Attempting to paint an accurate picture of the Church of the SubGenius in a few short words is nearly impossible. What has become probably the world's most complicated joke, the Church is a spoof religion mocking the religious dogmas and conspiracy theories of all cults in the most ingenious way possible... by creating their own religious dogmas and conspiracy theories... only doing it better!

The Church of the SubGenius sprung from the mind Ivan Stang (a.k.a. Doug Smith) and his friend Philo Drummond in the early 80s. A small circulation of cryptic pamphlets quickly evolved into the publishing of the Book of the SubGenius in 1983. The Church now boasts a membership base equaling close to 10,000 individuals worldwide. And how does one become a member? By simply sending in a check for $30, which not only grants you instant salvation and eternal happiness, but also makes you an official minister in the Church.

Over the years some very colorful characters with names like "Rev. Jesus Christ Devilacqua", "Rev. Eyre Rend" and "G. Gordon Gordon" have twisted and used the Church's ideology for artistic expression at regular "devivals" staged across the country. The Church's ability to act as a medium for creativity is one of its most interesting aspects.

The SubGenius icon is J.R. "Bob", the handsome, lovable, pipe-smoking character pictured above who possesses something more valuable than gold ....SLACK. Translated for the non-SubGenii, "slack" is defined as "perfect luck, effortless achievement".

We were glad to be able to talk to Reverand Ivan Stang about religion, humor, and the Church in more detail.

Continued

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