging them to enter “Dudeism” as their religion in this year’s census form if they’re American, and next year if they’re British…”
The Dude De Ching is a Lebowski-themed interpretation of the Tao De Ching, complete with corresponding verse-by-verse text of the original. It’s available online for free here, or you can buy the printed version for about $7 plus shipping and handling here.
I bought a printed copy of The Dude De Ching, partly out of curiosity, partly out of love for the film, and partly because I felt a part of the movement after I registered myself as a Dudeist Priest here. The book itself is surprisingly well-thought out for a bunch of self-described “slackers.” The beauty of the book is the fact that you can make side-by-side comparisons to a translated version of the original text. The first verse of The Dude De Ching is entitled “Dude!” and can be read here.
Sometimes the metaphors feel forced, but anyone who isn’t willing to give up a little for a Lebowski-Version should just check out the original Tao De Ching and watch the movie instead.
For fans who aren’t interested in the zen aspects of the Dude, you can always just drink some beers and head to Lebowski Fest, dates to which have been posted up here. For the saucy ones in the bunch, there’s finally a Lebowski-themed adult film coming out some time in the near future. Either way, take ‘er easy, Dude.
March 15, 2010 at 4:59 pm, Ivan said:
Why on earth are you so obsessed with “The Big Lebowski”? Sure, it was a good film, but it’s like every other coherent sentence you type is about The Goddamn Dude, man! (Of course, your coherent sentences remain far and few between, but still…) Is this like the only movie you’ve ever seen? Have you even seen another Coen brothers movie? Jesus, your world must be small.
March 15, 2010 at 5:03 pm, Ivan said:
Oh, and it’s the “Tao TE Ching”. Or the DAO De JING, if you’re really keen on Anglicizing it. Research, Johnny-Cakes. Research. It is the bestest friend of the uninformed, and the greatest bane of the ignorant. Have you figured out the difference yet?
March 15, 2010 at 8:08 pm, The Dudely Lama said:
Commenter number one might want to take commenter number two’s advice and do a bit of research. Commenter number two might want to lighten up, Francis.
Thanks for writing the article Johnny. You’ve certainly earned some good SEO karma with all those links!
March 16, 2010 at 9:54 am, Ivan said:
Commenters One and Two are the same person, you dumb, smug prick. Sanford, what did I tell you about asking your friends to defend you? It’s pathetic, man. Really.
March 22, 2010 at 10:50 am, Another Dude said:
Every one takes things too seriously. That’s what makes Dudeism so appealing. Commenter #1 and #2.. Relax, don’t think too much into it, and go with the flow.