Group details now include real-world
website links for those interested in reading more accurate information about
the religious groups listed, generally from an insider perspective, of course.
The religious groups detailed here are divided into are four broad sections (plus reference section), indicating the general attitude to mutants held by the majority of the members of that church, and/or the official church stance on mutants. Note that "Neutral" attitudes and "Undecided" attitudes are grouped together. Please read disclaimers before continuing. Also, I welcome people's input as to whether it is appropriate or useful (for role-playing purposes) to include addresses for the groups.
Group details now include real-world
website links for those interested in reading more accurate information about
the religious groups listed, generally from an insider perspective, of course.
This document has been written for entertainment, non-profit purposes only. It may not be used for any commercial purposes, nor archived at any other site without permission. The terms "Marvel" and "X-Men" are used without the permission of Marvel comics. No offence is intended to any religious group or any religious beliefs. Religions and people may be inaccurately represented in order to enhance their use for role-playing purposes. Any reproduction of this document must include the above references and this disclaimer, and acknowledge my role in collating and editing the information used to produce this document, and my authorship of original material.
Please remember, this is a fictional resource that has drawn its basis from real world information. It is not necessarily an accurate representation of the religious groups named, nor are the biographical details about notable figures to be relied upon as accurate. Some details that appear "factual" in the text below have actually been altered, distorted, or made up. This is a roleplaying resource, not a religious studies resource.
However, that said, if you are still offended by the content below, either because you feel a particular group or person has been misrepresented, or because you feel the beliefs about mutants section for a particular group is particularly unlikely or offensive, you are free to politely contact me by e-mail to discuss changes I could make to that section. I am happy to alter any content that is particularly offensive to any individual or religious group. I am also happy, for example, to include links to any webpages maintained for the groups below, so people can read factual information about the relevant group. Please, no flames. If you are offended by the entire page, just don't read it.
Back to List of Sections (for "Religion and Mutants in the X-Men Universe")
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Address: 815 Second Ave., New York, NY, 10017. Membership: Over 2,700,000 members in over 7,000 congregations. Notable Figures: John Shelby Spong, Bishop of Newark, NJ- radical liberal reformist. Rev. Kenneth Hanrahan, priest in San Francisco with "Low Church" emphasis. Real-world website: Catholic Encyclopedia: Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.
Beliefs: High church Episcopalians emphasize the forms and ceremonies associated with the Roman tradition (eg.transubstantiation), while the Low Church Episcopalians emphasize the "Puritan" element, and centre on reading and preaching the Word. Many conservatives left the church after the ordination of women and revisions to the prayer book in 1976.
Beliefs about mutants: Liberal attitude, preaches tolerance, understanding, acceptance, and the importance of faith (eg. 1 Cor 13:2). Rev. Hanrahan's church runs Belleforde House, a charitable institution providing shelter, support and a community centre for mutants in San Francisco.
Address: 50 E. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT, 84150. Membership: 4.3 million members with 9,500 congregations in the U.S.A., and 115,000 members with 350 congregations in Canada. 6.4 million members worldwide. Large populations in Utah and Missouri. Notable Figures: Founded by Joseph Smith (1805-1844) in 1830. The current President of the church is Ezra Taft Benson (1985-present). Real-world website: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Beliefs: Church members are popularly known as Mormons. Both the Book of Mormon and the Bible are recognized by the church to be the word of God. The Book of Mormon is a major revelatory text given to Joseph Smith by an angel in 1827. Tritheistic belief in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Denial of original sin, Christ's atonement saves individuals obedient to the laws and ordinances of God. The ordinances are; faith, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Baptism for the dead is commonly practiced, by which one's ancestors can also be saved. Belief that the future kingdom of Zion will be built not at Jerusalem, but on the American continent.
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants were officially accepted as full members of the church, and a part of God's plan, following a revelatory pronouncement by (Mormon) President Spencer W. Kimball in 1981. Following some initial disagreement, which saw some members leave the church to join splinter groups, his pronouncement has been enthusiatically embraced. Mutants are part of God's plan for the evolution of mankind, as our progression towards exaltation continues. "As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become." Most Mormons embrace mutants as part of the church whole-heartedly, and are often critical of other Christian churches' placing limits on the love of God, and lack of understanding of God's plan. Mormons are one of the most enthusiastically pro-mutant Christian churches (along with some Christian/New-Age groups).
Address: 543 Frederick St., San Francisco, CA, 94117. Membership: 27 members, all in San Francisco. Notable Figures: Founded in 1971 by John Presmont aka Brother Jud, and Even Eve. All members take new names. Real-world website: Polyfidelity (article on Kerista Commune and its ideals).
Beliefs: Communal approach to life. Belief in polyfidelity. The oldest "best friend identity cluster" is known as The Purple Submarine and has 9 women and 7 men, together since 1988. Members of clusters may be hetero, bi, or homosexual. They do not believe in group sex or exhibitionism. They believe in a pantheistic Divinity or Totality called Kyrallah. Their symbolic representation of the connection of the deity to the individual is called Sister Kerista, pictured as a hip black woman in a pair of sneakers. Tools for personal and group growth include their rap group, open to non-members, and the Gestalt-O-Rama process.
Beliefs about mutants: They are pro-mutant, as they believe in the ongoing evolution of the human species from blue-green algae, to animal-like nature, to utopian paradise.
Address: C/O Maple Grove, 5848 Pendleton Ave., Anderson, IN, 46013. Membership: 460 members in 15 congregations, with 50 ministers (mediums and healers) in the U.S.A. Notable Figures: Warren Smith heads the Universal Spiritualist Institute in Anderson, Indiana, and has a reputation for public demonstrations of materializations. Real-world website: Universal Spiritualist Association.
Beliefs: Christian based. Belief in communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the spirit world. Also interested in rappings, parakinesis, TK, direct writing, materialization, spirit photography, etc.
Beliefs about mutants: They believe in "the continuous progression of humanity forever", and are pro-mutant. They will have particular interest in mutants able to communicate with or travel to spirit worlds, and those able to teach normal-human achievable psychic skills, like healing, TK, and mediumship. They may invite mutants with appropriate powers and attitudes to lead seminars or church services.
