A young man and his Flying Spaghetti Monster have been causing trouble for the Kansas School Board and its controversial decision to teach intelligent design along side Evolution in its schools.
In preliminary discussions held recently, the Kansas School Board stands six to four in favor of teaching intelligent design, or the theory that an all powerful creator is responsible for the origins of the universe and all biological life within, as an alternative to the theories of evolution and the big bang. This decision sparked quite a bit of controversy because it may violate the separation of church and state.
Others dislike this plan because they say that a faith-based theory such as intelligent design has no place being taught in the same context as a scientifically testable theory like evolution.
The supporters of intelligent design say that the purpose of the educational system is for students to be exposed to different theories and alternative ways of thinking.
Senator Chris Buttars feels that it is unfair for schools to only teach evolution: “[Evolution] is not a fact. We’re dealing with censorship here. If we only taught Shakespeare in English class, that wouldn’t be fair.”
This debate came to a head with an open letter to the Kansas School Board sent by Bobby Henderson, Ph.D. of Corvallis, Oregon. Henderson states that he and many others believe that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) and that his religion’s theory of creation should be given consideration.
“Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design,” Henderson said in his letter. “I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster… We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him.
“In fact, I will go so far as to say, if you do not agree to do this, we will be forced to proceed with legal action. I’m sure you see where we are coming from. If the intelligent design theory is not based on faith, but instead another scientific theory, as is claimed, then you must also allow our theory to be taught, as it is also based on science, not on faith.”
Henderson goes on to explain that FSM built the earth to make us think that it is older than it really is and uses His noodly appendage to alter the results of scientific tests such as Carbon-14 dating in order to fool us.
Apparently, according to Henderson, FSM also loathes any outfit other than full pirate regalia and global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters are a direct effect of the shrinking numbers of pirates since the 1800’s. He included a graph clearly showing that the rising temperature of the earth has a strong correlation to the shrinking number of pirates.
“I hope I was able to convey the importance of teaching this theory to your students,” he said in the letter. “We will of course be able to train the teachers in this alternate theory. 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,” clodes Henderson.
Henderson has received three responses from the Kansas School Board. All three were opposed to teaching intelligent design in schools, the members of the board that the letter was actually intended for have not responded.
His letter in its entirety along with his academic support, political support, ways to get involved and, of course, merchandise can be found on Henderson’s web site, www.vengaza.org.

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