Religion: Mish-Mass

"God" is a bearded young man enveloped in a vast billow of golden silk, perched slightly above the "Mother of the World." It is a difficult role. For 90 minutes he sits without flinching a muscle while, on the tiered stage below, rainbow-clad worshipers from the world's five major faiths parade and pray. Jinns bound and archangels glide. Eventually a throng hums, sings and raises its arms to the impassive deity. The Mother of the World has an easier task: undistracted, she wears a blue blindfold throughout the festivities.

This is the "Cosmic Mass,"...

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