This is one of the greatest things to happen in the history of Pastafarianism. The Cumberland County Courthouse lawn in Crossville, Tennessee now features an enormous statue of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Behold:
This was the work of Ariel Safdie and her brother David, and it is spectacular. I am sure that everyone who sees it will feel Touched.
Statement at Installation Ceremony
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.
Here’s a television news report of the display:
“Our message is freedom of speech, freedom of religion” — Well Said! All Pastafarians should feel fortunate at having such a fine ambassadors for our cause.
I strongly suggest that everyone check out Ariel’s site, itlovesyou.blogspot.com. You’ll find the whole story behind the statue, pictures of the build, and updates as they happen.
Here are a some more pictures:
Thank you very much Ariel - you did an amazing job. Please let me know if you need funding for a Beer Volcano.
Update: cnet news.com has picked up the story here.
Well said, Balthazar! If this keeps up, I can envision a day when there will be “fundamentalist” Pastafarians. I hope I am enjoying the beer volcano and stripper factory by then.
.
RAmen
PS Fact is, if more so-called Pastafarians would actually read our Sacred Text, they might TRULY be touched by His Noodly Appendage and change their ways for the better. At least read the Eight I’d Really Rather You Didn’ts and follow them.
This is the coolest guy ever, let him live as long as possible, that judge rules.
Ah yes! I actually know the Safdie’s and I know Crossville very well. What you DON’T see is the enormous carved wood “Last Supper” that sat in front of the same courthouse for MONTHS. We put birthday party hats on all of them in the middle of the night. :-)
It’s magnificent! I do hope weather doesn’t knock off any oh his appendages.
FSM-
Yesterday my friend came up to me adn said”Wanna know what my religion is?” Curious I said sure what are you. He then told me the craziest thing Ive ever heard”Pastafarian.” Immediately I shouted “Thats not a religion!” He continued to tell me the story of a man who wanted to make a religion, was turned down because he didnt have enough followers. He asked if the people beleived in giant pink fuzzy monsters, would it be a religion and the government said..Yeah sure. So he came up with a religion that believes in ginat flying spahghetti monsters. I still refused to belvie hima nd said I’ll look it up online, google knowns all. I coudnt belvie it but here I am.On a site all for Flying spahghetti monsters. Hey, maybe i should amke a GIG Religion-Google is God. Hehe,
:)
Ok, this just sounds like the coolest thing ever. Im going to convert! Where can i sign up?
Today, a courthouse in Tennesee, tomorrow the world!
Hooray for the spread of Pastafarianism! RAmen.
A real pity its April 1st ?
–Quinta
Ah progress. The courts are FINALLY moving towards logic.
Good show everyone, and RAmen to you all.
what’s really amazing is the reasonably straight face of the news anchor lady while she talked about it.
I think she’s a believer, but secretly. Check out the knowing glint in her eye.
ct
I think they could have used lasers and some fireworks, anyway, the meatballs were depicted accurately.
I don’t suppose that fundamentalist pastafarians would consider me a heretic if I said it needs more marinara sauce?
Article got farked!
RAmen.
A pirate friend of mine told me about FSM and all of his noodly goodness! I now feel compeled to educate everyone I meet about FSM.
Maybe I am not worthy of noodles. I love the statue. But I never thought of fsm as being a “religion” of tolerance so much as a wonderful, satirical, response or critique of it.
While the mainstream reaction is general condemnation or ridicule rather than intellectual I cannot give religion a free pass for all it’s inanities.
Wow, recently the Vatican put its first church in Qatar http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Religion/?id=1.0.2025120577 and now we have his Noodley Holiness in the Bible-belt. We are finally seeing progress with religious freedom.
Are we going to start saying non-FSM humans are going to eternal hell? It tends to boost membership numbers!
Dear Pastafarians,
Basil Baxter Loves You. It warms Basil Baxter’s heart to see so many people in the thrall of this One True Friend that you have in the Flying Spaghetti Monster. But Basil Baxter fails to see how this Flying Spaghetti Monster deserved a statue. After all; statues are awarded to people who kill people, as it should be. How many people has this Flying Spaghetti Monster killed? No counting people choking in restaurants please, accidental deaths do not count.
@ StephyPoo
Well - Google IS god. I have a button on my computer marked “god” and when I push it it takes me to Google. Google is always there, comes as close to knowing everything as I could want, and when I ask a question I get a useful answer every time. Better than most other gods out there (except, of course, the FSM).
.
Really - there is an online Church of Google. It’s easy to find the website. Just Google it!
.
RAmen