Jerry Falwell
Liberty shut down the school’s Democratic club (because of unGodly support for gay rights, pro-choice views, etc.) The school’s Republican club is still intact and receiving school support.
AU says that’s bullshit since, as a tax-exempt institution, Liberty is barred from showing preference for one political party over another.
An excerpt from the letter AU sent the IRS:
By banning a Democratic club while permitting a Republican club to exist and offering funding to the latter but not the former, university officials appear to be operating in violation of federal tax law.
Here’s the letter (.pdf) AU sent the IRS.
Our view: the Church of FSM believes religious organizations should not be exempt from paying taxes. Or perhaps that the application for tax exemption was not so ridiculously long. Or that someone would volunteer to take over the paperwork for me.
What do you think – would the Church of FSM find trouble with tax officials, were it to achieve tax exemption? We pay a retarded amount in taxes right now and the IRS still came to my door and asked me a bunch of questions. Jerks.
Well, that all depends. Have you registered His glorious church as a religious organization? If not, the I vote to not do it, as you’ll be in international waters most of the times, anyway. :D
That said, this is veering dangerously into political stuff, and that is the same offence that Falwell (*spits*) made. It really doesn’t belong here on a forum for discussing the TRUE and RIGHT way of life and the formation of the universe.
In my personal opinion, however, Falwell (*spits*) should have a noose around his neck, and be stuffed into a cannon facing forward, so we can keel-haul with what is left. The only problem with this idea is that I’m not sure it’s environmentally friendly. So we’d need to haul the ship to float on a sewage treatment pond or something.
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I say go for it! As StJason argued, we do near political topics. However, we are solid as a religion, and we do not discriminate. We welcome opposing views, and we fund all sides equally (aka with warm noodles in their belly.) The one stance we as a church DO take is that I.D. should not be taught in schools. I would say this makes us MORE of a religion. Without trying to shorten the rights of other religions, what kind of religion are we?
As for the tax exempt form, I will gladly fill it out for our church if I get promoted to co arc prophet. I just wanna be under the umbrella of the tax exemption. ;). My e-mail is fsmftwbbq@gmail.com, or the one published in the post. Contact me if you are interested.
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I do believe the Church of the FSM should be recognized as a church by the government.
However, I firmly believe that churches should pay property taxes, if nothing else.
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Keep in mind that Falwell is dead (thank FSM!) it’s just the fundy corporation that remains.
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I think no religious organization should have tax exemption, even ours.
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Despite my first comment (#2) I DO believe all churches should have tax responsibilities. However, that is why the CoFSM SHOULD apply for tax exemption.
The point our church makes is ID shouldn’t be taught in schools, and we argue that by saying if ID should be taught in schools, so should we. Obviously we shouldn’t be taught in schools, and thus ID should not be taught in schools. It is the same thing for tax exemption. People will think twice before accepting that the CoFSM should get tax exemption. It is only a slight leap in thought to say neither should normal churches.
I think we can most effectively make our argument by ALWAYS ALWAYS striving for the same rights as churches. If we agree with the rights, fine. We should have the right too. If we disagree with the rights, obtaining them is the best way to fight them.
Again, I am very willing to help our dear Henderson with fighting for this right. My summer needs a little excitement.
fsmftwbbq at gmail.com
P.S It would be hilarious if we made a dent in this debate. We could then link Liberty University to destroying tax exemption.
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In that case Brandon, we SHOULD apply for Tax Exemption. Either they grant His Noodlyness’ organization tax exemption, or they reconsider the whole issue. Only problem with it is that they would probably give it to us.
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Maybe getting a tax exemption is a good thing for the Church of the FSM. It can help bring to light the ridiculousness of the existing exemption laws for religions. When I say that, I kind of mean it as a joke because of course I whole stomachly believe in the FSM and unthinkingly follow all He doth spew from his divine red-sauced tentacles.
The status quo will not change unless it is questioned/tested and I believe the FSM wants this tax exemption for his followers so they may afford more pasta and whatnot. RAmen.
