Religion is a complicated and sensitive subject for many. Even though we don’t typically speak or write about religion, its presence seems to loom over each event we host. Curiosity is natural, so it’s inevitable: people often approach us and say things like, “It’s wonderful to see two guys spreading Jesus Christ’s message.” Which is usually followed by another person saying, “It’s great to see a couple Buddhists sharing their story.” Or, “Did you know Muhammad was the original minimalist?”
In a well-written, but unfortunately titled, newspaper article in Tennessee, we were recently said to be “spreading the gospel of less,” the connotation of which is a bit troubling. Even more troubling was a radio host’s take in Oklahoma City when he referred to us as the “L. Ron Hubbard of minimalism.” (Thankfully he was joking.)
Whatever your religious beliefs, we have no spiritual advice for you. The beautiful thing about minimalism, though, is it works whether you’re religious or not. We personally know minimalists who are Christian pastors, minimalists who are practicing Buddhists, minimalists who are atheists. We even know a minimalist rabbi. Because minimalism is a lifestyle that helps people question what things add value to their lives, it applies to any religion—or no religion at all.
In fact, the two of us hold radically different religious beliefs. Our journeys toward simplicity, however, had nothing to do with religion; instead, it was a reaction to the discontentment we experienced after being steeped in consumerism for three decades.
We live in a world in which many people have different beliefs, different faiths. But God or no God, we can all live more deliberately.
Read this essay and 150 others in our new book, Essential.
FAQs
Here's the gist of The Minimalists' 30/30 rule: If something costs more than $30, the challenge is to try to get by without it for the next 30 hours, and for something that costs more than $100, they say to wait 30 days. This extra time is supposed to help you assess if the item will or won't add value to your life.
What religion are the minimalists? ›
We personally know minimalists who are Christian pastors, minimalists who are practicing Buddhists, minimalists who are atheists. We even know a minimalist rabbi. Because minimalism is a lifestyle that helps people question what things add value to their lives, it applies to any religion—or no religion at all.
Does the Bible support minimalism? ›
Bible Verses Supporting Minimalism, Simple Living, and Contentment… Luke 12:15, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
What is the minimalist 333 rule? ›
The 333 styling method is a minimalist fashion challenge encouraging individuals to select and wear only 33 items for 3 months. This includes clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, and shoes, aiming to simplify wardrobe choices and promote sustainable fashion habits.
What is the 80 20 rule in minimalism? ›
'Think about what you use most and what would benefit your space if you stored it away. This rule is helpful if you have a smaller space or just want to minimize clutter and stress in your home. ' 'Pareto's Principle says that 80% of the results come from 20% of the causes,' explains home organizer, Melissa Gugni.
Is Ryan Nicodemus a Jehovah's witness? ›
Nicodemus was also born in 1981 and raised as a Jehovah's Witness; his parents separated when he was seven. His family moved around when he was a child, eventually settling in Ohio when he was eight years old.
What religion is barefoot? ›
Discalceation, the practice of going constantly barefoot or clad only in sandals, is a common feature of Christian mendicant orders, practiced by the Discalced Carmelites (1568), the Feuillant Cistercians (1575), the Trinitarians (1594), the Mercedarians (1604), the Passionists, the Poor Clares and Colettine Poor ...
Where do the minimalists live? ›
After spending the first 31 years of my life in Ohio, most recently in a minimalist apartment in downtown Dayton, I moved to Montana, in 2012, where I met my wife, Rebecca. We lived in a minimalist home in Missoula with our daughter, Ella, until we moved into our minimalist apartment in Los Angeles, in 2017.
What does God say about decluttering? ›
Ecclesiastes 3 speaks about there being a time for everything. Verse 6 says there is “a time to keep, and a time to cast away.” (ESV) There is a time to get rid of what we no longer use. It can be a good thing to discard or to recycle.
What did Jesus say about living a simple life? ›
Matthew 19:21–24 (NIV):
Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. '”
Minimalists spend money on all sorts of things all the time. The difference lies in what they spend money on. Minimalist's choose to spend money on experiences, true necessities, personal growth, and others. They choose not to spend money on extra stuff that is bound to become clutter.
What is the Netflix show about minimalism? ›
Watch The Minimalists: Less Is Now | Netflix Official Site.
Who are The Minimalists staff? ›
Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and New York Times–bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, and T.K. Coleman, known collectively as The Minimalists, “show their followers how to streamline their lives to find more happiness” (Good Morning America).
Who is TK on The Minimalists? ›
T.K Coleman is the Director of Entrepreneurial Education for The Foundation for Economic…
What is the 90 90 rule for minimalism? ›
Created by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, the 90/90 rule is a decluttering process that requires you to ask yourself two questions about objects you're not sure about: Have you used it in the past 90 days? And if not, will you use it in the 90 days ahead?
What is the 30/30 rule for decluttering? ›
If something I want costs more than $30, I ask myself whether I can get by without it for the next 30 hours. Hence, “the 30/30 Rule.” (If it's $100 or more, I tend to wait 30 days.) This extra time helps me assess whether or not this new thing will add value to my life.
Is the 30 rule outdated? ›
While the world of personal finance provides a percentage guideline for how much of your money should go toward housing, this rule is a little outdated in 2024. Rent prices are down from their peak in August of 2022, but they're still dramatically higher than before the pandemic.
