One would think that the first lines of
the Book of Bokonon would be plenty to turn people far away from the
proposed religion. However, this(coupled with the banning of
Bokononism by their dictator) lead the people of San Lorenzo to
universally accept the religion as something integral to their lives.
However, what if we accept that the
world itself is nonsensical going into our reading of the Book of
Bokonon? If we approach Verse 1 in this way, we see that Bokonon may
very well mean “there is no truth, so why not find it here?” or,
alternatively, “there is no truth and I(Bokonon) understand this
and can help you deal with it.” The very premise of Bokononism
appears to embrace wholeheartedly a postmodern worldview that
delights in and latches onto the very fragmented world in which those
who practice it live. For this reason, it seems that a religion
designed to not make sense fits perfectly in a world which tends to
make so little sense.
The little lies and big lies of Bokonon
give a sense of meaning and purpose to the people of San Lorenzo,
even if they know the entirety of their religion to be a farce. This
can be as much the case now as it is in Vonnegut's world in Cat's
Cradle. This is not to discount religions, but instead to bolster
them as hope-bringers, whether this hope is warranted or not. If
religion brings a better life to the people practicing it, be it
“true” or not, is it not still a positive thing in a world with
so few positive things?
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