http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-01/04/kopimism-recognised-as-religion
I need to research the founder of this church more to see if this is more to mock the legal side-steppings of conventional churches or to validate the free share of information and emphasize personal privacy in the cyber world. I imagine it's both, but I do like the idea.
If the mythology and folklore of ancient peoples justifies tax breaks and special treatment under the law, why shouldn't the sincere belief in the potentials of modern technology and science be eligible for the same considerations?
Is it religion? No. But, maybe it's the only way to get such considerations; by fighting fire (burning bushes and eternal hellfire) with firewalls.
Works for me. As society continues to modernize, the juxtaposition of ancient superstition with modernity will become more and more pronounced. Once again, the goal is not the immediate eradication of religion, but rather its marginalization as a fringe activity.
ReplyDelete"However, just before Christmas Kopimism was approved as an official religion (as opposed to a sect), although founder Isak Gerson and chairman Gustav Nipe only opened the letter containing the news yesterday. Before being approved by the National Judicial Board for Public Lands & Funds, the church was required to formalise its way of praying or meditation."
ReplyDeleteI like this strategy. What the good ole U.S. needs is more religions and more gods, not less. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. The FSM is a good start. We just need to find a few more passions to church-up. I could get used to tax-free superstition an special Constitutional privileges.
As for the quote: I would formalize prayer as a mandatory meeting every Sunday afternoon at a local pub for humanistic philosophical discussion about the betterment of society and brew. Make up a few chants, songs, sculptures, and paintings and we're in.
We can get someone to design the robes and funny hats.
I should stop while I'm behind.
damn fine day to be a pirate
ReplyDeleteThis is the classic James strategy: recognize 'em all ("whatever anyone in his solitude recognizes as the divine"), and leave it to individuals themselves to decide how "marginal" their beliefs are to their own personal "centers of vision." That's how you make the world safe for religion.
ReplyDelete