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Yorktown
Yorktown's Journal
Yorktown's Journal
May 31, 2015
Nebraska prisoner Stephen Cavanaugh is suing over the right to pursue his faith in the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Specifically he wants:
* to dress in religious garments — that is, full pirate regalia — and,
* to take part in weekly meetings with others who hold similar beliefs
He’s also asking for $5 Million in damages related to “deep emotional, psychological, and spiritual pain resulting from being allowed to practice my religion, and Mr. Bartlet [Religious Coordinator, Nebraska State Pen]‘s repeated mocking and insulting of my faith.”
I’m skeptical of anyone asking for money, and my immediate thought was that this is a frivolous lawsuit. But after reading the court documents and talking with people in the know, I feel that here is a troubled guy who is legitimately trying to pursue his faith and, only after being stymied by the in-house prison channels, was forced to take the fight to the courts. Yes the dollar amount he’s asking for is exorbitant (and in my view, hurts his case), but the underlying complaint feels legitimate to me.
One thing I found alarming: in the court docs there’s a claim by prison officials that, when looking into Cavanaugh’s religion, they found “the founder of Pastafarianism stated that it was a parody of religion”, and used this as a reason to deny Cavanaugh his requests for religious garments and group prayer.
They may or may not be referring to me, I don’t know — but I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to any Nebraskan prison officials, and if I did I wouldn’t have used those words.
For the record, I don’t believe Pastafarianism is a parody.
What I say, sometimes, is that some number of Pastafarians do not believe in a literal Flying Spaghetti Monster or our Creation story. And that is perfectly fine — it’s a common thing even in mainstream religion to be skeptical of scripture. The distinction is that in FSM, the culture is more accepting of people who are skeptical-minded, while in many mainstream religions, doubt is seen as an affront to the Dogmatic Truth.
My point is that there are doubters in religion in general, simply because religious scripture can be full of nonsense. You wouldn’t say Christianity is a parody just because some members don’t buy the part about the world being created in 7 days and the talking snake, etc.
Religion is more than a collection of beliefs and rituals, it’s a way to form community and a framework to make sense of our place in the universe. And on this level, I think Prison officials did Cavanaugh a disservice in not allowing him to pursue his faith. I mean, he wasn’t asking for that much. He wanted to buy a pirate costume with his own money and hang out with some other Pastafarians once a week.
One last point I’d like to make: lets consider that maybe the prison officials are simply unenlightened about the FSM. Maybe this is just a misunderstanding, rather than outright religious persecution. I suspect that Mr. Cavanaugh may be willing to call of the fight if the prison officials would relent and allow him to pursue his faith.
Here are the best articles I’ve found, if you’d like to keep reading about Cavanaugh’s case:
[1] Great article (and spectacular title) by ThinkProgress about the Cavanaugh lawsuit — Inmate Sues Prison Claiming His Religious Liberty Entitles Him To Dress Like A Pirate
[2] The raw court documents (PDF)
[3] Here’s an article where some lawyers are discussing whether the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster may have some influence in rethinking the RLUIPA (religion in prison) laws
Pastafarian Inmate Sues Prison
Nebraska prisoner Stephen Cavanaugh is suing over the right to pursue his faith in the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Specifically he wants:
* to dress in religious garments — that is, full pirate regalia — and,
* to take part in weekly meetings with others who hold similar beliefs
He’s also asking for $5 Million in damages related to “deep emotional, psychological, and spiritual pain resulting from being allowed to practice my religion, and Mr. Bartlet [Religious Coordinator, Nebraska State Pen]‘s repeated mocking and insulting of my faith.”
I’m skeptical of anyone asking for money, and my immediate thought was that this is a frivolous lawsuit. But after reading the court documents and talking with people in the know, I feel that here is a troubled guy who is legitimately trying to pursue his faith and, only after being stymied by the in-house prison channels, was forced to take the fight to the courts. Yes the dollar amount he’s asking for is exorbitant (and in my view, hurts his case), but the underlying complaint feels legitimate to me.
One thing I found alarming: in the court docs there’s a claim by prison officials that, when looking into Cavanaugh’s religion, they found “the founder of Pastafarianism stated that it was a parody of religion”, and used this as a reason to deny Cavanaugh his requests for religious garments and group prayer.
They may or may not be referring to me, I don’t know — but I don’t think I’ve ever spoken to any Nebraskan prison officials, and if I did I wouldn’t have used those words.
