Child suspended for his religious beliefs

[CptCamoPants]

What's so wrong about a pirate costume, anyway?

 

[Standby]

Wow, you wouldn't think that old news would generate FIFTEEN pages of replies, but there you go...

 

[SonicKoala]

Defending a NOODLE GOD?

Goodbye, I have lost faith in the Escapist. I'm going to go make up a religion where I have to be seen as a crossdresser, just so that you can all say how awesome I am as well. I look forward to that day.

Idiots.

The arguments (if you actually read them) are about if that's really what he believes, then they should at least try to compromise if they won't let him wear his religious garb.

lol 669th post

But the point is he DOESN'T genuinely believe in the flying spaghetti monster. He is trying to make a completely stupid and unnecessary point that has been made countless times before about how religion is bad, or religion is stupid, or religion blah blah blah blah blah. I don't understand why people keep trying to defend this kid. He's a fucking idiot, and he should keep his opinions to himself. Since this is a public school we're talking about, it is under the jurisdiction of the government, and therefore religious affiliations or opinions, particularly those which may offend others, should be kept private.

Like other people have pointed out, if a Muslim came to a school wearing their traditional head garments, odds are that they too are going to be kicked out of the school. Coming to school dressed in a pirate costume is 1)totally fucking retarded, and 2)since this is not something he truly has faith in, he has no justification for it other than to make his stupid point.

But how do we know that he doesn't? he could well believe it.

Then he is an idiot. Pastafarianism was a theology that was conceived solely for the purpose of mocking other religions. It has no merit whatsoever on its own. If this was a legitimate faith that was founded on actual beliefs, then I would give it some credit, but it isn't. It's a joke, plain and simple.

 

[Gl1tch]

I need to start wearing a suit to make me look more like a Deep One now, since it is an essential part of proper Cthulu worship.

 

[Klagermeister]

Defending a NOODLE GOD?

Goodbye, I have lost faith in the Escapist. I'm going to go make up a religion where I have to be seen as a crossdresser, just so that you can all say how awesome I am as well. I look forward to that day.

Idiots.

The arguments (if you actually read them) are about if that's really what he believes, then they should at least try to compromise if they won't let him wear his religious garb.

lol 669th post

But the point is he DOESN'T genuinely believe in the flying spaghetti monster. He is trying to make a completely stupid and unnecessary point that has been made countless times before about how religion is bad, or religion is stupid, or religion blah blah blah blah blah. I don't understand why people keep trying to defend this kid. He's a fucking idiot, and he should keep his opinions to himself. Since this is a public school we're talking about, it is under the jurisdiction of the government, and therefore religious affiliations or opinions, particularly those which may offend others, should be kept private.

Like other people have pointed out, if a Muslim came to a school wearing their traditional head garments, odds are that they too are going to be kicked out of the school. Coming to school dressed in a pirate costume is 1)totally fucking retarded, and 2)since this is not something he truly has faith in, he has no justification for it other than to make his stupid point.

But how do we know that he doesn't? he could well believe it.

Then he is an idiot. Pastafarianism was a theology that was conceived solely for the purpose of mocking other religions. It has no merit whatsoever on its own. If this was a legitimate faith that was founded on actual beliefs, then I would give it some credit, but it isn't. It's a joke, plain and simple.

Glad to see someone who finally gets it.
Mocking religion with a reference to an episode of an animated TV show is NOT religion.
Hence, Pastafarians are not religious, and the administration was justified in suspending him.

 

[Thamous]

While I'm fine with freedom of religion, you have to draw the line somewhere. Lets face it, people ARE going to notice a kid wearing a pirate costume and it could most defiantly be a distraction.

 

[Seanchaidh]

Then he is an idiot. Pastafarianism was a theology that was conceived solely for the purpose of mocking other religions. It has no merit whatsoever on its own. If this was a legitimate faith that was founded on actual beliefs, then I would give it some credit, but it isn't. It's a joke, plain and simple.

And just who are you to define what has merit whatsoever on its own? Or that some origin disqualifies something as 'legitimate'? Mocking other faiths is a perfectly valid thing to do, and a perfectly legitimate expression of one's own beliefs. If burqas (and stars of David and crosses) are protected by the first amendment, so is this.

 

[Kubanator]

it seems more like a cult too me

Definitions of cult on the Web:

* followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices

 

[SonicKoala]

Then he is an idiot. Pastafarianism was a theology that was conceived solely for the purpose of mocking other religions. It has no merit whatsoever on its own. If this was a legitimate faith that was founded on actual beliefs, then I would give it some credit, but it isn't. It's a joke, plain and simple.

And just who are you to define what has merit whatsoever on its own? Or that some origin disqualifies something as 'legitimate'? Mocking other faiths is a perfectly valid thing to do, and a perfectly legitimate expression of one's own beliefs. If burqas (and stars of David and crosses) are protected by the first amendment, so is this.

