There are over 10,000 religions in the world, while the average person knows of about fifteen. I have carefully chosen five slightly unknown religions to rate based solely on my opinion of their official merchandise.
Starting with the most obscure in fifth place, we have Christianity.
Fifth Place: Christianity
This faith has many different official sites that promote their merchandise which surprised me greatly. After much discussion with the voices in my head, we decided to investigate the first site to show up when I searched ‘Christian merch’ on google: Elevated Faith.
Elevated Faith’s goals are to donate to charities, spread hope, and start faith conversations. These donations go to many different charities such as Feeding America, Water for Good, and Operation Blessing, all of which seek to help those in need of disaster relief, malnutrition, and areas that do not receive enough clean water.
While these are extremely noble pursuits, we are not here to rate the good deeds of these companies. We’re here to judge their fashion and merchandise choices and I have to say that I am not impressed.
The apparel itself appears to be of good quality, however, it simply has religious phrases and not much else; thus putting the Christian merchandise in fifth place.
Fourth Place: Unitarian Universalist
In fourth place we have Unitarian Universalism, a religion that strives for community between all people and all faiths. Their seven principle words are interdependence, love, equity, justice, pluralism, transformation, and generosity.
This faith also had various available stores so I settled upon the UU book and gift shop.
They had some very nice “Side With Love” shirts and hoodies. I heard from an amazing source (my mother) that the hoodies are incredibly soft on the inside, but then when you put them in the dryer because you’re too lazy to hang dry them they lose their fluff. However, they are fairly expensive at $60.
Third Place: Mennonite
The most commonly known form of the Mennonite religion, the Amish, of course do not have an online store, however, Mennonites that work with the Amish but do not follow exactly the same commandments do.
The beliefs they follow include following Jesus, witnessing God’s peace, and transforming themselves to reflect God’s love. They also happen to have an aptly titled shop named The Good’s Store.
It is a gold mine. Although they have very little clothing in this particular store, it does have quite a few children’s toys and games which are, in my professional opinion, much more fun.
While this store does not have much attire, it does have handmade crochet mallets and I love crochet, so this puts The Good’s Store higher than the first two.
Second Place: The Temple of the Jedi Order
Yes, this is a real religion. Those who follow this resistance believe in “the Force, and in the inherent worth of all life within it”. To simplify it for you wookies, they believe that all people are equal, their government is based on compassion, and they prioritize self awareness.
Now, the judgement of this one is tricky because they have every piece of Star Wars merchandise ever made. I am using this as a factor in my judgement, this is why this temple goes this high up. Let’s be honest, everyone wants a lightsaber.
First Place: The Satanic Temple
The Satanic Temple is often thought of as an anti-Christian, evil seeking religion who perform demonic sacrifices. This, unfortunately, is not the case.
What they actually believe is “To Encourage Benevolence And Empathy, Reject Tyrannical Authority, Advocate Practical Common Sense, Oppose Injustice, And Undertake Noble Pursuits”. Their online shop shows this in many ways, with donations available to reproductive health and currently funding a program to take corporal punishment out of all educational facilities.
They sell the infamous, much sought after, delicious hot sauce I have been searching for. It’s even vegan. Which is why I have placed it at number one.
All in all, these religions (of which I personally am a part of none) have pretty good merchandise. Aside from that, they each have a specific goal and community and isn’t that the most beautiful thing of all.