Address: C/O Berkeley Psychic Institute, 2436 Haste St., Berkeley, CA, 94704. Membership: 9 branches (all in CA) are reported by the Berkeley Psychic Institute, 8 branches reported by the Washington Psychic Institute. The Berkeley Institute reports over 1000 graduates. Notable Figures: Founded in 1972 by psychic Lewis Bostwick. Karen Tamura is head minister of the California church parishes, while her husband Michael Tamura directs the Berkeley Psychic Institute. Real-world website: Berkeley Psychic Institute.
Beliefs: Not doctrinally oriented, it is loosely organised. It's creed affirms "psychic freedom", and stresses living the mystic life in the inward infinity and cosmic consciousness. Interested in the training and development of latent psychic abilities. Ministers often specialize in clairvoyance and past-life or psychic readings. The Berkeley Psychic Institute offers courses in a wide variety of psychic experience; healing, meditation, kundalini energy, aura reading, and so on. It also trains ministers for the church. There is also an affiliated Washington Psychic Institute.
Beliefs about mutants: Pro-mutant. Particular interest in mutants with psychic powers, and those mutants able to teach their skills to others. Belief that all humans possess the potential that is realized in mutants.
Address: Box 761, Novato, CA, 94948. Regular meetings in the San Francisco Bay area are held at Ignacio, San Francisco, and Oakland. Membership: 14,000 members in the U.S.A., 100 in Canada. Notable Figures: Founded in 1969 by Betty Bethards, who continues to lecture and give private readings around the SF Bay area. Her Peruvian Indian spirit-guide is called Uvalla. Real-world website: The Inner Light Foundation.
Beliefs: The Foundation aims to develop in all people a conscious awareness of God through knowledge and use of ESP. Belief that all individuals possess ESP faculties, the development of which can lead to the greater brotherhood of mankind. To be achieved through dreams, affirmations, and visualization/meditation. Focus on inner awareness, psychic development, and channeling abilities.
Beliefs about mutants: Special powers are misused if not focused on spiritual pursuits; the awareness of God, or the personal growth of the individual spirit, or using powers for the benefit of all mankind.
Address: Box 2710, San Antonio, TX, 78299. Membership: Unknown. Members are centrally located in San Antonio, TX, but there are many correspondence students. Notable Figures: Rose Dawn is the registrar and supreme leader. Real-world website: The Watchman Expositor: Mayan Order. This website is a Christian website with only a brief note on the existence and history of the Mayan Order.
Beliefs: They have rediscovered the ancient wisdom of the holy men (H'Men) of pre-Spanish conquest Mayan culture. Includes knowledge of astrology, calendar, medicine, mathematics, and occult wisdom. Stress on reincarnation within a framework of New Thought metaphysics. Emphasis on light, mind, and the power of positive thinking. All students practice psychokinesis (TK by power of the mind).
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants are the reincarnations of beings who were highly evolved spiritually in former lives. Born into a world lacking in spirituality, they have grown up lacking the spiritual guidance and training that would have seen them fulfil their chosen destinies as holy men (and women), to the benefit of all on earth.
Address: Box 267, Sedona, AZ, 86336. Membership: Two centres, in Sedona, Arizona, and Agoura, California. Notable Figures: Leader is Haroutiun (or Torkom) Saraydarian, a student of Eastern and occult religion, U.S.A. immigrant. Real-world website: Torkom Saraydarian- A Short Biography.
Beliefs: Creed professes belief in an evolutionary plan of the universe, with Man as a spark of the almighty one. Normal humans live in the fourth kingdom, the fifth kingdom is that of superhumans. The 5th kingdom begins as a fountain of love, light and power. Through love and sacrificial service, man can touch the superhuman kingdom and thus purify his heart. From this kingdom also come immortals who periodically enlighten humanity and restore the law of love. After the 5th kingdom, there are 2 higher levels of awareness before graduating from the planetary school into the solar one. From thence, to cosmic evolution. Their symbol is a five-pointed star inside three concentric circles with an arrow in its midst.
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants are human spirits who have evolved into reaching the 5th kingdom. Their mission on earth is love and sacrificial service, and the enlightenment of humanity. Many mutants are confused about their role on earth because their spirits have only recently evolved (being reincarnated) into this higher state. Particular interest in mutants who live out their destined mission, and are teachers.
Address: Box 85507, Seattle, WA, 98145. Membership: 480 members in 3 groups in the U.S.A., 49 members in Canada. Notable Figures: Founded by Rev. Pete Davis and other Pagans in 1979. Real-world website: Aquarian Tabernacle Church Website.
Beliefs: Distinctly and assertively Neo-Pagan. Beliefs include - divinity as imminent, transcendent, and likely to manifest as a female; a multiplicity of gods & goddesses; respect for nature; distrust of monolithic religious organisations; life as joyful, loving and pleasurable; ethics based on the avoidance of harm to others; magic; celebration of the solar and lunar cycles; eclecticism; people solving their own problems; commitment to growth, evolution and balance; community interdependence and cooperation; consistency in belief and lifestyle. The church has a retreat in the Cascade Mountains, featuring the Moon Stone Circle- a menhir ring, and a shrine to the Goddess Hecate. They also sponsor an annual Spring Mysteries Festival.
Beliefs about mutants: Many feel that as the monolithic, monotheistic religions decline in adherents and power, and the earth relgions rise again, we are seeing an increase in people being born able to use the power inherent in nature (ie.mutants), and an increasingly active role of divine (old gods) and semi-divine beings (mutants again). If born centuries ago, such people would have become druids, to the benefit of society. Mutants need to be given the respect they deserve, and permitted and encouraged to grow spiritually, and aid society.
Address: Box 1542, Ukiah, CA, 95482. Its forest-sanctuary land, Annwfn, is in nothern California. Major festivals are held at the 200 acre Coeden Brith, located next to Annwfn. Membership: Approx. 100 members in 6 centres in the U.S.A. Notable Figures: The church was originally inspired by the Sci-Fi novel "Stranger in a Strange Land" by Robert Heinlein. Morning Glory Zell founded the Ecosogical Research Association in 1977. Real-world website: CAWeb- The Official Website of the Church of All Worlds, Inc..
