Merry Christmas To ALL!

Q: Please briefly explain Pastafarianism.

A) Pastafarianism is a religion. We believe the universe was created by a
Flying Spaghetti Monster, and that he actively changes our view of reality;
for example, we believe that the earth is thousands of years old even though
our measurements tell us otherwise; we believe that he has changed our
measurements. We don't question it (you don't question matters of faith).

Q) The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster has grown quite a following
since the Open Letter to the Kansas School Board was published. Were you
surprised at the popularity of your beliefs?

A) Yes I am surprised at staying power of Pastafarianism. Every once and a
while I get an email from people telling me to "let it die". But it's not
me - The world has embraced Pastafarianism, and I couldn't stop it if I
wanted to. I am pleased at the growth - I fully expect we will be come the
largest religion in the world in a few hundred years.

Q) Many people claim that Pastafarianism was created solely as an assault
to the Christians. How do you respond to this?

A) FSM was not created as an assault on Christianity or any other religion.
You could make the argument that it was to assault dogma and religion's
disrespect of the separation of church and state. But, no matter how it
started, FSM is, today, seen as a legitimate religion by thousands of its
members. Many of us get something out of being Pastafarians; we enjoy being
part of this community. If it offends Christians, that was not our
intention. I like Jesus. I think he would have been a Pastafarian, had he
known about the FSM in his time.

Q) What is the message that you hope comes through most clearly in the
belief of Pastafarianism?

A) Our top messages: freedom of belief, freedom of thought, tolerance of
others, rejection of dogma, lighten up.

Q) Since the public's attention was drawn to Pastafarianism have you found
more supporters or protesters to it?

A) By far, more supporters than protesters. We get a few hatemails and the
occasional death threat, but most of the responses are positive.

Q) Why do you believe that pirates are the solution to the world's
problems?

A) Because of my extensive science education, I am thoroughly skilled in
reading graphs. The relationship between the shrinking number of pirates
and the rise in global temperature is pretty solid. You could make the
argument that it is coincidental, but this is where religion comes in - you
need to have faith that it is True. We have hundreds of endorsements from
the science community.

Q) Why did the Flying Spaghetti Monster create the universe?

A) I suppose he was lonely. Who knows.

Q) Did the Flying Spaghetti Monster intend for the upset the world finds
itself in now?

A) We believe He has some Plan.

Q) Is there a darker force to counter the Flying Spaghetti Monster?

A) The dark forces countering the FSM: dogma, nonthinking, intolerance.

Q) Do you have any words for people that claim you are trying to make a
mockery of religion or that you are trying to create a world wide cult?

A) People are welcome to characterize FSM however they like, but I am not
intending to mock religion or create a world wide cult. My near-term goals
for FSM are to get a Pirate Ship for Church use, and to continue to spread
the Word of the FSM to the world.

Q) What can we do, as individuals, to uphold the beliefs of Pastafarianism?

A) Individuals can uphold Pastafarian beliefs however they like. We hope
that they are respectful to those who are not yet enlightened. We don't have
any sort of dogmatic rituals that must be followed.

Q) Do you, as a disciple of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, enjoy the
attention that has come to the belief?

A) I have mixed feelings about the attention it brings. I enjoy it, but it
is a 24/7 job, for very little pay (we don't tithe). But, I wouldn't trade
it for any other job in the world.

Q) What would you like to say to anyone that may read this?

A) I would like to invite your readers to check out our Church and see if
it is a good fit.

Mr. Henderson also invites anyone that may still have questions to visit the Church's Wikipedia page or its website at http://venganza.org where there is a wealth of information along with a copy of the Open Letter itself.

Rolling Stone has featured the Flying Spaghetti Monster in its latest issue - the one with Keith Richards and Mick Jagger on the cover - the April 17, 2008 issue, pictured to the upper right. Check out page 39.

RS has a huge circulation; who knows how many converts we gained. It’s cool to see the mainstream media picking up on the fastest growing religion in the world.(no it ain't Islam)