The Flying Spaghetti monster.

[cuddly_tomato]

And like I said, the purpose of the church is not to mock religion. It's to mock the idea that a religious quasi-science was going to be taught in schools as a valid alternative to the theory of evolution (which it REALLY isn't). So a bunch of people got togehter and s aid 'well if you're going to teach that, teach our quasi-science of how things work too!' in order to showcase the absurdity of it all.

Believe me, I don't mock religion. I fully understand why one would wish to believe in said things, because not everyone can handle the alternative. It's a very tough concept to come to terms with (I've been working on it for years), and I'm the first to get annoyed any time you've got these people running around mocking the religious, because those same people tend to be the people who don't bother to fully grasp the implications of living in a meaningless world.

I agree with almost everything you say. I think there are good reasons to be religious, just as there are good reasons to not be. But those reasons are based purely on my life experiences, and so will be different for everyone else on earth. I like the fact there are atheists about who will defend the freedoms of people to have religious beliefs, because anti-religious hatred (Theophobia) has gone way too far.

 

[KeyMaster45]

Odd that this would show up since I was just heckling a fire and brimstone preacher pestering passerbys at the student union. I taught him the ways of the FSM and the graces of his noodly apendages. Then he called me an asshole and kept preaching, not all are called to the ways of the FSM I suppose.

 

[Jimmyjames]

If there's one thing I hate more than Bible-thumper Christians, it's armchair-Atheists that think they know any better.

 

[conquerworm]

Would it make you feel better to know we were created by something that has no meaning?
I like your way of thinking. From nothing to nothing, why work why live at all? The answer is a question: why not? give me a reason thats not a question. If you say "because life is hard/sucks/fails." what are you comparing it to? Non- existence? Do you remember what it was like to not exist? I don't and thats what we're all afraid of. fear of the unknown.

I agree with that, but why not live for living and ignore the rules as they dont real matter in the long term. "because life is hard/sucks/fails." <- not emo. Life kinda rocks but I would like to kill people for fun, but you know I am kinda living for long term not short term... (by long term I mean longer then 100 years, as I prob wont even make 80 )

 

[ohellynot]

finally adequet tribute to his noodleness

 

[Anton P. Nym]

Religion should not be mocked. A lot of good and intelligent people are religious, and it is not really fair to (by extention) mock them too. Intelligent design being taught in schools is not the fault of religious people, it is the fault of a few radical extremists, and any group on earth can count those among their number. Remember that most secularists are religious, that should count for something.

Religion should not be mocked more than any other field is. Religion should also not get a free pass on mockery, either, any more than politics or medicine or gambling economics should. I certainly think that mockery of dogmas in all fields should be acceptable, if for no other reason than to make those dogmas more readily examined and open for correction when contradictions or irrationalities come to light.

FSM doesn't really mock religion; it mocks the insistance that a particular flavour of religious doctrine be taught to children as an historical account of the origin of the universe that supercedes others, when it has no better evidence or provenance supporting it than others. (Arguably less, in my opinion, but others can and do disagree.) In doing so, it also cocks a snook at common logical fallacies... which is valuable, in my opinion.

So endeth the lesson. Ramen.

-- Steve

 

[Wicky_42]

Would it make you feel better to know we were created by something that has no meaning?
I like your way of thinking. From nothing to nothing, why work why live at all? The answer is a question: why not? give me a reason thats not a question. If you say "because life is hard/sucks/fails." what are you comparing it to? Non- existence? Do you remember what it was like to not exist? I don't and thats what we're all afraid of. fear of the unknown.

Believing that we where created give me reason to imprison myself to this worlds set of rules. Why am I slaving away to make a living for myself and to be a good person if it really doesn't matter how I act while I am alive?

Do you really need a religion to maintain your morality? You need fear of an all powerful, all knowing deity to maintain yourself as a valuable, productive member of society? You need the threat of eternal damnation of your immortal soul to prevent you from being violent and destructive? You think this life that you have - arguable more wonderful having developed as the result of millions of years of cosmic, chemical and biological processes than having merely been dragged out of the dirt by some literal figure - is so worthless that it is only validated by being constantly observed by a figurative eye in the sky?