Beliefs: An eco-feminist, druidic, Neo-Pagan church. Worship of the Earth-Mother Goddess and the Horned God, with an emphasis on matriarchal aspects. The church is dedicated to the "celebration of life, the maximal actualization of human potential and the realization of ultimate individual freedom and personal responsibility in harmonious exo-psychic relationship with the total Biosphere of Holy Mother Earth". "Good" is seen as that which is pro-life and nature. Belief in the Gaea hypothesis, that the earth is a single living organism. They founded the Ecosogical Research Association (spelt correctly!), which is devoted to research and exploration in history, mythology, and the natural sciences. They recently sponsored an expedition to the South Pacific to study mermaids, investigated ancient European goddess sites, and collected goddess sculptures and prints. It is most famous for its work on the Living Unicorn Project. They produced unicorn-like animals through a simple operation on baby goats, the first such animal was named Lancelot, and introduced to the media and public in 1980.
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants have always been present throughout history, sometimes more common than others, with abilities varying throughout time. Elves, for example, may have been a group of mutants with similar physical features, and varying powers such as healing, swiftness, night vision, and so on. Pro-mutant, encouraging diversity of nature, and actualizing human potential.
Address: C/O Susan B. Anthony Coven No.1, Box 11363, Oakland, CA, 94611. Membership: "Themosphoria" newsletter has a circulation of 1,500 copies. There is little organisational connection between different Dianic covens. Dianic Wicca is a style, more than an organisation. Notable Figures: Early figures include Susan B. Anthony and Budapest. Budapest, Merlin Stone, Starhawk, and Diana Paxton are well-known figures associated with this discipline. Ruth Barrett is the current High Priestess of the Circle of Aradia in Venice, CA. Real-world website: Dianic Wicca: Triplemoon witchware.
Beliefs: Feminist Wicca, blending monotheism (goddess only) and pantheism (everything in nature a child of the goddess). Strong focus on the mother Goddess, particularly as the Greek Goddess Diana. Worship of the Goddess in a primeval past co-existed with a period of peace on earth which was destoyed by the rise of men and patriarchal deities. Covens vary from all-female separatist groups, to all female groups, to mixed male-female groups with a strong feminist emphasis. The majority of all female covens operate in the nude, and some believe in parthenogenic birth (birth not requiring male assistance).
Beliefs about mutants: With the increasing world-wide emancipation of women, humanity is rediscovering the intuitive feminine power of the Goddess available to all. We are entering a period of time with the potential to return to a more peaceful existence. Unfortunately, the traditionally patriarchal impulses of war and control are warping the peaceful potential of mutant powers. Female mutants with strong powers are particularly respected.
Address: C/O Robin Stewart, Priestess, Box 1407, San Francisco, CA, 94101. Membership: One congregation in San Francisco, CA, of about 100 members. Male dominant->female submissive patterns excluded from the church. Both homosexual and heterosexual patterns of female dominance are accepted. Notable Figures: Robin Stewart, current Priestess in SF. Real-world website: Essemian Sanctuary of the Dark Side Goddess (aka Service of Mankind Church, aka SM Church aka Essemian Church). If that website doesn't work (I had some trouble loading pages), try the FAQ about the SM Church archived at About the Service of Mankind Church.
Beliefs: Formed in Berkeley in the mid 70's by people who were into S&M (sadism & masochism), and also believed in the ancient historical practices of Goddess worship. Believes in a powerful female deity (monotheistic). The church is strongly feminist, only women may be dominant, or become priestesses. Believes in the great transition of Western culture, namely, that society could collapse, and in that event, females would have to take control. The church attempts to plan for that possibility. The church denies that female rule in the envisioned postmodern society would be vindictively harsh. Church members see spiritual meaning in intense SM fantasy. Emphasis on controlled pain and mortification experiences as a sacrament of penance.
Beliefs about mutants: Particular regard for powerful, dominant, female mutants, who will inevitably play a major role in ruling the postmodern society. Mutants are a sign of the approaching end of the current age, and of the rising, renewed power of the Goddess.
Address: Box 29271, San Francisco, CA, 94129. Membership: One temple in San Francisco, CA, with approx. 500 members. Smaller branches "Pylons" elsewhere in the U.S.A. and overseas. Notable Figures: Lilith Aquino is a Council member in the San Francisco temple, and holds the titles of Maga, and Grandmaster of the Order of the Vampyre. Priest Wild in the Australasian pylon, Nan Madol, is rumoured to have built an underground pyramid-like base in the Australian desert, the secret location of advanced programs in genetic and magical research. Real-world website: The Official Temple of Set WWW Site. See also Temple of Set Australia: Nan Madol Pylon.
Beliefs: Split from the Church of Satan in 1975 due to concerns about its over-commercialism. An initiatory institution dedicated to Set, the corrupted legends of whom were the basis for the Christian Satan. Set is not seen as an evil figure. The temple is governed by the Council of Nine. The universe is seen as a nonconscious environment possessed of mechanical consistency. In contrast to the universe, and occasionally violating its laws, is Set. Set has, over a period of millennia, altered the genetic makeup of humans in order to create a species possessing an enhanced, nonnatural intelligence. The techniques and teachings of the temple are designed to identify and develop this higher evolutionary potential in appropriate individuals. The temple is interested in a wide range of occult, scientific, and religious subjects, including ancient Egypt, historical and contemporary occultism, psychology, ethics, and experimental science.
Beliefs about mutants: Strongly pro-mutant. Set has chosen to intervene in human evolution in our current time, and mutants are the positive future of the human race. Temple members are encouraged to support mutant rights, and to take mutants as reproductive partners, thus participating in the future of humanity. The temple is also interested in scientific and occult techniques to enhance human potential and induce mutations.
Address: Box 477, Petaluma, CA, 94953. Membership: 50 full-time students reside at the ashram. Many part-time students run meditation groups in California, while some students merely attend occasional weekend retreats. Notable Figures: Founded by Eknath Easwaran in 1960, who was born in South India, and came to the U.S.A. as an English professor under the Fullbright Exchange Program. Real-world website: The Blue Mountain Center of Meditation and Nilgiri Press.
Beliefs: The supreme goal is to know God through union with God. "Family yoga" is the practice of finding fulfillment by putting first the welfare of those around one. Meditation, the discipline adopted to accomplish the goal of union, teaches one to focus the mind and to utilize its full potential. The individual can, by meditation, gain full self-control and cease to be the victim of uncontrolled urges. He or she is also enabled to live selflessly in family and community. Strong attention is given to problem-solving through meditation. The Blue Mountain Center in Petaluma, CA, publishes books on leading the spiritual life in the home and community, and offers classes and weekend retreats on meditation and the spiritual life.
