The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

by Bobby Henderson

Behold the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM), today's fastest growing carbohydrate-based religion. According to church founder Bobby Henderson, the universe and all life within it were created by a mystical and divine being: the Flying Spaghetti Monster. What drives the FSM's devout followers, a.k.a. Pastafarians? Some say it's the assuring touch from the FSM's "noodly appendage." Then there are those who love the worship service, which is conducted in pirate talk and attended by congregants in dashing buccaneer garb. Still others are drawn to the Church's flimsy moral standards, religious holidays every Friday, or the fact that Pastafarian heaven is way cooler: Does your heaven have a Stripper Factory and a Beer Volcano? Intelligent Design has finally met its match—and it has nothing to do with apes or the Olive Garden of Eden.

Within these pages, Bobby Henderson outlines the true facts—dispelling such malicious myths as evolution ("only a theory"), science ("only a lot of theories"), and whether we're really descended from apes (fact: Humans share 95 percent of their DNA with chimpanzees, but they share 99.9 percent with pirates!)

See what impressively credentialed top scientists have to say:

"If Intelligent Design is taught in schools, equal time should be given to the FSM theory and the non-FSM theory."
—Professor Douglas Shaw, Ph.D.

"Do not be hypocritical. Allow equal time for other alternative 'theories' like FSMism, which is by far the tastier choice."
—J. Simon, Ph.D.

"In my scientific opinion, when comparing the two theories, FSM theory seems to be more valid than classic ID theory."
—Afshin Beheshti, Ph.D.

Genres: Religion, Humor, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Atheism, Comedy, Science

169 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Bobby Henderson is an American physicist. He is best known as a prophet of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. He authored the church's holy book The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster , which is considered a sacred text by Pastafarians worldwide.

Reviews

[Manny]

Repent! Repent, I say unto ye, while yet there is time! Repent, O Goodreads Administrators, of thy iniquity and hypocrisy! For did ye not say, that all Holy Books shall be deemed anonymous of authorship? Did ye not say, that the Playing Field should be level?

And what, now, do we see, to our everlasting shame? The Bible and the Torah have ye marked as Anonymous. Yea, also the Quran have ye treated in this wise. But the Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster have ye marked as the work of His mortal prophet Bobby Henderson.

Repent, I say again, and cast thyselves on His infinite noodly mercy! Fill me not with righteous wrath! Ye would not like me when I am filled with righteous wrath.

Okay, say not that I failed to warn ye...

[Diverse sound effects including insensate Hulk-like roar, money-changers being cast from temple, boiling pasta, etc etc]

[Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our pasta who "arghhh" in the colander, swallowed be thy sauce. Thy serving come, thy strands be wrung, o forks as they are on spoons. Give us this day our garlic bread, and forgive us of our starchiness, as we swashbuckle, splice the main-brace and cuss, and lead us not into Kraft parmesean, but deliver us from Chef-boy-ARGHH!-Dee, for thine are the meatballs, and the beer, and the strippers, for ever and ever.
RAmen........

We propose a new curriculum for all classrooms. One that gives equal time to equal theories pertaining to the origins of humankind (ID, FSM, and Evolution). We propose 1/3 time for Intelligent Design, 1/3 time for Flying Spaghetti Monsterism, and 1/3 time for logical conjecture based on overwhelming empirical evidence (evolution).

[David Rubenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the funniest book I've read in a long time. Bobby Henderson is a young graduate in physics, and he did not like the trend he saw in science education. He wrote a letter to the Kansas State Board of Education, suggesting that if they require Intelligent Design be taught along with Evolution (which is "just" a theory), then equal time must be spent teaching his newly invented religion, "Pastafarianism". Let the students hear all sides of a controversy, and then let them decide.

Henderson gives scientific "proofs" that the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) created the world. After all, spaghetti is nutritious, tastes good, and is affordable by college students. Pastafarianism is non-dogmatic, and is based on just as much "solid" evidence as Intelligent Design. You can try this religion for 30 days, and if you are not satisfied, your "old god" will surely take you back.