For the record, I don’t believe Pastafarianism is a parody.
What I say, sometimes, is that some number of Pastafarians do not believe in a literal Flying Spaghetti Monster or our Creation story. And that is perfectly fine — it’s a common thing even in mainstream religion to be skeptical of scripture. The distinction is that in FSM, the culture is more accepting of people who are skeptical-minded, while in many mainstream religions, doubt is seen as an affront to the Dogmatic Truth.
My point is that there are doubters in religion in general, simply because religious scripture can be full of nonsense. You wouldn’t say Christianity is a parody just because some members don’t buy the part about the world being created in 7 days and the talking snake, etc.
Religion is more than a collection of beliefs and rituals, it’s a way to form community and a framework to make sense of our place in the universe. And on this level, I think Prison officials did Cavanaugh a disservice in not allowing him to pursue his faith. I mean, he wasn’t asking for that much. He wanted to buy a pirate costume with his own money and hang out with some other Pastafarians once a week.
One last point I’d like to make: lets consider that maybe the prison officials are simply unenlightened about the FSM. Maybe this is just a misunderstanding, rather than outright religious persecution. I suspect that Mr. Cavanaugh may be willing to call of the fight if the prison officials would relent and allow him to pursue his faith.
Here are the best articles I’ve found, if you’d like to keep reading about Cavanaugh’s case:
[1] Great article (and spectacular title) by ThinkProgress about the Cavanaugh lawsuit — Inmate Sues Prison Claiming His Religious Liberty Entitles Him To Dress Like A Pirate
[2] The raw court documents (PDF)
[3] Here’s an article where some lawyers are discussing whether the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster may have some influence in rethinking the RLUIPA (religion in prison) laws
May 30, 2015
My initial post to the site admins:
Skinner's negative answer:
My regretful acknowledgment of the refusal.
How I tried to get the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster in the Interfaith group.
This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Renew Deal (a host of the Religion group) in the 'Religion' group. Let's try it here. The role of the Sacred Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster in society needs to be discussed and clarified.My initial post to the site admins:
About representing the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster in the 'interfaith' forum
Someone speaking in the collective name of the religions of the bronze age (hrmjustin) suggested my religion, that of the Holy Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, would probably not be welcome in the interfaith forum, having to be confined to the forums for skeptics.
This is unfair as we are believers and would not enjoy having to mingle with skeptics, atheists, agnostics and other such unsavory characters. We would like to bask in the joy of sharing our religious experience with like minded believers such as the Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and all the other men and women of true faith (even if their faiths are not that which pleases the eternal Flying Spaghetti Monster, may peace and grated cheese be upon it always).
In short, we, believers in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster would like to have equal rights with the more established religions, even if we are a new and minority religion.
For your kind attention, and may the pasta be with you.
RAmen.
Someone speaking in the collective name of the religions of the bronze age (hrmjustin) suggested my religion, that of the Holy Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, would probably not be welcome in the interfaith forum, having to be confined to the forums for skeptics.
This is unfair as we are believers and would not enjoy having to mingle with skeptics, atheists, agnostics and other such unsavory characters. We would like to bask in the joy of sharing our religious experience with like minded believers such as the Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and all the other men and women of true faith (even if their faiths are not that which pleases the eternal Flying Spaghetti Monster, may peace and grated cheese be upon it always).
In short, we, believers in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster would like to have equal rights with the more established religions, even if we are a new and minority religion.
For your kind attention, and may the pasta be with you.
RAmen.
Skinner's negative answer:
You aren't actually believers in the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It's a joke.
As for whether nonbelievers should be permitted in the Interfaith group, that is entirely up to the hosts of that group. I tend to think the minimum requirement to participate in that group is a desire to foster greater civility and understanding, as per the group's statement of purpose:
A safe haven that provides opportunities for people of all faiths, spiritual leanings and non-belief to discuss religious topics and events in a positive and civil manner, with an emphasis on tolerance. Criticisms of individual beliefs or non-belief, or debates about the existence of higher power(s) are not appropriate in this group.
Posting facetiously about actually believing in the Flying Spaghetti Monster could probably be taken as evidence that one in not interested in fostering greater understanding and tolerance.
