Zolanism Doctrine
Here is how the Zolanism Doctrine works. In some cases I have asked God questions. In some cases I have just 'felt' certain things to be true. I feel comfortable in saying that these unexplained feelings are at the very least inspired by God/Higher Power. In any case, in the spirit of the Universal Life Church, you are freely allowed to believe in parts of the Zolanism Doctrine and/or disagree with them. I, Zolan, am not perfect. I leave that part to God/Higher Power. If I am severely wrong about something I'm sure he'll find a subtile way to correct me.
Either way, embrace what rules you want and if you do embrace them, remember they are YOUR beliefs of our church. Anyone telling you they aren't 'legally' valid are just trying to bully you. I AM legally a minister and this IS my church. Anyone telling you they aren't valid period might have a point and it may be worth being at least willing to hear their reason but still believe what you like.
This list will grow over time. You may feel free to ask me about what is in the doctrine now or suggest new things to be put in the Doctrine. I may be the one who decides what goes in the Doctrine but I will always listen to my fellow Zolanites without placing judgement on them.
Thou shall stive to be a nice person.
This rule I didn't need to ask God about, I feel it from deep in my soul. You should always be on the lookout for something nice you can do for someone. Even the tiniest thing like helping someone carry something or helping someone find something, just do it. It doesn't matter how big or small the task as long as you took time out of your day to assist someone else. This does not mean you should get taken advantage of. You be the judge of that. However, notice how nice it feels when you do something for someone without expecting anything in return. That is how you know it is what you should be doing.
Thou shall strive to keep an open mind.
It is very easy to argue a point with someone and even appropriate in some places, but it is also important to know it's ok for someone to have their own point of view regardless if you agree. Listen to what they have to say. If you disagree then disagree but don't shun them for not believing the way you do. There will be times when all of us Zolanites have different beliefs from one another and we must learn to embrace our diversity and not attack each other over it.
Thou shall strive to follow the 'do onto others' rule / Thou shall strive not be a hypocrite.
Though stolen from a different scripture it is still equally valid. "Do onto others as you'd have done to you." This kind of follows the 'be a good person' rule. When you think of doing something, think of how you would like it if someone else did that same thing. If you would dislike the other person for doing it then you really should not be doing it should you? Hypocrisy is a horrible thing and, though I too occasionally find my self being a hypocrite, I immediately 'try' to rectify my actions and I 'try' to not be a hypocrite in general. Trying is the important part.
Thou shall wear a hat if you feel the need to.
I asked God the simple question, "I sometimes like to wear hats but some times/some places, such as work, it is deemed inappropriate to wear them unless they are of a religious nature. I believe that my stylish hats make me look and feel more like a minister. I would like Zolanites to be allowed to wear nice looking hats as a part of being a Zolanite. If it makes them feel good about themselves surely it can't be a bad thing. Do you have a problem with Zolanites wearing nice looking hats as a religious head piece if they feel the need to do so? If you have a problem with this please tell me 'yes'. If you don't have a problem feel free to say nothing at all." God responded, "..."
