J.R. "Bob" Dobbs is a fictional character created by the Church of the SubGenius, a parody religion founded in the 1950s. He is often depicted as a salesman with a pipe, representing the absurdity of consumer culture and the search for enlightenment. The character embodies the church's satirical critique of organized religion and societal norms. The Church of the SubGenius combines elements of humor, conspiracy theories, and countercultural commentary. It promotes the idea of "slack," a state of relaxed freedom from societal pressures. Through its unique blend of satire and philosophy, the church has gained a following and influenced various aspects of pop culture, including comics and music.