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants have part (though not all) of their mental potential realized. All humans have the potential that mutants have.
Address: 702 Washington St., San Francisco, CA, 94108. Membership: 400 members at the single centre in San Francisco. Notable Figures: The church is currently led by Dr. Frederick Hong, known for his scholarly leadership. Real-world website: Buddha's Universal Church. Click on the "Maps by Expedia.com" section to see the location of the church on a map. No highly informative websites were found.
Beliefs: The largest of the Buddhist organizations centered upon the San Francisco, CA, Chinese community. The church holds standard Chinese-Buddhist philosophy and beliefs. It was founded in the late 1920's in Chinatown, and is housed in a million-dollar temple begun during the 50's and dedicated in 1963. It is the largest in the continental United States and contains the first mosaic image of the Buddha. The church houses a fine library and research facility. Public services are held every second and fourth Sunday at 1:30pm, and include a lecture and tour. On the roof is a garden with a Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the tree under which Buddha sat, and a lotus-shaped pool. A yearly bilingual (Chinese-English) costumed musical production depicting ancient China is presented by the young people of the church.
Beliefs about mutants: Tendency to deify heroes and heroines who are regarded as models of virtuous conduct and honoured for deeds of great benefit to the people. May see such mutant or paranormal beings as protectors of a particular city. Will venerate Chinese heroes before other nationalities.
Address: C/O Most Rev. Mikhail Francis Itkin, Priory of St. Thomas of India, 1546 Hayes St., San Francisco, CA, 94117. Membership: As a matter of policy, the Community doesn't issue statistics on membership. The Community is estimated to be small and largely confined to the San Francisco Bay area. Notable Figures: Founded in 1959 (under another name) by the Most Rev. Mikhail (Michael) Francis Itkin, an openly gay pro-women's rights bishop. In the 70's, Itkin held joint membership in the Metropolitan Community Church, which he withdrew from in 1984 upon concluding that they were not in fact committed to his own belief of "unity in diversity". He retains status as a "friend" of the MCC. (In the real world, Itkin died in 1989). Real-world website: The Itkin lineage (line of consecration).
Beliefs: The Community draws its origins from the Eucharistic Catholic Church (an early gay church, though not openly enough for the founder), the Episcopal church, and Catholicism. It sees itself as part of the Mennonite-Radical Reformation heritage, accepts only the first three ecumenical councils, and acknowledges only three, not seven, sacraments, in a "low church" approach. Itkin advocates strong social activism, and his consecration of a woman to the priesthood in 1962 was quite controversial, even internally. During the 60's the church was deeply involved in civil rights and anti-war crusades. Itkin's "liberation theology" emphasized pacifism, freedom from oppression, gay liberation, and civil rights for minorities. Some conservative elements left the church in '68, taking much of the church assets with them. Christ is acknowledged as Sovereign and Liberator, and the Community is fully committed to a liberation theological praxis that includes a struggle against sexism, heterosexism, racism, classism, imperialism, and violence. It strongly supports and works for Christian gay/lesbian liberation, feminism, racial integration, civil rights, economic mutuality, democracy, universal citizenship, and nonviolence. It does not consider itself a gay or homosexual church, but rather "a Christian covenant-community for all people, preaching the inclusive love of God to everyone." "Everyone" includes, specifically, gay and lesbian individuals.
Beliefs about mutants: Strongly pro-mutant, advocate for mutant rights and integration, and believes in the love of God for all people, including mutants.
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Address: Most churches in North Carolina, Tennessee. Membership: Approx. 7,000 members, in 50 to 100 congregations. Notable Figures: Snake handling began with George Went Hensley (Tennessee) early 1900's.
Beliefs: Focus on Mark 16:17-18 signs of the Holy Spirit; casting out of demons, speaking in tongues, picking up serpents, drinking poison, laying on of hands to heal. 1975 court ban on drinking poison and snake handling does not deter all. Individual churches are tied together by evangelists.
Beliefs about mutants: Individuals who can demonstrate the aformentioned signs are believed to be divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, and are not accused of being mutants.
Address: Congregations are present in states including Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Oklahoma, and California. Membership: Approx. 225,000 members. Tends to exclude non-Indians from rituals, to keep out those merely seeking peyote experiences. Notable Figures: Johnathan Koshiway was one of the founding members. Founded in 1909.
Beliefs: Peyote consumption is quite central. Ceremony occurs in the evening in a teepee. Prayer, smoking, singing and drumming precede ritualistic peyote consumption. The shaman controls the peyote, and is credited with mediumistic and psychic powers. Peyote is legal within the confines of this church.
Beliefs about mutants: Not much interest. But will highly revere powered mutants of Amerindian descent, though accrediting their powers to spirits and Amerindian magic. When considering mutants in general, mutation may be viewed as the result of white America's pollution of the earth.
Address: C/O Flag Service Org(anization), Box 23751, Los Angeles, CA, 33650-3751. Membership: Over 6,500 staff members in 673 churches. Estimates 3,000,000 members in the U.S.A., with 5,000,000 members worldwide. Notable Figures: Founded by L. Ron Hubbard, explorer and SF author (died 1986).
Beliefs: Primary focus on Dianetics, a mental health discipline. Aim is to rid oneself of engrams, (detailed impressions of perceptions in past moments of pain and unconsciousness), through a process called auditing. A device called an E-Meter is used as an aid in this process. One who is rid of all engrams is called a Clear. One who has successfully separated personality or spirit from the body and mind (NB.- not astral travel) is called an Operating Thetan.
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants suffer from engrams just like everyone else, and are not necessarily highly evolved spiritually.
Address: 126 Camillia Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701. Membership: In Hawaii, 11,000 members in 30 centres with 65 ministers. An additional 4,000 members worldwide. Notable Figures: Dr. E. Otha heads Huna Research Inc., in Cape Girardeau, MO, which was founded by Max Freedom Long in 1950.
Beliefs: Native Hawaiian religion, magical polytheism. Four main deities; Kane, the creator; Lono, the fertility god; Ku, the war god; Kanaloa, the god of the sea and death. Priests are called kahunas. Human sacrifice has in modern times been replaced with ritual and chants. Large emphasis on healing by means of mana, power. Huna is magic, involving the superconscious (aumakua), which uses mana, transmitted through a fine substance called aka, "shadowy body stuff".
