In the year 2005, America was introduced to their new theory of creation, "Pastafarianism". Since the introduction of "Pastafarianism" to the public by Bobby Henderson, the religion has appealed to Atheists and Agnostics. The founder of "Pastafarianism", Bobby Jackson, is a graduate from Oregon State University. Because of Jackson's disapproval of the Kansas State School Board of Education's decision to require teaching of intelligent design as an alternative to teaching evolution, he created The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and the flying spaghetti monster as it's deity. The monster is composed of spaghetti and meatballs, obviously.
After the Board's decision, Henderson sent a letter to the Board. In the letter, he said, "I don't have a problem with religion. What I have a problem with is religion as a science." Due to the letter, the Board voted in a decision of 6-4 to reject the standards they had established.
Although pirates are interpreted as evil, crooked men in our society, Pastafarianism recognizes pirates as divine human beings. Pirates are considered as nice individuals who sought peace, brought prosperity, and gave candy to young children. Henderson criticizes the Christians for misinterpreting pirates, for their belief is a false cognate. It is a requirement for Orthodox Christians to wear a religious head dress everyday. In a similar fashion, if a member of the religion is not wearing pirate regalia while spreading the word, it is considered disrespectful.
The Universe, according to their beliefs, was created as a mountain, tree, and a midget, and every human was created differently. In this religion, Mosey the Pirate captain receives information from the Flying Spaghetti Monster in the form of ten stone tablets. The ten stone tablets are called, "I'd Really Rather You Didn'ts." Although there are ten commandments, two of them were dropped on the way back down the mountain.
But what would draw people to such a religion? There is no better source than the Pastafarians themselves. So, I joined a public forum to find out from the followers of this noodley religion.
I asked the followers of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to explain their reasons for converting to Pastafarianism. Their reasons varied but gave insight to the diverse group of people that make up the followers of FSM. Some joined because of the original ideas behind the start of the whole movement: to keep Intelligent Design out of the classroom. Others joined simply because it promoted a basic respect for others that the world seems to be lacking. And still, others joined because it allowed them to be proud of being a pirate.
The first response I received was from a user named K C Observer:
"If one is to believe in an after-life, why not one that is fun and a party? I'd much rather believe in that than have someone preach brimstone to me."
Another response from Cap'n Turtlehead stated:
"None of us believe in the teaching of ID (Intelligent Design) as science in classrooms. Most of us are also pirates and proud of it."
GarlicRice posted this response on the forum:
"The idea of "Unintelligent Design": that the world was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster who's spent too long taste testing his beer volcano is just too precious an idea not to be worshiped."
Another big draw to the religion was explained by lordpunkmonk:
"It is the only religion where you can maintain your 'true religion'."
Whatever the reason may be, more and more people are joining the Pastafarians in their quest to spread the word of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Pastafarianism may seem to be total nonsense, and maybe it is. But ultimately, the origins of the religion were to protest the teaching of intelligent design and show how they felt about the subject of God in the classroom. You can disagree with them if you want, because this is a free country. But here are the facts about the CFSM. Do with them as you will. Arrr, matey!
*Maglina*