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If any genuine deity wants more money for his followers, he can magically produce some by, say, teleporting it from a bank vault. Otherwise, render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s.
The FSM is, of course, capable of providing His followers with untold riches. That He does not do so can only mean that He does not wish to. Bow to His will!
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…has anyone considered that maybe the FSM’s view on economics is to take from the rich? This might be the basis of the horrid slanders against Pirate-kind. It also might mean that Robin Hood is due a honorary sainthood, even if he was land-bound.
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I agree with DRock it will bring this topic into the limelight. I say go for it and get as much attention as possible.
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I agree with DRock, you should go for it if you can see your way though to the end of the forms. Also if its granted can we have tax free ‘Communion’ pasta in the FSM store please?
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I would say the CoFSM definitely needs tax exemptions to fill up its pirate chests!
On a serious note though, I agree with what OrigamiSquared said in post #6. We should always strive for equal rights as any other ID religion. We are just as valid as they all are so we should be just as entitled to tax exemptions as anyone!
I think we should try and make a list of all silly things other ID religions are allowed to do that is a bit out of the ordinary and then apply for all of the very same things! Our noodly god demands fair and equal treatment of all appendages!
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I am appalled that Prophets should be required to pay any tax.
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I’m running a (real) contest to rename Liberty University, in light of its asinine action regarding the college Democrats. The winner will receive 1 copy of “The Big Book of Irony” (2007, St. Martin’s Press) by John Winokur. The deadline for entries is 12:01 a.m. Monday June 8.
Submit your entries as a comment at:
http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/dancasey/2009/06/02/contest-no-2-lets-rename-liberty-u-to-just-about-anything-but-liberty/
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I agree- the COFSM is at least as deserving of tax-exempt status as, say, the Church of Scientology; and if the process of applying should happen to focus media and public attention on the subject, that’s just killing two birds with one stone.
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I think it might be good as it is a similar action to that which spawned Pastafarianism (obviously because his Noodliness chose the time etc. etc.). It could draw attention and would be hilarious if it succeeded, could spawn a rash of copycat applications which might force the exempt status to be abandoned (some hope) or at least force ‘the man’ to show his true and unequal colors.
Have to say, however, that the most hopeful thing about this was that there even was a club on such a campus that espoused liberal and democratic views. Now that they’ve been disbanded, here’s hoping they’re rebelling and meeting in secret to plan anarchy and chaos. We can dream.
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WE must get tax-exemption because if we don’t I’ll send Al Gore my powerpoint presentation on the matter, and then stuff will happen! Also, Bobby should try to get on The Colbert Report.
It sux the IRS came bug Prophet Bobby about the funds for the Ship.
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If the Church of Scientology has tax exemption (which they should NOT), then FSM should also. Actually, I am in favor of the tax exemption for churches (including ours) but ONLY if the church or affiliated school stays completely away from politics and quits trying to redefine science. I also agree with pirateanarchist that Bobby should try to get on Colbert. It would be hilarious – a fight between the pseudo-Catholic and Pastafarianism.
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Hmmmm. It seems to me that the primary purpose of FSM, to keep ID out of the classrooms, is primarily a political arguement using a mock religion in order to develop the irony and sarcasm necessary to make a point.
As much as I would like to see you get tax exempt status – I think it’s a stretch. Good luck.
That said; As a devout believer, I would be willing to sign any petition stating the validity of the religion and the strength of my conviction.
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I agree with the majority– we should be consistent with our principle that we are the equal of any religion and entitled to the same consideration under the law, whether in the classroom or when being taxed. However, I do understand our prophet’s frustration at the red tape involved and hope a way can be found to make the process worthwhile. Yours in the sauce, Piratesmee.
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I agree with #6. We should try to get the exempt in the same way we are trying to get taught in Schools Science class along with ID…to show the irony of it all.