Beliefs about mutants: Has a very specific interest in researching, understanding, and practising huna traditions. However, when considering the larger picture, may extend theories of mana to explain paranormal mutant abilities.
Address: 763 S. 53rd St., Tacoma, WA, 98408. Membership: Centres are located in California and Washington. Notable Figures: Ms. Ivah Bergh Whitten was cured of an "incurable" disease as a young child through "colour awareness" in the 1930's. Current leader of Washington Temple is Paola Hugh.
Beliefs: Christian-based, with four aspects of God, the fourth being the Spirit, which is made manifest in 7 colours. Each colour (or ray) rules an aspect of existence, is ruled by a master, as has a healing potential. By understanding what ray you were born under, you can discover your proper work and place in life. Overriding the 7 rays is the white ray, which shines directly from the Logos.
Beliefs about mutants: Particular interest in mutants manifesting colour-based powers.
Address: Unknown, headquarters suspected to be located in San Francisco, CA. Membership: Unknown, membership very exclusive and by invitation only. Notable Figures: Traces its origins back to the Hellfire Club in England headed by Sir Francis Dashwood. Founded in 1776 by the infamous Dr. Adam Weishaupt in Germany. Modern version led by magician and author Robert Anton Wilson in San Francisco, CA, and in Nantes, France.
Beliefs: A loose confederation of like-minded magicians who help each other over any times of problems in magical practice. Adherents also tend to be devotees of Eris, the goddess of chaos and discord. Focus on Thelemic magick.
Beliefs about mutants: Wide variety of beliefs, depending on the individual magician.
Address: Box 93124, Pasadena, CA, 91109. Membership: The newsletter has a circulation of 200. Notable Figures: Nelson H. White (Frater Khedemel) and his wife Anne White (Soror Veritas), are the founders, authors, and teachers. They run a church-sponsored bookstore in Pasadena, CA, called The Magick Circle.
Beliefs: No ceremonial ritual trappings, no grades or fixed curriculum. Emphasis on individual independent study and spiritual development. Teachings are basically Kabbalistic. Adherents practice white magic only (no pun intended!).
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants have a natural ability to tap into sources of magical energy.
Address: Box 7091, Burbank, CA, 91510-7091. Membership: Four groups; in Tuscon, Arizona, and San Diego & Los Angeles, California, with 8 priests/priestesses and approx. 100 members. Notable Figures: Founded in 1968 by Harold Moss.
Beliefs: Centred on polytheism and authentic Egyptianism. Mastery of Egyptian history is stressed, many church members make pilgrimages to Egypt. The Egyptian gods worshipped include Osiris, Set (god of darkness), Isis, Horus, Bast (solar goddess represented as a cat), Thoth (god of wisdom), Ra (sun god represented as Khepera, the beetle). Practices centre on personal shrines, study of theology, divination, the fine arts, ritual magick, and personal worship. Festival days are held each full moon.
Beliefs about mutants: Little interest, excepting those mutants claiming identity as Egyptian gods or goddesses. Some think mutants may draw power from the same sources as Egyptian magicians. Many take a more athiestic approach to mutation.
Address: C/O Rowan Fairgrove, Box 360607, Milipitas, CA, 95035. Membership: 12 covens in the U.S.A. and Canada, most in the San Francisco Bay area. Attendence at major festivals may range up to 300 participants. Notable Figures: Rowan Fairgrove is the main organizer of major festivals and handles administration and public enquiries.
Beliefs: An association of Wiccan witchcraft covens, with a focus on worship of the goddess and other "Olde Gods". Their ethics follow the Wiccan Rede, "An ye harm none, do as ye will". Associated with the Covenant of the Goddess association, which links 57 covens, 17 of which are in Northern California. In February 1993 they will celebrate their 25th anniversary. They also hold an annual September ritual based on the Eleusinian mysteries, and celebrate the 8 sabbats. Most Bay Area covens hold their rituals open to the neopagan and craft communities. Esbats are held at the new and full moons, and are closed events.
Beliefs about mutants: Will oppose violent mutants who harm or kill people, will be neutral towards other mutants. Are often inclusive of mutants, but rarely strongly pro-mutant.
Address: Postal address in Milwaukee. Membership: One small group remains in Milwaukee. Notable Figures: Formed in 1974 by N.J. Templin.
Beliefs: Advocates Wotanism (or Odinism) as the oldest religion in the world. The Nordic race is the "Chosen Race of Nature". Norse gods are worshipped, and thought of as manifestations of nature. There are religious festivals, but no religious services, except for marriages and funerals (performed by priests). The family unit, self-respect, and loyalty to ancestral heritage are promoted. This-worldly; immortality through improvement of the future generation. Associated with the Odinist Movement in Toronto, and Die Artgemeinschaft (The Old Religion) in Germany.
Beliefs about mutants: Firm belief in the divinity of Thor and other Norse god figures. The group remains undecided and confused about the status and significance of mutants in general.
Address: C/O Oyotunji African Yoruba Village, Box 51, Sheldon, SC, 29941. Membership: 200 residents of Oyotunji, with 19 affiliated centres in the U.S.A., with 10,000 members. Notable Figures: Sacred village of Oyotunji founded in 1973 by Walter Eugene King, aka King Oba Efuntold Oseijeman Adelabu Adefummi I (King Efuntola).
Beliefs: The Yoruba religion of the village of Oyotunji is drawn from Afro-Cuban Santeria (a form of voodoo). The founder, King Efuntola, established the all-black Yoruba Village of Oyotunji in Beauford County, South Carolina, which is modelled on a Nigerian village. The village includes a palace for the King and his seven wives and many children, and several temples to the various deities. Gods include the head god Chango; Elegba, god of luck; Ogun, god of metal; Ifa, god of divination; and Eshu the trickster, messenger of the gods. Practices of the Yoruba religion include animal sacrifice, polygamy, ecstatic dancing, and the appeasement of the gods by various offerings. The gods are the main focus of worship, but ancestors are also venerated. The village has become a pilgrimage site for many black Americans, disregardless of their religious beliefs.
Beliefs about mutants: Not much interest. It is generally seen as something only affecting white people, or those with white ancestors.
Address: Box 32433, Jamaica, NY, 11431. Membership: Unknown. There are over 60 Chinmoy centres around the world. Notable Figures: Founded in the U.S.A. in 1964 by Sri Chinmoy Kumar Ghose (aka Sri Chinmoy), who emigrated from Bengal to begin "serving the West".
