Subproject B07

Mocking Metaphor: The Use of Figurative Language in Parody Religions

Subproject B07 investigates the role of metaphor in parody religions such as Pastafarianism, the Church of the SubGenius, and the United Church of Bacon. Often created as humorous or critical responses to established religions, these movements offer a unique perspective on how religious ideas are communicated and negotiated in contemporary society.

The project focuses on how parody religions represent transcendence, divinity, and the distinction between the sacred and the everyday. It examines how metaphors are used to criticize religious beliefs and practices, create humor and irony, and foster alternative forms of community. At the same time, parody religions often adopt features associated with established religions, including rituals, symbols, narratives, and concepts of the divine.

Drawing on foundational texts, websites, multimodal material, and online discussions, B07 analyzes how metaphorical language and imagery shape these religious and quasi-religious worlds. Methodologically, the project combines the CRC’s approaches to metaphor documentation with frame semantics. In doing so, it contributes to a better understanding of which metaphors structure religious thought and why certain religious images and ideas remain culturally influential even beyond traditional religious communities.