The human genome is 95% in common with apes, but 99% in common with pirates. Therefore we must be descended from pirates, who are the "chosen people". Moreover, the inverse correlation between pirates and ocean temperatures is a clear indication of a causal relationship between pirates and global warming. Pirates have a bum rap--they are not the evil creatures that media have made them out to be. Proselytizers are urged to dress in full pirate regalia, and to focus on college students. Henderson gives advice to those who find themselves in the missionary position.

This book is strictly for the politically incorrect. If you are easily offended, you might want to waste your time reading something else. But if you enjoy parodies, you will love this book, and also the web site: Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster



"RAmen"

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

بابی هندرسون مولف این کتاب به شکلی طنزآمیز ادعای پیامبری نموده و این کتاب را بعنوان کتاب مقدس خود" انجیل هیولای اسپاگتی پرنده" از جانب آفریننده ی جهان که با اسم "هیولای اسپاگتی پرنده" از آن نام میبرد، معرفی نموده است. وی دین خود را پاستافاریانیسم(پاستا+راستافاریانیسم(نام حرکتی مذهبی در جامائیکا که باب مارلی یکی از اعضایش بود) نامگذاری نموده و هم اکنون افراد بسیاری در سراسر جهان به ویژه آمریکا، آلمان، لهستان، مجارستان، سوئیس و اسکاندیناوی پیرو این مذهب طنزگونه و منتقد ادیان الهی و طراحی هوشمند میباشند، آنها کلیسای اسپاگتی پرنده را تشکیل داده و خواستار به رسمیت شناخته شدن از سوی مقامات و دولتها شدند با این باور که" اگر عقیده‌ بابی مضحک است هر دین دیگری می‌تواند مضحک باشد و اگر نیست دین پاستافاریانیسم نیز باید جدی گرفته شود
هندرسون در این کتاب 178 صفحه ای به شرح اعتقادات پاستافاریانیسم میپردازد که به شکلی هجوگونه در راستای انتقاد و رد آفرینش گرایی و خلقت جهان توسط خدا و اما حمایت از نظریه ی فرگشت و تکامل میباشد. وی با دیدی منتقدانه و با به ریشخند گرفتن ایده ی طراحی هوشمند چنین عنوان میکند که جهان به واسطه ی موجودی نادیدنی بنام هیولای اسپاگتی پرنده و در ضمن باده گساری فراوان توسط او خلق شده است و تمامی کاستی های این جهان نیز معلول مستی و ناهشیاری هیولای اسپاگتی پرنده بهنگام خلقت میباشد
در بهشت موعود این هیولا آتشفشانی از آبجو و کارخانه‌ای برای تولید رقاصان برهنه وجود دارد و جهنم نیز درست مانند بهشت دارای کارخانه ی تولید رقاصان برهنه میباشد با این تفاوت که این رقاصان در آن جا بیماری مقاربتی دارند
هندرسون همچنین متذکر میشود که شواهد مربوط به فرگشت عمدا توسط هیولا در زمین قرار داده شده است تا سنگ محک ایمان پاستافاریان ها باشد
آنچه زمینه ساز این جنبش و علت خلق چنین مذهب و کتاب مقدس ساختگی توسط هندرسون شد مربوط میشود به اعتراض هندرسون به تصمیمی که ایالت کانزاس مبنی بر آموزش طراحی هوشمند(خلق جهان توسط خدا) در کنار نظریه تکامل یا فرگشت در مدارس گرفته بود که هندرسون ضمن اعتراض به چنین تصمیمی دست به خلق موجودی ساختگی و نادیدنی زد و خواستار تدریس پاستافاریانیسم و هیولای نادیدنی آن به موازات طراحی هوشمند و خدای نادیدنی آن در مدارس شد..به عقیده ی وی هیولای اسپاگتی پرنده نادیدنی همانقدر میتواند واقعی باشد که خدای نادیدنی سایر ادیان
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این کتاب ترجمه فارسی ندارد

[Todd Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The idea behind the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) is a good one. It's modeled on the argument used by flat-earthers and creationists to try to get their nutty and intellectually dishonest ideas taught in the high school science classroom. If you thought they'd given up after the embarrassment of the Scopes trial in the 1920's you'd be sorely mistaken. Instead they've simply changed their strategy and have been pushing their inane message of 'teach the controversy' and 'present alternative theories', despite the incontrovertible evidence of evolution as fact and creationism as bunk.

