The Big Lebowski Inspired a Real Religion Called Dudeism

In 2005, a journalist named Oliver Benjamin watched The Big Lebowski and had an epiphany. Jeff Bridges' character—the bathrobe-wearing, White Russian-drinking Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski—wasn't just a fictional slacker. He was a modern prophet for our stressed-out times.

Benjamin founded Dudeism, officially known as the Church of the Latter-Day Dude, and it's grown into a legitimate worldwide movement with over 500,000 ordained priests. You can become one yourself online in about five minutes, completely free.

What Do Dudeists Actually Believe?

Dudeism isn't about worshiping bowling or bath mats. It's a philosophy centered on taking it easy, going with the flow, and not getting worked up about things you can't control. Think of it as Taoism meets stoner comedy.

The core principles include:

• Being present in the moment rather than stressed about the future
• Treating others with kindness and respect ("the Dude abides")
• Not taking yourself too seriously
• Accepting what you can't change
• Finding peace in simplicity

It's not exactly new wisdom—Dudeists trace their philosophical lineage back to Lao Tzu, the ancient Chinese founder of Taoism, along with influences from Greek Epicureanism and modern secular humanism. They just repackaged it with bowling shirts and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Can You Actually Get Married by a Dudeist Priest?

Yes. Dudeist priests can legally perform marriages in many U.S. states and several countries. The Church provides ordination certificates, and thousands of couples have tied the knot with a Dudeist officiant presiding. Some ceremonies include traditional vows, others incorporate quotes from the movie. "Careful, man, there's a beverage here" is not typically part of the liturgy, but nobody's stopping you.

The church also offers other religious services including funerals, naming ceremonies, and even a version of Shabbat called "Shabbat Dude."

Is This Just a Joke Religion?

Here's where it gets interesting. While Dudeism has a strong sense of humor about itself, many practitioners take the philosophy seriously. Benjamin has written books on Dudeist philosophy, and the religion has a growing body of literature, including The Tao Dude Ching (a Dude-ified version of the Tao Te Ching) and The Abide Guide.

The Church is officially recognized as a religion in some jurisdictions. It's non-profit, doesn't collect tithes, and doesn't push products on members. The ordination is free, and there's no hierarchical structure demanding obedience.

In an age of hustle culture, toxic productivity, and constant anxiety, a religion that tells you to calm down and be kind resonates with people. Some find genuine peace in its teachings. Others just like having "Dudeist Priest" on their business cards. Both approaches are perfectly acceptable. The Dude, after all, abides.