The PRISM Sect - Progressive Realism Quiz

Answer: The "Messiah's Handbook (Reminders for the Advanced Soul)"

Interestingly the "Messiah's Handbook" springs from a work of fiction. In the book "Illusions: The Adventures Of A Reluctant Messiah" by Richard Bach, the main character is given the "Messiah's Handbook", and it is quoted extensively throughout the story. In 2004 Bach published an actual "Messiah's Handbook", almost exactly as it is described in the story.

It should be noted that Richard Bach is not a member of the PRISM Sect, and does not endorse it in any way. In fact, his writings seem to indicate a distaste for all organized religion. Indeed, one of the passages in the book reads as follows:

"To name a thing is harmless.

"To name ideas is to create a religion.

"Don't you dare!"

Why, then, does the sect embrace this book as scripture? The PRISM Sect is different from other religions in that there are few, if any, dogmas. Also, consider the last passage in the "Messiah's Handbook":

"Everything in this book may be wrong."

The more one becomes familiar with Progressive Realism, the more one understands how fitting that passage is, and why one of the sect's founders has called it the most important passage in the book.

Answer: All of these are correct

According to PRISM literature all of these are acceptable terms. Progressive Realist seems to be the most prevalent, however. ("PRISM member" is also an acceptable way of referring to members of this sect.)

Answer: False

Progressive Realists are free to do this if they wish, but PRISM is not a Christian religion.

Answer: Springville, UTAH

Springville, Utah not too far from Salt Lake City. In case you hadn't guessed, the PRISM Sect has absolutely no affiliation with the LDS (AKA "Mormon") Church.

Answer: All PRISM doctrine is grounded in "The Seven Statements"

"The Four Noble Truths" form the basis of Buddhism. PRISM is not a Buddhist sect.

"The Seven Statements" are peculiar to Progressive Realism, and correspond to the seven colors of light produced by a prism:

"1. We believe in a Higher Power.

"2. We believe in Personal Medicine.

"3. We believe in the right-hand and left-hand path.

"4. We believe in ritual.

"5. We believe in freedom from absolute religious dogmas.

"6. We believe that life, sentience, our very consciousness are miraculous in themselves.

"7. We believe in personal freedom."

Each of these statements have a corresponding paragraph, that explain them in more detail.

Answer: False

The Third Statement does say "We believe in the right-hand and left-hand path". The left-hand path is actually a reference to the carnal, and passionate as modern Satanism teaches. However, Progressive Realism merely embraces the carnal and the spiritual, as they are both a vital part of human experience and have their time and place. Perhaps the accompanying paragraph to the Third Statement explains it best:

"We believe the spiritual and carnal are not separate, not opposites, not diametrically opposed. We do not see a need to experience only one side of our nature. There are times when Dark Energies are appropriate as well as Light Energies. They are both part of us. They are gifts of the Is. They are one and the same, and there for our benefit."

There are definitely influences in Progressive Realism from many world religions, including *gasp* modern Satanism.

Answer: None of these

Although Progressive Realism places a high value on science, it does not embrace the doctrine of monotheism as Deism does. Progressive Realist doctrines actually flirt with agnosticism.

Many would classify Progressive Realism as New Age, but the PRISM sect rejects this classification, as New Age is often (not always) a veiled deragotory term used by those of traditional western belief to describe belief systems that are not Judeo-Christian or Islamic. Many so-called "New Age" religions actually pre-date traditional western beliefs.

That being said, when the term "New Age" is used appropriately, PRISM may fit the bill. PRISM's official stance is that they have started a new category known as Progressive Realism. While the PRISM name is trademarked, the term Progressive Realism may be used to refer to any church or sect that chooses to use "The Seven Statements" and accompanying paragraphs as the basis of their doctrine. (At the time this quiz was written PRISM was the only sect using "The Seven Statements" as the basis of their doctrine to the best of my knowledge.)

Answer: False

While it is abundantly clear that the sect was founded because of a dissatisfaction with (or even distaste for) traditional religion, PRISM does not endorse or oppose any other religion, and actually recomends that those who are more comfortable with strict religious dogmas seek out more traditonal religions.

Answer: True

In the PRISM Sect God may be used to refer to any "Higher Power" or spiritual power the practitioner sees fit. According to PRISM literature, "Seekers are encouraged to seek their own truth, to experience that which they may or may not call the Divine directly. No two seekers experience God (a term used loosely) in the same way. Spirituality is a unique, individual experience, and should be left that way."

Answer: False

The sect sets no such requirement. Although most Progressive Realists do believe there is more to our existence than meets the eye, the "Seven Statements", which form the basis for Progressive Realism, do not necessarily rule out agnostics or even preclude atheism as the ultimate truth.