Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Crossville: Important Spaghetti Monster Update: Thank you!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Important Spaghetti Monster Update: Thank you!

Cumberland County's Building and Grounds Committee met last night. I was unable to attend the meeting but it seems that the decision is that as of May 1 all statues must be removed from the courthouse lawn. Displays from civic organizations or nonprofits may be displayed for 1 day in correlation with an event.........as I said, I was not able to attend the meeting myself so I can not confirm the accuracy of this information and I do not know further details. But I have been asked to remove the FSM by midnight on April 30. I am sure we will hear more information shortly.

Thank you to all who have respected the local chapter of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster-- an effort to make the open forum of our courthouse lawn truly open. I hope that Cumberland County continues to equally treat, respect, and represent the diverse beliefs of its residents. The discussions that have occured over the past three weeks are what enables us to protect our right to equality and freedom of speech.

Change was made possible because of the voices and responses of our community.

* * *

more parmesian anyone...?

15 comments:

Anonymous said...: This was supposed to be an open disucssion forum. Yet, my comment about a better place for it and the obvious moral fiber of the ethics behind its purpose have been omitted. All that has occured now through the spaghetti monsters creation is the stop to the creativity that we saw of the local artisans on the property. So, congratulations. You did something alright. Hope it is what you wanted. All artist want controversey, but now there will be no more. You guys suck.And I mean that. Too bad that blasphemous monstrosity you made didn't catch fire.; April 12, 2008 at 10:46 AM
MAXKIEV said...: http://www.legiondelespacio.com/tira.php?id=118 el mundo debe ser pequeño; April 12, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Anonymous said...: This is truly great news. I have presented offerings of meatballs and roasted garlic to FSM this morning.

Praise be to FSM!

(I guess this means no display of the Islamic Crescent icon on the courthouse lawn during the month of Ramadan?); April 13, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Teribear68 said...: Anonymous, your comment amuses me, the spaghetti monster sculpture IS the creation of a local artisan...perhaps your protest is rooted in the fact that you don't like her subject? I drove up this week specifically to see this piece of art. I think the decision made illustrates the truth of the desires of Cumberland County in regards to "art" on the courthouse lawn. This was never about art. It was, and is, about promoting a particular religion. If it were about art, the decision would have been wholly different. Good art provokes thought and conversation and the sculpture of the FSM did that. The decision of the committee verifies what those of us who use the symbolism of the FSM (some of us who are bible believing Christians thank you very much) suspected all along. Free speech is not what the displays on the courthouse lawn were ever about. Freedom of religion was not the desire of the people who allowed them. The writers of the constitution were brilliant in their inclusion of the anti-establishment clause. This clause protects both the church AND the state. It is worth preserving. I for one am disappointed that Crossville chose to ask that all the statues be removed. I would have loved to see a true free speech zone in Cumberland County. But as they are NOT interested in creating one this is the best outcome that could be hoped for. It saddens me but all Ariel did was expose the truth. Crossville was not interested in supporting the arts or in free speech...it was interested in promoting the Christian faith. That's a great and noble goal for an individual or a church...but NOT for the government. It is not the government's role.; April 13, 2008 at 6:55 PM
Anonymous said...: Congratulations! Great move! Your plan succeeded. Now the courthouse lawn can go back to its sterile appearance. I'm sure that was your intention and ultimate goal. The committee made the only decision it could under the circumstances and pressure you and the current climate of the court system present. Just like the one bad kid in school, acting out, causing the whole class to lose privileges - you have won. Now the citizens will be deprived. Just grass and concrete - how enlightening and interesting it will be!!

Of course, you will say that it's not your fault - that now the rightful separation of church and state has been achieved. I say, it was not wrong to display either religious or non-religious items that represent ideas or beliefs that thousands of citizens in the community respect. But items displayed must be something genuine with some substance and support. With freedom comes responsibility to do the 'right' thing. The sad truth is that FSM did nothing but make fun of the religious beliefs of the majority of the county's citizens -- real, religious beliefs that have existed for thousands of years -- Not an unabashedly bogus, parody religion mocking Intelligent Design that was invented a few years ago as a protest to a Kansas court decision.

