I wrote the Open Letter sometime around January of 2005 and posted it online several months later after receiving no reply from the Kansas School Board. Within days of posting it online, the letter became an internet phenomenon, generating tens of thousands of visits each day, as well as personal responses from the school board members themselves. To date (August 2006), the venganza website has received upwards of 350 million hits, and somewhere in the proximity of 15 million unique visits. This website operates on a dedicated server and uses 600 – 800 GB/month in bandwidth. I’ve received over 15,000 emails in response to the letter.
The letter, after being blogged heavily for months, was printed in several large newspapers, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Chicago Sun Times, and many others. The newspaper articles caught the attention of book publishers, and at one point there were six publishers interested in getting the Word of the Flying Spaghetti Monster out to the public. In the end, the Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster was released by Random House in March of 2006.
It’s now been over a year since the FSM phenomenon started. I hope that a year from now we will be recognized as a legitimate religious organization, with all the same benefits *and tax loopholes* that the mainstream religions enjoy.
Please leave me a comment on the Letter, the FSM movement as a whole, or whatever you like. Thanks,
-Bobby
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This is awesome. I wish we had someone like you back in high school. Great job on getting this much popularity.
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@ Plumberbob #3199. I have thought about cycling to work. I actually have a very nice 12 speed racing bicycle complete with a comfy seat. The thing is that even if I make all my connections on buses it still takes over an hour to get there and a good part of it is on the highway. It would probably take a couple of hours just to do each trip. Not really feasible.
I think I’m completely over my bug though.
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I am a catholic myslef, and just wanted to give all you pastafarians an internet high-five. Great stuff, great work, i can only hope that some of the more fanatical idiots of my church learn a thing or two from you.
In fact, i am even considering converting to pastafarianism, as there are many biblical teachings i do not agree with.
Keep it up, may God (or his noodleyness; wichever you prefer) always be in touch.
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@ Emma,
Atheists do not believe in any god(s). That doesn’t mean we couldn’t be convinced otherwise with sufficient evidence. That doesn’t make me an agnostic because with the evidence (or lack thereof) that exists today I do not believe in a high power, unlike an agnostic who isn’t sure, or feels unable to decide. I DO NOT believe in god. But show me evidence and I’m all yours!
I am an atheist because I don’t believe in a higher power, however, only an arrogant fool would claim to KNOW that there is or isn’t a god for sure given the lack of evidence either way, so if that’s your definition of agnostic I guess I’m agnostic too.
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@ – cubby #3200,
Isn’t that about the same as if I asked you when are you going to stop beating your mother and baby sister? Isn’t there some little rule about false witness? About defamation of character? I guess that if you’re saved, you don’t have any rules or social norms that you’re supposed to abide by.
http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~altemey/
RAmen
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Lol. I’ve converted. The ceremony was held in my backyard. Nice.
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I am embarrassed to be from Kansas sometimes. I promise, there ARE sane and logical individuals here, and (oh! the horror) even Athiests! In fact, as a member of the Kansas State University chapter of Individuals for Free Thought, I and my fellow rationalists are having a spaghetti dinner tomorrow night in honor of His Noodly Appendage. All proceeds are going to Relay for Life. Peace, Love and Noodles.
-Jen
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Dude that had to be done at some point
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I found this on dailypaul.com.
You guys are greatness……I L O V E IT.
Thanks so much for what you’re doing!!!!!!
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@ Chris (3204) said in part:
“In fact, i am even considering converting to pastafarianism, as there are many biblical teachings i do not agree with.”
Please read “The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster,” especially the Eight I’d Really Rather You Didn’ts. You will be amazed by our great book. May you be touched by His Noodly Appendage and bathed in the warmth of His Sauce.
RAmen
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Are there any Pastafarian churches (i.e. buildings) anywhere? If so
would you publish a list of them. I live in London. I’ve looked through
the web and I can’t find any.
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Are there any Pastafarian churches (i.e. buildings) anywhere? If so
would you publish a list of them? I live in London. I’ve looked
through the web and I can’t find any.
