Is the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster a religion

Overview

Based on the observations made by Emile Durkheim that religion is basically unified system of beliefs and practices carried by a group in society which are relative to sacred things (Schaefer, 2012), then, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster can be categorized as a religion. In addition, religion is viewed as an integrative force which gives meaning as well as ultimate purpose to lives. Drawing from the Church’s website, the church has been described as a religion which has beliefs. The Pastafarians as they call themselves are religious since they do not consider themselves as atheists.  The church website adds that “we are not anti-religion; we are anti- crazy nonsense done in the name of religion” (Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster 2012). This clearly means that the church is a religion although its acts are different from those of other religious groups.

The integrative function of a religion as observed by Emile Durkheim is to offer ultimate values to achieve a common goal (Schaefer, 2012). Some of the values of the Church are to scrutinize ideas, rationality, honesty, true believers, and people who believe in the truth. In this line of thought, it is arguably correct to argue that Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster qualify as a religion. Karl Max viewed religion as the drug of the masses which has influence on people’s social behavior (Schaefer, 2012). This can be seen in Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster believes such as being fond of beer, making Friday a religious day, and embracing contradictions (Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster 2012). All these beliefs act as the foundation which influences the followers’ behaviors. Therefore, the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster qualifies as being a religion.

Reference List

Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. (2012). About: Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Retrieved from http://www.venganza.org/about/

Schaefer, R. T. (2012). Religion. The McGraw-Hill Publishers.

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