Petition to stop discrimination against The Flying Spaghetti Monster

[tatertop]

The plan, for some time now, has been to form a non-profit organization, and then purchase a pirate ship, for missionary work - tax free. The government has anticipated needs like ours, allowing religious and scientific groups to continue their not-for-profit work without the burden of taxes. One would think that we, Pastafarians, would qualify, being a widely recognized religion, with overwhelming support by the scientific community.

But we've run into problems setting this up. Apparently we are seen as more of a joke - satire, if you will - than a real religion. I, for one, am offended. I feel that my constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religious belief is being unfairly discriminated against.

Sign this petition to stop the discrimination.

Flying Spaghetti Monsterism should have tax exempt status, same as other true religions:


http://www.venganza.org/petition.htm

[TechBear_Seattle]

1. Much satire that has become legitimate religion...

Just ask the Discordians and the New Reformed Druids of North America (which started as a satirical protest in the 60s against a college's chapel attendance requirement.) Sadly, the converse is true: much legitimate religion has become its own satire.

[tatertop]

2. But isn't it fun converting the converter to FSMism

When I get preached to I preach back the Gospel of the
Great Pastafarian. Very slowly and solemnly.
I just love it.

[Freedom_Aflaim]

3. But it is a joke.

"But we've run into problems setting this up. Apparently we are seen as more of a joke - satire, if you will - than a real religion."

No one really believes its a real religion, least of all the people enamored with it. Just a way to bash religions in general.

[tatertop]

5. No. It is a way to keep creationism out of science class.

It is a clarion call against that part of religion that
forces tyranny on the innocent and unsuspecting.
I will support it.

[Freedom_Aflaim]

7. OK, so it has a purpose

I'll buy that.

But that doesnt mean its a real religion. NOBODY believes that. Rather its a tool to accomplish something. That something may be bashing, humor, or politics.

But that makes it a tool, not a religion.

(and frankly I don't think its an effective tool either, but thats just my opinion)

[tatertop]

8. Time will tell.

I think it is something we should support.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

4. It's my understanding that

Scientology started off as a joke, too, when L.R. Hubbard commented that he could invent a religion.

So there is precedence.

[tatertop]

6. It could turn into an awesome movement backed by the people

It definitely appeals to Liberal Democrats.
I am all for it. I support this cause.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

9. I support anything with pasta

but Holy Communion might be messy. Would we have sauce or not, do you think?

A good chianti, though, would be nice.

[tatertop]

10. Just so I can have my bread with olive oil I am happy

A good chianti would be very nice indeed!

[TechBear_Seattle]

11. "Yea, and there was much dissention in the land...."

"For in those days, there were many who demanded sauce of tomatoes, and many who demanded sauce of olive oil. Many demanded sauce with meat, and many who demanded sauce without meat. Many who demanded much garlic, and many who demanded little garlic. Even with all their divisions, the Saucists were united in their hatred of the Anti-Saucists who proclaimed that anything which came between His Noodly Goodness and the palate of the faithful as heresy against the Flying Spaghetti Monster. (Rigatoni 23:7-12)"