“As a scientist, I’d like to say that the currently accepted scientific theory is evolution. But, some competing ideas have been proposed, such as ID and FSMism, and discussion to include one should include the other, as these ideas are equally valid.“
– Mark Zurbuchen, Ph.D.
“As a medical practitioner and scientist, I wholeheartedly believe that every theory and hypothesis needs full consideration and explanation with formal ratification by peer review. We have a duty to inform our schools and presumably pasta should form a staple part of our educational diet.“
– Dr. A. Macintyre (UK)
“Letting the religious right teach ID in schools is like letting the Marines teach poetry in advanced combat training. As a scientist, I see these the relevancy between the two sets to be equal. If Kansas is going to mess up like this, the least it can do is not be hypocritical and allow equal time for other alternative “theories” like FSMism, which is by far the tastier choice.”
– J. Simon, PhD
“One of the hardest things to do as a scientist is to put my personal beliefs aside when discussing matters of science. So as a professional, I have to say that both forms of Intelligent Design - ID and ID-FSM are equally valid and if intelligent design is taught in schools, equal time should be given to the FSM theory and the non-FSM theory. But, speaking personally now, it seems to me the FSM theory is MUCH more plausable than the non-FSM ID theory, because it is the only one of the two that takes into account all the discrepancies between ID and measureable objective reality.”
– Professor Douglas Shaw, Ph.D
“In discussing competing theories, if one is to present ID then it is only fair and logical to teach other theories with commensurate evidence. Based on Mr. Henderson’s letter, it is clear that the FSM theory has evidence comparable in weight to ID. As a scientist and professor, it is often difficult to present differing opinions in an unbiased way. However, it is important to the student to be exposed to these ideas to form their own opinions. This comes right out of the handbook of the ID purporters: present the different “theories” and let the listener decide. If those in favor of ID are so convinced, then they should not be concerned that the presentation of the FSM theory would serve to undermine the credibility of ID. “
– Elizabeth Garrett-Mayer, PhD
“At one time, I believed as the Aztecs did, that the universe was created by two gods, Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca who attacked and ripped apart Hungry Woman to create the universe. Then I believed, as the Moriori do, that the universe was created when Papa and her husband Rangi hugged and bore children, and were subsequently separated by their son Tane who let light shine between them. However, my views have been swayed by the substantial evidence that the earth and universe was actually created relatively recently by the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM). I am firmly convinced that the evidence supporting this depiction of the origins of life, the universe, and everything has many of the trappings of science, and I therefore support the inclusion of FSM creation evidence in the Kansas science curriculum and standards.“
– Sebastian Wren, Ph.D
“ One of the most exciting developments in fundamental physics in the last twenty years has been the development of so-called “String Theory.” In String Theory, all fundamental sub-atomic particles are visualized and described mathematically as microscopic vibrating strings. Although as yet unproven, many physicists believe that String Theory has the potential to become the long-sought “Theory of Everything,” through which the fundamental physical nature of all matter and forces will become understood.
Obviously String Theory IS correct, although misnamed (a secular humanist conspiracy perhaps?). As NOODLE Theory clearly unambiguously reveals, He has created the fundamental subatomic particles that form all matter in this universe in His own quivering image! You, me, the Earth, the stars…everything in the universe…are all built of trillions of tiny jiggling noodles, microscopic copies of our Divine Saucy Maker. Truly He is everywhere and in all things!
