File Under: WTF?

I read a very interesting article the other day, about a bizarre cult in Malaysia.  Last week, Malaysian authorities arrested 58 followers of the "Sky Kingdom" cult forpossessing documents contraty to Islam. They face a fine of up to 3,000 ringgit (about $789 in U.S. currency) or two years in jail.  Among the cult members arrested were a police officer, a member of a popular local rock group, and the fourth wife of the cult's leader, Ayah Pin. No, that's not what's bizarre about this cult.  Nor is the leader Ayah Pin, who says he is God and the owner of everything, the most bizarre fact.  The most bizarre thing about this cult?  The cult is built around a giant teapot.

Apparently, the local Muslims have declared a jihad against the Sky Kingdom cult. Just two days before the cult members were arrested, about 30-35 Muslim extremists, armed with machetes and Molotov cocktails, attacked the commune.  They burned Ayah Pin's Mitsubishi mini-van and the roof of a building, and scorched the giant teapot.  Damage to the teapot was external and minimal. Thank goodness the giant teapot is made of concrete.  (Note: You can see the charred teapot in the top right of the third picture above. Is nothing scared anymore?)

In addition to the giant teapot, there is also a giant vase and a giant half-opened umbrella. I'm guessing they're made of concrete, too. At first glance at the picture of the commune, the place is very colorful, and it looks like the commune should be declared a tourist attraction.  It's something you'd expect to see at Disney World, or at least at a roadside tourist trap, next to the live alligators or Bonnie and Clyde's death car. 

The sect believes the teapot has healing properties. Riiiight.  The teapot signifies the purity of water, while the umbrella signifies God, who, in this case, is Ayah Pin, who shelters everyone in the world.  Ayah can't be doing very much sheltering right now - he has gone into hiding after the attack.

I wonder if this cult performs "I'm A Little Teapot" at their meetings?