Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Crossville

Sunday, March 2, 2008

It came to me in a sign....build a statue of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and put it on the courthouse lawn in Crossville Tennessee so that others can share in its beautiful image and learn about Its story........Read about my journey below.

33 comments:

Anonymous said...: I totally Support your cause. As a long time Pastafarian i feel that this sculpture moves my soul.; March 20, 2008 at 4:26 PM
alexandra said...: Thank you for finally doing this! A fellow Crossvillian supports your cause!; March 20, 2008 at 4:40 PM
Anonymous said...: Someone pinch me. Ariel, David, what you are doing is commendable. When I read "Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Crossville", I felt personally noodled. To be this close to my hometown, to forgive those that trample on our lawns, we can forgive our trespasses. From the bottom of his appendage, I thank you.

Nancy Nusspickle; March 20, 2008 at 4:45 PM
LadyVTavora said...: I generally hate carbohyrdrates.... I feel they should be waterboarded at Gitmo. : ) But, I'll make an exception for the Spaghetti Monster.; March 20, 2008 at 4:50 PM
Anonymous said...: A masterpiece of the 21st century... I'm sure it will go down in history next to the sistine chapel, David, the Coliseum, and various other fine art....; March 20, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Unknown said...: mmmmmm carbs. my favorite. they are so deliciously bad.; March 20, 2008 at 6:59 PM
Anonymous said...: Finally someone gets it!; March 20, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Anonymous said...: I would love to see the spaghetti monster on the lawn!; March 20, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Anonymous said...: I was plagued by a crippling addiction to antiquing from an early age. It was beginning to affect my professional and personal life, but try as I might, I could not tear myself away from the stench of mahogany and government issued tin. That is, until I found a Ragu smothered tract in my stink shack, and surrendered my hole to the Pasta of Pastas.

Remember this limerick as you weather the inevitable slings that await you.

"We walked along the beach
But as I looked back, I saw
Only one wide ditch in the sand
For the Flying Spaghetti Monster
Was dragging me by the ankle."

FMS be with you.; March 21, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Anonymous said...: As a long-time Pirate and Pastafarian, I say well-done -- al dente, even! And, well-done to Crosville for having a fair displays policy.

Thank you for helping a bible-thumping town know that there are lots of folks out here who prefer ideas supported by facts and evidence, rather than facts manipulated to fit a mythology.

Sorry folks, the Earth is on the order of 4.5 billion years old. Adam and Eve did not "walk with the dinosaurs." http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/05/24/arts/24crea.html

The bigger message of the CFSM is that creative literalism does not equal science.; March 21, 2008 at 5:13 AM
Anonymous said...: Please post photos of the statue on the lawn as soon as you can.; March 21, 2008 at 6:03 AM
Phillybits said...: The meatballs are so meaty looking! Great job! Can't wait to see picture!; March 21, 2008 at 6:05 AM
archer said...: YOU are a FALSE PHOPHETESS read LINGUINI 24:12! "Of LINGUINI and not we ourselves" WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!!!!; March 21, 2008 at 6:25 AM
snoid said...: beautifully done, matey! Noodly blessing on ye!; March 21, 2008 at 6:35 AM
Anonymous said...: Our local chapter of Pastafarians would like to know where you got such big meatballs and if you have any t-shirts or anything like that for sale.; March 21, 2008 at 7:12 AM
Unknown said...: You should take some really good quality photos and offer holiday cards that FSM believers (and *cough* atheists *cough*) can send out on holidays. I would buy a box!; March 21, 2008 at 7:53 AM
PattyP said...: I generally hate carbohyrdrates.... I feel they should be waterboarded at Gitmo. : ) But, I'll make an exception for the Spaghetti Monster.