Boy-oh-Boyardi and Ramen!“
–Steve Lawrence, PhD
“As a scientist I believe that when presented with a new idea every possibility should be considered so we can eventually find the truth. It would be very biased if the only possibilities presented would be regulated by some authority. As a scientist I am biased towards the theory of evolution, but this does not mean that everyone should be forced to only learn this and believe this. Putting this aside, I feel if the government feels the need to regulate what students need to learn, then all ideas should be taught in school. Not only Intelligent Design (ID) should be taught, but the theory of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) should also be taught. In my scientific opinion when comparing the two theories, FSM theory seems to be more valid then the classic ID theory. There is more data to back FSM then I have ever seen for ID. The graph which was presented should alone more convincing then anything ID has ever presented. I endorse the FSM theory.“
–Afshin Beheshti, PhD
“As a scienctist, I think that ID is a form of pseudoscience–nothing more, nothing less. Pseudosciences lack the well-designed and carefully-interpreted experiments which characterize the true sciences. ID is popular because it provides the general public with an easily understood “answer” to nature’s complexity. Why is it human nature to try to fill the gaps in science with some form of a deity? Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, in his response the Challenger disaster, wrote, “For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled.” It is too bad that many in the USA have fallen into the ID trap, and are making emotional rather than logical decisions.
That being said, and the more I consider ID and the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) theory, the FSM theory has a lot going for it. First, it should satisfy even the most ardent ID detractors. Secondly, since everyone needs to eat and to believe in something, the FSM theory fulfills these desires. Finally, FSM neatly ties together the many ideas about the creation of the universe. I plan on exposing my students to the FSM theory over a pasta dinner. “
–Elizabeth Cowles, PhD
Continue to Academic Endorsements - page 2
Perhaps an addendum of sorts might be appropriate. No person who had actually earned a PhD (or pHd) would identify himself as Dr. Stan Taylor. I learned this the hard way. It all started when I discovered that Southwest Airways would, if one (i.e., me) claimed to be a Dr. on the required paperwork, print PhD on one’s boarding pass. Then, if so included, one could place said boarding pass in one’s lapel pocket with the PhD facing outward. I spent many happy hours roaming about Sacramento INTERNATIONAL Airport (which offers flights to Salt Lake City, San Diego, Houston, and many other foreign capitols), just waiting to be asked an involved question regarding Russian Literature, nanotechnology, or what Ed “Antboy”) Wilson was driving at. This never happened, mainly because intellectual curiousity has all but died because of television and other things that I won’t (or casn’t) go into here. Many of you will be able to infer my drift correctly. Anyhow, this has come back to haunt me a number of times when I write a letter to the editor of the Sacramento Bee. They always leave off the “Dr.” when they print my screeds. Although—one guy did call me once and ask if I was a M.D. I admitted that I was not, but asked quite pointedly, “But I should think that a holder of the doctorate in cognitive science from UC Berkeley would be granted a small measure of respect by the general public!” Journalism being what it is today, the reporter never asked if I held the aforementioned degree. Be that as it may, I have read many books and tried my hardest to understand what they were getting at. So, in my heart I think of myself as Dr. Stan Taylor. This is who I am—someone else! DRST/rct—-Dictated but not read (who has the time, nowadays?).
And by “included” I, of course, meant to write “inclined”. Michelle (of mct fame above) has progressed rapidly in the Friday Night Bible study classes (to the point that she now sits at my right hand during the terstimony portion of the service), but the spirit often leaves her during mundane typing assignments.
Gosh and golly!!! It’s Southwest Airlines, Michelle, not Airways. What are we, savages?
I know, nit pick away you hoi polloi. “Curiosity” may or may not have two Us (plural of U), but my point is valid and well-taken. I am also unsure of whether “cognitive” is spelled “cognative” or “cognative” is spelled “cognitive” As a famous person once said, “Who cares?”. Please note that this was during a telephone conversation, so the usage would be considerably less formal. As a footnote, you may be interested to learn that when I served as Sports Editor of the Valley Junior College “Star” newspaper in the early 1960s I did not have the staff needed to handle the massive expansion that I had attempted. I had no cross country writer, per se. Still, it had to be covered, so I assigned my boyhood friend, Murray J. Stone (who still lives in the area to this day, I believe) to attend the meet and transmit his findings. He wrote perhaps the most beautiful English sentence yet recorded—”Wellington Stanislaus got the blind staggers and ran into a tree.” There was no mention of whether said “harrier” picked himself up and trudged on, whether he finished, what his time was, or even what sort of tree was involved. But the sheer majesty of it! I’ve never forgotten what Murray J. wrote that day, as is apparent by my quoting of it here. Dictated, not read DRST/evc.