Seriously? Personally, I can live life for the sheer pleasure of it, learning to better my self, and looking to get into a profession that I hope will be engaging, interesting and will hopefully have a positive impact on the lives of others. For me, living a good life doesn't need to be maintained within the artificial boundaries of a religion, the majority of which are based on scripture written in antiquity for a culture profoundly different to our own, by figures whose validity and existence is no longer provable, scripture which has undergone multiple re-translations and reinterpretations, and was initially carried on only by word of mouth. Some parts are written as metaphors, others possibly intended literally, but the distinction between the two is often not apparent.

As a basis for a serious theory of the origin of life and the evidence for the existence of a 'god', no religious text holds any strength that even a cursory analysis could break through.

As to the existence of alien life, why on Earth do religious peeps protest so much? If there was the one Christian God, why should he have stopped with us? Arguably, after all the drama of the Old Testament he seems to have got bored of our little planet, left his son behind to keep the flame alight, and then buggered off to have a go somewhere else. Imo, it only damages one's attempts to seem respectable and reasonable to proclaim ourselves to be unique in the entire UNIVERSE as being alive, especially when there is the potential to discover life, or its previous existence, on several planets in our own SOLAR SYSTEM. It's all a bit selfish and obstinate, really.

 

[cuddly_tomato]

Religion should not be mocked. A lot of good and intelligent people are religious, and it is not really fair to (by extention) mock them too. Intelligent design being taught in schools is not the fault of religious people, it is the fault of a few radical extremists, and any group on earth can count those among their number. Remember that most secularists are religious, that should count for something.

Religion should not be mocked more than any other field is. Religion should also not get a free pass on mockery, either, any more than politics or medicine or gambling economics should. I certainly think that mockery of dogmas in all fields should be acceptable, if for no other reason than to make those dogmas more readily examined and open for correction when contradictions or irrationalities come to light.

FSM doesn't really mock religion; it mocks the insistance that a particular flavour of religious doctrine be taught to children as an historical account of the origin of the universe that supercedes others, when it has no better evidence or provenance supporting it than others. (Arguably less, in my opinion, but others can and do disagree.) In doing so, it also cocks a snook at common logical fallacies... which is valuable, in my opinion.

So endeth the lesson. Ramen.

-- Steve

I disagree. There is no reason to mock. And religion isn't simply a dogma or doctrine, it is also a way of life and a state of being for many people. People frown on racism, homophobia, and mysogony. It wasn't so long back that these things were not only considered acceptable but were in some way expected of you. By the exact same token Christians, Muslims, Pagans, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists, and all others I missed should not be mocked or abused because of what they are.

Mocking the likes of the creationist museum or someone like Falwell, yes. But they hardly represent religion these days. They are on the lunatic fringe and should be treated as such.

 

[bjj hero]

I agree with that, but why not live for living and ignore the rules as they dont real matter in the long term. "because life is hard/sucks/fails." <- not emo. Life kinda rocks but I would like to kill people for fun, but you know I am kinda living for long term not short term... (by long term I mean longer then 100 years, as I prob wont even make 80 )

You say life is short and meaningless without a creator, I promise you life would be far longer thsn youd like after your killing spree, in prison with weekly shower sex...

There are plenty of ways to enjoy life without hurting others. I cant believe divine retribution is the only reason you behave your self... Surely if you believe in a magic he/she/it, it would see through your selfish ruse.

Your reasoning is strange, even for people who have to believe in something magic in the sky.

 

[conquerworm]

Seriously? Personally, I can live life for the sheer pleasure of it, learning to better my self, and looking to get into a profession that I hope will be engaging, interesting and will hopefully have a positive impact on the lives of others. For me, living a good life doesn't need to be maintained within the artificial boundaries of a religion, the majority of which are based on scripture written in antiquity for a culture profoundly different to our own, by figures whose validity and existence is no longer provable, scripture which has undergone multiple re-translations and reinterpretations, and was initially carried on only by word of mouth. Some parts are written as metaphors, others possibly intended literally, but the distinction between the two is often not apparent.

Short term.. What about the Long term? and ignoring all comments on any religous text as this isn't the point of the conversation. I don't care what god there may or may not be. I am looking for a reason to accept there not needing to be some kinda designer.