As for whether nonbelievers should be permitted in the Interfaith group, that is entirely up to the hosts of that group. I tend to think the minimum requirement to participate in that group is a desire to foster greater civility and understanding, as per the group's statement of purpose:
A safe haven that provides opportunities for people of all faiths, spiritual leanings and non-belief to discuss religious topics and events in a positive and civil manner, with an emphasis on tolerance. Criticisms of individual beliefs or non-belief, or debates about the existence of higher power(s) are not appropriate in this group.
Posting facetiously about actually believing in the Flying Spaghetti Monster could probably be taken as evidence that one in not interested in fostering greater understanding and tolerance.
My regretful acknowledgment of the refusal.
Noted. Some comments if I may.
You delegated authority to mods, and it is the right thing for you to stand by the opinion of the mods you appointed. Decision made and point taken.
But, in the name of fairness, since hrmjustin PMd you to make the case against letting the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster in the interfaith group, I write this answer to simply state what would have been the arguments for accepting our Church in the interfaith group:
(1) Interfaith is meant for people of all faiths, so the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster qualifies, as the founder of the FSM Church stated that it is a true Church of a real religion. Since its founder says so, why disbelieve a man of religion when he speaks?
(2) But, for argument sake, if you think the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster is just atheists strutting under a false flag, they still would have their place in the interfaith forum which is "A safe haven .. for people of all faiths, spiritual leanings and non-belief"
And there is nothing to say they would not meet "the minimum requirement to participate in that group" being "a desire to foster greater civility and understanding". I did ask questions in a civil way to hrmjustin about Moses with a clear intent to further the common understanding of that character of the Torah. That was in the 'Religion' forum, it could have been in the 'interfaith' forum.
(3) Now let's be honest, you do formulate what could be the only obstacle to membership of the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster to the interfaith forum: that the name of that Church could be felt to be a mockery of religions (negated in 1, but let's imagine).
Then we would have a group of atheists highlighting through a parable what they feel to be religious questions to be discussed. Saying the Great Flying Spaghetti Monster (grated parmigiano be upon it) created the Universe in one day is one way to discuss cosmology and the weaknesses of the two genesis stories in the Bible. Saying the Flying Spaghetti Monster (tomato sauce be upon it always) welcomes every sinner in its heaven is an image allowing to question the notion of the original sin. Disrespect could only be in the tone, and most members of our Church are extremely civil and polite. Who says humor is disrespectful when discussing cosmology?
(4) One last point which is comparative: assuming the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster are atheists, why would they not be better discussion partners to discuss religion and cosmology than believers in established but violent religions of the past?
There is a religion in England of 'Neo-druidism'. National Geographic recently revealed evidence that suggests that Druids possibly committed cannibalism and ritual human sacrifice. Who should engage in interfaith dialog? Cannibal druids or vegetarian Pastafarians?
Anyway, this was all for argument sake.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster (parmigiano be upon it) will not be mentioned in Interfaith.
May Pasta be upon you.
You delegated authority to mods, and it is the right thing for you to stand by the opinion of the mods you appointed. Decision made and point taken.
But, in the name of fairness, since hrmjustin PMd you to make the case against letting the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster in the interfaith group, I write this answer to simply state what would have been the arguments for accepting our Church in the interfaith group:
(1) Interfaith is meant for people of all faiths, so the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster qualifies, as the founder of the FSM Church stated that it is a true Church of a real religion. Since its founder says so, why disbelieve a man of religion when he speaks?
(2) But, for argument sake, if you think the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster is just atheists strutting under a false flag, they still would have their place in the interfaith forum which is "A safe haven .. for people of all faiths, spiritual leanings and non-belief"
And there is nothing to say they would not meet "the minimum requirement to participate in that group" being "a desire to foster greater civility and understanding". I did ask questions in a civil way to hrmjustin about Moses with a clear intent to further the common understanding of that character of the Torah. That was in the 'Religion' forum, it could have been in the 'interfaith' forum.
(3) Now let's be honest, you do formulate what could be the only obstacle to membership of the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster to the interfaith forum: that the name of that Church could be felt to be a mockery of religions (negated in 1, but let's imagine).
Then we would have a group of atheists highlighting through a parable what they feel to be religious questions to be discussed. Saying the Great Flying Spaghetti Monster (grated parmigiano be upon it) created the Universe in one day is one way to discuss cosmology and the weaknesses of the two genesis stories in the Bible. Saying the Flying Spaghetti Monster (tomato sauce be upon it always) welcomes every sinner in its heaven is an image allowing to question the notion of the original sin. Disrespect could only be in the tone, and most members of our Church are extremely civil and polite. Who says humor is disrespectful when discussing cosmology?