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Let me begin with saying that I appriciate that you have provided support to my theory that anything can be supported by science and/or religion if handle properly.
I feel strongly that if the “Theory” of evolution is to be taught then other theories must be taught along side of them. That is, if they have sufficent scientific backing. If that includes “Intelligent Design”, whether it be by “God”, “The Flying Spaghetti Monster” or any other “intelligence” known by any name.
I am taken aback by some of the comments both pro and and to the FSM.
I believe in the right of all to practice whatever religion they choice but do not support a religion that speaks poorly of others or attacks others as a general rule. Please don’t say, “Well, they started it.” I don’t believe attacking others is what the FSM is all about, and I hope I am correct in that.
Thank you for allowing me to speak.
Keep believing. Keep questioning. Have Faith.’
Rev Chard
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how have i missed the FSM? Bobby, you are my new hero. i would also like to tell you i have ordered the Gospel and have no doubt that i will believe whatever i read within it’s covers.
thank you for enlightening the world to the marinara ways of the FSM!
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I just want to welcome all the newcomers here as I enjoy a beautiful spaghetti dinner. I give my thanks to the wonderful FSM for his love and pasta. I say “his’ simply because I have no idea of the FSM’s gender or if there even is one. I’m sure it doesn’t matter. Noodles are indeed a gift.
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I have finaly found my true religion. A most compelling combination of pseudo-science and pasta!
May we all be touched by His Noodly Appendage!
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I just love all the posts from people of other religions, they are just so entertaining.
I find it amazing that so many people are incapable of intelligent thought. Even the posts from people claiming to be “slightly religious”, agnostic or “slightly atheistic” and who think that the FSM is just a joke. How is it possible to be SLIGHTLY religious? Is it due to a lack of intelligent thought, ignorance or what? How can anyone slightly believe or not believe in something? Surely evidence and/or proof or lack of it is the clincher.
All praise to the Prophet Richard Dorkin for showing me the way to this web site and helping me to discover his noodliness. Now that I have been touched by his noodly appendage (all praise to his noodliness), I will stop worshipping false idols. I will therefore give up all other false foods, pasta and meatballs are the only nutrition for a true believer.
Unfortunately I have one nagging question… Who, or what created the creator of everything, his noodliness? I guess that I will just have to leave that to high priests and learned professors of Pastaology to tell me.
My personal theory is that the FSM is a creation of the great celestial Italian bistro (CIB). Unlike the FSM (all praise to his noodliness) who’s existence has been proven beyond all doubt, the great celestial Italian bistro’s existence is still a matter of great discussion and uncertainty. Therein lies one of the great questions of our time, but I am sure that in time we will be enlightened!
Rahmen!
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Oh no, I’ve just realised I miss spelt the great Prophet Richard Dawkin’s surname.
Now I risk being smitten by the wrath of the great FSM (infinite praise to the great noodly one)…
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This is a joke right?
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Lisa the Pirate (#3213),
Welcome to the pasta bowl and the embrace of your fellow Pastafarians. Don’t worry about that little slip. The Great and Powerful FSM is not unforgiving. No worries about being smitten.
RAmen
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@ – krazernok #3212,3213,
Let me point out that in The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, there are eight, “I’d Really Rather You Didn’ts”. Number six asks us to not build shrines or buildings to Him. If there is a college campus near you, however, you may find a student run Pastafarian group that you could contact.
RAmen
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Well, the FSM must trully be great. Smiting seems to be the cornerstone of other false creators.
What a truly great and powerful lord the FSM must be if he/she/it doesn’t need to go around doing a great deal of smiting.
One other great problem I am having, which I fear may be rather controversial. What type of beer does the beer volcano produce? Is it the weak American mass produced stuff which can hardly be called beer, similarly bad French or Spanish p**s, one of the great American microbrewery beers, great English room temperature real ale, decent Czech / German Pils or one of the decent strong German/Bavarian Reinheitsgebot beers.
This is one of those questions of religion which could cause a schism. However maybe to be a truly great religion, a schism or schisms are required. Most major religions have long standing schisms, so maybe it would be an advantage!
