Tangilism is a new religion started in 2017 in South Africa Someone who practices the religion (i.e. a follower, adherent) of Tangilism is referred to as a Tangilist

Tangilism is derived from the word tangible which means: 1. capable of being touched; discernible by the touch; material or substantial. 2. real or actual, rather than imaginary or visionary. 3. definite; not vague or elusive. 4. possible to be treated as fact; real or concrete. As the name suggests Tangilism is a religion where the beliefs are based on what is tangible and Tangilists are not required to accept things that are non-physical, invisible, spiritual or fictitious. This in no way is a criticism of any other religion. The Tangilism view is that: 1. all people are free to decide on their own belief system 2. a person’s religious beliefs, regardless of what they are, should be respected 3. no religion and no person is superior to any other religion or person 4. intolerance on religious or any other grounds is not acceptable.

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. A person does not need to give up their current religion in its entirety to be a Tangilist. A person who shares the Tangilism stance on god/s can still associate with aspects of their heritage and maintain aspects of another religion whilst being a Tangilist. In this case the person can refer to themselves as a Christian Tangilist, a Jewish Tangilist, a Muslim Tangilist, etc.

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. Tolerance and respect is something that every person has a right to and it is something that every person has a responsibility to show towards others.

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. Once again this is in no way a criticism of any other religion and Tangilism accepts and respects any religion or person who does believe in the power of prayer. Tangilism planning sessions are held daily except for Mondays and Saturdays. These planning sessions can be done in a group or on your own. The guideline time for a planning session is 30 minutes during the week and two hours on a weekend. The format of these planning sessions is not yet finalised. They will however be meaningful, informative and to some extent entertaining. People will want to attend these sessions and will enjoy attending these planning sessions.

Tangilism is not for anyone who believes that there is a god/s who influence what happens to them. Tangilism is not for such a person and such a person would be better suited to another religion which prays to this god/s.

Tangilism is suited for someone who does not believe in god or who does believe in a god/s but doesn’t believe that that god/s has any influence over them, but notwithstanding this the person still wants to be part of a community, participate in religious rituals e.g. marriage ritual and have a support system for dealing with hardships or improving themselves or their situation.

Tangilism is most certainly a religion for the following reasons: 1: Tangilists are commited and/or devoted to the religious faith and observance of Tangilism 2: Tangilism is a personal set or institutionalized system of attitudes, beliefs, and practices 3: Tangilism is a principle and system of beliefs held to with ardour and faith.

Tangilism takes no stance on reincarnation, or heaven or hell for that matter, but rather focuses on the here and now and getting the best out of a person’s current life. It is left to each individual to form their own view on whether or not they believe in reincarnation (and heaven and hell) and from the Tangilism point of view any stance on this aspect is accepted and respected.

All forms of intolerance are frowned upon. Tangilism doesn’t discriminate on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. All people should be respected regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. It is never acceptable to run down another person’s religious beliefs. No person is superior to another and no religion is superior to another.

• Respect the law of the land • Be charitable to others • Live a healthy lifestyle • Strive to increase your knowledge and share your knowledge • Conduct yourself ethically and honourably • Lead by example • Treat others the way you would want them to treat you • Nurture your family • Be tolerant of other people and their beliefs • Protect the environment

Tangilism has places of worship/learning just like other religions have churches, synagogues, mosques, etc. Such place of worship/learning is referred to as a Tangilism Congregation, so for example, if there was one such venue in Fourways it would be referred to as the Tangilism Congregation of Fourways. A Tangilism Congregation is a place where Tangilists come together for their daily planning session, their celebrations, rituals, festivals, family functions, social events, etc.

Tangilism Congregations have a head in the same way that a church has a pastor, a synagogue has a rabbi, a mosque has an imam khatib, etc. A Tangilism Congregation head is called a Director A Tangilism Director is the head of and the leader of the Congregation A Tangilism Director would be a licensed marriage officer.

Tangilism has reference books the same way other religions have a bible, Torah, Koran, etc. The Tangilism reference books are a compilation of accounts of recent events of human achievements, praiseworthy people and inspirational events that are worthy of study and respect. One such example is Nelson Mandela and the story of his life. With other religions the reference books are based on events that happened thousands of years ago whilst in Tangilism the events being studied and learnt from are recent events that have often happened in our lifetimes. Another distinguishing feature is that the Tangilism reference books are updated from time to time with current events that justify inclusion. This differs to most other religions where the reference/holy books are fixed and don’t change with time. Once again we are not running down any religion but merely highlighting some differences.

Tangilism has a National Executive which is akin to the board of directors of a company and is ultimately responsible for the administration and welfare of the religion. The exact structure of this National Executive is still being finalised. The National Executive would, amongst other things, set rules regarding meetings/training/approving Congregation Directors/ discipline/reviewing the reference material and the practices of Tangilism.

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.

Although the actual milestones/rituals and their format is still being finalised, Tangilism will have special and meaningful rituals for the following milestones: • Birth of a baby • Child turning 18 • Marriage • Funeral

These are still being decided on however Tangilism will have holidays/days of observance like other religions have. These holidays will commemorate something, bring attention to something and/or set out practices to be followed on such holidays.

Tangilism does not discriminate between men and women. This means, amongst other things, that there is no separation of men and women in the Congregation and a woman can be a director of a Tangilism Congregation. Again this is in no way of criticism of any other religion.

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.

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.

English. Tangilism Congregations are however free to adapt the local language of the community in which they are based..

The initial ideas were conceived by Tony Kamionsky

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