The Church of the Cosmic Huh?

The Linux religion?



Throughout the ages religions and philosophies have arisen to fill psychological needs as well as lessen the miseries resulting from social chaos.

Fundamentalist Islam, for example can be hard for some of us to understand, unless we realize that conditions on the Arabian peninsula may well have been fragmented, murderous – in short an ongoing nightmare – until Mohammed devised a belief system that could work as a framework for stability. Tribal feuds and vendettas were banned. Laws were made and rewards and punishments clearly spelled out. Daily life may well have been made easier by the suggestion and then the imposition of commonly binding rules. (Karl Marx and his wayward step-children, Lenin and Stalin attempted something similar.)

In today’s world the vast majority of the Earth’s population either lives lives ruled directly by - or at least guided by the principles and beliefs of the 5 or 6 great world religions. Millions, however, are unhappy with the belief systems they were born into and drop them in practice, while continuing to pay lip service to their community’s norms. Others switch religions or pursue a life-long search for a belief system that can satisfy their needs.

As there are, and always will be, millions who seek solace in some form of spirituality, it would make sense to rationally construct a more beneficial framework for a 21st century spiritual idea - an idea devoid of superstition, dogmas and certainties. Perhaps a spiritual framework meant to evolve much in the same way as the Linux computer operating system lacks certainty and evolves – anyone in or out of this Linux spiritual framework can contribute – and ideas which prove beneficial will survive.

But just as Linux has a basic skeleton, any proposed spiritual system built along these lines would also need a basic set of principles as a skeleton - hopefully far less than 10 Commandments - mainly for simplicity’s sake, but also as a constant emphasis of the fact that the fewer the rules the less the risk of ossified dogma. Cast iron rules ought always provoke skepticism and caution.

Surely our first necessary and fundamental principal is contained in the name, The Church of the Cosmic Huh?

Life is a question, a curiosity, a longing to know more. Danger and degradation arise from certainties. The central tenant to the Church of the Cosmic Huh? is that no one has the answers, no one can tell you you should stop searching, no one can tell you their take on life, death and the cosmos is definitely the correct one. No one can say, “Look no further. Jesus is the answer. Buddha is the answer. Atheism is the answer. All other ideas are false.”

BEWARE OF THE CERTAIN

In the Christian faith the most famous prayer begins with, Our Father who art in Heaven..

Perhaps The Church of the Cosmic Huh?’s repeated credo should be this wondering pondering preamble: I may well be wrong.. but it could it be that…?

But the first question which might spring to mind in the reader now could be, “If you want to construct a spiritual system based on eternal questioning or doubt, what will be the glue that holds it together? What would your community have as an attractive framework to grow upon?

This question, is of course, central. In order to construct a system that can in some ways resemble yet surpass traditional religions, it ought to have built into it techniques and strategies for the nurturing and strengthening of such a new community.

Rituals may be essential. As we all know, rituals bind people together. Gatherings and ceremonies such as baptisms, weddings and funerals unite. Many religions have rites of passage ceremonies, too, for the transition into adulthood and responsibility. Holidays such as Christmas and Easter were newer expropriated versions of older holidays having to do with birth and renewal.

The Church of the Cosmic Huh? must have all these things – although it must always be stressed that these new traditions and rituals must be constantly evolving. That there is no dogma attached to them and no priesthood who can either condone or condemn or declare legitimate or illegitimate.

The central meaning of the Church of the Cosmic Huh is to prevent dogma and certainty, and to constantly remind the world that no one has the answers – certainly not the final answer to any question regarding spirituality. Perhaps not even God – if one exists.

God is, of course, welcome to sit in our church as a guest.

But God’s presence is neither central nor essential. Nor should it be overshadowing or intrusive. The Church of the Cosmic Huh? is about humanity’s search for higher values regardless of whether God exists or not – or what God’s true intentions may be.

The essence, the heart of this idea is that the open-minded and eternal search is what is paramount, moral and inspiring.

To think one has found “the answer” is to lapse into spiritual inertia and forever frozen aspirations.

The Church of the Cosmic Huh? can only grow if it becomes virtual as well as electronic. Spreading the idea on the Internet is essential as a start up and a suppliment. But the Net can never be the sole home or promoter of Huh?’s message. Real gatherings, church services if you will, will have to take place. A physical sense of closeness and community is vital for any real bonding or sharing of ideas.

Huh? indicates humor as well as searching. Spirituality and philosophic musings are often best illuminated when conveyed through humor. One idea which might be very appropriate is that comedy clubs across the world might receive an extra income by holding a weekly Church of the Cosmic Huh? “service”. Comedians would be encouraged to act as temporary preachers, their sermons being serious as well as funny examinations of spirituality, religion, morals, frustrations. As it has been noted before, many comedians like Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, Richard Pryor and Roseanne Barr were preachers for a new age who concerned themselves with moral and sexual hypocrisy. Comedians might be the ideal hosts for our services as they would emphasize that mankind’s certainties are absurd. And M.C. – or Master of Ceremonies – might be a far better title than priest for our (temporary) shepards.

As we begin the foundation of the church of the Cosmic Huh? we ask readers to send their thoughts and ideas. This is an inclusive endeavor.

If you have suggestions as to the possible make-up of new rituals – baptism, marriage, burial, holidays – please send them. Let’s inspire each other.

Dex@DexterVanDango.com


Here’s something to chew on: George Carlin’s take on the 10 Commandments.

http://www.georgecarlin.com/mp3/George%20Carlin%20-%20When%20Will%20Jesus%20Bring%20the%20Pork%20Chops%20-%20The%20Ten%20Commandments.mp3