Discordia
From CNUpedia, an IEEE Innovation.
"Grasshopper always wrong in argument with chicken." -- Principia Discordia
Contents |
What is Discordianism?
Discordian is a religion that recognizes the chaotic principle has been largely unrecognized by those that reckon on recognition. So, we recognize that it is a time of reckoning.
Kind of.
The patron Goddess of Discordianism is called "Eris" or "Discordia". She is famous for tossing the apple that started the Trojan War. While many people like to think it was Helen whose "face launched a thousand ships", it was actually arguably Eris. The answer, of course, is that it is neither (but because of people taking things too seriously).
The Story of the Golden Apple
According to second-hand knowledge, the gods once had a great and happy feast. They forgot (or chose not) to invite Eris, but she crashed the party anyway. In one of those moments where we learn that it never pays to not invite someone, she tossed a golden apple among the assembly and said, "a gift to the fairest of the goddesses!".
Immediately Athena, Aphrodite, and Hera all claimed it. They brought their case to Zeus. He wisely declined deciding. So, they ended up asking Paris. Paris got offered many bribes and liked Aprhodite's offer of marrying the most beautiful woman in the world and... well, history is born.
Maybe Eris usually does not play with all the funny lightning throwing business, but she certainly manages to show that she is a force to be reckoned. So, don't you forget it!
Discordian Habits
We have many rituals. For instance, we quote here the holy text:
-- Principia Discordia (as qtd by http://www.principiadiscordia.com/index.php)
Relation to CNU
Discordianism is in some ways the point of departure for religion. For example, it is well worth noting the overtones of this religion in Glebe-based practice.
It has left other marks. During the Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 semesters, there could be found a door in James River Hall bearing the Sacred Chao, a symbol of the religion. The Chao has relocated with its Keeper to the CNU Village. The door has remained in Jame River, citing irreconcilable differences.
It also stands as a means of exploring, and as such, is employed by certain thinkers on campus. In this form, it provides food for thought, and some form of escape from the "narrow-mindedness" of University formalism and/or Christian dogma. In some ways, discussing the religion is like discussing the phenomenon of lectures, since it might be said that it is really a way of thinking, not a way of thought.
