Pastafarianism: Parody or Religion? with Emma Park (In-person Talk)
Details
In 2005, a physics graduate called Bobby Henderson wrote a letter protesting against the teaching of intelligent design on a par with evolutionary theory in American schools. He claimed to believe that a 'Flying Spaghetti Monster' had created the world – and that his ’theory’ should be taught too. Pastafarianism was born. Originally a parody, the movement was one of the first ‘religions’ to spread via the internet.
But is there anything more than humour to Pastafarianism’s claims? Should Pastafarians be allowed to wear colanders or pasta crowns on their heads for ID photos? Should the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster have the same privileges as other religious organisations – or is the point that no religion should have them? What is a ‘real religion’ anyway?
In this live talk and discussion, Emma Park will explore these issues and more. She will also speak briefly about the Freethinker, and its place in the recent history and future of non-religious culture in the UK.
===================
Date: Thursday 16 March 2023
Venue: Old Diorama Arts Centre (map)
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm, followed by drinks at a nearby bar
Before the talk we'll be there to mingle and enjoy refreshments from our charity wine & snack bar. All profits will be donated to the National Literacy Trust, an independent charity working with schools and communities to give disadvantaged children the literacy skills to succeed in life.
===================
Dr Emma Park is editor of the Freethinker, a secular humanist magazine of freethought, open enquiry and irreverence established in 1881, and now online. She took over as editor in January 2022 and oversaw the publication's move to a new website and format. She is also a freelance writer and former podcast producer for the National Secular Society (NSS).
The Freethinker is published independently by G.W. Foote & Co. Ltd, a company set up in 1916 in memory of George Foote, the first editor of the Freethinker and second president of the NSS.
Find out more:
Flying spaghetti monsters, by Emma Park (New Humanist)
The secular religion of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, by Paul Cliteur and Mienke de Wilde (Freethinker)
Judging the Flying Spaghetti Monster, by Derk Venema and Niko Alm (Freethinker)
Pastafarianism and the meaning of religion, National Secular Society Podcast
===================
We kindly ask for a £3 contribution per head to attend our in-person talks. This helps towards the hire of the venue and equipment, and various other admin expenses. If you can't attend and would still like to contribute, or would prefer to pay online, please click here.
Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.