New From Elliot: Church of the SubGenius

In his new article in the hoaxipedia, Elliot gives some background info on the Church of the SubGenius -- the church which may represent a genuine religious movement, or may be just an elaborate joke.

The Church of the SubGenius is affiliated with the Universal Life Church, "an organization that has been legally (in some states) offering tax-exempt ministerships to all who apply regardless of religious or non-religious affiliation." Years ago I sent away to become a Universal Life Church minister, but I no longer have any clue where I put the sheet of paper saying I'm a minister.

I've sometimes thought about starting my own church. It would be the Church of the Great Hoax. Its motto would be: "Whatever you believe, it's wrong."

Religion

Posted on Wed Sep 05, 2007


Comments

I've got the theme song...
Posted by outeast  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  03:32 AM
I'd join your church Alex, although if we have to give confessions, just make sure you've got a couple of hours free come my turn 😉
Posted by Nettie  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  05:44 AM
The article on the Church of the SubGenius is generally accurate, though I do wish to clarify a couple of points:

1) The Book of the SubGenius was first published in 1983, then republished in 1987.

2) There are approximately 10,000 ordained (paid-up) members worldwide, not 5,000.

3) The Church is not "affiliated" with the Universal Life Church, in that it is not a spin-off, offshoot, schism, or descendant of the ULC. If anything, the Church owes more to the works of Robert Anton Wilson. SubGenius ministers often (usually) ordain themselves under the ULC in order to legally perform marriages. The SubGenius ordination might be considered a legal license to perform marriages, but it hasn't been tested in court the way the ULC has, and the Church isn't wealthy enough to pursue a legal test case. They've had enough trouble raising funds to support Reverend Magdalen, whose child was taken from her due to her SubGenius activities as the article notes. ( More information about her case can be found at my Web site: http://www.modemac.com/wiki/Reverend_Magdalen )
Posted by Modemac  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  08:18 AM
"Whatever you believe, it's wrong."
Then how are you supposed to believe this motto? 😊
Posted by FrostBird  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  09:16 AM
SubGenius, shlubgenius... why is the thread accompanied by a pic of Mitt Romney? I'm confused. He's a Mormon, not an authority on submarines
Posted by Hairy Houdini  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  09:47 AM
He's trying to make our processing units overload and explode, FrostBird. Then he can freely wander around picking everyone's pockets. 😉
Posted by Charybdis  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  09:52 AM
>>how are you supposed to believe this motto?<<

That's what makes it the perfect motto.
Posted by The Curator  in  San Diego  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  10:02 AM
Elliot is pink.
Posted by Floormaster Squeeze  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  11:02 AM
I was just joking. Thanks.
Posted by Floormaster Squeeze  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  11:05 AM
Unfortunately joining an organization that calls itself Church of the Sub Genius would be selling myself short.
Posted by Transfrmr  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  01:07 PM
I'm a minister of The Universal Life Church! This was some time ago, but as far as I remember I just had to pay $15 to get my "Official diploma" and an impressive looking ID card.

My blessings to all of you! :-D
Posted by eovti  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  01:24 PM
Jello Biafra is a member.
Posted by Gee...  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  02:31 PM
The ULC is a fun thing. Unlike, say, the Star Registry, the ULC actually registers you with an official government body, which does confer the rights and abilities promised.. Though using that alone as a basis for declaring tax exemption is *NOT* a good idea.. there's specific clauses and restrictions on tax exemption.
Posted by Robin Bobcat  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  06:33 PM
You don't even have to self-declare to be a High Priest / Priestess in the Church of Eris. All males are High Priestesses and all females are High Priests. Unless you aren't.
Posted by Christopher Cole  on  Wed Sep 05, 2007  at  09:41 PM
Is this actually new to anyone?
Posted by the obvious  on  Thu Sep 06, 2007  at  03:16 PM
DEVO is involved with this. Bob Dobbs is actually on the cover of "Are We Not Men?"
Posted by Rev. Kickstand  on  Tue Sep 11, 2007  at  04:00 PM
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