Religion established based on the teachings of Tom Hanks

A new religion has been established in Namibia based entirely on the teachings of Tom Hanks.

Growing furiously; the first Hanksian sermon was given in a disused shop in Windhoek in February, now there are over fifty Hanksian churches in towns across the country.

The head of the church is Jennifer Ludik, or Forrest Ludik as she’s known amongst Hanksians.

“We were, frankly, tired of the outdated dogma of modern religions,” laughed the Forrest.

“Tom Hanks seems to have a great attitude of tolerance and love for all people and he was in Sleepless in Seattle so who better to have as a figurehead for your religion.”

“A typical Hanksian service begins with singing ‘That thing you do,’ we then give a sermon, which could be based on any of Tom Hanks’ movies with the exception of ‘The Terminal’ for obvious reasons. Finally, the congregation all touch the holy Hermes 2000 typewriter which is identical to the first typewriter that Tom Hanks ever bought.”

There is more to the church than just sermons though.

“Oh yes, we hold discussion groups entitled ‘What would Tom Hanks do?’ where we think up situations like if your friend’s dog dies or if you lose your wallet and try to imagine what Tom Hanks would do in such a situation.”

“Usually we come to the conclusion that he would be really nice about it.”

Interestingly, it’s not the only Namibian religion based on a film star, with a church in Swakopmund based in the teachings of Val Klimer

“Of course, we wish them well,” said Forrest Ludik.

“But a church based on the teachings of Val Kilmer? That’s kind of stupid.”