Beliefs: Teachings centre on yoga, man's conscious union with God. Yoga is seen as the science that teaches us how the ultimate reality can be discovered in life itself. Students are taught hatha yoga, proper breathing, vegetarianism, and meditation. Tends to teach with a pattern of guru-disciple, with the prime guru being Sri Chinmoy. Sri Chinmoy teaches that the path of love, devotion (bhakti) and surrender is the swiftest and easiest way to God. He also encourages athletics as a means to illumination of the physical consciousness, and the centres across the country have sponsored many running events. Disciples are urged to be transforming agents in the world. Headquarters are at the United Nations, where Sri Chinmoy is the permanent director of the united Nations Meditation Group, and delivers the monthly Dag Hammarskjold lecture.
Beliefs about mutants: Love and acceptance of all beings is important. Everyone should use their powers and skills for the benefit of the world.
Address: 336 S. Doheny Drive, #7, Beverly Hills, CA, 90211. Membership: Two centres in the U.S.A. with approx. 100 members, and 1,000 members internationally (including one centre in Canada). Notable Figures: Founded by Dr. Deva Maharaj (born 1948) in Sweden in the early 80's. He is a high caste Hindu and doctor of ayurveda and homeopathic medicine. Before leaving India, he had studied yoga and meditation at the Yoga Research Hospital in New Delhi. He came to the U.S.A. in the mid 80's and established headquarters in Beverly Hills, CA. Deva travels widely and has become a radio and TV personality because of his clairvoyant abilities.
Beliefs: Stated aim of the foundation is to bridge the gap between Western psychology and Eastern philosophy. It offers a wide variety of Eastern and Western techniques for personal growth, transformation, and enlightenment. These include various health classes, self-hypnosis, nutrition, acupressure, massage, and shaktipat, the awakening of the kundalini, the latent energy believed to rest at the base of the spine. Members may also participate in the activites of the Tantra House operated by the foundation, an educational centre which teaches the esoteric secrets of sexuality and spirituality.
Beliefs about mutants: In response to accusations that his powers derive from mutant ability (clairvoyance, in particular), Deva has publicly undergone medical testing to prove that he is not a mutant. He maintains that all people can achieve the powers he has, through the techniques his centre teaches. This has gained him a lot of good publicity with the general public.
Address: C/O ISKCON International Ministry of Public Affairs, 1030 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA, 92109. Membership: 50 centres in the U.S.A. with 3,000 core community members and 250,000 lay constituents. 8,000 core community members worldwide, with centres in 60 countries. Notable Figures: ISKCON was founded in 1966 in New York City by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977). Besides leading the movement and being guru, he was a prolific translator and author.
Beliefs: Commonly known as the "Hare Krishnas" by the general public. It is a form of eclectic devotional Vaishnava Hinduism, with the central thrust of ISKCON being bhakti yoga, in the form of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. The chanting is the process for receiving the consciousness of God (mainly thought of in his prime incarnations of Krishna and Rama) and dispelling the maya or illusion in which the world is immersed. Devotion also includes the following: service to the deity statues found in all Krishna temples; telok, markings of the body with clay in twelve places, each representing a name of God; kirtan, the public chanting and dancing to Krishna; and eating and distribution of prasadam, food (vegetarian) offered to Krishna. Devotees also study much traditional Hindu lore (Vedic culture), the history of bhakti yoga, and the writings of the founder. ISKCON is famous for its festivals and feasts. Each summer there are one or more international festivals featuring a mass parade honouring Lord Jagannath, and everyone is fed a vegetarian meal. Weekly feasts open to the public are part of the normal activity of the local temple. Core community members who are male wear saffron robes and shave their heads, female core members wear saris and have long hair. ISKCON no longer strongly advocates guru puja, the veneration of the guru, which was an integral part of daily routine while Prabhupada lived.
Beliefs about mutants: Being born a mutant is merely another type of reincarnation, due to karmic actions in a previous life.
Address: 1015 Gayley Ave., Suite 1116, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Membership: Unknown. Estimates of at least 800 full time students. Branches in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Boston. Notable Figures: Founded by Frederick Lenz (aka Atmananda or Rama) in 1985 to supersede his previous organization, Lakshmi (founded in California in 1979). He is a former English professor and disciple of Sri Chinmoy. During his early years in California, students reported a number of extraordinary experiences. During group meditations, Lenz would levitate, disappear completely, and/or radiate intense beams of light. Shortly after these experiences, Lenz announced that eternity had given him a new name, Rama. Rama regularly teaches seminars in Southern California.
Beliefs: Humanity is at the end of a cycle. The present period, Kali Yuga, is a dark age. At the end of each cycle, Vishnu is due to take incarnation. Rama doesn't claim to be the same conscious entity as the historic Rama, but does claim to be the embodiment of the "particular octave of celestial light which was once incarnated as Rama." Rama describes the teaching of Rama Seminars as Tantric Zen. He claims to have been a Zen master in previous incarnations.
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants are a sign of the ending of the current cycle. Vishnu may be likely to incarnate as a mutant, or other paranormal being.
Address: C/O Dr. Norbu Lompas Chen, 766 8th Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94118. Membership: One centre in San Francisco, CA. Notable Figures: Founded by Dr. Norbu L. Chen in the 70's, former physician of Dharma Chakra Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. He received his basic instruction in Buddhism and Buddhist healing practices from refugees who had fled Tibet to Nepal following the 1959 Chinese invasion.
Beliefs: The foundation is a Nyingmapa Tibetan Buddhist centre, named for a famous healing centre just outside Lhasa (the capital of Tibet). The founder of Nyingmapa Buddhism, Padmasambhava, was believed to have the power to control various spirits, and communicated his teachings to his followers. He also taught that Buddhism had to be experiential, and favoured the way of the bodhisattva, selfless service for others, soothing the sorrows of all creatures. The Foundation operates the College of Oriental Medicine, which offers courses in Buddhism for prospective monks and nuns, and training in oriental medicine. There is also a clinic for those who wish to receive treatment from an oriental physician.
Beliefs about mutants: Like all other beings, mutants should follow the path of Buddhism, and escape the suffering of rebirth.
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Address: Box 62 B3, Schell City, MO, 64783. Membership: Approx. 700 members in 5 congregations, with 10 ministers. Notable Figures: Founded by Dan Gayman (bishop) in the early 70's, who is still active in the church.