-Aarrghh
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I have a question. Do We have a way to become ordained in the Church of the FSM? If there is some process, then in some states, like my home here in Iowa, I could legally perform marriages. Which I would like to be able to do. Any ideas?
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#20 – The Impaler
“a mock religion”
A mock religion?
A mock religion?
Hmmmmph!!
Soooooo please do define what constitutes an authentic, true (TM), verifiable “real religion” or “realigion” (as per current terminology)
Mock religion!
Hmmmph…I’m speechless…!!!eleventyone111!!!
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@Wench Nikkiee,
Right on, re your post above and in “What is this”. I have to say, though, that as Pirates who steer between the Scylla of factionalism and insincerity and the Charybdis of (take your pick) looking like Jerry Falwell’s church (which pretty much looks like Jerry Falwell, the swine), we should try to keep our tent inclusive, LOFLMAO. May his Noodly Appendage rest lightly forever upon your shoulder.
RAMEN.
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Listen all you who sit on a high horse with an attitude towards those of faith, You think your mocking us and our views since many choose to stand firm in defense if the faith as paul said. But your sadly mistaken your attempting to mock THE LORD CHRIST YESHUA aka YAHWEH the GREAT I AM. And his word says only the fool makes a mock of sin but be warned: YAHWEH IS NOT MOCKED FOR WHAT A MAN SOWS THAT SHALL HE REAP!!!
I understand the satirical nature of this site and the so called religion, And I have no problem with it because as a real christian I know we are given free will. But when I see that a bunch of arrogant clueless spiritually brain dead fools attempting to mock the core of mine and millions of others faith I have to speak up. Now Religion is a man made attempt to justify yourself before GOD and to try and lessen responsibility or the penalties you feel may happen.
That said I think you should become a organized religion why? simply because christianity isnt a religion its a relationship they are not mutually exclusive. And in honesty religion even christian based can and has done more harm to the cause of CHRIST than anything else has IMO.
Also your showing your hate for ID and attack on those who believe in the biblical account of creation is pathetic at best, Because your insults are more immature and childish then our so called myth as some call it. It seems also that many here are ignorant and uneducated on the matter but just jump on the bandwagon because they are too lazy to take time to research it themselves and draw an informed opinion.. Whats funny is even scientists at NASA admitted the bible scenario of creation was right(they actually said they believed the account was not far off and was pretty close to 100 percent) Actually it is right, AS Louis Pasteur said… A little science estrangeth a man from his GOD while much science brings him right back.. The funny thing is the ID teaching is more solidldy based while evolution keeps falling apart every time they say they found the missing link aka Nebraska man, Piltdown man, etc
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@Truth Prevails
I can see clearly from your standard of English, your level of argument and your grasp of science that you are a student of Liberty University. Tax law is plainly the least of your problems.
RAmen
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You all are taking this completely out of context. It’s not about whether they are Democrat or Republican. Quoting the chancellor: “Officially recognized student clubs and organizations that bear the name of Liberty University are expected to uphold the standards and principles of the University and act in a manner consistent with its mission.” LU believes that a baby is person the moment it is conceived and thus doesn’t advocate or believe in abortion. The Democratic club supported a candidate that wasn’t pro-life which violates LU’s policy for clubs. If the Republican club were to do the same, the same punishment would be delivered. Get your facts straight before you start running your mouth, and this goes for everything you stand for.
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Gee, Truthie Baby (#26),
I hope you’re wrong about the NASA scientists. We all knew that the Bush administration was anti-science (probably because they didn’t realize that *much* science would bring us all back to Jesus), but nobody would have guessed that they got THAT far into NASA’s knickers. All those pitchers of Saturn and stuff must have been made up, because nobody who talks like you say they do (and nobody who talks like you do) could find their way out to the privy, let alone get to Saturn.
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1) That would be “you’re sadly mistaken”. Please learn some grammar. Try to limit your sentence lengths – the rambling does not help your stance.
2) Quoting your silly Zombie has no evidential weight here, he is clearly just part of a parody of Pastafarianism. I challenge you to find objective evidence to the contrary (circular reasoning does not count).