Did my original response wander off? I don’t see it and all this “catching up” that I’ve been doing with my naughty typists will not make much sense if the prime directive has been mislaid or worse. I can’t even remember, exactly, what I said at the beginning. Somethin like, “I have used your Gospel with great success at my “Date night With Jesus” Friday evening bible study classes. They have proven valuable both as a teraching aid and punishment device.” Words to that effect. Could you insert this in the right place?
Whilst leafing back in this daisy chain I found “Debbie” from a few days back. I’m an open-minded kinda guy, but she admits that she doesn’t even have a PhD. Plus, she’s from Canada!!! Enough said aboot that, if you please. I think that in these troubled times we must adhere to at least the most basic of our values.
Canada may be tidy and polite; it may have sent us Martin Short and Emily VanCamp, John Candy, and
even Alex Whatsitz from Jeopardy (I just wish that somehow he would stop pronouncing the names of non-English people and places in that way of his), and a bunch of really smart people {some of whom have PhDs!}; and a general aversion to invading other countries, but, and this is a big butt, Canada is not what made the US of A great. And it never will!
Dr. Stan Taylor
“both an instructional tool and discipline device.”
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Sounds interesting…please share your methods :)
Wench Nikkiee, indeed! I knew a Nicky once, but the spelling is different. Are you spelling it correctly? If so, she probably wasn’t you. Plus this was in Los Angeles and some time ago, which makes the odds even longer. Actually, I sorta got spooked by your inquiry–usually I am like a man shouting in the wilderness, nobody answers (at least not in a way that I find helpful or appealing). I never expected your gracious note–or perhaps I did! Who among us can say with any certainty?
I fear that my methods can not be adequately discussed in a public forum. We might gently hint at how I administer my brand of FSM spiritualism. I suppose the best way to say it usually starts with what has been called “Whiff-Reading”, which I borrowed from the Church of the Sub-Genius (out of Dallas, I believe). This was first used “back then” as a way to locate and then impart the power of the spirit to Connie, the Sub-Genius goddess. I can also mention, but not “go into”, the Prayer Closet. This is the Inner Sanctum, that Holy of Holies, where especially unruly acolates (acolytes? accolades?–like trainees, only cuter) must be taken if they become too unruly in the “Amen Corner”. It is here (the closet) that the mysteries of Space Pasta are finally and firmly revealed via the leather bound copy of Our Holy Scripture. The Newbies thereby gladly learn restraint, silence, and modesty during the laying on of the hands. There is a Joyous Noise! This process often must be repeated on a weekly basis, but all seem to enter into the spirit of holy instruction with much enthusiasm and muffled cries of….Perhaps I have said too much. I think that maybe I’m suggesting breaking off from the orthodox, mainstream of the Church of FSM, and beginning the Reform Movement. This would require much study and the occasional speaking in tongues (in our case, mostly long-forgotten and highly inappropriate dialects of English). I will remove myself now to seek further visions, and perhaps a pastrami and cheese sandwich.
Bless you for asking after our methods of religious training; I hope that this brief outlines at least suggests the direction and methodology that we have found so fruitful. I would be most appreciative to receive any thoughts that you or others may have. It also occurs to me that maybe we’re not doing this in the right place. I just started out in the Academic Section, trying to explain my credentials and justify myself to a wider audience. That’s why I asked if someone could insert this in the proper place.
Dictated, but not read. DRST/evc
Peace be upon his noodly appendage.
FSM ftw!
I’d like to register that Sebastian Wren is very slightly wrong about his source for as it is the Maori who believe this, and while the Moriori may have believed something similar, they are not around to tell us about it any more.
Plus, neither the ancient Aztecs nor the Moriori would have believed in any form of pasta, though the Maori, by virtue of living in this enlightened age, may have that distinction.
i like cheese