Stuff You Should Know Selects: The Tale of the Church of the SubGenius
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Jul 26, 2025 Dive into the quirky world of the Church of the SubGenius, a parody religion that satirizes mainstream culture. Discover the absurdity behind its founder, J.R. Bob Dobbs, and the community's playful critique of societal norms. Learn about the philosophy of 'slack' and the group's unique take on fulfillment. The conversation touches on their unconventional beliefs, including 'anti-music' and a humorous approach to apocalyptic predictions. This exploration highlights the enduring impact of satire in challenging conformist pressures.
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Origin Story of the Church
- Ivan Stang and Philo Drummond started the Church of the SubGenius as a joke in 1979.
- They spent $60 on the original pamphlet and distributed it locally before seeking publishers.
Understanding Slack
- Slack means having everything you need with as little exertion as possible.
- It's intentionally undefinable because Slack is unique to each person's contentment and joy.
The Conspiracy Steals Slack
- The Conspiracy chips away at everyone's original Slack from birth.
- False Slack, like pre-planned recreation or days off, is just manufactured by the Conspiracy.