The Tangilism view is that there is no god/s that influence what happens to us. This view is consistent with either of the following beliefs:
- There is no god/s
- There is a god or gods but this god/s do not influence what happens to us
A Tangilist can therefore hold either of these beliefs and they are both equally accepted and respected.
Tangilism believes what happens is in our control, our fate is in our hands and it is up to ourselves to make things happen.
Tangilism believes that every person has the right to determine their own religious beliefs and likewise everyone’s religious beliefs should be respected. Any person who sets out to prove or disprove any religious beliefs has missed the point of religion. In addition it is never acceptable to ridicule another person’s religious beliefs nor is it acceptable to try discredit another person’s religious beliefs.
Tangilism believes in making things happen as opposed to praying for things to happen. In line with this philosophy daily communal services are referred to as planning sessions as opposed to prayer sessions.
So instead of praying for good health Tangilists plan how they can improve their heath
Instead of praying for wealth Tangilists plan how they can improve their financial position
Instead of praying for happiness Tangilists plan how they can make their lives better
etc.
Tangilism does not set specific eating restrictions however it advocates following a healthy lifestyle which includes eating healthy. What determines eating healthy is based on standard practices/guidelines from health practitioners and nutritionists, which practices/guidelines would change from time to time.
Smoking and drug taking is seriously discouraged as it is contrary to following a healthy lifestyle.
Alcohol should be taken in moderation
Exercise is encouraged.
Tangilism does not dictate on the issue of circumcision and it is left up to each individual to decide what they want to do. Both circumcised and uncircumcised viewpoints are accepted and respected. There is evidence of health benefits associated with circumcision but it is understood that some people have moral issues against circumcision.
As far as tattoos, piercings and other body markings go Tangilism does not dictate on this issue and it is left up to each individual to decide what they want to do. Tangilism accepts and respects each individual’s choice in this regard.
Tangilism advocates that sex should be between two people in a loving and committed relationship. Promiscuity is discouraged. Safe sex should always be practiced.
Alcohol should be taken in moderation
Tangilism has no rules regarding dress code. Modest dress whilst in the Congregation is expected.
Tangilism does not have a holy day of the week however it advocates that Sunday be taken as a day of rest. On this day people should ideally not work, not shop, they should turn off mobile devices and other electronic devices, they should attempt to spend time with their family, they should rest and they should use some of the time to attend the Sunday planning session and/or do their personal planning. If a Tangilist wishes to switch another day with a Sunday as their day of rest than that is acceptable.
It goes without say that sin is wrong and a person should not sin. However the question is why should a Tangilist not sin given Tangilism believes there is no god/s who will punish the sinner. The reasons why a Tangilist should not or would not sin:
• Where a sin breaks a law the person will have to suffer the civil/legal consequences of breaking the law e.g. fines, arrest, jail, etc.
• There are also non legal consequences of doing bad things e.g. your spouse leaves you if you have an affair
• Someone who sins will have to live with themselves knowing they have sinned. In this regard people have an in-built sense of right versus wrong and people are intrinsically good and it generally causes emotional unhappiness for a person when they do bad things
• You can expect people to treat you the same way you treat them and if you treat people badly it is just a matter of time until you yourself get treated badly, as they say what goes around comes around.
Tangilism advocates being charitable towards other people. The reason for this is not because there is a god/s instructing you to do so but rather because it is the right thing to do. The benefits of being charitable include:
• The intrinsic feel good feeling one gets when one helps another person
• Helping others in the community or society that you live in will uplift that community or society thereby benefiting all those living there including yourself. For example, crime decreases if the poor in the community are assisted
• You can expect people to treat you the same way you treat them and if you treat people well then you yourself will generally get treated well in return, as they say what goes around comes around.
The Tangilism view is that when something bad (excluding self-inflicted injuries/problems) happens to you it is just bad luck and bad luck can happen to anyone. Accept that life can be hard and everyone has problems to a greater or lesser degree. It won’t help you or your family by getting into a depression as a result of any such bad thing and it won’t change what has happened. So remain positive. By remaining positive you can move forward as best as possible and make the most of your situation and ensure the future is as good as it can be.
For information on Trustee Gail le Grellier and on Trustee David Lepar and on Trustee John Rollason and on Trustee Francisco Khoza and on Actuary Tony Kamionsky to find out more details