Turning this rational against them, the Flying Spaghetti Monster was born. If we're to teach alternative theories for which no evidence exists, then other concepts must be given equal time - including the belief that the universe was created by a creature made of spaghetti and meatballs.

Excellent premise, and the idea has taken off on the web. Unfortunately, beyond the original concept, Henderson doesn't really have much else to say. There are a few sarcastic and funny bits in the earlier chapters of the book, but he soon runs out of ideas and starts throwing spaghetti at the wall to see if it sticks. It doesn't.

Great idea ... dreadful execution.

[Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus] · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (Audio CD) by Bobby Henderson
Audiobook - 04:18 hours - Narrator: Griffin Burns

1.0 Star of 5.0 - "I did not like it"

I have not read this twice, as appeared somewhere in my Goodreads listing. Sometime in the '00s, I scanned it briefly as a paperback, thinking it might be a fun read, although I also remember thinking ...'how could "Bobby (I-am-up-myself) Henderson" write even a really short book about the Flying Spaghetti Monster?

A friend gave me a copy of the audio CD about five years ago telling me "...this is hilarious!..." - it wasn't, or, I should say, the first 45 minutes I endured were as funny as a fart follow-through!

Although I have been a confirmed agnostic atheist for about 25 years only, the beginnings of my agnostic atheism are rooted in my early teen-age years spent ensconced in a junior seminary preparing to go for the big one: becoming a Catholic priest. One thing my early training showed me was that the Holy Bible didn't need any satirical alternatives such as "The Gospel of the FSM".

I won't drone on about this book because it was a shocker, even though I listened to less than a quarter of the recorded work. And the narrator was annoying ... so annoying. The narrative (dare I call it that?), was pathetically puerile and a total waste of time. So, 1.0 Stars out of 5.0 - I Did Not Like It!

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed really. Well done playing with the other side’s deck of cards. Don’t fear the stab rabbits.

[Ms. Smartarse · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a 95% atheist (and 5% agnostic) myself, I was looking forward to an amusing, but (rather more) intelligent alternative to Christianity.

And to a certain extent that's what I got:
1) The Flying Spaghetti Monster - is not God (CEO of Universe Inc),
- is the the manager of Earth Inc (a subsidiary of Universe Inc.)

2) The 8 "I really rather you didn't" as an alternative to the Christian 10 commandments.
Bonus points for two of them getting smashed, while the prophet was climbing down the mountain.

But then, there were the things which were just... stupid.
And I mean that in a decidedly non-humorous way:
1) midgets, and the reason for their existence, with penguins being the rebels of the bunch.

2)pirates.
I'm sorry but I just don't get it. As a matter of fact I don't even get the fascination with "talk like a pirate day" either. I do think Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow is hot, but I'm fairly certain that has nothing to do with these guys.

3) the arguments with the FSM planting evidence to test people's faith.
I know that there are Christians who claim this too, but I've always thought that it was just a thing that the EXTREMISTS did. Not something that the Bible actually endorses. I was expecting more from the Pastafarians...

By the time I reached the last 50 pages, I was ready to hurl the book at the wall. I didn't, but only because I'm still working off my Kindle-buying debt. Still, you should know that it was a superhuman effort.

Score: 2/5 stars

The only reason I even finished this book, was to complete my 2012 reading challenge...

[Anna Kļaviņa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might have been converted to Pastafarianism after reading this Holy Book. This book is an eye opener! I'm only a bit hesitant because I hate strongly dislike a beer the holy beverage of the Flying Spaghetti Monster's followers, however my boyfriend assures me that a ginger beer should be OK too.

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster's website

Ramen.

