Pastafarians, rejoice. The Netherlands has recognized the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster as an official religion. This is the description of the Church from their website. It became mainstream in 2005 with the publication of this open letter to the Kansas School Board.
Here is an excerpt from the letter:
“Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. It was He who created all that we see and all that we feel. We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him.”
“It is for this reason that I’m writing you today, to formally request that this alternative theory be taught in your schools, along with the other two theories. In fact, I will go so far as to say, if you do not agree to do this, we will be forced to proceed with legal action. I’m sure you see where we are coming from. If the Intelligent Design theory is not based on faith, but instead another scientific theory, as is claimed, then you must also allow our theory to be taught, as it is also based on science, not on faith.”
It is not strictly a religion though. Members are light-hearted about dealing with dogma. They are known for opposing Creationism and Intelligent Design.
A spokesman for the Dutch chapter of the Church said:
“The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is since today officially registered as Denomination! Our church stands for equality for all. Therefore, anyone can sign up free of charge and without obligation.”
“We come together in local churches and at events. Our services are especially devoted to socializing. So we eat pasta, we drink beer and discuss faith.”
It is being talked about on Twitter as well. (This might be offensive if you are religious):
It's official! The Netherlands has its first Pastafarian with religious headgear in his photo ID.
R'Amen to that! https://t.co/hEtryw15y5
— FSM-Europe (@FSMEurope) March 17, 2016
Congrats Netherlands! I am a #pastafarian too!https://t.co/kCgzbSRJ3V pic.twitter.com/eVVCXpO3MV
— Carlos Tarín Cerezo (@tarin1977) January 31, 2016
Reid & Rebecca: Congrats #pastafarian 's! The religion of the #FlyingSpaghettiMonster is legal in the Netherlands! pic.twitter.com/rl5pcsBlKC
— 98.9 THE DRIVE (@989THEDRIVE) January 29, 2016
Here is a video about the church from their website. It shows Rachel Maddow talking about it:
Featured image via Twitter.