(4) One last point which is comparative: assuming the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster are atheists, why would they not be better discussion partners to discuss religion and cosmology than believers in established but violent religions of the past?
There is a religion in England of 'Neo-druidism'. National Geographic recently revealed evidence that suggests that Druids possibly committed cannibalism and ritual human sacrifice. Who should engage in interfaith dialog? Cannibal druids or vegetarian Pastafarians?
Anyway, this was all for argument sake.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster (parmigiano be upon it) will not be mentioned in Interfaith.
May Pasta be upon you.
May 29, 2015
My initial post to the site admins:
Skinner's negative answer:
My regretful acknowledgment of the refusal.
How I tried to get the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster in the Interfaith group.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12597940My initial post to the site admins:
About representing the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster in the 'interfaith' forum
Someone speaking in the collective name of the religions of the bronze age (hrmjustin) suggested my religion, that of the Holy Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, would probably not be welcome in the interfaith forum, having to be confined to the forums for skeptics.
This is unfair as we are believers and would not enjoy having to mingle with skeptics, atheists, agnostics and other such unsavory characters. We would like to bask in the joy of sharing our religious experience with like minded believers such as the Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and all the other men and women of true faith (even if their faiths are not that which pleases the eternal Flying Spaghetti Monster, may peace and grated cheese be upon it always).
In short, we, believers in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster would like to have equal rights with the more established religions, even if we are a new and minority religion.
For your kind attention, and may the pasta be with you.
RAmen.
Someone speaking in the collective name of the religions of the bronze age (hrmjustin) suggested my religion, that of the Holy Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, would probably not be welcome in the interfaith forum, having to be confined to the forums for skeptics.
This is unfair as we are believers and would not enjoy having to mingle with skeptics, atheists, agnostics and other such unsavory characters. We would like to bask in the joy of sharing our religious experience with like minded believers such as the Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and all the other men and women of true faith (even if their faiths are not that which pleases the eternal Flying Spaghetti Monster, may peace and grated cheese be upon it always).
In short, we, believers in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster would like to have equal rights with the more established religions, even if we are a new and minority religion.
For your kind attention, and may the pasta be with you.
RAmen.
Skinner's negative answer:
You aren't actually believers in the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It's a joke.
As for whether nonbelievers should be permitted in the Interfaith group, that is entirely up to the hosts of that group. I tend to think the minimum requirement to participate in that group is a desire to foster greater civility and understanding, as per the group's statement of purpose:
A safe haven that provides opportunities for people of all faiths, spiritual leanings and non-belief to discuss religious topics and events in a positive and civil manner, with an emphasis on tolerance. Criticisms of individual beliefs or non-belief, or debates about the existence of higher power(s) are not appropriate in this group.
Posting facetiously about actually believing in the Flying Spaghetti Monster could probably be taken as evidence that one in not interested in fostering greater understanding and tolerance.
As for whether nonbelievers should be permitted in the Interfaith group, that is entirely up to the hosts of that group. I tend to think the minimum requirement to participate in that group is a desire to foster greater civility and understanding, as per the group's statement of purpose:
A safe haven that provides opportunities for people of all faiths, spiritual leanings and non-belief to discuss religious topics and events in a positive and civil manner, with an emphasis on tolerance. Criticisms of individual beliefs or non-belief, or debates about the existence of higher power(s) are not appropriate in this group.
Posting facetiously about actually believing in the Flying Spaghetti Monster could probably be taken as evidence that one in not interested in fostering greater understanding and tolerance.
My regretful acknowledgment of the refusal.
Noted. Some comments if I may.
You delegated authority to mods, and it is the right thing for you to stand by the opinion of the mods you appointed. Decision made and point taken.
But, in the name of fairness, since hrmjustin PMd you to make the case against letting the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster in the interfaith group, I write this answer to simply state what would have been the arguments for accepting our Church in the interfaith group:
(1) Interfaith is meant for people of all faiths, so the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster qualifies, as the founder of the FSM Church stated that it is a true Church of a real religion. Since its founder says so, why disbelieve a man of religion when he speaks?