[Robert Beveridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bobby Henderson, The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (Villard, 2006)

Can I get a Ra-men? The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is here, and pirates the world over rejoice. If you're familiar with the noodly one, you've probably got a good idea of what to expect here-- it's offensive, it's lowbrow, it's amusing, in some vague, distressing sense of the word. It is, overall, a parody of the Intelligent design movement, and as such, it is filled with pseudointellectual parodies of scientific papers aping those written by proponents of ID. In this vein, the book is too much of a good thing; half the pseudoscience and twice the offensiveness would have worked better, I think. But then, as a dedicated pastafarian, I'm much more interested in slurping up a big plate of spaghetti than wondering how we all got here. ***

[Gohnar23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

New religion unlocked😆😆😆, no seriously new religion unlocked, I'm tired what other people tell me what is the absolute 'truth' just because a 'scripture' says so. That is just religious fundamentalism, it's when you base your entire life's existense in a sort of guide book such as the Bible. No offense to Christians, I mean I am still kinda into being a "good christian boi" 😇😇😇, who also follows the teachings of the bible but its just that—teachings, other than those teachings and moral lessons are things that can be compared to the Russell's teapot. It is a philosophical dilemma that is. A mirror of what religion and a higher divinity and power. I love how this book has a twist too on the creation of the universe and simply just being a parody style mimicking what's being discussed in the Bible.

[Chris Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

What is a funny idea & gained a huge cult following for The Flying Spaghetti Monster, did not make a fun/funny read after a chapter or two. I was excited to read this & thought it would be really funny, but the jokes get old & there really wasn't enough humor to make a full book.

[Josh Hanke · Rating 4 out of 5]

What started as an innocent letter to the Kansas State Board of Education has now started the transformation of the world's non-believers into their once-loathed, faith-based, subservient counterparts. Sarcasm aside, this is an entertaining satire of religion for the open-minded reader of any particular belief. Some atheists have complained that this will not convert any non-believers and the condescending tone furthers the misunderstanding between the fact- and faith-based communities. I think it has helped fill a necessary void (the FSM is infinitely cooler than a teapot) in a fun, creative and thought-provoking manner, but admittedly will not convert any skeptic on its own. Meanwhile, it has greatly succeeded as an effective device against Creationism and has stifled educational changes in favor of Intelligent Design - its originally intended purpose. The Gospel hits a home run that appeals to both the "logical" and emotional (a personified Italian dish!) requirements for a successful campaign.

Memorable portions:

"Our rejection of dogma is so strong that we leave open the possibility that there is no Flying Spaghetti Monster at all. So, in a sense, you could say that we're extremely open-minded - we could change our minds some day. All we ask is proof of His non-existence."

"Examples of Unintelligent Design... 5. The Appendix. Might once have had value but is now completely useless." (Footnoted: "This includes its presence in book form.")

The use of religiously spoofed terms: RAmen (to end a prayer), Pastafarians (FSM believers), The Olive Garden of Eden, The Tower of Scrapple and The Eight "I'd Really Rather You Didn'ts."

"Disclaimer: While Pastafarianism is the only religion based on empirical evidence, it should also be noted that this is a faith-based book. Attentive readers will note numerous holes and contradictions throughout the text; they will even find blatant lies and exaggerations. These have been placed there to test the reader's faith."

"WWJD? HWCTFSM." (Footnoted: "He Would Convert to FSM.")

"6. I'd Really Rather You Didn't Build Multimillion-Dollar Churches/Temples/Mosques/Shrines To My Noodly Goodness When The Money Could Be Better Spent (Take Your Pick):
A. Ending Poverty
B. Curing Diseases
C. Living In Peace, Loving With Passion, And Lowering the Cost of Cable"

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTERISM
Have you been touched by His Noodly Appendage?
The truth is that the FSM is hidden all around us. And He's left clues like Italian-style bread crumbs to show us the path to His Eternal Noodliness. He's in our language—every time someone tells you to use your "noodle" they're unknowingly directing you to turn to Him for guidance.

I have mixed feelings regarding the Flying Spaghetti Monster myself. Its a difficult thing to decide whether the thought of being constantly touched by His Noodly Appendage makes me feel loved, grossed out or hungry.

The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is basically one long reductio ad absurdum argument to underline the absurdity of Intelligent Design. Henderson parodies the concept of ID by his professing belief in a supernatural creator made up of spaghetti and meatballs-he also defies gravity (the Flying Spaghetti Monster, not Henderson).

1. You don't need a reason to enjoy spaghetti.
2. Everything (else) has a cause.
3. Nothing can cause itself.
4. Everything is caused by another thing.
5. A causal chain cannot be of infinite length.
6. There must be a first cause.
7. The first cause had no cause.
8. Spaghetti is the only thing that can have no cause, thus must be the first cause.

QED, bitches.

