Political Clips

The Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster was created as a hilarious response to the Kansas School Board's attempt to teach creationism instead of evolution in science class.

The religion was conceived by Bobby Henderson and focuses on his belief that evolution is a farce and that we were all created by the Flying Spaghetti Monster. In his open letter to the Kansas School Board, he included an artist's rendition of the moment of creation by the FSM and he explained why the declining number of pirates in the world is the cause of global warming.

He applauded the school board's efforts to allow alternative theories of origin in science and was excited that this would open the door for him to further his religion in Kansas classrooms. He hilariously states, "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, and one third time for logical conjecture based on overwhelming observable evidence."

His open letter started a movement. There were t-shirts, bumper stickers, and even a book devoted to Pastafarianism. Today, the movement reached a new high as a statue of the Flying Spaghetti Monster was erected on the courthouse lawn in Crossville, TN.

The creator of the statue read this statement during the unveiling:

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.

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.

From the Crossville Chronicle:

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."

I really admire Mayor Brock Hill. He is what America should be. He disagrees with them. He thinks they are mocking his religion. But he allows them to speak out anyway. I'd vote for that guy.

Incidentally, the courthouse is also home to a statue of Jesus carrying the cross.

May you be touched by his noodly appendage.