Validity of Pastafarianism

[Arkaeon]

Anyone who wants to generally monologue can find their way to the "World of Other Stuff" or "Rant, Rave, & Misbehave" section. There are several ongoing threads which are ideal for such themes.

As far as validifying/apologetics of Pastafarianism to others, I can think of a few general approaches:

Point out that religion should be FUN. It should connect people socially, emotionally, and in ideas. It should help people learn how to live in peace with the world. It helps if the religion has some scheduled/cyclical observances or holidays to help people rejuvenate their love of life and peaceful growth, encouraging members to continue their life-path. If some other religion does not meet these standards, then clearly it is inferior, but CotFSM meets them all. (The FUN clause is important, for it was common in almost all ancient religions and largely absent from many modern ones.)

Alternatively, you could invite them into the forums to browse and see what is really here. If they won't even do that, they aren't serious about knowing the truth, so there's no point in wasting your time on them. Many great social and spiritual issues are discussed here, in our grand cathedral of the internet, which members can access any time they sign on for personal support and interaction around the world, without an appointment. This is inherently superior to a single or limited buildings that are only available in limited timespace events.

If someone is looking for meaty dialogue, let them check out the "Serious Discussion" section, but genuine spiritual/religious stuff comes up all over the forum. For example, I just posted a 4-part metaphorical analysis of the Aspects of FSM in the "Indocrinating Children" thread that might be of interest to someone looking for ways to see FSM as a means of contemplating reality. Most importantly, our dialogues do not represent official dogma, so they can be taken as they are useful and meaningful to each individual without requiring wars or genocides to enforce them. This is an element of a superior religion, that it can grow with each person and generation instead of stagnating in some long-past century. Other "major" religions would do well to learn from us.

I think the more important question is: "How can other major religions validate themselves in light of the living traditions and advantages of Pastafarianism?"

[Minister Roni]

I think people's biggest aversion to Pastafarianism is caused by their own grim view of religion, whether they be religious or not. They can't seem to grasp the concept of a lighthearted religion that makes no threats of everlasting harm or brutal punishments. I'm often asked how I can believe in/worship a flying spaghetti monster, even though when telling people about it I never use the words believe or worship, I phrase it more openly such as "our religion teaches..." or "according to Pastafarianism...". I try to use the FSM to get people to take a more logical look at their own beliefs but all too often they're unable to get past the golden calf mentality in which they feel that taking any other viewpoint into consideration is blasphemy. In that respect I'd say our religion is validated in the eyes of the religious simply by them taking offense to it just as they would any belief system other than their own. For instance, try telling someone that you worship the mighty Zeus, you'll get pretty much the same response that you get to the FSM, yet that too is a completely valid religion.

[Arkaeon]

Welcome to the forum, Minister Roni!

I think you have made a valid perception there. Most people have come to dread their gods and essential worship their devils as equals (dualism). In traditional/ancient times, religious festivals and services in many cultures were a time of joy and fun (ok, maybe not the Aztecs). They had fun and let loose some steam. Then the death & tax cults spread fear and wars across the land, but people still have a choice. We don't need all that fear and war. We can go back to the model of being able to have fun and enjoy life without a constant sense of dread. This isn't frivolous. It's a needed respite from the hard labors of our daily lives. Stress can kill you faster than anything else but physics or poison.

I'd say it's fair to remind people of this. Sure, Pastafarians work hard and look for insights as much as anyone else. Discovering the secrets of the universe and keeping society running is a big job. The difference is, FSM is the kind of "Heavenly Parent" who also lets us go play in the park when our chores are done:)

[Minister Roni]

Thanks for the warm welcome Arkaeon.

I think the reason for the dread toward dieties was caused be the religions that gained in power are generally the ones that made such threats. If your religion doesn't threaten eternal harm and another comes along that tells you that if you don't follow them you'll be punished, it certainly seems like the smart move to avoid punishment and follow them since your old religion won't punish you either way.

I tend to take a more rebellious view. You can't tell me that my father loves me and will burn me in a pit of fire if I don't obey him. I have a son, the concept of burning him in a fire pit if he disobeys is absolutely ridiculous, who in their right mind would want to live with such a father? Such a concept is considered valid because it's been beaten into people's heads for so long. Pastafarianism is just as reasonable and valid and makes just as much sense, if not more.

When considering a religions validity I think one has to consider the point of view of that religions followers, otherwise all religions other than one's own seem invalid and nonsensical.