About the Church

What is Swiftie Science?

The First Church of Taylor Swift, Scientist is a non-dogmatic, secular, interfaith, contemplative spiritual and philosophical society which uses the lyrics and themes of Taylor Swift's music to explore deeper questions about the nature of reality. We are not associated with Taylor in any official capacity, we merely find inspiration in her writing which illuminates universal truths.

Why "Science?"

We use the term "Science" and "Scientist" to denote that we take a "rational" (though absurd) approach to our spirituality and our practice. We listen to the words and music of Taylor Swift, we comprehend their meanings, we make connections, and we glean universal truths from them. We are not in the habit of superstition or fantastical beliefs.

Why Are You Calling Taylor Swift a Scientist?

We aren't. The "Scientist" in our name refers to the Church, not to Taylor. Consider, for example "Church of Christ, Holiness," or "Church of Christ, Anabaptist." This naming convention for churches was once popular, and is still used today by the churches of Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist). However, this is not an attempt at mockery. Rather, we like the sentiment and think the name sounds neat.

Do You Worship Taylor Swift?

We do not worship Taylor Swift nor do we advocate for the worship of any person, living or dead. We have no statement of faith, creed, or dogma, and no requirement of belief or non-belief in any deities.

Is This Satire?

This depends on your definition of satire, I suppose? The Church is a sincere effort to find transcendental truth in the absurd. Satire is generally meant to criticize or ridicule. We have no desire to do either to Taylor Swift. We're quite fond of her work. We are a bit silly, however.

Is This a Parody Religion?

Would being a parody religion imply that there is no value? Would finding value imply that we are not a parody? In that we are called a Church while not ostensibly establishing a practice of a particular religion, and in that we are paying a rather tongue-in-cheek homage to the fervent devotion of Taylor Swift's fanbase, perhaps calling us a parody religion would be apt. We do attempt to be entertaining and amusing from time to time. Does that make our insights less valid? We don't believe so.

To quote Transmissions from the Chaos Buddha:

If the Truth exists, and is universal, and everyone has access to it, then it should necessarily be found everywhere, including in the absurd. Especially in the absurd, because the Truth exists absent of reason, where it should be more plain to see. Why believe that the Buddhist Sutras are sources of spiritual bliss, and not the Three Stooges? Why believe that Krishna Leelas are composed of divine truth, and not the Principia Discordia? Why believe that the books of the Bible are divinely inspired, and not the Blues Brothers? If form is nothing more than emptiness, and emptiness is nothing other than form, as the Heart Sutra states, then the fundamental truth of the nature of reality is to be found everywhere we look.

How Can I Join the Church?

You just did. Welcome, fellow Swiftie Scientist. Go and seek truth wherever it may be found.

Are There Rules?

We have no dogma or commandments as such, but we do have a few basic guidelines.

Honor every individual and their path. We celebrate diversity of belief, non-belief, sexuality, asexuality, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, and ability.
Engage with the teachings, not the teacher. Buddha told his disciples that he was only a finger pointing at the moon. We engage with Taylor's words and their meaning, not the person, her activities, her relationships, or her image.
Embrace the absurd. Recognize that not all questions have sensible answers, nor all answers sensible questions, and nonsense can be a catalyst for growth. Truth can be found in the most unexpected places; don't be afraid to seek solace in the silly.

Home | About | Meditations

Rev. Odessa Cathode Ray, Tortured Pope

Follow Odessa on dobbs.town