Beliefs: The Israelites of the bible are identified with the Caucasian race only. Everyone is predestined to be part of God's family or Satan's dominion (Gen 3:15). Caucasians are descended from Seth, while blacks and Jews are descended from Cain, a product of Satan's impregnating Eve. The church opposes women in the military, social security, violence, and abortion. Officially denies beliefs in white supremacy and hatred of other races, but does believe in segregation of the races (1 Cor 10:21- "You cannot drink from the Lord's cup and also from the cup of demons; you cannot eat at the Lord's table and also at the table of demons.").
Beliefs about mutants: White mutants are destined to help establish the Kingdom of God on earth, and converting them is of prime importance. The few non-White mutants are evidence of Satan's poor attempts to grant those in his dominion equal power to oppose those of God's family.
Address: Box 362, Hayden Lake, ID, 83835. Membership: 300 members in Idaho, 6,000 members in the U.S.A. and Canada. Notable Figures: Richard Girnt Butler founded an Idaho branch in 1974. In 1982 he hosted the first World Aryan Congress. He is associated with the Ku Klux Klan and the American Nazi Movement. In 1987 he was indicted by the federal government for sedition, but was cleared of the charges in 1990, due to inconclusive evidence. Officially, while he sympathizes with The Order's frustrations, he "rejects their violent and illegal activites". Robert Mathews, former leader of The Order, was killed in 1985 during gun battles with police. Police led a manhunt for The Order following the murder of Jewish radio talk show host Alan Berg in 1984, and a number of crimes in Seattle, Washington.
Beliefs: Modern Anglo-Saxons are the physical descendents of Israel, and heir to the promises of the bible. Adamantly pro-white church. Has called for the establishment of an all-white nation in the Pacific Northwest. Some former members of the church formed The Order, a militant white supremist group not officially affiliated with the church.
Beliefs about mutants: Similarly to the Church of Israel, they see white mutant's role as helping to establish the all-white Kingdom of God, however, they do not go into as much theological detail as to the origin of mutants. Many see powerful mutants and paranormals as embodying the perfect Aryan supermen.
Address: 6202 Afton Place, Hollywood, CA, 90028. Membership: Approx. 650 members in the U.S.A. Notable Figures: Founded in 1954 by George King, medium and student of occultism and yoga. Channels Aetherius and Jesus.
Beliefs: Earth is engaged in cosmic warfare between black magicians seeking to enslave man, and the cosmic brotherhood, the space hierarchy, who oppose them. Members of the Society co-operate with the Brotherhood by channeling spiritual energy to particular concerns, in "spiritual pushes". King charged 18 mountains in England with spiritual energy, to be used by anyone making pilgrimages to them. The Interplanetary Parliament is headquartered on Saturn, the tribunal of the solar system. Saucers regularly make visits to earth's orbit, and send out special energy, which the Society co-ordinates their "spiritual pushes" with.
Beliefs about mutants: Most mutants are a result of the increasing level of spiritual energy being focused on earth. Some mutants may actually be aliens, doing various surveys of earth. However, some mutants and paranormal beings are in fact black magicians, whose activities must be rigorously opposed. The key is to determine if their activities are designed to take control of the earth, enslave mankind, or similar negative activities; the goals of black magicians.
Address: Rosicrucian Park, San Jose, CA, 95191. Membership: 163 local centres of various kinds in the U.S.A. Over 6 million pieces of literature are mailed out anually worldwide from San Jose headquarters. Notable Figures: Founded in 1915 by occultist H. Spencer Lewis, who founded the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose. Present grand imperator is Gary L. Stewart.
Beliefs: Continuation of the ancient mystery schools of Amenhotep IV and Solomon. Works in 180 year cycles of silence and secrecy, then public action. A new public cycle began in 1909. Teachings centre on God's purpose for life. Man's success comes through successful creative visualization, drawing health, wealth and happiness etc. to oneself. Most students learn by correspondence, but may attend local centres (called lodges, chapters, or pronaoi).
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants (both good and bad) are the result of the mass mental longings and fears of the human race. Mutants have potential to fulfil peoples dreams or bring forth their nightmares and subconscious longings for destruction and punishment.
Address: C/O Temple of Love, 2766 N.W. 62nd Street, Miami, FL, 33147. Membership: Congregations in 37 cities in the U.S.A. Followers abroad in 16 countries. Notable Figures: Founded and headed by the messianic figure Yahweh ben Yahweh (aka Hulon Mitchell Jr., and Moses Israel) in the 70's.
Beliefs: There is one god, Yahweh, and he is black with woolly hair (Dan 7:9; Rev 1:13-15; Deut 7:21). He has sent his son Yahweh ben Yahweh to deliver his people, the black people of America, who are the true lost tribe of Judah, and have yet to be put into their destined office of rulership. All people who oppose God are devils, regardless of race or colour. While the Nation of Yahweh has a special place for the chosen black people of America, and see white people as especially used by Satan in exercising wicked rulership, in the end salvation is not a matter of colour. Any person of any race or colour can be saved by faith in Yahweh ben Yahweh. Upon joining, members renounce their "slave name" and take the surname Israel. Many wear white robes as commanded in the Bible (Ecc 9:8). The nation has purchased several hotels and apartment buildings, and more than 42 businesses, which are used to support the organization and its members. This movement acquired $8 million worth of property holdings and stores before Yahweh ben Yahweh was arrested on racketeering charges in 1992, and some of his sect's followers were jailed for murder.
Beliefs about mutants: Mixed and uncertain. Salvation is open to all, regardless of race. But some see the existence of large numbers of Caucasian mutants and other paranormal "heroes" as helping the white man oppress the black race, and as possibly drawing their powers from the devil. Some members have a strong tendency to violence, and may harm mutants if the opportunity arises.
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Address: Pathway Publishers, Rte. 4, Aylmer, ON, Canada, N5H 2R3. Some communities in Pennsylvania and Missouri. Membership: 24,000 members in the U.S.A., 900 in Canada. Notable Figures: Josiah Grant is a prominent local figure in a community of 700 in Aylmer.
Beliefs: Agricultural community, strict conservatives with horse & buggy culture, beards (no moustaches) and plain suits for men, bonnet and apron for women. Marriage to non-Amish forbidden. Little schooling beyond the "3R's". Communities centre in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri.
