The Independent Faith Religion is based on the philosophical principles of Barbequia, also known as The Independent Nation of Barbequia or Barbequianism. We understand that the word “religion” can carry negative or triggering associations, so we clarify our use of the term:
Religion, as we define it, is the relationship between human beings and that which they consider holy, sacred, divine, or worthy of reverence (as described by Britannica).
At The Independent Faith Church, we honor that the deities one chooses to worship or follow are personal and unique to each individual. We do not prescribe specific beliefs but encourage each person to explore and grow in their own spiritual journey.
Our Core Philosophy: The 5 Foundational Principles
Our philosophy is based on five core principles, which guide us toward self-realization and unlocking our full spiritual potential.
1. Being at Peace is the Ongoing Goal
- Peace is the foundation for everything else in life. It is the ultimate aim to cultivate inner peace, regardless of external circumstances.
2. Choices Based in Love Lead to Peace
- Making decisions grounded in love brings us closer to true peace and helps us live harmoniously with others.
3. Happiness is the Result of Peace and Love
- When we live with peace and make choices based on love, happiness naturally follows as an emotional result.
4. We Create Our Reality
- Our thoughts, choices, and energy shape the world we experience. We are not passive observers; we are active creators of our reality.
5. Events Are Neutral Until We Judge Them
- Life’s events are not inherently good or bad. It’s our perception and judgment that give them meaning. We have the power to choose how we perceive and respond to any situation.
Personal Exploration Over Dogma
At Independent Faith, we don’t claim to have all the answers. We believe that understanding comes from personal exploration and self-discovery. Life’s mysteries are often open-ended and require us to take responsibility for our growth.
We don’t try to lead others to “salvation” or impose our beliefs on anyone. Instead, we share our philosophy by living it—through example, conversation, and literature. Our Ministers are Facilitators, not pastors, guiding and supporting each individual’s journey toward self-realization.
We also learn from life’s events and the natural world. Our community encourages a humble approach to learning, observing, and growing together.
1 – The Importance of Peace
Peace is the Highest Goal
- Inner peace is the foundation that makes everything else in life easier and more meaningful. Peace allows us to handle life’s challenges with greater ease and clarity.
Peace Does Not Mean Avoiding Emotions
- Being at peace doesn’t mean suppressing or avoiding emotions. It means feeling all emotions without judgment, allowing us to experience life fully.
Peace Helps Us Face Challenges
- When we are at peace, we can address life’s challenges calmly and clearly, without being swept away by emotions.
Peace Lets Us Learn from Life
- Peace helps us embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and self-discovery, seeing them in a positive light even when they’re difficult.
2 – Love as a Path to Peace
Choices Based in Love Lead to Peace
- Love fosters cooperation and connection. When we act out of love—whether toward others or ourselves—we move toward peace.
Unconditional Love
- True love is unconditional and selfless, transcending individual separation. It’s the essence of life and connects all beings in a universal bond.
Love as a Powerful Force
- Love is the force that guides our decisions and actions in a way that nurtures both ourselves and others. By acting from a place of love, we contribute to the greater good.
3 – Happiness as the Result of Love and Peace
Happiness is the natural outcome of living with inner peace and making choices rooted in love. When we are aligned with our true values, our lives become filled with contentment, joy, and fulfillment.
Peace as a Foundation for Happiness: Inner peace provides clarity, acceptance, and a sense of contentment.
Love Guides Our Choices: Making choices from a place of love fosters connection and supports personal and collective well-being.
The Cycle of Peace, Love, and Happiness: Peace and love create happiness, and happiness reinforces our ability to live in peace and love—creating a positive feedback loop.
4 – We Create Our Reality
Energy, Essence, and Vibratory State
- Everything is energy, including our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. We “create our reality” by the energy we emit, which attracts similar experiences into our lives.
Vibrational Frequency
- Positive thoughts and emotions vibrate at a higher frequency, attracting positive experiences. Negative thoughts and emotions vibrate at a lower frequency, attracting experiences that match that energy.
The Power of Your Vibration
- You don’t need affirmations or petitions to change your reality. By shifting your inner state toward peace, love, and gratitude, you naturally attract positive experiences.
5 – Events Are Neutral Until We Judge Them
Life’s Events Are Neutral
- Events themselves are neutral; it’s our perception that assigns meaning to them. How we judge and interpret events shapes our emotional experience.
Perception is a Choice
- Our perception is shaped by our beliefs, emotions, and past experiences. The same event can be seen as positive or negative depending on our mindset.
Reframing Events
- We can change our emotional response by reframing events. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, we can view them as learning experiences and opportunities for growth.
The Power of Reframing
- By consciously choosing how to perceive events, we can shift our emotional experience and create a more positive reality.
Join Us on the Journey
At Independent Faith Church, we embrace the idea that each person’s spiritual journey is personal and unique. We come together to explore these principles, share our experiences, and learn from each other in a supportive, non-judgmental community.
Connect With Us
We invite you to join our weekly meetings and community gatherings, where we explore these principles and share in the process of self-discovery. Together, we can walk the path of spiritual growth and create a more loving, peaceful world.