Introduction

Individual Faith is a religion founded on The Original Document. The Original Document is comprised of seven simple tenets and an associated icon for each. The final line asks The Individual to expand upon the basic ideas of the other tenets to expand and personalize the religion to create their own version. It is then completely aligned with their own belief system, and defined by the rules and ideals to which The Individual strives to live by.

Every Individual within the denomination therefore has a different set of beliefs. Individuals are not expected to agree with this great variety of beliefs held by other Individuals, or the actions they commit. Though, as stressed by the The Original Document, Individuals must respect all other Individuals. Additionally, The Original Document encourages Individuals to share their augmented tenets in an effort to create discussion and further develop each Individual's Faith.

Individual Faith neither condones nor censures any beliefs or actions. A personally satisfying life, and positive engagement with others and the world are the goals of a subscription to Individual Faith. Any ideas or actions that fit within its framework may be justified by The Individual, even if they may be generally viewed as immoral or illegal within that Individual's society.

Individual Faith is non-hierarchical, and does not support or accredit any administration, officers, or meeting places. IndividualFaith.org does not attempt to claim any authority over Individual Faith or its members. This resource only functions to promote exposure and understanding of Individual Faith and The Original Document. It should be understood that the explanations and ideas presented on this site are simply interpretations of The Original Document, which is ultimately the only guide that one needs.

You are encouraged to submit any related information or personal readings that you feel may make for a more comprehensive understanding of Individual Faith. You are also welcome to ask any questions that come up. To contact the website, please direct e-mails to webmaster@IndividualFaith.org.

History, Reproduction, and Distribution of The Original Document

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Pictured above is the earliest known extant version of The Original Document. The Original Document exists only in the form of photocopies, or as a scan of one of these photocopies, so that it can be reproduced as an image or for further distribution as copies, which then become Original Documents themselves.

The information within The Original Document can be organized and depicted in any way, so long as all of the text is included verbatim and the tenets form a clear logical progression that retains the order found within The Original Document. Representations that contain any intentional alterations, additions, or otherwise depart in any way from a simple reproduction of The Original Document are considered to be valuable and authentic in content, but are not original, and are just called "Documents."

The Original Document is a single photocopy that was found inside of a copy shop in downtown San Francisco in October, 2007. Unless a version is found that is scientifically verified to predate this copy, this one will be considered to be The Original Document. A close examination shows considerable reticulation, resizing, wear, the appearance of possibly extraneous dots and lines, and probable reconstruction. It is not known at what stage any of this occurred. These elements are not considered to be a degradation of quality or credibility, but in the spirit of Individual Faith, as a buildup of history, character, and honesty. Due to this accumulation of change through replication in this state of The Original Document, and the assumption that the text was typewritten, it is possible that The Original Document has existed for many years.

The general consensus is that The Original Document should be distributed as widely and freely as possible so that all may encounter it and choose what to do with its information. It may be given to others directly, but not in any forceful or evanglistic manner. If requested, an explanation of its history, implications, and clarification of any of its statements are allowable additional information that an Individual may provide.

All Individuals agree that The Original Document may never be purchased or sold in part or as a whole, on its own or within any other context. It is not under the ownership of anyone, and its content and image cannot come to be owned. The Original Document can only physically exist as a reproduction with no monetary or exchange value.

Interpretations

Because there are seven figures present alongside the seven tenets in The Original Document, each is understood to be a visual representation of the text which follows it. These images are often used as icons that stand in place of the associated tenet. Although The Original Document is obviously the source for any drawing or design of these icons, they should not be reproduced directly from The Original Document if they are going to be used outside of its entirety. It is best if they are re-drawn or re-designed in each case that they are deployed. All variations,"mistakes" or "misinterpretations" hold the same meaning and power as long as they can be perceived as a representation of that respective icon. What follows are line by line interpretations of the icons and tenets. These are just some of the many possible interpretations and uses of the information existing within The Original Document. Each Individual will understand and use the information differently.

	Individual Faith	The shape that envelopes the words "Individual Faith" at the top of The Original Document has been used to represent the religion as a whole, personal forms of Individual Faith, The Original Document, and life. The main goal of Individual Faith and the upward movement of this icon suggest positivity and improvement.
	The Individual believes in fact.	This icon and idea may represent an appreciation for fact, truth, honesty, science, information, or research. Some people have noted that this icon resembles an upside-down cross, but since Individuals are respectful of other belief systems, this reading is dismissed.
	The Individual uses logic in decision-making.	This line asks The Individual to make choices informed by fact and reasoning. This is not thought to be a limiting rule. There are many factors that must be considered when making a deciscion, and there are also multiple logics that one may follow. This tenet simply says that one should consider all the background data, understand all the possibilities of a situation and the implications of each, and then order this information to come to a conclusion. Spontaneous, or seemingly "irrational" decisions are possible, but these are still based on habitus and simple logics that choose familiar and positive outcomes or experiences over others. This icon may signify logic systems, organization, possibilities, and choices.
	The Individual seeks new experiences and knowledge.	Obtaining information and creating varied interactions builds a bank that creates the potential for allowing and initiating even more positive and interesting experiences. A more conscientious and aware Individual results. This symbol resembles both an open eye and cellular phagocytosis, both being methods of consuming what one has available.
	The Individual believes in everything that he has done, and his perception of his experiences in the world around him.	This tenet basically means that The Individual recalls their actions and understanding of them, and accepts this history as true, worthwhile, and as the causal factors for current and future situations and perceptions. The icon may represent personal history or individual perceptions of collective histories, as well as time or change.
	The Individual respects all other Individuals.	The Individual sees everyone as equals, and is respectful of others and their beliefs. The icon seems to show two Individuals on equal ground.
	The Individual shares with other Individuals.	The Individual shares their ideas, labor, and possessions. The Individual does this as freely as they possibly can and resists monetary exchanges in favor of sharing or trading, if able. The icon appears to mimic the American dollar sign, as well as being a rotation and exchange of an equivalent object between two sources.
	The Individual develops his Faith with these concepts as its basis.	This icon is understood to be a representation of The Individual. It can also be used as a sign for a personal version of Individual Faith, individuality, self, growth, and power.