Beliefs about mutants: General attitude that mutants are a sign of a godless, immoral society. They claim that there are no Amish mutants.
Address: C/O Dr. M.H. Reynolds, Jr., 205 N. Union Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90026. Membership: 11 churches with 1,700 members. Notable Figures: Formed in 1965, one founder was the Rev. Marion Reynolds.
Beliefs: Against ecumenism, very conservative, fundamentalist and bible-oriented. Against "apostasy and scripturally-forbidden alliances", such as co-operation with unbelievers.
Beliefs about mutants: Tendency to compare mutants to witches and demons, believe there are no truly Christian mutants, they all do Satan's work on earth, to a greater or lesser extent.
Address: Box 210082, San Francisco, CA, 94121. Membership: Estimated at several thousand, with headquarters in San Francisco, CA. Overseas concentrations in England, Holland, and Denmark. Notable Figures: Founded in 1966 by Anton LaVey, author of "The Satanic Bible", "The Satanic Rituals", and "The Compleat Witch". LaVey also had a reputation as a ghosthunter.
Beliefs: Basic themes are self-assertion, antiestablishmentarianism, and the gratification of man's physical or mental nature. Satan is a Promethean figure, representing indulgence, vital existence, undefiled wisdom, kindness to the deserving, vengeance, responsibility to the responsible, the notion that man is just another animal, and so-called sins which lead to physical or mental gratification. Rituals are magical acts that focus "psychokinetic force". Teachings are similar to Aleister Crowley's also, with each person seen as living according to his own set of rules. However, the church opposes illegal acts at variance with laws established for the common good. Sex and self-preservation are the strongest instincts, and natural. The three major festivals are individuals' birthdays, Walpurgisnacht, and Halloween. The church has an underground, cabalistic structure.
Beliefs about mutants: It is natural for powerful mutants to use their powers for their own gratification and personal advancement. Mutants are a danger to everyone due to this natural impulse, and should be eliminated or controlled. Any Satanists who found themselves with paranormal powers would themselves use their powers for their own profit and gratification, after all, with little concern for others.
Address: 716 Bushwick Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11221. Membership: Approx. 700 members in the U.S.A. Notable Figures: Muhammed Ahmed Ibn Abdullah (1845-1885) is seen as the Mahdi, the predicted successor to the Prophet Mustafa Muhammed Al Amin. His great-grandson, As Sayyid Al Imaan Isa Al Haadi Al Madhi, is the current leader of the movement.
Beliefs: Teaches from the Old Testament, the Psalms of David, the New Testament, and the Holy Qur'aan (Koran). Millenarian movement centering on Revelation. Adam and Hawwah (Eve) were Nubians (and therefore black). The pale races descend from Ham's fourth son being cursed with leprosy, turning him white, as a punishment for Ham's desire to commit sodomy with his father, Noah. Mixing the blood with the "subraces" is unlawful for Nubians. From Abraham two nations were produced; that of Isaac, later known as Israelites, and the nation of Ishmael, the Ishmailites. The Ishmailites were predicted to be enslaved in a land not of their own for 400 years. The Nubians of the U.S.A., the West Indies, and other places in the world are the seed of Ishmael, and thus Hebrews. Al Mahdi taught that all with straight hair and pale skin were Turks, but this doesn't include people of colour such as the Latins, Japanese, Koreans, Cubans, Sicilians, etc. The symbol of the community is the six-pointed star (made from two triangles) in an inverted crescent. It is considered to be the seal of Allah.
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants are a sign of the last days. They may be identified with the plagues spoken of in Rev 9. They are often not identified either as part of the white or black race/s, but as a sign from God.
Address: Unknown. Located in New York City. Membership: One centre in New York City. Notable Figures: Founded by Robert Ernest Dickhoff in 1945.
Beliefs: Dickhoff claims that "Out of the Invisible Realm of the Spirit of Tibet" he was given recognition by several spiritual entities including Maha Chohan K.H. (ie. the ascended master Koot Hoomi, whom Theosophist Helena Blavatsky spoke of). He was given the titles "Red Lama" and "Most Reverend" and instructed to gather the Buddhists in America into a society. He claims that in 1950 the Dalai Lama gave him the title of Grand Lama of the White Lodge of Tibet, See of New York. During the 60's, Dickhoff became known in UFO circles for his advocacy of the theory that UFOs were hostile. He believes that the UFOs are winged garudas (a bird-like demon in Buddhist thought), capturing humans and killing them for food.
Beliefs about mutants: Mutants are the incarnations of powerful evil spirits from a former age, who were imprisoned by wise magicians thousands of years ago. These spirits have recently escaped from their imprisonment on an astral plane, and have re-entered the cycle of reincarnation.
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Melton, J. Gordon (1989) The Encyclopedia of American Religions. Third edition. Gale Research Inc., Michigan, U.S.A.
This book was by far my primary reference, and much of this document quotes this reference verbatim. I strongly recommend that anyone interested in factual information about religious groups in the U.S.A. check out this excellent reference book, as the information on this webpage is unreliable. In this document, some information about religious groups from this source has been added to, simplified, or distorted, in order to create distinctive groups which are a simpler resource for role-playing purposes. But in the main, I have tried to keep the information about 90-95% accurate (with the exception of the "Beliefs about mutants" section, of course). I have retained the author's directory listings reference numbers for ease of reference, for those who wish to double check information on groups.
The Bible Societies (1976) Good News Bible. Today's English Version. The British & Foreign Bible Society, London.
International Bible Society (1984) The Holy Bible. New International Version. Hodder & Stoughton, London.
I used both of the above versions of the bible for reference and for providing quotes for this document. I think most quoted sections in the document are from the Good News Bible.
Bush, Richard C. (ed.) (1993) The Religious World: Communities of Faith. Third edition. Macmillan Publishing Company, New York.
This book gives a good overview of world religion, and I used it as a reference tool to help flesh out my understanding of the background of some religious groups, and on occasion to help inspire my "Beliefs about mutants" sections.
Kosmin, Barry A., & Lachman, Seymour P. (1993) One Nation Under God: Religion in Contemporary American Society. Harmony Books, New York.
Information on the legal status of "Yahweh ben Yahweh" of the "Nation of Yahweh (Hebrew Israelites)" comes from pg.134 of this book.
Bronwyn Walker, April 1999. Edited May 1999. Edited August 1999.
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