(2) But, for argument sake, if you think the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster is just atheists strutting under a false flag, they still would have their place in the interfaith forum which is "A safe haven .. for people of all faiths, spiritual leanings and non-belief"
And there is nothing to say they would not meet "the minimum requirement to participate in that group" being "a desire to foster greater civility and understanding". I did ask questions in a civil way to hrmjustin about Moses with a clear intent to further the common understanding of that character of the Torah. That was in the 'Religion' forum, it could have been in the 'interfaith' forum.
(3) Now let's be honest, you do formulate what could be the only obstacle to membership of the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster to the interfaith forum: that the name of that Church could be felt to be a mockery of religions (negated in 1, but let's imagine).
Then we would have a group of atheists highlighting through a parable what they feel to be religious questions to be discussed. Saying the Great Flying Spaghetti Monster (grated parmigiano be upon it) created the Universe in one day is one way to discuss cosmology and the weaknesses of the two genesis stories in the Bible. Saying the Flying Spaghetti Monster (tomato sauce be upon it always) welcomes every sinner in its heaven is an image allowing to question the notion of the original sin. Disrespect could only be in the tone, and most members of our Church are extremely civil and polite. Who says humor is disrespectful when discussing cosmology?
(4) One last point which is comparative: assuming the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster are atheists, why would they not be better discussion partners to discuss religion and cosmology than believers in established but violent religions of the past?
There is a religion in England of 'Neo-druidism'. National Geographic recently revealed evidence that suggests that Druids possibly committed cannibalism and ritual human sacrifice. Who should engage in interfaith dialog? Cannibal druids or vegetarian Pastafarians?
Anyway, this was all for argument sake.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster (parmigiano be upon it) will not be mentioned in Interfaith.
May Pasta be upon you.
You delegated authority to mods, and it is the right thing for you to stand by the opinion of the mods you appointed. Decision made and point taken.
But, in the name of fairness, since hrmjustin PMd you to make the case against letting the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster in the interfaith group, I write this answer to simply state what would have been the arguments for accepting our Church in the interfaith group:
(1) Interfaith is meant for people of all faiths, so the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster qualifies, as the founder of the FSM Church stated that it is a true Church of a real religion. Since its founder says so, why disbelieve a man of religion when he speaks?
(2) But, for argument sake, if you think the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster is just atheists strutting under a false flag, they still would have their place in the interfaith forum which is "A safe haven .. for people of all faiths, spiritual leanings and non-belief"
And there is nothing to say they would not meet "the minimum requirement to participate in that group" being "a desire to foster greater civility and understanding". I did ask questions in a civil way to hrmjustin about Moses with a clear intent to further the common understanding of that character of the Torah. That was in the 'Religion' forum, it could have been in the 'interfaith' forum.
(3) Now let's be honest, you do formulate what could be the only obstacle to membership of the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster to the interfaith forum: that the name of that Church could be felt to be a mockery of religions (negated in 1, but let's imagine).
Then we would have a group of atheists highlighting through a parable what they feel to be religious questions to be discussed. Saying the Great Flying Spaghetti Monster (grated parmigiano be upon it) created the Universe in one day is one way to discuss cosmology and the weaknesses of the two genesis stories in the Bible. Saying the Flying Spaghetti Monster (tomato sauce be upon it always) welcomes every sinner in its heaven is an image allowing to question the notion of the original sin. Disrespect could only be in the tone, and most members of our Church are extremely civil and polite. Who says humor is disrespectful when discussing cosmology?
(4) One last point which is comparative: assuming the Church of the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster are atheists, why would they not be better discussion partners to discuss religion and cosmology than believers in established but violent religions of the past?
There is a religion in England of 'Neo-druidism'. National Geographic recently revealed evidence that suggests that Druids possibly committed cannibalism and ritual human sacrifice. Who should engage in interfaith dialog? Cannibal druids or vegetarian Pastafarians?
Anyway, this was all for argument sake.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster (parmigiano be upon it) will not be mentioned in Interfaith.
May Pasta be upon you.
May 29, 2015
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/soul-curry/A-Muslim-girls-prayer-for-her-Hindu-brothers/articleshow/47443091.cms
On human goodness despite religion, and prayers unanswered.
A touching story during the Iranian revolution: a Muslim girl praying for the safety of Hindus.
That girl was good despite her religion condemning Hindus as polytheists and idolaters.
A Muslim girl's prayer for her Hindu brothers
(..) It still disturbs me emotionally, even after 29 long years.