On the other hand, maybe the great FSM has considered this and the beer volcano produces an infinite variety of beers, precisely flavoured to suit all true believers.
Ramen.
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This is no more ridiculous than major world-wide religion based on the writings of a bunch of crusty old Jews 3000-5000 years ago.
Conrad MacRoberts
The Church of Bad Attitude
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As a member of the National Waffle Association, I must take offense to your organization. How anyone can attempt to elevate foodstuffs made from grain formed into long strands above the wonder of grain combined with preservatives and flavor enhancers into exquisite grid patterns is beyond any resemblance of reason. You “Pastafarians” may think you can pull the sauce over the general public’s eyes, but I’ve got news for you: You can have my waffle when you pry it from my cold dead hands!
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@ Lovely Lisa the Pirate. I’ve got a question. What exactly does “smite” mean? I’m familiar with being “smitten in love”. I think it could mean ditzy and stupid. Now that I think about it, it kind of does seem to look like the people who sent in hate-mail have all been smited. Is that right?
Perhaps their God has just had enough of them. I could see it now. “Alright you morons! Learn how to spell! Learn how to read! Learn about grammar! And now more fucking swearing or I’ll smite you again!”
At least that’s what I’d do if I was their God.
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@ Lisa the Pirate (2332) Said, in part:
“One other great problem I am having, which I fear may be rather controversial. What type of beer does the beer volcano produce?
On the other hand, maybe the great FSM has considered this and the beer volcano produces an infinite variety of beers, precisely flavoured to suit all true believers.”
You have answered your own question. The beer volcano in heaven delivers exactly the fresh beverage you want! The FSM (all praise to Him), in his infinite wisdom, has seen to it that our needs are met. The beer volcano in hell, on the other hand, delivers only stale beer (probably of a type that you don’t want).
RAmen
PS In case you were wondering, the same principle applies to the stripper factory. Whatever your preference, that is the strippers you get. The FSM is an equal opportunity deity.
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“What type of beer does the beer volcano produce?”
Whatever type you desire :)
After all, being Heavenly, the Beer Volcanoes are of magical, supernatural origin…and yes ..”produces an infinite variety of beers, precisely flavoured to suit all true believers.”
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@ – Lisa the Pirate #3223,
Many years ago I vacationed with family at Mt. Lassen Volcanic Park. While touring there, I saw hot springs, cold springs, geysers, and fumeroles of every different color and mineral content. I foresee that we’ll find similar geology in Heaven from which any of a number of different brews can be had. I’ll be particularly interested in trying to find a cool spring of Pinot Noir.
RAmen
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agreed.
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Genius x
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Only one word covers it. Awesome!
Greetings from all Pastafarians in Sweden!
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ALL HAIL FSM!
This explains everything! A couple of weeks ago I looked at a man with very long dreadlocks and I thought “rasta man” which lead me to “pasta man” providing an image of his dreadlocks replaced with fettucini noodles. My friends thought this wasn’t a very logical thought process, but now I realize that I was touched by Him.
I will follow the Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to the ends of the earth.
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you’re an ass, a jerk, and a hateful person.
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I find it great to see that there are people who see that religion is ridiculous. Keep up the good work.
Love Love
Declan
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Ok now i really don’t get the whole part about how less pirates cause globel warming but whatever… I mean i think all religons are dumb but omg this stuff makes me wish really hard that there were not people out there smoking crack i mean the pic with the migit wtf does that have anything to do with any thing and wow 17 pirates left and the temp only went up what 3 digress wow hot hot hot.
so what im saying is this is the dumbest thing i have ever seen and christeanaty or how ever its spelled is really dumb but this bypasses it by far
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Собственно сабж.
Очень ищу картинки стильных и модных шмоток. Или еще нужны картинки со стайловыми риснуками.
У кого есть можно в личку кидать или в тему. Принты, с показов мод и пр. Интересуют все виды ))
Очень Всем благодарен заранее. Ибо выручите.
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Have you considered updating your research given the increasing numbers of pirates off the coast of Somalia? I would feel much better knowing for sure that global warming was finally in remission, as I expect it must be.
