#1 – George’s Story, Part 43: Little old lady
Within minutes of leaving his hideout, George ran into trouble – trouble in the form a of a little old lady, waving a bible at him. This was something he’d simply not planned for.
“Are you saved, sonny?”, she demanded fiercely.
Wishing his face wasn’t smeared in mud, he mumbled: “erm, yes”, hoping she’d go away.
“Then why aren’t you in church today?”
George was lost for words.
“Never mind, son, Rasputin here will take care of you.”
George slowly turned, to find the monstrous man who’d abducted Emily, stood right behind him.
“Time to go to church!”, grinned the brute.
#2 – The Church of the Unified Singularity
Hi, and welcome to my church: it’s a bit different to most churches.
For a start, there’s no all-powerful deity, no scriptures and rituals, creeds and festivals are all frowned upon. My church doesn’t require confession, repentance or regular attendance, there’s no hymn singing or pilgrimages.
You won’t find me on your doorstep with a big smile and colourful pullover, either – because you can’t join my church… it’s exclusive to me, and me alone.
I am – in every sense – the religious body!
Of course, being the church isn’t all fun and games, but the tax concessions are fantastic!
#3 – Focus of the community
They come to our village from all over the world – tourists and sightseers, just to see our church.
We’ve got it all: a crooked steeple, weeping madonna, a crypt of human bones, haunted cemetery and healing well. There’s also a gift shop, selling trinkets and homemade cakes. Once a month, our mad monk makes an appearance, and on special occasions you might catch a glimpse of the hunchbacked bellringer.
Every last bit of it is – of course – completely fake, but nobody seems to mind. As long as the tourists are happy and the money keeps on rolling in, who’s complaining?