I was working as a physician in Iran at a hospital in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province in Iran. The Islamic revolution was at its peak (..) the province of Kurdistan was thrown into tremendous turmoil and upheaval. (..) The city of Sanandaj was besieged by the army and blown apart by continuous mortar shelling for about two days. Then the army literally terrorized the city.
Due to certain prior commitments, I had to stay back with a surgeon friend after sending our families to India. We stayed at a rented place for those few days. The upper storey of the house was occupied by a kind landlord and his family (..) We stayed holed up in the basement of that house right through all the shelling.
Next morning after the takeover, we were urgently required to attend the heavy casualties at the hospital. Even as we prepared to leave, I remember Nahideh, the daughter of our landlord, read out the holy Koran praying for the safety of us, her Hindu brothers. Her serene face, as she recited the ayat, has been etched on my memory for an entire lifetime. (..)
Forty minutes later, on the same day, I suddenly heard the screams of my landlord and his family, right outside the Emergency door. I rushed out only to find Nahideh fighting for her life. She was brutally hit by a sniper's bullet, her skull had cracked and she was bleeding profusely. All our desperate attempts to revive her proved futile.
Her death left a gaping hole in my faith. It confused me about the sanctity of prayers as I kept questioning God about his demands. How could someone who prayed for the well-being and safety of others meet such a cruel end in our presence? I am in waiting but haven't yet got a satisfactory reply from Him. (..)
(..) It still disturbs me emotionally, even after 29 long years.
I was working as a physician in Iran at a hospital in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province in Iran. The Islamic revolution was at its peak (..) the province of Kurdistan was thrown into tremendous turmoil and upheaval. (..) The city of Sanandaj was besieged by the army and blown apart by continuous mortar shelling for about two days. Then the army literally terrorized the city.
Due to certain prior commitments, I had to stay back with a surgeon friend after sending our families to India. We stayed at a rented place for those few days. The upper storey of the house was occupied by a kind landlord and his family (..) We stayed holed up in the basement of that house right through all the shelling.
Next morning after the takeover, we were urgently required to attend the heavy casualties at the hospital. Even as we prepared to leave, I remember Nahideh, the daughter of our landlord, read out the holy Koran praying for the safety of us, her Hindu brothers. Her serene face, as she recited the ayat, has been etched on my memory for an entire lifetime. (..)
Forty minutes later, on the same day, I suddenly heard the screams of my landlord and his family, right outside the Emergency door. I rushed out only to find Nahideh fighting for her life. She was brutally hit by a sniper's bullet, her skull had cracked and she was bleeding profusely. All our desperate attempts to revive her proved futile.
Her death left a gaping hole in my faith. It confused me about the sanctity of prayers as I kept questioning God about his demands. How could someone who prayed for the well-being and safety of others meet such a cruel end in our presence? I am in waiting but haven't yet got a satisfactory reply from Him. (..)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/soul-curry/A-Muslim-girls-prayer-for-her-Hindu-brothers/articleshow/47443091.cms
May 26, 2015
New Religions: (3) the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster
After two threads on the First Church of Bacon and the United Church of Shatner, this third thread on New Religions is more emotional for me, for here, I am presenting the doctrine and beliefs of my own Church: the Holy Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Before I go into detail about the mainstream beliefs of our Church, it should be remembered that ours is a young Church, with beliefs which still are only gradually becoming clear to us. Our doctrine, beliefs and attitudes are therefore liable to be evolutive, sometimes transitional and/or contradictory. All of which is secondary compared to what really counts: a deep personal relationship with our god, the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster (may tomato sauce be upon it).
By decreasing importance and degree of consensus, our beliefs are:
• the Universe was created by our maker, the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster (may grated parmeggiano be upon it) on the First Day after he had drank from the Beer Volcano in Heaven. the fact the Holy FSM had drunk is the rational explanation for the imperfections of this world.
The Supreme Spaghetti enjoying the occasional prank, He hid dinosaur fossils underground to "dupe mankind" about Earth's true age. He is also the cause of gravity, pulling things down with His Holy noodly appendage (may extra virgin olive oil be upon it)
• Believers and most sinners will go to paradise where they will enjoy the Beer Volcano and hookers (72 hookers if one dies doing the pastafarian jihad, a kind of frat war involving pasta)
• The holy sloth day is Friday, celebrated as the FSM's TGIF with kegs of cold beer.