Give organic whole grain pasta a try. The carbs convert to sugar at a much slower rate. I believe the FSM is accommodating of such changes in the daily sustenance of its followers, and will affirm and embrace your decision. rAmen!; March 21, 2008 at 8:02 AM
Anonymous said...: Personally, I think this is probably the most stupid stunt I've seen in a long time.; March 21, 2008 at 8:30 AM
Emily Duffy said...: Long Live the Noodleocracy!; March 21, 2008 at 8:50 AM
Anonymous said...: AARRRRRRHHHH!! Well done, Matey!; March 21, 2008 at 10:36 AM
elhaf said...: I agree with anonymous the third. Stupid stupid stunt. Congratulations, and my its noodly appendage touch you!; March 21, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Anonymous said...: If I lived in that town...I would go rolling at night and stop by the courthouse and do a real number on this hideous looking creation!!!!!Now that would be newsworthy!!!; March 21, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Congratulations from Seattle! FSM adherents here are in awe of your excellent action and very fine sculptural skills as well. May his noodly appendage bless your beautiful creation!

rAmen!; March 21, 2008 at 1:44 PM
LadyVTavora said...: PattyP, I will get over my irrational bias against 'organic' anything and give your suggestion a try. Consider it a victory for the left. ; ); March 21, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Uhh... If pastafarianism is a real religion, this is clearly unconstitutional. Just as the ten commandments statue in alabama was found to be.; March 21, 2008 at 4:33 PM
Unknown said...: Is noodleocraty ready for Crossville.
Ready up. Crossvillians.There's a new world a comin'. Bless you my brother and sister in laws and beyond the time is now.Sleeze the moment!
You got big balls.; March 21, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Anonymous said...: To the last "Anonymous": I believe the finding about the display of religion on public property was this-- If you allow one belief, then you must equally allow all others who request. The door was opened last year when the County allowed Jesus sculptures to be placed on the Courthouse steps and the Courthouse lawn. Now Cumberland County must welcome all requests equally. I expect our Courthouse lawn to become an open forum for personal expression. Our county property now looks Cheesier than ever. Got any Parmesan?; March 22, 2008 at 4:30 AM
Anonymous said...: Long live the Noodley One! Thank you!; March 22, 2008 at 12:55 PM
SaucyPirate said...: Anonymous said "If I lived in that town...I would go rolling at night and stop by the courthouse and do a real number on this hideous looking creation!!!!!Now that would be newsworthy!!!"

The talaban is alive and well somewhere and apparently a still a coward i.e. (anonymous); March 22, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Anonymous said...: i cant believe you are acting as if this was your own little original idea. is this what people do when they don't have a real job or better purposes in life . I'm glad you have enough time to construct some BS piece of crap just so you can get a little attention. for you to say this is just some little piece of random art you created is a lie. there's loads of websites about this parody god. So dont take credit for ripping someone else off! what a loser cause; March 25, 2008 at 7:24 AM
Anonymous said...: If you are so proud of your accomplishment here, why won't you show your face in any of the pictures?; March 26, 2008 at 6:36 AM
Anonymous said...: Oh, Sigh! Anonymous, did you not read the credit that was given to the founder of Pastafarianism, Bobby Hendersen, in the section entitled "Why is displaying the Flying Spaghetti Monster important?" You sound so bitter. Eat some spaghetti and Lighten Up!!!!!!!

and btw, are you also the next Anonymous, who is ashamed to share your name? hmmmm...; March 27, 2008 at 2:13 PM
Of No Consequence :) said...: I find it interesting that most (if not all) of the negative messages are from anonymous posters. If you have the strength of your convictions to post your adverse thoughts, then at least have the courage to do it under your real name (or at least a way we can track you down and baptize you with a nice spicy marinara).

As a pirate and a Pastafarian, having been touched by his noodly appendage two years ago, I am both proud and gladdened to see the light of the FSM shine upon so many.

ramen! :); April 1, 2008 at 11:56 AM

Why is displaying the Flying Spaghetti Monster important?

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster represents many things to many people and yet it is a faith that is often neglected by the general public. When Bobby Hendersen, a devoted Pastafarian, patriotic American, and concerned citizen of Kansas, realized that local students would never even learn about the Spaghedeity in public schools, he was gravely upset. Mr. Hendersen wrote to the school board immediately:

I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. I think we can all agree that it is important for students to hear multiple viewpoints so they can choose for themselves the theory that makes the most sense to them. I am concerned, however, that students will only hear one theory of Intelligent Design.