 

[conquerworm]

I agree with that, but why not live for living and ignore the rules as they dont real matter in the long term. "because life is hard/sucks/fails." <- not emo. Life kinda rocks but I would like to kill people for fun, but you know I am kinda living for long term not short term... (by long term I mean longer then 100 years, as I prob wont even make 80 )

You say life is short and meaningless without a creator, I promise you life would be far longer thsn youd like after your killing spree, in prison with weekly shower sex...

There are plenty of ways to enjoy life without hurting others. I cant believe divine retribution is the only reason you behave your self... Surely if you believe in a magic he/she/it, it would see through your selfish ruse.

Your reasoning is strange, even for people who have to believe in something magic in the sky.

Assuming I made it to jail, or that I didn't kill or get killed first...

And thanks... I like strange... it makes me feel more normal...

 

[AgentNein]

Seriously? Personally, I can live life for the sheer pleasure of it, learning to better my self, and looking to get into a profession that I hope will be engaging, interesting and will hopefully have a positive impact on the lives of others. For me, living a good life doesn't need to be maintained within the artificial boundaries of a religion, the majority of which are based on scripture written in antiquity for a culture profoundly different to our own, by figures whose validity and existence is no longer provable, scripture which has undergone multiple re-translations and reinterpretations, and was initially carried on only by word of mouth. Some parts are written as metaphors, others possibly intended literally, but the distinction between the two is often not apparent.

Short term.. What about the Long term? and ignoring all comments on any religous text as this isn't the point of the conversation. I don't care what god there may or may not be. I am looking for a reason to accept there not needing to be some kinda designer.

All reasoning points towards the lack of a 'designer'. What people need is a reason to have faith in said designer, and that usually comes from the scaryness of living in a world without that.

No one here is going to be able to give you a REASON for not needing some kind of designer. I have my reasons, but they're not your reasons. It's a personal thing.

 

[bjj hero]

I disagree. There is no reason to mock. And religion isn't simply a dogma or doctrine, it is also a way of life and a state of being for many people. People frown on racism, homophobia, and mysogony. It wasn't so long back that these things were not only considered acceptable but were in some way expected of you. By the exact same token Christians, Muslims, Pagans, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists, and all others I missed should not be mocked or abused because of what they are.

Mocking the likes of the creationist museum or someone like Falwell, yes. But they hardly represent religion these days. They are on the lunatic fringe and should be treated as such.

Gotta disagree, being a hippy is a way of life and you can mock that freely. Race is not a lifestyle choice, gender is not a lifestyle choice, sexuality is not a lifestyle choices. These are things chosen when you are born that you cannot change.

Religion is a choice like any other belief or ideology like Hippies, facsism, democracy, political party etc. I dont see where the special treatment comes from. I dont wish you, or any one else harm but your not free from a bit of ribbing either.

 

[cuddly_tomato]

I disagree. There is no reason to mock. And religion isn't simply a dogma or doctrine, it is also a way of life and a state of being for many people. People frown on racism, homophobia, and mysogony. It wasn't so long back that these things were not only considered acceptable but were in some way expected of you. By the exact same token Christians, Muslims, Pagans, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists, and all others I missed should not be mocked or abused because of what they are.

Mocking the likes of the creationist museum or someone like Falwell, yes. But they hardly represent religion these days. They are on the lunatic fringe and should be treated as such.

Gotta disagree, being a hippy is a way of life and you can mock that freely. Race is not a lifestyle choice, gender is not a lifestyle choice, sexuality is not a lifestyle choices. These are things chosen when you are born that you cannot change.

Religion is a choice like any other belief or ideology like Hippies, facsism, democracy, political party etc. I dont see where the special treatment comes from. I dont wish you, or any one else harm but your not free from a bit of ribbing either.

Religion is a choice?

Ok - I am going to assume you are an atheist. Now... believe completely in god for 15 minutes. Go on. Your heart has to truly accept that there is a god up there or down there or Buddha or whatever watching over you, otherwise you are just saying you are religious and not actually being religious.

 

[AgentNein]

I disagree. There is no reason to mock. And religion isn't simply a dogma or doctrine, it is also a way of life and a state of being for many people. People frown on racism, homophobia, and mysogony. It wasn't so long back that these things were not only considered acceptable but were in some way expected of you. By the exact same token Christians, Muslims, Pagans, Hindus, Buddhists, Atheists, and all others I missed should not be mocked or abused because of what they are.

