 |
| Source: Propaganda Materials - Flyers, Church of the FSM |
Today, I'd like to tell you about something I first heard of some time ago. The first time I heard of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, I thought it was a joke. Even today, I still wonder if this Church is only a farce or actually captures the essence of belief in the Divine.
Back to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and let me assure you, Yes, you read that right. First thought up as an argument against teaching Creationism and Intelligent Design in schools in the USA, this idea has turned into an actual religion.
Once upon a time, there was a Flying Spaghetti Monster who created the Heavens and the Earth... No wait, stop laughing. I'm serious.
This comes from the Church's website:
Q: How do Pastafarians believe our world was created?
A: We believe the Flying Spaghetti Monster created the world much as it exists today, but for reasons unknown made it appear that the universe is billions of years old (instead of thousands) and that life evolved into its current state (rather than created in its current form). Every time a researcher carries out an experiment that appears to confirm one of these “scientific theories” supporting an old earth and evolution we can be sure that the FSM is there, modifying the data with his Noodly Appendage. We don’t know why He does this but we believe He does, that is our Faith.Source : About Us, Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster
Now you might wonder whether this religion is for real or seriously fake, as I first thought it was. From the same link as above comes that exact question and answer provided by the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster:
Q: Is this a joke?
A: It’s not a joke. Elements of our religion are often described as satire and there are many members who do not literally believe our scripture, but this isn't unusual in religion – it’s only more obvious in the case of our particular religion. A lot of Christians, for example, don’t believe the Bible is literally true – but that doesn't mean they aren't True Christians.
If you say Pastafarians must believe in a literal Flying Spaghetti Monster to be True Believers, then you can make a similar argument for Christians. There is a lot of outlandish stuff in the Bible that rational Christians choose to ignore. We do the same with our scripture. This is intentional.Source: About Us, Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster
You may think me strange for saying this, however this Church doesn't sound like such a crazy idea to me. Acknowledging that there is a Creator while not subscribing to organised religion as we know it sounds like a lot of people I know today. People who don't much care for organised religion and its rules yet do long for a meaningful relationship with our Creator.
While it may or may not be your thing, I would certainly recommend that when investigating religions, the meaning of life and why our world works as it does; you closely examine this particular Church's views! Whether you think them real or satire, one thing is certain - the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster has something to teach all of us, if only that we need to be more open to alternative views, and to humour, when it comes to religion...