I'm fully aware that mocking something is a valid thing to do, but that doesn't make it any less idiotic. Also, likening this bullshit theology to Christianity and Judaism is ridiculous - the latter two are legitimate faiths which billions of people worldwide follow; not to mention these beliefs hold a lot of spiritual and emotional significance for their followers. This "Pastafarianism" is a childish and unintelligent jab at a topic that actually CAN be debated in an intellectually legitimate manner - dressing up as a fucking pirate and parading yourself around your undoubtedly Christian school (the school is in North Carolina, after all)is not intelligent, nor is it even clever; it's just plain stupid.

Yes, people who use Pastafarianism as a means to mock those who are genuinely theistic are within their rights as citizens of the United States to do so, but what people seem to forget is that the US, like any other country on this planet, has a cultural heritage. The US was founded by Christians, and to this day the majority of theists in the US are of the Christian faith. So yes, go ahead and make fun of religion, but don't act so fucking surprised when people become hostile toward you, particularly when you conduct yourself in such a blatantly retarded manner. Pastafarianism is a JOKE - yes, people have the right to tell jokes, but they do not deserve the same level of protection as a major world religion. If you think they do, then you are just as stupid as pirate boy.

 

[Seanchaidh]

Pastafarianism is a JOKE - yes, people have the right to tell jokes, but they do not deserve the same level of protection as a major world religion. If you think they do, then you are just as stupid as pirate boy.

Absolutely not. What's idiotic is giving the level of protection to 'major world religions' that we do. "I believe something stupid"-- emotionally, with every fiber of my being, however you want to characterize it-- is not a good reason to be allowed to circumvent a rule. It may be an indication that the rule is an unreasonable expectation in the first place, but it is not a good reason for an exception. Neither is the fact that lots and lots of other people believe something stupid. We don't need to figure out what constitutes a legitimate religion, we need to figure out what intrusions into personal decisions are reasonable regardless of everyone's stupid beliefs. Eccentricity is fine! To think that we would say that something should only be allowed because enough other people conform to it is a denial of the real value of the first amendment. It's about protecting expression, mine, yours, Jews', and the people without the political capital of a bunch of other idiots with the same belief structure.

 

[SonicKoala]

Pastafarianism is a JOKE - yes, people have the right to tell jokes, but they do not deserve the same level of protection as a major world religion. If you think they do, then you are just as stupid as pirate boy.

Absolutely not. What's idiotic is giving the level of protection to 'major world religions' that we do. "I believe something stupid"-- emotionally, with every fiber of my being, however you want to characterize it-- is not a good reason to be allowed to circumvent a rule. It may be an indication that the rule is an unreasonable expectation in the first place, but it is not a good reason for an exception. Neither is the fact that lots and lots of other people believe something stupid. We don't need to figure out what constitutes a legitimate religion, we need to figure out what intrusions into personal decisions are reasonable regardless of everyone's stupid beliefs. Eccentricity is fine! To think that we would say that something should only be allowed because enough other people conform to it is a denial of the real value of the first amendment. It's about protecting expression, mine, yours, Jews', and the people without the political capital of a bunch of other idiots with the same belief structure.

I wouldn't call it eccentricity, I think idiocy is a more appropriate label for what the kid did. Secondly, yes, I'm aware that my comment goes against the fundamental principles outlined by the first amendment, but I don't fully agree with the first amendment, so I suppose it's lucky that I don't live in the United States.

 

[Blyyr]

They said they suspended him because of his outfit, not because of his religion. His outfit is part of his religion, therefor if they are not discriminating against his religion he should be allowed to come in a pirate costume at school because of his religion.

They are technically discriminating, most schools carry a "No headware inside the building" Policy, but if you of a Muslim or a Jew you can wear the according headgear, His is based off the "No disruptive wear" policy, but since it is part of his religion, it holds no ground, and they should not have been able to suspend him.
But, unfortunately, I don't think the case would support itself in court.

 

[Xshu]

To think that we would say that something should only be allowed because enough other people conform to it is a denial of the real value of the first amendment. It's about protecting expression, mine, yours, Jews', and the people without the political capital of a bunch of other idiots with the same belief structure.

It really doesn't work like that in real life. If you deny Pastafarians the right to celebrate their religion in public schools, you prove the point of douchebags trying to make a flawed political statement. If you deny, say, Muslims the right to celebrate their religion in public schools? Well then their parents get together with their giant religious community and open a Muslim school. You really want to segregate humanity even more just so the first amendment applies to everyone equally in this totally semantic way?

Anyways, Pastafarianism is a flawed concept because nobody really believes it. If you want to use a fake religion to start shit, pretend to be a Scientologist.