Just as Mr. Hendersen was concerned when Pastafarianism was neglected in public schools, I worry when our courthouse lawn is absent of the Spaghetti Monster's holy image. Many would argue that no type of religious symbols should be put on government property. Those few would say that worshipping should be the decision and act of an individual, and not the government. But I disagree. I am thankful that that is not how it is in Crossville. I believe all of us should share our beliefs on that nicely cut piece of grass on Crossville's Main Street. My only concern is that as it stands now, the Spaghetti Monster and others are absent. By displaying only one type of symbol on our great town's communal property, an atomsphere could be created in which other faiths and ideas are stifled.

I would like to be a voice to spread the love of It and It's teachings. Hunter Thompson stated, "Freedom is something that dies unless it's used." Please follow me on my two month journey to understand more about It's Holy Pilgramage from the Heavens to Crossville and back again.

The Vision

Tonight at dinner as I was staring down at my spaghetti and meatballs I was startled to discover that the remains of spaghetti sauce took the shape of It, the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

It came to me then, that in only a few short weeks, on March 21, is Day of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, followed by six weeks of spaghetti fasting. The six weeks ends with huge festivities on May 1, the Day of National Prayer. It occured to me looking at the holy image of It that stared up at me from my plate that this is indeed a Sign. I sense that I am supposed to build the image of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and display its holy appendages on the Courthouse lawn of my hometown, Crossville Tennessee. There its blessed presence can help all the world celebrate Day of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and the six week fast.

Tomorrow I will begin the build. I do not have long to build this sculpture...nor much money to buy the necessary tools to make it worthy of It. Time is also racing...in only a few short weeks is that sacred Friday, March 21.

If you would like to make a donation to help purchase the materials for me to follow my holy vision.

Why March 21?- What is Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster Day?

March 21, a Friday on the first day of Spring, is the day the Flying Spaghetti Monster appeared from the giant pasta pot....or so the the Cook Book says. The monster had to cook up the universe because nothing yet existed. As the Flying Spaghetti Monster created everything, there was no food. It created light, and plants, and monkeys, and much much more. However, It began to get hungry. It was almighty and powerful, so It refused to let hunger stop creation. It continued creating butterflies and the ocean, and the sky. The Book describes that the hunger increased, It became dizzy...It tried to continue and just as the Flying Spaghetti Monster was about to create the first Pirate, It passed out from hunger. It realized it did not have the strength to finish creating. It had not eaten since the creating had started several hours before. With the last of Its strength the Flying Spaghetti Monster created a sturdy pot and put on some water to boil from the ocean. The Flying Spaghetti Monster then dropped angel hair pasta into the boiling water. Every moment as It watched the boiling water consume the spaghetti noodles, the Flying Spaghetti Monster felt weaker and weaker. 1 minute passed....then 2...3.....4.....5.....and then just as the Flying Spaghetti Monster was passing into unconciousness the sixth minute passed, and It saw that the spaghetti was perfect. It ate and it ate...and had enough food to share with all of Its creations. The monkeys ate, and the butterflies ate. The Flying Spaghetti Monster threw the perfectly boiled spaghetti into the ocean, into the sky, and into the rich soil where flowers immediately bloomed. Now the Spaghetti Monster sat up strong and with Its new energy It created Women and Men pirates at the exact same time.

And so you see, Spring is the time of the birth of Pirates, the birth of butterflies and monkeys. It is a time to be grateful for creation and life and spaghetti. We fast from ALL spaghetti products for six weeks to represent the six minutes that the Flying Spaghetti Monster waited in hunger and pain without food, and then we celebrate the creation of Pirates in the form of men and women when the fast ends.

The story is told in many ways by many tellers. But as a person of faith this is the version I choose to believe. And so, renewed by the struggle of It, I will not complain that I have been chosen for this building task. Somehow I will find the strength and continue.