2008 Woodie Awards
New York Man Starts New Religion
Lisa Bernier
Issue date: 10/4/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Joshua Boden is not your typical prophet. In fact, he has probably never even thought about himself in those terms.
Yet the 35-year-old resident of Brooklyn, NY has suddenly become the leader of a new religion. Started a few months ago, his Church of Now is a quest for spiritual truth, a social experiment, and the subject of a forthcoming documentary.
As Mr. Boden stated in a recent New York Times article, his journey began after reading a Village Voice notice, which called for a person who would start a new religion for $5, 000. He would also, however, be followed around by a documentary team, lead by filmmaker Andy Deemer.
In a telephone interview, Boden admitted that the entire process, for him, began as a lark. "I have a bizarre sense of humor," he said. "I thought it would be fun." After responding, he underwent a lengthy interview process, in which the filmmakers winnowed out the authentic and earnest from the ridiculous. He, in the end, stood out.
"I have written down bits of philosophy all my life," Mr. Boden revealed. "And my friends were always telling me to write a book about philosophy. And I do not believe in coincidences." Spotting the ad, he thinks, was fate.
However, as Boden became more deeply involved in the project, it grew beyond something to laugh about with friends. "I think we as a culture have less and less to believe in," he explained. "It is important for people to connect."
Combining elements of New Ageism, Taoism, and Buddhism, The Church of Now focuses on the individual's relationship with God. "Figuring it all out together" is the religion's motto.
"It seems most organized religions today say this is what this is, this is what that is. I'm trying to discourage herd mentality, and encourage people to be individuals," he said. "Enlightenment has a different meaning for different people. Do I believe in a God? Yes," he affirmed. "Do I believe in a Judeo-Christian God, a big white guy on top of a cloud pointing a finger? No. We all experience things through filters. It is about a personal relationship with a higher power. I'm trying to get people to see how that is true."
Yet the 35-year-old resident of Brooklyn, NY has suddenly become the leader of a new religion. Started a few months ago, his Church of Now is a quest for spiritual truth, a social experiment, and the subject of a forthcoming documentary.
As Mr. Boden stated in a recent New York Times article, his journey began after reading a Village Voice notice, which called for a person who would start a new religion for $5, 000. He would also, however, be followed around by a documentary team, lead by filmmaker Andy Deemer.
In a telephone interview, Boden admitted that the entire process, for him, began as a lark. "I have a bizarre sense of humor," he said. "I thought it would be fun." After responding, he underwent a lengthy interview process, in which the filmmakers winnowed out the authentic and earnest from the ridiculous. He, in the end, stood out.
"I have written down bits of philosophy all my life," Mr. Boden revealed. "And my friends were always telling me to write a book about philosophy. And I do not believe in coincidences." Spotting the ad, he thinks, was fate.
However, as Boden became more deeply involved in the project, it grew beyond something to laugh about with friends. "I think we as a culture have less and less to believe in," he explained. "It is important for people to connect."
Combining elements of New Ageism, Taoism, and Buddhism, The Church of Now focuses on the individual's relationship with God. "Figuring it all out together" is the religion's motto.
"It seems most organized religions today say this is what this is, this is what that is. I'm trying to discourage herd mentality, and encourage people to be individuals," he said. "Enlightenment has a different meaning for different people. Do I believe in a God? Yes," he affirmed. "Do I believe in a Judeo-Christian God, a big white guy on top of a cloud pointing a finger? No. We all experience things through filters. It is about a personal relationship with a higher power. I'm trying to get people to see how that is true."