The First Church of the Holy Jackass is not an actual religious institution that is legally recognized or subsidized with any taxpayer money. It is instead a one-person Setian religious art project and social initiative that is coordinated entirely by myself. And I am here to offer a very different concept of “religion” than most people in the United States of America are familiar with. I am hoping to update with a new episode each week, preferably on Sundays, beginning August 2022.
Episode #1: Pilot
In this introductory episode, I provide some information about Set (the Egyptian God of storms, deserts, and the nighttime world) and the religion of Setianism (the veneration and emulation of Set in one’s personal life). I also provide some context regarding the First Church of the Holy Jackass, which is not your granddaddy’s kind of “church.” Additional content includes a Setianized version of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, as well as a Prayer Against Forced Childbirth.
Episode #2: Ecclesiology
An explanation of the First Church of the Holy Jackass—what it is, how it works, why it exists—and how it is different from other religious ministries. Includes a Prayer to Set for Agency and Strength.
Episode #3: Theology
An explanation of how polytheism works, and of Set’s unique role in His respective pantheon. Featuring a critique of monotheist perspectives toward polytheism, and a prayer to Set acknowledging Him as the central deity for this ministry.
Episode #4: Pantheon
A discussion about four different Gods who are important to this church, in addition to Set: the Egyptian Goddess Taweret, the Yazidi God Melek Taus, and the Assyro-Babylonian deities Ishtar and Pazuzu. Featuring specific prayers to each of these Gods in turn.
Episode #5: Praxis
Explaining prayer, magic, religious offerings, and the importance of ritual according to the standards of this church. Featuring a Prayer Against Depression.
Episode #6: Festivals
An explanation of the holidays observed by this ministry—including New Year, November Eve, Winter Solace (no that’s NOT a typo), May Eve, and Friday the Thirteenth. Featuring a prayer to Set, Taweret, and Melek Taus for a happy harvest during the transition into autumn.
Episode #7: Gates (and Keys)
A discussion about a system of theological correspondences I call “the Seven Gates of Set.” Includes a series of incantations or “Keys” I have written for “opening” these gates, which are linked to the stars in the Big Dipper or Khepesh (the Thigh of Set).
Episode #8: Duat
Ancient Egyptian beliefs about the Other Side, the afterlife, and the nature of the self. Featuring a prayer for good tidings during the November Eve holiday season.
