Last year in a post entitled “I am an atheist“, I concretely outed myself as an atheist in an effort to put to (digital) paper feelings I’ve had for a long time about religion. It sparked a bit of discussion, and led to a few mentions of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I always meant to get back to this and post something about the Church of the FSM (“today’s fastest growing carbohydrate-based religion”), but it wasn’t until seeing the badge on new-dad Peter’s site that it reminded me to do so (thanks Peter, and congratz on your new son!).

The FSM was the product of a 2005 open letter to the Kansas School Board from Bobby Henderson in opposition to “Intelligent” Design being taught in science classes as an alternative to evolution.

Open Letter To Kansas School Board

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.

read the whole letter – it’s not long, and quite funny.

Henderson has gone on to pen The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, a book that will definitely be rubbing covers with the next batch of baby books I’m ordering.

The funniest part of the Pastafarian phenomenon and Church of the FSM site is the rather mountainous collection of hate mail that Henderson has received. It amazes me that Christians people will go to all the effort of 1) finding out just enough about the FSM to visit the site, 2) tracking down the contact details on the site, and 3) writing lengthy and strongly-worded e-mails — while not once stopping and revisiting the term parody. The irony that they are the biggest believers in the FSM is not lost on me.

I envy not the well-balanced Christians that I call friends, for the ilk that share their faith are truly a poor representation of the otherwise wondrous human intellect.

As for me, this horn swollgin’ scallywag has ben touched by His noodly appendage. Arrr! What about ye, ye scurvy dog?