2006 Research Fair Archive - Anthropology Abstracts

Mock Religions on the Internet
by Sherrie Bakelar  (Faculty Sponsor:  Gretchen Siegler)

This paper surveys several different postmodern religious movements found on the Internet. In the past they have been labeled as mock religions, irreligions or audience cults. The paper explores the Cult of Cthulhu, based on H.P. Lovecraft's original pantheon; The Discordian Society and its off-shoots, The Church of the Sub-Genius, and The Church of MOO; all three irreverent commentaries on modern, traditional religions. In addition, The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is a serious protest which uses religion to make its point. The paper proposes that though many see these groups as jokes, they hold a deeper meaning for those who participate in them.