In the beginning, there was Flying Spaghetti Monster
By SUSAN ASCHOFF
Published August 25, 2005
If President Bush and Kansas public schools believe intelligent design should be taught alongside evolution in classrooms, Bobby Henderson says it is only fair to include his deity du jour.
Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Henderson, a 25-year-old with a physics degree from Oregon State University, saw a vision of a tangle of spaghetti noodles with two eyestalks and an affinity for worshipers wearing pirate garb. He believes his god is as valid as the one alluded to in intelligent design, a theory which contends some features of the natural world are just too special to be due to evolutionary roulette.
Kansas State Board of Education members approved a draft proposal Aug. 9 to include intelligent design in science lessons and are scheduled to vote again in October on a teaching plan.
Henderson posted his views, and artwork, at www.venganza.org about two months ago. Below is a selection excerpted from the letter Henderson wrote seeking equal time for his deity in Kansas.
- SUSAN ASCHOFF, Times staff writer
Open Letter to Kansas School BoardI 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. ... I am concerned, however, that students will hear only one theory 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.
... None of us, of course, were around to see it, but we have written accounts of it. We have several lengthy volumes explaining all details of His power. ... He built the world to make us think the earth is older than it really is. ... But what our scientist does not realize is that every time he makes a measurement, the Flying Spaghetti Monster is there changing the results with His Noodly Appendage. ... He is of course invisible and can pass through normal matter with ease.
I'm sure you now realize how important it is that your students are taught this alternate theory. It is absolutely imperative that they realize that observable evidence is at the discretion of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Furthermore, it is disrespectful to teach our beliefs without wearing His chosen outfit, which of course is full pirate regalia. ... You may be interested to know that global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters are a direct effect of the shrinking numbers of Pirates since the 1800s.
... I am eagerly awaiting your response, and hope dearly that no legal action will need to be taken. I think we can all look forward to the time when these three theories are given equal time in our science classrooms across the country, and eventually the world: One third time for Intelligent Design, one third time for Flying Spaghetti Monsterism, and one third time for logical conjecture based on overwhelming observable evidence.
Sincerely Yours,
Bobby Henderson, concerned citizen
P.S. I have included an artistic drawing of Him creating a mountain, trees, and a midget. Remember, we are all His creatures.
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