God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh. —Voltaire
Where are we from? Who created us? Why are we here? What causes the sun to rise every morning and set every evening? In order to answer these fundamental questions, over the course of thousands of years mankind has invented thousands of myths, fables, and parables. Throughout history there have always been storytellers, prophets, priests, mullahs, and gurus who have created elaborate magical fantasies to explain the complex natural mysteries that surrounded them.
These ancient storytellers, prophets, priests, mullahs and gurus have always sought to explain the cryptic nature of life by fabricating powerful, fantastic deities. The God of Lightning, the God of the Sun, the God of the Harvest, The Goddess of the Moon…any mysterious, inexplicable occurrence has had a god or goddess linked to it at one time or other.
The storytellers, prophets, priests, mullahs and gurus created these powerful myths and doctrines to guide the people morally, to teach them to get along with one another or just to manipulate people to do their bidding. Like training a pet, or even a child, by using the threat of punishment or the bribe of a reward, the storytellers, prophets, priests, mullahs and gurus threatened eternal damnation and alternately promised paradise. Whatever their motivation, these storytellers, prophets, priests, mullahs, and gurus used their tales and mythos, their threats and promises, to inspire fear, and respect, yes, and even love, for their gods.
Modern religion is simply the natural progression of these antiquated mythologies handed down from generation to generation and formalized into doctrines and rituals. These religions continue for the sake of tradition alone, if for no other reason. Even if, deep in our heart of hearts, we don't truly believe these stories, myths and parables, we still cling to the comfort they bring, and the sense of connection with fellow believers.
The Church of the Volcano God offers an alternative to traditional religions.
The Church of the Volcano God is not based on archaic mythology from thousands of years ago; it is a thoroughly modern system of belief, a philosophy rooted in free thought, acceptance, the embracing and sharing of happiness, and common decency towards everyone. It embraces a universal morality that exists without the rigid structure of a traditional religion. Many traditional religions preach fear, intolerance, blind obedience, and the subjugation of free will. We celebrate individuality, imagination, freedom, laughter, love and joy.
Members of the Church of the Volcano God do not actually worship the stone effigy seen in our logo. Although we are completely open to the possibility of a Supreme Being of some sort, and to the concept of the things that are beyond our ability to explain or understand, we really don't 'worship', per se, anyone or anything. There is still the comfort of ritual, the warm sense of belonging and connection, a very loose code of morals, and a core system of values much like a traditional religion. Missing is the manipulation by guilt and fear, or the expectation of a monumental reward for subservience.
Oh, and it's a hell of a lot of fun.
