« Outsider Art | Main | Circuit-Bending » January 18, 2003

Other Gods

UFO weirdos, the Raelians hit every news bureau in the world when they announced they'd cloned the first human. Then, they disappeared just as fast when they couldn't prove it. Still, their 15 minutes of fame is a good reminder that fringe groups are doing a lot of sophisticated work trying to keep their leaders and/or god(s)/goddess(es) happy. Aum Shinrikyoh sarin-gassed a shitload of Tokyo commuters to put a smile on the face of their leader. Heaven's Gate followers in San Diego didn't stop at voluntary castration; they committed mass suicide to hitch a ride on the Mother Ship. And the Scientologists still party down in Hollywood.

If you ever wanted background info on exactly who these groups are, the University of Virginia has kindly set up an extensive database of alternate religions, with their background and belief systems. Hell, maybe those voices in your head don't mean your crazy. Just religious!

http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/profiles/listalpha.htm

Posted by Kadrey at January 18, 2003 05:54 PM

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