Better in some parts than others but very funny, with a lot of great laugh out loud moments, I'd rate The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster at around 3.5 stars... if it pleases His Noodliness.

RAmen.

[Nick Wallace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Crap. Thanks for pointing out that intelligent design is a con, Johnny Obvious. Another book that caters only to people who already hold the same opinion, in effect eating itself.

[Arne-Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Al flink wat jaren volg ik de Kerk van het Vliegende Spaghetti Monster (VSM), maar eigenlijk met de nodige scepsis. Ik heb de wanhopige oproepen van pastafarians op bijvoorbeeld Facebook gezien, waarin zij aangeven hoe onrechtvaardig het is dat zij niet in religieuze kledij op hun paspoortfoto mogen verschijnen. Hier en daar is het een vergietdrager desondanks gelukt om zo uitgedost in het paspoort te verschijnen, maar dit is meer het gevolg van een gebrek aan oplettendheid bij de betreffende gemeenteambtenaar geweest dan dat het vergiet als religieus hoofddeksel is erkend. Om eerlijk te zijn vond ik deze (evenals andere) claim(s) op religieuze uiting wat overdreven. Is het niet voldoende om het vergiet of de traditionele piratenoutfit te dragen op de heilige vrijdag? Dit alles was in ieder geval aanleiding om mij wat meer te verdiepen in het VSM, ook omdat alternatieve theorieën geen soelaas bieden voor mij. En hoe kun je een religie beter bestuderen dan het heilige boek, in casu de Gospel van het Vliegende Spaghetti Monster, te lezen?

Op de middelbare school kregen we MaGo, een afkorting voor Maatschappijleer en Godsdienst. Tijdens dit vak kregen we uitleg over de wereldgodsdiensten (intelligent design). Ook de evolutieleer werd hier behandeld en wel als het heersende paradigma. We spreken 1990 denk ik. Van een derde alternatief werd gezwegen door mijn docent. Toen de profeet Bobby Henderson echter met de Gospel van het VSM kwam en hierin buitengewoon eloquent, elegant en wetenschappelijk het gelijk van deze derde richting aantoonde, had dit onmiddellijk in de plaats moeten komen van de beide andere theorieën (of minimaal als derde paradigma moeten worden toegevoegd). Merkwaardig genoeg is dit nog niet het geval, terwijl bijvoorbeeld overtuigend wetenschappelijk bewijs in grafiekvorm dat de opwarming van de aarde is samengegaan met de vermindering van het aantal piraten (het uitverkoren volk) toch is geleverd in de Gospel. De Gospel staat vol met dergelijk onomstotelijk bewijs. Overigens wordt de evolutieleer zeker niet afgewezen door de Kerk van het VSM, maar de evolutie is mogelijk vormgegeven door het VSM. Een nadenkertje is bijvoorbeeld dat wij volgens de evolutieleer afstammen van de aap, waar wij 95% van ons DNA mee delen, terwijl dat 99,9% is bij piraten, aldus onderzoek dat wordt aangehaald in de Gospel.

Het VSM is een uiterst vriendelijk opperwezen, dus hij verdient op zijn minst een kans. Zo heeft hij een hemel geschapen met een biervulkaan en een strippersfabriek. Pastafarians wordt geleerd om toch vooral verdraagzaam te zijn jegens anderen, ook tegen dwergen. En een brede opvolging van de acht ‘I’d Really Rather You Didn’ts’ (zoek ze vooral even op via Wikipedia of zo) zal ongetwijfeld leiden tot een veel mooiere, meer verdraagzame, maar vooral gezelligere wereld.

RAmen

[Ceren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Günlük hayatta görmeye alışık olduğumuz, dini ve tanrıyı kanıtlama amacıyla söylenen şeyleri ve çok daha fazlasını kendi tanrısı olan Uçan Spagetti Canavarı'na uyarlıyor yazar. Okurken gülmekten kırılmamak elde değil. Hayatınızda bir kez de olsa din fanatiği birisiyle münakaşaya girdiyseniz sizin de mutlaka çok güleceğiniz yerler olacaktır. Özellikle sayfa 89'da bulunan Bobby Büyük Soruları Yanıtlıyor bölümü efsane bu konuda.