Just as I wouldn't expect to be able to create a statue of my big toe and expect to have it placed on display as the great 'TOE' OF LIFE [Bow down or be ingrown!] - items placed for display on this community's courthouse lawn should have (1) some meaning to, and support of a SIGNIFICANT NUMBER of individuals in this community and (2) not be intentionally DEMEANING to anyone else. Your statue failed miserably on both criteria.

Come on, are you really proud that you have ruined it for everyone? You say, "The discussions that have occurred over the past three weeks are what enables us to protect our right to equality and freedom of speech." Instead of 'encouraging' discussion, now discussion will be no more -- AS THERE WILL BE NOTHING THERE TO DISCUSS! You have KILLED another avenue of communcation in this town. And you say, "Oh, but for those 3 glorious weeks." 3 weeks that no one will remember in 1 year! But the courthouse will have some pretty green grass to look at, and some really cool concrete sidewalks.... I am throughly disgusted!!! Again Freedom of Speech has been converted, subverted, perverted to NO SPEECH. Go ahead, bask in the tainted glow of your hollow victory.; April 14, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Anonymous said...: Hahahahahahaha, so the goverment is desperate this point? They cant be involved with religion when they're taking care about the population.

It's pathetic how they try to cover the intention extending it to all statues...

But of coure I'm not really able to talk about it, it was just my first view, but I don't know about your politiques, I'm a rare Brazilian Pastafarian, anyways...

Ah! Your statue of the FSM looks sooo great, its awesome =P; April 14, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Anonymous said...: It can't catch fire. I keep urinating on it!; April 15, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Anonymous said...: thank you ariel ramen; April 15, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Andrea said...: I am disgusted as well, but definitely not with you Ariel. You opened up diversity on the courthouse lawn, which is what I felt should happen. I am disgusted with our town council who panicked and removed all 'privileges' just because of your statue. To me, it shows that they really were closed minded all along. As soon as there is any real display of freedom of speech, then they get rid of the 'privilege' altogether. It's not your fault at all, it's our town's government. I wonder if someone can bring suit against them for suddenly withdrawing the right of public expression on the lawn as soon as an 'unchristian' statue went up. That's just not right. It's disgusting and I'm ashamed of them.

At our next election we all need to vote on the politicians who will make a difference and stand up for what is right.; April 16, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Anonymous said...: I am not surprised by the town council nor the responses by some on this blog.

Well, I am very excited to see this statue. My husband and I are driving from all the way from Clarksville to see it this weekend.

FSM is not about offending nor mocking the christian religion, it is about true freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Good for you Ariel for challenging the boundaries of true freedom of speech. Maybe some good open minded accepting christian-like behavior can come from some of these "christians"; April 16, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Anonymous said...: So, let me get this straight... If anyone wants their piece of so-called "art" to be displayed, they only have to deem it 'religious' and see city officials quake in their boots as they approve it and liberals cry out in its defense if it's criticized? Hmmm, I can think of some very interesting exhibits... Wow, I guess anyone should be able to display anything, no matter how gross or offensive or meaningless??? ...just turn it into a 'free speech zone' issue, Yeah Baby, that's the ticket! We can always say we want to 'spark debate.' Problem is, that's not freedom of speech -- that sounds to me like lack of good taste, good judgment or any consideration for others!!!; April 16, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Anonymous said...: Interesting that the "Free Speech Zone" only lasted as long as the symbols were "non-controversial" or Christian.; April 17, 2008 at 6:34 PM
Anonymous said...: I was born and raised in Crossville. You may dislike the spaghetti monster, but I was completely disgusted and ashamed of all the UGLY chainsaw art on our Courthouse lawn: "Touchdown Moses," the 25 foot chainsawed Last Supper, and the rest.

God Bless you for helping Cumberland County regain some dignity rather than continue to look like a hick roadside attraction.; April 17, 2008 at 7:07 PM
Unknown said...: If I were to make the pilgrimage to Crossville before the April 30th deadline, is there a reputable restaurant there where the spaghetti would be delicious and nutritious?

Yes I know their was to be a fast until May 5th (The national day of Reason) but since the FSM is about to be "taken up" we must have a last supper.

Forrest Erickson; April 22, 2008 at 2:48 PM
Unknown said...: After considering the specialty license plates in TN which open a public forum I developed an idea.
See:
http://home.earthlink.net/~fle/images/FSM%20license_2.jpg

Forrest Erickson; April 24, 2008 at 1:57 PM

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.