A lot of people across the globe use religion to explain the unknown, and gain motivation and dedication. Most religions have a very sacred, spiritual, and serious vibe towards them that sometimes scares people off. Pastafarianism is a laid back, relaxed and easy going religion that also has the same sternness as Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and many more. Pastafarianism is also a legally recognized religion in the Netherlands and New Zealand. Many religions have a god like Buddha, Jesus, or Allah, “The Flying Spaghetti Monster” is the God, or figure head for Pastafarianism.

“I think it’s really a cool religion. I have never heard of a religion that was a started by a satirical letter from someone in his early twenties. I remember a couple years ago my instagram, facebook and twitter feed would be covered in articles, memes, and pictures of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. At first, I thought it was all a joke,” Liam Rigney said. “The fact that people go to church, take their drivers license pictures, and walk around freely with colanders on their heads astonishes me. It’s a crazy idea, but also makes sense.”

In January of 2005, a twenty-four year old man named Bobby Henderson, who recently graduated from the physics department at Oregon State University, sent a letter regarding the Flying Spaghetti Monster to the Kansas State Board of Education. He explained his belief in the creationism behind the religion, and whenever a scientist carbon-dates an object, a figure that resembles spaghetti and meatballs, changes the results with its noodly shape. Henderson argued that his new religion was just as valid as any existing religions and that it should be taught in schools all around Kansas.

Many schools now in Kansas, Florida and California have made Pastafarianism as a class that kids can take to learn about the religion. AHS sophomore Ethan Hunt would also like to learn more about the religion. 

“If there was a class at our school that teaches the art of Pastafarianism I would be sign up for it immediately. I think it’s a really cool idea that has a very unique backstory,” Ethan Hunt said. “I would definitely like hearing more about it and learning and maybe one day, practicing it as a religion of mine.”

Bobby Henderson’s idea of Pastafarianism was originally shot down. As time went on, Pastafarianism took social media by storm and flooded everybody’s Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook pages. Pastafarianism practicers state that unlike Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, Pastafarianism does not require as much of a structured path to enlightenment as other religions.

AHS Senior, Nicole Buglione is not completely convinced it’s a real religion, but does believe that it has a cool story behind it.

“I had never heard of Pastafarianism until a few days ago. I think it’s a pretty odd thing for someone to think of but also very creative and immaculate theory,” Nicole Buglione said. “It’s not really something that I’m in to but I believe it’s great how people have found something to believe in that’s as fun and interesting as it is.”