Praise the CageWhen Fandom Becomes Religion

Geertz’s Definition

•A System of Symbols

•Acts to Establish Moods and Motivations

•By formulating a general order of existence

with

•Such an aura of factuality that

•The moods and motivations seem realistic

In Layman’s Terms…

•Things that convey meaning

•That create feelings and behaviours

•By providing a reason for existence

•Appears as the only ‘true’ meaning

•Is the underlying foundation of everyday

life

Symbols

Feelings and Behaviours“I wake up in the morning, and watch a different Cage film, praying the whole time.”

“I watch Con-Air every morning, and The Rock at night. I pray to our Lord at least twice a day.

“Every Sunday we light candles to his image and watch Ghost Rider…”

“I have pictures of him everywhere and pray to him twice a day.”

Feelings & Behaviours

A Reason Why The Universe Exists

“The Cage performed a Divine Pelvic Thrust, and the Universe was created at great speed…”- The Cat of Creation, n.d

Belief That This is the Only True Faith

“If the people do not follow my word…They will become infested with bees and die!”- The Cat of the Hive, n.d

“Our faith shall never fall, for with you, our souls are free.”- The Cat of Decay, n.d

Is The Foundation of Everyday Life

“They drafted the Ten Demandments, which are to be followed by everyone who worships the Cage…”-The Cat of Discovery, n.d

“3: Thou shalt not fall prey to John Travolta or his evil minons…”-The Cat of Discovery, n.d

“6: Thou shalt beware of the bees...”-The Cat of Discovery, n.d

“8:…thou shalt actively and peacefully preach and promote the worship of the Lord Nicolas Cage.”-The Cat of Discovery, n.d

It Ticks the Boxes…

By Geertz’s definition, Cagenism can be considered a religion.

However, this is not a perfect definition nor analysis.

Challenging Common Perception

•Religion: Beliefs and practices held by

many.

•Cult: Beliefs and practices held by few.

Despite The Absurdity

Despite Its Ridiculousness

It Is Exceptional

It Is Nic Cage.

ReferencesBerger, P. (1967). The Sacred Canopy. America: Anchor Books.

Chernus, I. N.d. Religion as a Cultural System: The Theory of Clifford Geertz. Retrieved from http://www.colorado.edu/ReligiousStudies/chernus/4800/GeertzSummary.htm

Geertz, C. (1993) Religion as a Cultural System. New York, Fontana Press.

Winter, A. N.d. The Cat of Creation. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D-2uPpYtf_xSMwuVe7BevUY4kiMvFf4Pf7ErVom2P60/edit?usp=sharing

Winter , A. N.d. The Cat of the Hive. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LaM946pi92KbDQfODVVbbi6bjQlw7iGmSHPjHgen7e8/edit?usp=sharing

Winter , A. N.d. The Cat of Decay. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KfhJW1Fq6qsOhQoQArIzHs3WJQzwbWAFDe_zXGdJl1U/edit?usp=sharing

Winter , A. N.d. The Cat of Discovery. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/document/d/17FfDndFAUAA8qgb4fO9Ycr5XDrXHUiTgy2sIJ-uTHak/edit?usp=sharing

Additional Data I

Yes, I am of true faith.

Yes, but only as a joke.

No.

89%

11%

0%

Do you believe Nicolas Cage is the One True God?

Additional Data II

Yes.

No.

92%

8%

Do you believe Nicolas Cage is the creator of the universe and all that exists and occurs within?