The Church of a Better Future
A secular, non-theistic church: a community of practice devoted to compassion, privacy, and human dignity.
Why We Exist
The world is changing. That is nothing new. What is new is the speed and intensity of that change. Never in known human history have radical changes come upon us so quickly. Many of us feel numb, helpless, and exhausted. We know that many of these changes are not good for us — but what can we do?
Social media is filled with horror and anger. Some desperate people speak of “bringing out the guillotines” and taking the future back by force. This reaction is understandable in a world where only the super-rich and a handful of corrupt politicians seem to have a voice in public discourse. However, history shows again and again that violence rarely creates any change for the better.
Today, it can seem that nobody in power — from the cashier at the local shop to the King — cares about how you feel or what your ethical beliefs are. You are expected to obey without question. Except, there is still one human dimension that holds some weight: religion.
If you oppose a change you believe will lead to your own or your children’s exploitation, few will care. But if your religion declares that particular change taboo, you have the power to kindly decline, saying simply:
“My religion prohibits me from doing so.”
Our Core Values
The Church of a Better Future is loosely inspired by Buddhist traditions, one of the oldest practiced spiritual frameworks on Earth. Our theology is a work in progress, but our core aim is to help members live better lives in a better world.
We hold no opinion on the existence of gods. (Historically, the Buddha also did not take a position on this — focusing instead on practice and ethics.) If your current religion allows you to hold a second, compatible spiritual affiliation, you are welcome here. If you are an atheist, our Church can still offer a valuable framework for meaning, purpose, and community. Unlike some branches of Buddhism, we take no position on reincarnation — our framework is grounded entirely in human experience, personal growth, and the pursuit of a better shared future for all life on Earth.
We do not aim to change other people. The only thing any of us can truly change is ourselves — our thoughts, our actions in the present moment, and our responses to life’s challenges. Striving for a better future means supporting certain policies and resisting others, while remembering that we oppose ideas, not people.
No person has the right to force their beliefs on you. Any such attempt is a form of abuse. The most peaceful way to respond is to explain that what they are urging you to do or believe conflicts with your religion. To do this with confidence, you need a clear and well-considered ethical framework — one you reflect on often so you know exactly where you stand and why.
Our guiding principles:
- Non-violence & kindness — Gentleness in speech and action. We never use violence in anger, never to impose or resist change, never in response to rudeness, and never against our loved ones or animals. The only acceptable use of force is in true self-defense, when life or health is in immediate and real danger.
- Truth & humility — Honesty without arrogance. We are not “better” than anyone else. We acknowledge that others have different experiences and beliefs, and that is okay.
- Privacy as a human good — Your mind and your conversations are your own. Privacy is the foundation of a healthy society. This includes individual privacy — the right to keep your innermost thoughts safe without fear of intrusion — and group privacy, where families and communities can share freely without fear of surveillance or persecution. No society can thrive without this.
- Financial autonomy — In any society that uses money, that money must not be used to control or restrict personal freedom. If you own money, you must be able to spend it freely on anything legal without needing permission and without being traced. In practice, only cash offers this freedom today. Therefore, we use cash for local purchases. If asked “Card or app?”, reply politely that electronic payments are against my religion and use cash.
- Service & solidarity — We help each other and anything living in need.
- Responsibility — We take responsibility for everything we say and do. We aim to be mindful, to speak truth, and to act with kindness — never with the intent to harm. If we realize we were wrong, we apologize and learn from it. This is how we grow as human beings.
How We Practice
- Daily meditation — Even a few minutes matter.
- Kindness-first speech — Words that heal, not harm.
- Healthy body — Exercise, nourishing food, and time in nature. Dance, play, or practice martial arts if it brings you joy and vitality.
- Cash for commons — Support local shops with cash. Avoid buying online when local options exist — your community matters.
- Digital hygiene — Protect your privacy with strong security habits.
- Acts of service — For people, community, and planet.
Our Abstentions
- Avoid uploading any IDs to private platforms when alternatives exist — including the alternative to leave the platform.
- Avoid cashless local purchases; electronic payments are acceptable only for online purchases unavailable locally.
- Avoid platforms and apps that scan or track private messages.
- Avoid harmful speech — including threats, doxxing, dehumanization, or direct or indirect claims of superiority over others.
Joining Us
Membership is informal. There is no creed to sign — only a personal commitment to live by our values and practices. You can start today, right where you are. You can be a member by heart without telling anyone.
Stay Connected
- Website: cbf.darkspeak.org
- Newsletter: Monthly reflections & practice tips (coming soon).
- Community: Meet others who share these values (coming soon).
We respect all faiths and none. Our use of the word “church” is symbolic — a gathering for the good of the individual and the world.