Referansları anlamak zor olabilir. Şahsen kitabı taaa lisede almış ama şakaları anlayamadığım için bırakmıştım. Kitabı yıllar sonra elime aldığımda neden o zamanlar anlamadığımı çok iyi görüyorum. Anlaması zor bir kitap ama konuları biliyorsanız yeterince okuması çok kolay.

Kitabı almayacaksanız ya da karar veremediyseniz, kitapçıda rast gelirseniz mutlaka sayfa 89'daki Bobby Büyük Soruları Yanıtlıyor ve 104'deki Yapmamanızı Tercih Ederim bölümlerini okuyun. Bu "dinin" sayfa 104'de geçen kuralları, şu zamana kadar karşılaştığım her dinden büyük bir farkla çok daha insancıl ve eşitlikçi. Bunun farkında olmak da insanı bir nebze üzüyor.

Yazarın 200 sayfa troll bir eser ortaya çıkaracak kadar "peygamber" sabrına sahip olduğunu düşünüyorum. Ama müteşekkirim çünkü karnım ağırana kadar güldüm. Lakin kanıtlamaları yaparken kullandığı maddeleri bırakmasını umuyorum (!)

Bu eserin çevirisini görmek yeterince zorken bir de iyi çevrilmiş olması nerdeyse imkansız gibi gözüküyordu okumadan önce. Ama yayın evini ve çevirmenleri tebrik etmek lazım her şeyiyle gayet güzel olmuş kitap.

İyi okumalar!

[JeLo Guevara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was guided by His Noodly Appendages...

I was overwhelmed and enlightened upon reading the "The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster" by the great prophet Bobby Henderson. This religious tome has shown me the way of Pastafarianism. It provided me with the best that has to come. Their heaven is something you'll be dreaming of: a Beer Volcano and a Stripper Factory. How can you match your Heaven with that?

This religion is not just hocus-pocus stuff, this is backed up by hard science - empirical evidence! They have graphs, data analyses, equations and even peer reviews. Truly, this is the Best. Religion. Ever.

They are a peaceful, open-minded, religion and they do not believe in dogma. They accept you with open arms - not forcing you to be part of them. Plus, there's a 30-day God-back guarantee: if you don't seem to like it, your religion can take you back.

To conclude, this is on par with other religions. And it's true that if you want equal time to teach ID (Intelligent Design) in classes, it's also fair to teach other forms of theory like FSM which is so far, a tastier choice.

Hail the Spaghedeity! Aaargh!

RAmen.

[Gregory Eakins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and the religion that follows it makes a concise, undeniable, and scientifically backed case for the existence of a Flying Spaghetti Monster that has, for years had its accomplishments falsely attributed to a number of false deities. Jam packed with testimonies and scientific proofs, The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster joins the ranks of the Bible, Torah, Qur'an, The Book of Mormon, or any other popular story book with an equally valid explanation for the universe as it currently exists. In fact, this explanation is undeniable in the eyes of science, as the FSM works his magic in ways that, unlike other religions, science cannot deny. Scientists do not know that the FSM is changing their tests results to make all of their data point to an extremely old universe, which is why they have been misled to their conclusions about life, the universe, and everything. I highly recommend this book to those who want to seek the truth that no other religion can offer.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is Satire at its Finest.

I often laugh out loud listening to stand up, or watching a sketch, but only smile or giggle while reading jokes. Before I read this only 3 authors made me laugh out loud a lot while reading. This book right here made one of my favorite book lists, Mike's "Laugh Out Loud" book list. Right up there with the writings of Douglas Adams, Jon Stewart, and Steven Colbert, I laughed A LOT while reading this gem of a book.

Packed full of non-sequiturs, jokes, and puns, it piles on the nonsense, like reading a Monty Python sketch on paper.

Not wanting to give away the jokes, I hope you get your hands on a copy of this book so you can experience it yourself. If your like me, you will laugh out loud while expanding your understanding of Pastafarianism and it's Spaghettidiety, and get the giggles just thinking about it after.

RAmen.

[Sparrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this for my brother years ago and always wanted to read it. I finally got around to buying it cheap on my kindle and reading it. I think I would have enjoyed this much more in high school. I enjoyed this kind of humor more then. Now that I'm older and have been more exposed to atheist literature, it seems almost juvenile. I still very much enjoy the idea of FSMism and appreciate this book and what it does. But I think I would have enjoyed it more at a younger age when I was newly escaped from 10 years of indoctrinated Christianity.

I also lost interest with the satiric proofs and papers at the end. Really pulled me out of the humor and fun of the rest of the book - mostly because it was so invested in the realistic frame of math proofs and logic that it stopped being funny - or understandable (as I am not well learned in those areas).

[Stella · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a parody of religion, a tongue-in-cheek takedown of Intelligent Design. It borders on amusing and at times is very clever. Unfortunately, it is marred with juvenile put-downs, sexual innuendos, and politically incorrect language. Obviously, as a secular humanist, I was prepared for the attacks against organized religion. I found the reimagined biblical stories and pseudoscientific "proofs" of the Flying Spaghetti Monster's existence to be humorous. But I was not prepared for terms like "midget" and "retarded" to be used so frequently, for the sexism later excused by claims of equality (except fashion), or for the attacks on scientists and people of various nationalities. It seemed to be trying to offend everyone, while claiming no dogma and total inclusivity. I managed to finish the book, but will not be a new convert to FSMism.

[Shockwave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so blatantly the writings of the real Prophet of the One True God. Yes, the real and true God is the Flying Spagetti monster, and no one can prove it isn't.

It has much less wrong with it than the Christian Bible,and as we all know that that inconsistencies and mistakes are deliberately put in all holy books to test blind faith.

Pastafarianism is the fastest growing religion among the most intelligent people in the world today.

Keep up to date at http://www.venganza.org/

RAMEN

[Brenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

"All points of view should be available to students studying the origins of mankind," said president-reject John McCain in a 2005 interview. The context was with regards to the teaching in schools of the theory of Evolution alongside the theory of Intelligent Design (ID). This statement made by the senator has since been obfuscated to represent all points of view, quite literally.

Including that of design by the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM). And, argues author/self-proclaimed-prophet Bobby Henderson, the design was anything but intelligent. "Wouldn't it be better just to throw in the towel [...:] and admit that our Creator is a dumbass?" asks the author (posing as the auteurs of an alternate viewpoint to FSMism).

Despite the title, the book itself is not, by any means, any sort of "Gospel." What it is, is series of arguments and "scientific proofs" as to the existence of an all-powerful Flying Spaghetti Monster to the exclusion of all other deities, with the classic pirate as its Chosen People. The text proceeds to make the same manner of empirical argument that supports the theory of ID... and betrays the same flawed reasoning, to amusing result. The author, early on in the book, attacks the Theory of Gravity itself, claiming that a mere theory ought not to be taught or accepted as fact unless presented with all other alternate points of view.

So, why a Flying Spaghetti Monster? The answer is simply: Why not? The theory thereof merely accepts a given conclusion (the existence of a multi-noodly-appendaged deity with the added benefits of being both invisible and bestowed with the capability of flight), and derives - or downright manufactures - "evidence" that such a being is a reality. Just like, it is argued, the theory of Intelligent Design.

The book's strengths come, not from author Henderson himself, but from the inclusion of so-called "Propaganda" from a variety of other sources. These authors approach the FSM from a technical, mathematical, logical and scientific approach. And of course, each presentation is fatally flawed, yet displays the manner in which a point can be conceivably be made to seem both fluid and solid. At least, on the surface anyway.

The weaknesses, ironically enough, do originate with the author's style of writing and sense of humour. There is an entire section included on the explanations of Pastafarianism, or the belief that the world was designed by a FSM. It is, beyond comprehension, almost wholly comprised of unmitigated bullshit. "On October 2nd, 1836, [Charles Darwin:] returned to England as a minor celebrity," writes Henderson, "having discovered fossils, inches, tortoises, mockingbirds, and modern cooking." No he didn't, fuck you. Then comes the forced humour of creating a parallel myth to the Biblical Old Testament. Yawn. As for conflicting "Biblical" versions as to how the world came into being - written by the same author, Henderson - the reader is advised to allow his/her faith to guide toward the correct one. This amounts to sloppy writing and misguided humour. And it would be remiss to exclude the ineptly-doctored image sequence depicting the presence of this FSM during key moments in history; the moon landing, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, General Douglas MacArthur's acceptance of the Japanese surrender during World War II...