Mocking the likes of the creationist museum or someone like Falwell, yes. But they hardly represent religion these days. They are on the lunatic fringe and should be treated as such.

Gotta disagree, being a hippy is a way of life and you can mock that freely. Race is not a lifestyle choice, gender is not a lifestyle choice, sexuality is not a lifestyle choices. These are things chosen when you are born that you cannot change.

Religion is a choice like any other belief or ideology like Hippies, facsism, democracy, political party etc. I dont see where the special treatment comes from. I dont wish you, or any one else harm but your not free from a bit of ribbing either.

Religion is a choice?

Ok - I am going to assume you are an atheist. Now... believe completely in god for 15 minutes. Go on. Your heart has to truly accept that there is a god up there or down there or Buddha or whatever watching over you, otherwise you are just saying you are religious and not actually being religious.

To play the devil's advocate for a minute, isn't the idea that faith is fundamentally a choice one makes, a central idea in a lot of religions? I mean, if that wasn't the case then having a god sending people to hell for not being religious would be outright cruel (because then people would be damned without having made a choice to be damned for).

 

[cuddly_tomato]

Religion is a choice?

Ok - I am going to assume you are an atheist. Now... believe completely in god for 15 minutes. Go on. Your heart has to truly accept that there is a god up there or down there or Buddha or whatever watching over you, otherwise you are just saying you are religious and not actually being religious.

To play the devil's advocate for a minute, isn't the idea that faith is fundamentally a choice one makes, a central idea in a lot of religions? I mean, if that wasn't the case then having a god sending people to hell for not being religious would be outright cruel (because then people would be damned without having made a choice to be damned for).

Damn straight it would. That's why I don't appreciate religions that use coercive techniques based upon fear of the consequences of non-belief in their particular diety. If there is a god (and I don't personally roll with that idea) then he is considerably less than people believe him to be if his divine mercy only extends as far as those with "club membership".

On the topic of religion being a choice, here is an interesting article linking neurochemistry with religion and spirituality [http://www.maps.org/media/vedantam.html]. If this link is proved to be accurate then that does put prejudice against religious people on par with prejudice against gays or against ethnic people.

 

[ThreeWords]

I acknowledge the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, but just know that the Invisible Pink Unicorn is the one and only true Creator!

Finally, someone who isn't a heathen. It's good to know the One Truth is still alive, and the Invisible Pink Unicorn( pbuhh) is still rightfully acknowledged as the Creator She is![/quote]

Invisible and pink?
(sorry if I seem dumb, but I think I'm a little too sane for this level of metaphysical insight)

 

[bjj hero]

Damn straight it would. That's why I don't appreciate religions that use coercive techniques based upon fear of the consequences of non-belief in their particular diety. If there is a god (and I don't personally roll with that idea) then he is considerably less than people believe him to be if his divine mercy only extends as far as those with "club membership".

On the topic of religion being a choice, here is an interesting article linking neurochemistry with religion and spirituality [http://www.maps.org/media/vedantam.html]. If this link is proved to be accurate then that does put prejudice against religious people on par with prejudice against gays or against ethnic people.

 

[jdnoth]

It's old, it isn't funny, it's outlived its purpose. People need to stop talking about it.

 

[AgentNein]

Religion is a choice?

Ok - I am going to assume you are an atheist. Now... believe completely in god for 15 minutes. Go on. Your heart has to truly accept that there is a god up there or down there or Buddha or whatever watching over you, otherwise you are just saying you are religious and not actually being religious.

To play the devil's advocate for a minute, isn't the idea that faith is fundamentally a choice one makes, a central idea in a lot of religions? I mean, if that wasn't the case then having a god sending people to hell for not being religious would be outright cruel (because then people would be damned without having made a choice to be damned for).

Damn straight it would. That's why I don't appreciate religions that use coercive techniques based upon fear of the consequences of non-belief in their particular diety. If there is a god (and I don't personally roll with that idea) then he is considerably less than people believe him to be if his divine mercy only extends as far as those with "club membership".

On the topic of religion being a choice, here is an interesting article linking neurochemistry with religion and spirituality [http://www.maps.org/media/vedantam.html]. If this link is proved to be accurate then that does put prejudice against religious people on par with prejudice against gays or against ethnic people.

That's actually a really interesting read. Thanks for that.