3) I don’t understand – how are the Muslims/[insert one of the 26 major cults here] not arrogantly mocking your belief (simply by holding an alternative theory of equal validity) in the same way?
4) Pastafarianism is not a satire it is every bit as valid as your Zombie worship.
5) So you don’t believe in the organised religion of Christianity, but you do believe in Christ? Where did you get this notion of Christ if not from Christianity? If some parts of Christianity are correct and others are not, what methodology do you have for determining which parts are true and which parts are not?
6) “than” not “then”. Honestly, you call us clueless and uneducated? You might find most here actually know more about the Zombie cult than most Zombie worshippers. Lucky for you, his Noodliness does not discriminate on intelligence.
7) Bandwagon jumping – I know, shameless isn’t it? Back in the good old days, the Zombie worshippers did the hard yards and tortured people until conversion or death. How can we call ourselves a religion when we lazily expect people to make up their own minds?
8) I couldn’t find any evidence to support your claim of NASA scientists being ID creationists. What I DID find however will surely float your boat: Pope accepts evolutionary theory. http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2009/02/vatican-backs-darwin-dumps-cre.html
More evidence his Zombie parody religion is in league with the scientists! We all know His Noodliness created the universe.
9) A little thinking allows you to imagine all kinds of crazy shit while much allows you to realise that you can imagine anything you like but that doesn’t make it real.
10) There are less holes in FSM ID than Zombie ID. Therefore it is even more solid.
Now I must return to my beer, spaghetti and wenches.
May the sauce be with you,
RAmen
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@Truth, etc.
Yet once again, dear friend: I reread your note – after a supper of pasta, red wine, etc., – and think that the right thing to say is simply that you are a sanctimonious prick, perhaps a little like the Piltdown Man, though I never knew him personally. I don’t think you speak for the Creator, of whom you have no infinitesimal inkling. Given a choice between eternity in a heaven into which you have been admitted and a hell in which you and your like are not to be foiund, I do, indeed, pick the latter. But you’re gonna get it anyway, because my in-laws will be there with you. After a few gazillion years (way less than eternity with YAHWEH, THE GREAT I AM, you’ll beg to trade places, even as stupid as you are, Truthie Baby. Of course, I may get bored with strippers without STD’s and beer volcanoes after a few gazillion years, too. Call me, say, in 10^70 years,,,,
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Truth Prevails @ #26.
First, you get points for using a spell checker. Then you lose them for using it wrong. Then you lose more for having no understanding of grammar. Honestly, it’s not that hard. I mean, do you actually talk like that?
Second, adjust your meds. Seriously. Something is definitely out of balance, there.
Third, if you’re going to spout semi-incoherent ID propaganda, you might want to avoid stuff that can be easily fact checked from now on. As you may have noticed by now, there people aren’t easily bluffed.
Good luck with you next rant!
Ron.
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Oh, by the way. Whoever is moderating this thread should definitely post #26 to ‘Hate Mail’. This guy’s a classic.
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I would like to point out to Truth, #26 of the list, that our point isn’t really to… mock religions. Yes, we do poke fun at other religions, and there are a few in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster who might do so more than others. Typically, it is in retaliation to those who don’t take their time to learn what this group is about and go off on a rampage because they didn’t take the time to read anything on the site. You actually seem to have noticed that this organization is satire. Good job, on your part, be sure to spread the word the next time your ‘relationship’ gets together, or whatever you chose to call your religion.
I tend to babble, so my apologies if my thoughts are a bit scattered here, but there is one last thing I want to touch on, concerning Truth Prevails. In that comment, they stated that we are the immature ones, the childish ones, because we ‘insult’ their faith. We point out what we think is wrong, share our opinions as to why, then, we might even giggle. But that wasn’t the point I was trying to make. No, I wanted to point out the… hypocrisy, for lack of a better word, at this person calling us the immature ones, when, in that very next sentence, and begin to insult what we firmly believe in, something that this person is practically yelling at us via written text.