And finally, despite itself, it is painfully politically correct, at least to some degree. Christians are verbally berated (especially "Born Agains"), and "midgets" are laughed at - but other religions (Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, etc.) are handled more gently. And - isn't this sweet? - the author goes out of his way to make everyone feel welcome, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or creed. Oh, and remember to use condoms. Ugh.

Luckily, this unfortunate section comprises only about a third of an otherwise interesting and smartly-devised concept. Perhaps it was included to fill up space. This, however, should have proved unnecessary had the book itself been designed smaller, perhaps to resemble an "authentic" religious text, and not a reprint collection of newspaper comic strips.

But no one ever claimed that this book was the product of Intelligent Design, either.

[Frans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good and mostly fun - but started to waffle a bit and got a bit tedious. Still made more sense that other religions - and as they said, this religion hasn't killed anyone...yet...

[Julissa Dantes-castillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 is the real rating here. This was by far one of the most funny to read book I've read, but after the first half of the book everything was too repetitive and tiresome.

It was funny to see the pictures, the logics, and the side notes, nothing was a waste, this is a cool book to read if you are feeling down or great because it will brighten your mood.

[Arya Tabaie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, it was alright.

Our great prophet Bobby Henderson (sauce be upon him) has clearly overextended his literary talent. His first holy scripture, the letter through which he unveiled His Noodliness for the first time, is a delightful read. This book, however, was much too long for the seriousness of its subject matter. Let alone for having been penned by not the best of writers.

The book lacked a central theme and narrative style. Mostly it was in the form of weak pseudo-scientific and scholastic arguments for fantastical religious dogma that we all know and love. I get the point, but not terribly funny.

To me, the funniest moments were when the creation myths and the general world views of the one true religion (that of FSMism) were outlined. FSMistic reiteration of Biblical stories were pretty hilarious.

The blandest of all were the "bad scientific papers". They were terribly unfunny and served no purpose in the book. Going over them was painful to me, and I considered many times stopping and not reading further. This is coming from a guy who actually ENJOYS reading papers generally.

To sum up, this book, at its best moments, delivers clever middle-school-style crude humor that matches the mighty South Park. More often than not, however, is conceited and obvious.

In the end, while prophet Bobby has done his part, let us all pray to his noodly appendages that one day a better book be written to illuminate the world of his delicious light.

RAmen

[Rachel Jackson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everyone seems to love this book. I remember reading it years and years ago, but clearly none of it stuck with me then, and I almost wish I hadn't wasted the time trying to reread it now. The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is supposed to be a satirical take on modern religion, how anti-science people use religion to get what they want and brainwash people. I get it. The approach is there. But Bobby Henderson does it so painfully and annoyingly that this book was impossible to read. The humor and satire wasn't subtle at all; it was so apparent what he was trying to do, but he didn't pull it off. It was as if he was trying to be like Jon Stewart in America: The Book, for instance, but what with a much dumber approach and worse writing. It just wasn't worth it at all. I don't understand how so many people like this book, aside from making it into a sort of cult-classic religious spoof.

[Chris · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book constitutes a single excruciatingly laboured joke that could be summarised in about half a page.

What is almost certainly the result of a break-room joke that got out of hand and someone had the unfortunate idea of committing it into physical form. This book is a joyless rollercoaster of adolescent humour written by someone who is clearly more amused with the concept than anyone else, with a good dollop of misogyny which really has not aged like a fine wine. It has robbed me of about 3 hours of time commuting time which would have been better spent staring vaccously out of the window into pitch black winter. Thanks Bobby Henderson.

In short: it is extremely tedious. I wouldn't bother.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well on its way to become a favorite amongst the younger and the less uptight about their relgion. It was an absolutely wonderful commentary on the stupidity of religion and the arguments of it.

Overall, I took away: play nice and be friends. What a simple and wonderful message that everyone could do a little better if they only followed it.

My recommendation goes out to everyone and anyone. This book is a real eye-opener. However, it could be difficult to understand and is slightly repetitive in parts. That aside, it blends humor with a life lesson. A lot of humor.

It is one of the funniest books I think I have ever read.