Shenaniganism is a collection of beliefs, ideas and practices, with some general guidelines, but no strict rules. While we don’t believe in the existence of a divine being, we are not anti-religion … we are simply without religion, which does not preclude us from understanding and respecting the religious beliefs of others. As some Shenaniganists are fond of saying, “I don’t believe in god, but I believe in a lot of people who do.”

 

A Shenaniganist would never dissuade a person from his or her religious convictions nor attempt to convert anyone to Shenaniganism. We believe that by living happily in Shenaniganism and as good as examples to others, they will be drawn to us and that this is the time to share our ideas with them. That being said, there are those of us who keep a copy of The Book of Shen handy by the front door to exchange with anyone who might come knocking, unannounced to discuss their religion. In the spirit of fairness, we encourage the willingness to take their reading material provided they’re also willing to take ours.

 

Although we feel it’s best to avoid debates about religion and the existence of a god, preferring to state our beliefs and leave it at that, there will be those who will want to argue with us. It could be as simple as exchanging points of view –- “Don’t you believe that trees and flowers prove that there is a god?” “No. I believe that trees and flowers prove that there are trees and flowers.” But it should come as no surprise that people may become quite passionate about their convictions, and sometimes it’s best to just walk away. As in any situation, a Shenaniganist must judge for herself the course of action to take.

 

Shenaniganism acknowledges the value of certain basic religious teachings –- specifically, those that say to treat your fellow-man as you wish to be treated, love others as you love yourself, not to cheat, lie or steal –- all the things that apply and make sense for us in getting along the best way possible in this life we have. And we would hope that those who practice a religion are able to see the all good in our beliefs, and appreciate and respect them as well.

 

Followers of Shenaniganism endeavor to replace selfishness with kindness, consideration and generosity, but know that leading an entirely selfless existence can be too much to ask of most people. While we promote neither conceit nor egotism, Shenaniganists understand the personal satisfaction than comes from doing good things –- from being kind, considerate and generous. Those who belong to certain religions may feel that the those things will be rewarded in the hereafter. Shenaniganists believe that they are rewarded immediately because doing the right thing feels good and increases one’s positive energy … the Shen.

 

Without a god or an after life, we are not working toward some eternal goal. We strive to make the most of this life and to live fully in the present, but we are without the burden of any concept of completion.

 

Shenaniganism is a belief system for real people, flawed and fallible; there is no perfect Shenaniganist. We make mistakes, in our lives and in the practice of our beliefs. But these are not sins for which we are not punished, they are experiences from which we learn.

 

The life of a Shenaniganist should be full. And it should be fun. Lessons and memories from the past, and hopes and dreams of the future should be used to focus us in on what we need to be doing now to be happy, to be fulfilled, to be joyful and to treat others with kindness, dignity and respect. Mindfulness, self-reflection and personal responsibility help us take the right actions and keep us free from worry and guilt. Accidents and coincidences, some wonderful and some terrible, will be part of our lives; and they are neither rewards nor punishments, but simply the random occurrences in an unpredictable world.

 

This isn’t a belief system about becoming a superior person; it’s about becoming a better version oneself. It’s about self-awareness – – knowing how your thoughts and actions affect you and how you want your life to be, how they might affect those around you, and adjusting them accordingly.

 

Shenaniganism’s basic concepts for daily living are:

• • Be kind

  • Be responsible

  • Be respectful

  • Be honest

  • Be accountable

  • You matter because you are here

  • Celebrate yourself with humility

  • Treat yourself with the same kindness and respect you’d give the person you love most in this world. Don’t accept anything less.

  • Laugh loud and often

  • Frolic with wild abandon

  • Love without condition

  • Forgive yourself

  • The only person who can judge you is you

  • Don’t judge yourself

  • Be in the now

  • Have fun

  • Be courageous

  • Say what you mean, mean what you say, do what you say

Very simply, Shenaniganists walk through life with good intentions.