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I have proof the flying spaghetti monster exists. It broke a window in my house,I kept the pieces,they have dna on them.-out
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What about The Falling Oats (or is it Beans?) Monster? Is He a good God too or…?
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The Lord Spagetti Monster prevails above us all
he reaaches all and hears all that fall
“The almighty who soars high above;
The strings reach out grasp with love;
Evolution science the one main truth;
Atoms round and strings like plant roots;
meatballs, noodles present these atoms and strings;
Oh mighty lord forget these manly sins;
For those who chose not to Beleive;
A day will come when you too Beleive;
Spagetti monster is science, philosophy and all;
The universe was all created withs noodles and balls.
All Hail Supreme Spagetti Monster!
All who do Not Shed Science! Shed Reality! Shed Philospphy
Because truth is Spagetti Monster.”
Quoted from Messiah 12:35 Book of Spagetti Monster
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I am a born again Pastafarian. My abilities of self deception are far superior to “born agains” from other religions and my holier than thou attitude and narrow mindedness as a born again Pastafarian cannot be matched. Praise FSM. Thank you FSM for bringing lost souls that need to be saved into your noodly appendages! (You can’t see it right now, but I have my eyes closed and my hands raised with a smug look on my face as I pray, speaking in noodly tongues) Hallenoddlya!
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are you guys on crack or what?? oh yeah.. arrgh
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Effin’ brilliant…. I love it. I’m sure Christians see this is an attack, but what they need to see is that they’ve attacked everyone else with their mythology for thousands of years.
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The Truth! You want The Truth! You are not ready for The Truth! I know because I am an Ignoble Curmudgeon, Emeritus. The Truth! Haa, You are not ready for The Truth!
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@ Emilia, Hi there. I was in Sweden for a while in the mid 90’s playing in a band based out of Ornskoldsvik called Killer Bee. You’ve ogt a very beautiful country.
@ Plumberbob. Happy Easter, the time of year when us people here in the great white north celebrate the day when the mythical Jesus came out of his hole, saw his shadow and gave us 6 more weeks of winter. I have a link here to a jam band that I played in. It’s just basically a bunch of noise as far as I’m concerned but apparently some people like it. I’m playing keyboards on most of the tracks or guitar when there are no keyboards. All this stuff was made up right on the spot and since we’re all Pastafarians I thought it should be here at least so other people can hear it. There’s a lot of scribbly guitar lead on it but I think that’s because he couldn’t really hear what the rest of us were doing. Beer may have been involved. Lot’s of beer. The studio does have 2 working draught taps so I’ll let you figure it out. The picture for the last tune of the guy in blue flannel plaid with the blue guitar is me although you can’t see my face. Anonymity is important you know. The project; for lack of a better word; is called the Norm Hacker Band. He’s the bass player. Tell me what you think. I realize it might not be the kind of music you may listen to but we we’re just having a ton of fun.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=608733
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Ye has been converted!!!!
all my life me life ye has not known what to look to for guidance, know i do.
a few years ago i started going to pirate festivals and reanacting in them. now me knows why!
me has tried to enter his new religioin on facebook and myspace but myspace does not have pastaferian as a choice for religion. something should be done about this.
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okay this chick at my school named saida minus put up a dlyer today about the Flying Spagettii Monster and i was just wondering is it possible to actually build a church as an actual building and not just a website or does one already exist
i would like to know this whole thing intruiges me!
praise FSM
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The “midgit” in the final image, when compared with the mountains he/she stands before appears to be several hundred feet tall, thus infact disqualifying him/her from holding true midgit status. Whilst I realise the image is mearly intended to be an artistic representation of the moment of creation and not a literal diagram created for refrence purpose I feel this detail could distract from the overall story of the creation event and cause subconscious niggling doubts in the minds of believers as they might feel “something just doesn’t add up” in the creation story. This could particularly become an issue if this image were to be circulated widely in its current form and were to become an image generally associated with the creation event.
I am concerned non-believers could use this minor detail to undermine the entire creationist arguement and therefore hope some action could be taken to re-establish scale in the image, or at the very least include the words “midgit not to scale” whenever the image is reproduced.
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