 

[Lullabye]

pastafarianism is a religion. its original purpose was to basically show how retarded religion is. I keep reading about how some of you think that this religion is stupid when compared to other religions. I say you who say this don't really get it. religion is a lie, a big retarded lie. we don need it. it only serves to segregate humanity. smart people understand what pastafarianism is. it is a statement. about how retarded religion is.
ive been an avid follower of the flying spghetti monster for a long time now. people who wear anything to please any god are retarded(cause it dunnt exist, ya know). im sorry but can someone prove me wrong?

 

[Dr. Love]

That may be the most retarded religion I've ever heard of. This better not be real or I've lost all faith in humanity.

lol, just as believable as Allah or God lol, and they command billions

besides who's he hurting?

 

[Seanchaidh]

To think that we would say that something should only be allowed because enough other people conform to it is a denial of the real value of the first amendment. It's about protecting expression, mine, yours, Jews', and the people without the political capital of a bunch of other idiots with the same belief structure.

If you deny, say, Muslims the right to celebrate their religion in public schools? Well then their parents get together with their giant religious community and open a Muslim school. You really want to segregate humanity even more just so the first amendment applies to everyone equally in this totally semantic way?

Actually, I think bans on headgear/etc. are kind of dumb regardless of religion.

 

[Dusty Donuts]

What about the people who DON'T drink beer?

I can answer this one. The Beer is magical and will taste like anything you want it to taste like, it could taste like a Strawberry milkshake, or a nice cup of tea or even your favorite paint thinner, so it will always be the perfect drink to sate your desire for a drink at that moment.

R'amen

That doesn't make it not beer. You just said it TASTED however you wanted it, that still makes me not want to drink it.
EDIT: I'm kind of atheist, so I don't give half of anything to damn religion.

But it'll taste exactly how you want it to taste

Problem there. Did you know that a raw onion actually tastes like an apple? It's just the smell that changes the flavor because smell makes up 70% of a food's taste, hence when you have a cold, you can't taste food. Well, just because it tastes like an apple, that doesn't make it an apple.
Beer that tastes like a strawberry milkshake, therefore, is still beer.

 

[Dusty Donuts]

Spoiler: If you want to read this whole argument over again, feel free

This sounds like some retard's way of getting attention for a dumbass religion that just caught on. "Noodly Appendage" Do they actually believe that this whole thing was created by damned noodles? Earth to idiots -- Noodles didn't exist in any pre-historic time.
OT: This kid is obviously just trying to get attention. I can imagine the dumb grin on his face as he stated his reason. He should have been suspended for longer.
Yes, go on, argue with me that Pastafarianism is the most awesome thing ever.
My opinion: It isn't.

You can't disprove the Flying Spaghetti Monster, so why are you arguing about it? You may just be wrong. But if you accept the touch of his noodly appendage, you could enjoy everlasting satiety.

But I DON'T accept the touch of "his noodly appendage", what will happen to me?

The touch of the Flying Spaghetti Monster will forever be absent from your life, which is truly the worst outcome one could imagine.

What about the people who DON'T drink beer?

Drink rum instead, obviously.

What about the people who DON'T want to spend an eternity looking at strippers?

... What?

What about the people who use proper words to describe their God's "things" (Noodly is not a word).

Transubstantiation wasn't a word either.

Oh, yeah, I don't think being touched by noodly appendages is a hobby of mine. Some people would call it being a "sexual predator". Just keep that in mind.

Silly man! That is why you must accept the touch of his noodly appendage. You don't gain the grace of God and everlasting life all the everlasting benefits that come from the touch of the Flying Spaghetti Monster without acceptance... and consent.

Trying to be the slightest bit serious here,

What about the people who DON'T drink beer?

Drink rum instead, obviously.

Rum is still alcoholic, and to the best of my knowledge, stronger than beer.

What about the people who DON'T want to spend an eternity looking at strippers?

... What?

About that...yeah, some people actually have lives and don't need to PAY girls to like them.

What about the people who use proper words to describe their God's "things" (Noodly is not a word).

Transubstantiation wasn't a word either.

Then how come this dictionary here that recognizes spelling mistakes in an attempt to help improve English on this site shows that Transubstantiation is a correct word. It's in the dictionary evidently and therefore, a word, although it never actually happened. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transubstantiation

Oh, yeah, I don't think being touched by noodly appendages is a hobby of mine. Some people would call it being a "sexual predator". Just keep that in mind.

Silly man! That is why you must accept the touch of his noodly appendage. You don't gain the grace of God and everlasting life all the everlasting benefits that come from the touch of the Flying Spaghetti Monster without acceptance... and consent.

I don't care about any god, because I don't think they exist. Religion is okay in it's faith part and the values gained from it which Pastafarianism has none of either, but when people start saying that He/She really exists and is doing things that influence our lives (Repeat myself on the woman who let her daughter die of an illness because "God would save her") that's really what drives me away. Oh, yeah, when they try to force it on other people as well. I apologize to any Pastafarian mental fanatics here, but when I'm offered noodly appendages, I eat them. Like normal people do.