The attire most respectful of our god is a pasta sieve (including on ID photos)
• Some Pastafarians believe the pirates of the 1600s and 1700s were the original pastafarians on earth, maybe or maybe not with special powers. The only thing which is a fact is that many ills on earth developed after the disparition of the pirates of the Carribean Sea, notably man made global warming, as proven by this graph:
Dressing and talking like a pirate are considered signs of devotion to the Church.
Like any Church, we must face doubters, and even haters. Here is what the Discovery Institute spokesman Robert Crowther said of us: "It's too bad that they'll get attention for this sort of drivel when we have a robust scientific research program that the media doesn't seem to want to write much about". The robust scientific research program of the Discovery Institute is about proving a man-like 'God' created the universe, world, creatures and pasta in 7 days. (a ridiculous claim compared to the much more reasonable proposition of a creation in one beer fuelled day).
I think I covered the main points. Do not hesitate to ask me question. You can PM me if you wish to join our Church.
May fresh basil leaves be on the Holy Flying Spaghetti Monster always.
Noodly yours.
May 21, 2015
About representing the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster in the 'interfaith' forum
Someone speaking in the collective name of the religions of the bronze age (hrmjustin) suggested my religion, that of the Holy Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, would probably not be welcome in the interfaith forum, having to be confined to the forums for skeptics.
This is unfair as we are believers and would not enjoy having to mingle with skeptics, atheists, agnostics and other such unsavory characters. We would like to bask in the joy of sharing our religious experience with like minded believers such as the Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and all the other men and women of true faith (even if their faiths are not that which pleases the eternal Flying Spaghetti Monster, may peace and grated cheese be upon it always).
In short, we, believers in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster would like to have equal rights with the more established religions, even if we are a new and minority religion.
For your kind attention, and may the pasta be with you.
RAmen.
May 21, 2015
The complete corpus of doctrine of Shatnerology is a bit difficult to explain. What is simple is that they worship William Shatner (Captain Kirk of the USS Entreprise). They also have a scene of resurrection in episode 376 ("He's dead, Jim"
. For some obscure reason, Shatner's toupee is considered a sacred object.
But that Church must be tops, because they have real good testimonials on their web page:
http://www.shatnerology.com
To be noted there was a schism in the year 30 of our Shatner, and a Second National Church of Shatnerology was created (they stay in good terms with the First Church of Shatnerology though) http://www.chaseclub.com/shatner.html
There is also a Church of the One True Shatner [OTSHT]
https://gate.eveonline.com/Corporation/The%20Church%20of%20the%20One%20True%20Shatner
It's sad these guys are heretics, because their main doctrine is reasonable:
Anyway, whatever its branches, Shatnerism is a respectable religion (and a minority one).
And therefore, like any religion, it has some good points which we should respect.
New Religions: (2) The First Church of Shatnerology.
The complete corpus of doctrine of Shatnerology is a bit difficult to explain. What is simple is that they worship William Shatner (Captain Kirk of the USS Entreprise). They also have a scene of resurrection in episode 376 ("He's dead, Jim"
. For some obscure reason, Shatner's toupee is considered a sacred object.
But that Church must be tops, because they have real good testimonials on their web page:
http://www.shatnerology.com
• You are visitor number 3487654263745. This page is best viewed with. . .umm. . .okay, let's be honest here. This page is best not viewed at all.
• Here at the First Church of Shatnerology, we worship the holy essences of the most benevolent ShatnerBeing! We are transfixed by his magnificent TOUPEE and girth! As you read, you will learn secrets that will change your life! Seductive philosophy huh?!
• Putting a Shatnerologist in a room full of ordinary people is like putting a velociraptor in a room full of wiener dogs.
• You should become a member of the First Church of Shatnerology. Your IQ will drop by at least 100 points. You will gain the confidence to turkey-bowl in the frozen food section of your local grocery store. Dwarf-tossing will become your sport of choice! Yes, the world is your lobster. . .The First Church of Shatnerology can be your drawn butter!
• Here at the First Church of Shatnerology, we worship the holy essences of the most benevolent ShatnerBeing! We are transfixed by his magnificent TOUPEE and girth! As you read, you will learn secrets that will change your life! Seductive philosophy huh?!
• Putting a Shatnerologist in a room full of ordinary people is like putting a velociraptor in a room full of wiener dogs.
• You should become a member of the First Church of Shatnerology. Your IQ will drop by at least 100 points. You will gain the confidence to turkey-bowl in the frozen food section of your local grocery store. Dwarf-tossing will become your sport of choice! Yes, the world is your lobster. . .The First Church of Shatnerology can be your drawn butter!