Bad, Truth, no cookie!
I.T.
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To #26 – Truth Prevails,
I think we first need to have a discussion about what truth is. Truth is a fact that has been verified by evidence (definition: an outward sign : indication; something that furnishes proof – Webster Dictionary) So, we can use the multiple skeletons that have been collected from millions of years of life to prove evolution. There are holes of course. Do you know how the earth was formed? It was (and still is) a violent process. Plates ripping apart, earthquakes, volcanoes spewing lava, and even objects from outer space striking the planet. Of course there are going to be “holes” in the evolutionary records. Fossils are rare because of how difficult it is for one to form. We are lucky to have every fossil that we have found. But I have one word for you: Galapagos. What amazes ME is that when there is a hole in science, instead of forming a hypothesis, testing said hypothesis, analyzing results, drawing conclusions, having other scientists repeat the experiment to see if they get the same result… you know, scientific procedure, people of religion say, “Oh, it’s ok! You don’t have to do any more research! We got this one! God did it!” Now who is lazy?
You are like dogs sitting under the table of science, waiting for the scraps that cannot be filled in yet to fall off the table (yet being the key word). You eat them up and claim the only possible explanation is god (i.e “intelligent design”) even though time and time again science has proven you wrong. Just to name a few of these instances; the Earth is the center of the universe, the world is flat, the world is only 6,000 years old, rainbows are miracles that men cannot replicate, there is nothing beyond our galaxy, and now evolution. Yet, you still insist that what you “know” is better than what is actual PROVEN fact. All you are trying to do is take us back into the Dark Ages (play on words due to the lack of cultural and technological advances and the dominance of religion. Interesting inverse relationship, yes?)
I, personally, truly enjoy the idea that we are made from stardust (Google: Fred Hoyle). I think it is more beautiful than some invisible man making me in his image and then demanding I spend my whole life in servitude and degrading my fellow man by telling him he is wrong while providing absolutely no evidence to support my theory (see definition above, and FYI, bible does not equal evidence. Something cannot be used to prove itself).
Go back under the table and lay down. Another scrap will fall soon.
Peace and Sauciness to you, RAmen,
D&WC
PS – Once you can prove irreducible complexity, then you can prove evolution and natural selection are false. Good luck with that.
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I just cannot get enough of this site, the religion and its adherents, and the excellent things that are said in the comments. And I laughed like hell over the penultimate paragraph of this post. I thank Jebus I’m a believer and am glad that I came back aboard the ship tonight after so long away. So fucking clever!
So have the pesky IRS forms been vanquished?
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@ Drained and Washed Clean said in part (#35), “I, personally, truly enjoy the idea that we are made from stardust (Google: Fred Hoyle). I think it is more beautiful than some invisible man making me in his image and then demanding I spend my whole life in servitude and degrading my fellow man…”
Exceptionally well said. That is exactly how I feel. When “believers” say that they are awed by the idea of an all-powerful god, who has always existed and always will, creating the universe, I think of it as trivial. After all, how difficult could it be for an all-powerful being to do anything? That effortless act of “creation” cannot possibly compare with the wonderful unfolding of all that is, in the complex and beautiful way it happened and is happening.
RAmen
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Have you seen the Liberty University logo? It says “Knowledge Aflame,” and features a burning book. Tells ya something.
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I attend Liberty as a graduate student. They do not need a tax exemption. I guess Liberty University forgot that Greed and Jesus do not go together,,, I could explain but not necessary. I hate having to keep my political opinions to myself, my opinions regarding science verses their version of Christianity. I would say a few incriminating comments regarding my education. However, I have too much money invested into these cold hearted blood sucking scum to provoke an investigation of the quality of our graduate programs for national license……. God help me,,,,, I want away from these Christians. Christ protect me from your Christians!!!! Amen. And Christ protect me from the graduates who will be counseling,,,,,,,, they still believe mental health disorders can be demonic possession,,, Oh Lord have mercy!
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