Vol. 7, No. 2, 1990

Articles on the New Age

Also known as Project X, this group was founded by Gene Savoy, who is described as "distinguished author, explorer, educator... and discoverer of 42 stone cities in Peru..." (Omni, Jan. 1988, p. 91). Despite his numerous claims, the University of Colorado, archaeologists say Savoy's claims have not been scientifically substantiated. (Rocky Mountain News, March 10, 1985, p. 1).

Throughout his history, Savoy has made several far reaching, but not especially unique, claims. One of the most famous was regarding his son, Jamil. He explained he had "...fathered a second Christ, his deceased 3-year-old son, Jamil..." (Ibid, p. 7). Jamil died in 1962. It was after this event that Savoy established the "International Church of Christ, the Second Advent for the Establishment of the Religion of Cosolargy," (Ibid). This would latter become known as Project X or the Jamilian University.

According to Savoy, Project X, "...allows the individual to commune with the creative powers of the universe and to make contact with the nonphysical world whence all life in the physical universe has it origins," (Project X: The Study and Research Program, 1987 ed. p. 6).

Like most cults, Jamilian University endeavors to use Christian terms with a new definition. Speaking of Jesus' words in John 3, Savoy states, "It can be said that every person has a latent spiritual potential awaiting germination to come alive. "Jesus and the Essenes must have meant something like this when they said that one had to be reborn in order to know God and to participate in one's own immortality," (Ibid, p. 13).

Similar to the Eastern Religions which have a dualistic nature in their theology, so it is with Project X. "Savoy named the Light principle the X Force and the Dark principle the Y Force," (Ibid, p. 14).

While Savoy will intersperse Biblical language throughout his writings, he wishes to steer clear of Christianity. "The Program is highly ethical and prestigious. It benefits all those ... (by being) freed from the restrictive academic programs of secular institutions and the traditional orthodox teachings of established Christian schools," (Ibid, p. 15).

It is interesting that in another of Savoy's books he makes the following observation, "Not knowing where to turn, the disenchanted, who yearn for deeper spiritual experiences, seek some expression in the numerous cults that have sprung up of late..." (Project X: The Explorations, 1987 ed. p.5).

It appears that in recent months, Savoy is diversifying again. In a personal letter announcing a planned archaeological dig in Peru, Savoy sent information under the new name of Andean Explorers Foundation & Ocean Sailing Club (letter dated 4/24/89). His latest dig and newest claims were noted in the December 7, 1989 Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The outcome of these claims, like all of Savoy's others, will be judged with the passing of time.