Category Religion
Bookmark :              

As I have mentioned often (and recently), I am an atheist and Unitarian Universalist. I also happen to be very interested in the Evolution VS "Intelligent Design" debate going on in the public school systems across this country. Down here in the Deep South it is a more visible and pressing issue than other areas of the country, I am sure - and because of this I try to stay up-to-date on the media and goings-on in this area.

One brilliant tool that I love to use against the ID supporters is the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM). For those of you who aren't familiar with this "deity", I suggest you read about it at the provided link. In short, the FSM was used by Bobby Henderson in an open letter to his local school board (Kansas) when the ID debate threatened getting traction there. Here is what Mr. Henderson says in the About area of the FSM site:

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, while having existed in secrecy for hundreds of years, only recently came into the mainstream when this letter was published in May 2005. With millions, if not thousands, of devout worshippers, the Church of the FSM is widely considered a legitimate religion, even by its opponents - mostly fundamentalist Christians, who have accepted that our God has larger balls than theirs.

Some claim that the church is purely a thought experiment, satire, illustrating that Intelligent Design is not science, but rather a pseudoscience manufactured by Christians to push Creationism into public schools. These people are mistaken. The Church of FSM is real, totally legit, and backed by hard science. Anything that comes across as humor or satire is purely coincidental.

Obviously Mr. Henderson's tongue is firmly planted in his cheek. However, the point he's making is very valid. As I said earlier, it all began with an open letter to the Kansas School Board. You can read his creative open letter here. To give you an idea of the tactic used in the letter, I present the first few paragraphs:

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.

It is for this reason that I’m writing you today, to formally request that this alternative theory be taught in your schools, along with the other two theories. In fact, I will go so far as to say, if you do not agree to do this, we will be forced to proceed with legal action. I’m sure you see where we are coming from. If the Intelligent Design theory is not based on faith, but instead another scientific theory, as is claimed, then you must also allow our theory to be taught, as it is also based on science, not on faith.

You get the idea.

I am a huge supporter of the FSM, as is my family. In fact my middle-school-aged daughter, Kelsey, has worn her FSM shirt to school (remember, we're in the Bible Belt). I always knew she was an adrenaline junkie . And we're not alone. The FSM shows up all over the place, even in unlikely places. For instance, it shows up regularly in a British sitcom called The IT Crowd (BBC site, Wikipedia entry), and occasionally it shows up in a public setting here in the US - places such as Crossville (Cumberland county), TN.

In a relatively recent news story found in the Crossville Chronicle, it explains how a giant FSM sculpture has been erected in an area outside of the Cumberland county courthouse. As the article states:

Among the county's historic directional sign post, farm equipment and gazebo stand several monuments and expressions of free speech. The displays include an Iraq and Afghanistan Soldier's Memorial, Statue of Liberty, chainsaw-carved monkeys and bears, Jesus carrying a cross, and the most recent display added — a Flying Spaghetti Monster.

....

The Flying Spaghetti Monster is the latest display to a slew of others that have been erected on the lawn over the past year. Several marches and demonstrations have also taken place on the courthouse grounds.

....

County Mayor Brock Hill said, "We are basically operating it as a freedom of speech venue. We don't deny the constitutional rights of anyone, but we certainly don't endorse all the displays. I feel the Flying Spaghetti Monster is an effort on the part of non-Christians to try and minimize Christianity and the images that have been placed there. I'll go as far as to say that I think it's an attempt to minimize and ridicule the good intentions of Christians in Cumberland County, but I don't deny their right."

The FSM sculpture is the creation of Ariel Safdie, a local Crossville resident. According to the article, Ms Safdie explains on her blog (itlovesyou.blogspot.com) why she erected the giant likeness of His Noodly Appendages:

On her Web site, www.itlovesyou.blogspot.com, a blog explaining the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Crossville artist Ariel Safdie states, "We are lucky enough to live in a country that allows us, its citizens, the freedom of speech. I have chosen to put up a statue of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to represent the discourse between people of all different beliefs. The many faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds of Cumberland County’s residents make our community a stronger richer place. I respect and am proud that on the people’s lawn, the county courthouse, all of these diverse beliefs can come together in a positive dialogue. Here, we are all able to share the issues close to our hearts whether it is through a memorial to the soldiers killed fighting for our country, the Statue of Liberty honoring our nations welcoming promise to all, a group’s fight to stop homelessness, or powerful symbols of faith. I greatly treasure this open forum between everyone in the community."

Although it may seem silly to some, Safdie adds, "The Flying Spaghetti Monster is a pile of noodles and meatballs, but it is meant to open up discussion and provoke thought. Being able to put up a statue is a celebration of our freedom as Americans; a freedom to be different, to express those differences, and to do it amongst neighbors — even if it is in a noodley way."

I was thrilled to see that Ms. Safdie took such a visible and bold stand - and I agree that it should provoke thought and (hopefully) discussion on the Evolution VS Intelligent Design debate. It is important that this discussion take place, and that a logical and dissenting opinion be put forth each and every time the ID debate comes up - in any US school district.

For fun, here are a couple of pictures of the FSM sculpture from the article:


The Flying Spaghetti Monster now graces the Cumberland county courthouse in Tennesse.


Symbols of freedom and hope - the Flying Spaghetti Monster and the Statue of Liberty. The FSM offers the blessing, "May you be touched by its Noodly Appendage"

Give the article a read, it is good stuff.

Also, there is a writeup and additional photos on the FSM site - the writeup is here.

Carbo Diem, and Praise Cheeses!

Rock

NOTE: I want to think fellow Pastafarian Wild Bill Buchan for bringing this to my attention!!