To be noted there was a schism in the year 30 of our Shatner, and a Second National Church of Shatnerology was created (they stay in good terms with the First Church of Shatnerology though) http://www.chaseclub.com/shatner.html
There is also a Church of the One True Shatner [OTSHT]
https://gate.eveonline.com/Corporation/The%20Church%20of%20the%20One%20True%20Shatner
It's sad these guys are heretics, because their main doctrine is reasonable:
The path to salvation runs through The Shatner. The Shatner is Love, and Love is The Shatner.? No Shatner, no peace. Know Shatner, know peace.
Anyway, whatever its branches, Shatnerism is a respectable religion (and a minority one).
And therefore, like any religion, it has some good points which we should respect.
May 21, 2015
http://unitedchurchofbacon.org/about/
New Religions: (1) the United Church of Bacon
About the Church
The United Church of Bacon is a real, legal church based in Las Vegas, Nevada with nearly 10,000 members worldwide.
We chose a funny bacon name to expose how wrong it is for society to give automatic respect and special legal privileges to religions. Is our saying we worship Bacon really any stranger than Catholics who say that communion wafers become the body of Christ? Unlike God, who is invisible, at least we can see Bacon. Bacon is demonstrably real.
Our name has nothing to do with a rude term for police officers. We respect the police and our founder is a decorated veteran.
We were founded in 2010 by friends of magician Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller. We now have nearly 10,000 members from around the world.
Beliefs and Mission
The United Church of Bacon holds to a list of 9 Bacon Commandments. We tried to make it 10, but ran out of space on the tablets and didn’t want to start over.
Our mission is:
We oppose supernatural claims. We are skeptics and atheists. In our religion, we doubt religion.
We fight discrimination. Atheists are not inferior and should not be hated and marginalized.
We raise money for charity while accepting no donations for ourselves.
We perform legal weddings, always for free. How joyful!
We expose religious privileges as silly by claiming the same rights for Bacon.
We praise Bacon! If you don’t like pigs, praise Vegetarian Bacon or Turkey Bacon.
The United Church of Bacon is a real, legal church based in Las Vegas, Nevada with nearly 10,000 members worldwide.
We chose a funny bacon name to expose how wrong it is for society to give automatic respect and special legal privileges to religions. Is our saying we worship Bacon really any stranger than Catholics who say that communion wafers become the body of Christ? Unlike God, who is invisible, at least we can see Bacon. Bacon is demonstrably real.
Our name has nothing to do with a rude term for police officers. We respect the police and our founder is a decorated veteran.
We were founded in 2010 by friends of magician Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller. We now have nearly 10,000 members from around the world.
Beliefs and Mission
The United Church of Bacon holds to a list of 9 Bacon Commandments. We tried to make it 10, but ran out of space on the tablets and didn’t want to start over.
Our mission is:
We oppose supernatural claims. We are skeptics and atheists. In our religion, we doubt religion.
We fight discrimination. Atheists are not inferior and should not be hated and marginalized.
We raise money for charity while accepting no donations for ourselves.
We perform legal weddings, always for free. How joyful!
We expose religious privileges as silly by claiming the same rights for Bacon.
We praise Bacon! If you don’t like pigs, praise Vegetarian Bacon or Turkey Bacon.
http://unitedchurchofbacon.org/about/
May 20, 2015
Video transcript: http://www.breitbart.com/video/2015/05/13/oreilly-christianitys-decline-in-america-could-lead-to-collapse-like-roman-empire/
Enjoy the whole rant:
O'Reilly: "Although the founding fathers wanted freedom of religion, they did not want a secular nation."
O'Reilly: Christianity's decline could lead to collapse of USA
He hits all the possible points: religion is going down because of music and drugs (he skipped sex, that's sloppy) while claiming the Founding Fathers did not want the US to be secular (see quotes below)
O'Reilly: "Although the founding fathers wanted freedom of religion, they did not want a secular nation. That’s clear in the writings of Jefferson and Madison. The founders believing that a strong moral code put forth by religion protects people from harm and avarice."
Video transcript: http://www.breitbart.com/video/2015/05/13/oreilly-christianitys-decline-in-america-could-lead-to-collapse-like-roman-empire/
Enjoy the whole rant:
O'Reilly: "Although the founding fathers wanted freedom of religion, they did not want a secular nation."
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