Celebrities, Slack, And Salvation: Texas And The Church Of The SubGenius

Texas isn't a place that is known for starting religions that wind up with commercials promising eternal salvation or triple your money back. However, that's exactly what happened. A whole religion was born in the Lone Star State and went on to attract celebrities, academics, and generations of followers into the fold. It's the Lone Star State where Bob Dobbs' message of Slack was first unleashed on an unsuspecting world.

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Texas And The Birth Of The Church Of The SubGenius

I don't know how many times I've watched the commercial for the Church of the SubGenius. It's still one of my favorite things to watch. The end, where it promises you eternal salvation or triple your money back is an absolute classic. Remember seeing this one?

I've been aware of Bob Dobbs and the Church of the SubGenius for as long as I can remember, but I never knew where it all got started. In 1979, the first pamphlet put out by the Church of the SubGenius was released in Dallas, Texas. From there, it would go on to impact the world.

Celebrities, Slack, And The End Of The World

What is fascinating about the Church of the SubGenius is who all is or has been a member. Paul Reubens, Mojo Nixon, Mark Mothersbaugh, David Byrne, and several other celebrities have all claimed to be followers of Slackmaster J.R. "Bob" Dobbs. The iconic picture of Dobbs smoking his pipe is something that you've seen before, even if you didn't know where it came from. The Church of the SubGenius has been made a part of art and music for a very long time.

According to legend, it all started as a joke between friends. Then, some say that's a lie used by The Conspiracy to confuse us. Either way, you can't deny the impact the Church has had.

The Church of the SubGenius has a weekly radio program, like most churches do. They do have their religious holidays that they observe. They've even had those moments where some congregants wonder if maybe things have gone a little too far.

Sounds like a regular religion to me, and it's a Lone Star State original.