The Flying Spaghetti Monster is the deity of Pastafarianism, a legally recognized religion in Poland, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Here in the US some courts have determined it is more satire than religion because of its history.
What was this history? How did it start? With an open letter by Bobbie Henderson to the Kansas School Board when it was considering whether Intelligent Design should be taught along with Evolution in science classes. The letter begins:
I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. I think we can all agree that it is important for students to hear multiple viewpoints so they can choose for themselves the theory that makes the most sense to them. I am concerned, however, that students will only hear one theory of Intelligent Design.
Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. It was He who created all that we see and all that we feel. We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him.
The letter tells more about Pastafarianism and why it’s a viable theory, and says hopefully the board won’t have to be sued in order to have this theory taught. The letter ends with,
I am eagerly awaiting your response, and hope dearly that no legal action will need to be taken. I think we can all look forward to the time when these three theories are given equal time in our science classrooms across the country, and eventually the world; One third time for Intelligent Design, one third time for Flying Spaghetti Monsterism (Pastafarianism), and one third time for logical conjecture based on overwhelming observable evidence.
How could anyone think this was satire?
April 24, 2016
I’ve always loved the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Their beliefs make just as much sense as those religions that believe in the Supreme Being, Heaven and Hell, Original Sin and all the rest of it. I also love the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
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Well, they do believe in Heaven and Hell, but they’re both rather different from the usual version!
How indeed can this letter be considered as satire?
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If it’s not satire, then the poor man (Bobbie) is in deep trouble, psychologically.
Even more than the rest of us? 😉
LOLOL!
nailed it.
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How have we not heard of this?? Thanks for the education!
I just stumbled across it myself, and it was too good not to share. 🙂
Since I tend to pick and choose my best parts of various religions I think from this one I’ll pick lasagna.
That sounds good to me!
😀 😀 😀
Agreed!
And they had their first official wedding here in NZ – I think I posted something about it on f/book…
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/18/worlds-first-pastafarian-wedding-takes-place-in-new-zealand?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GU+Today+main+NEW+H&utm_term=167635&subid=1405434&CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2
Yes, the article mentioned that. I think it’s cool. Thanks for the link!