Crossville, Tennessee is about to get a dose of LOVE. In reaction to a Hand carved wooden Last Supper by a local chainsaw artist ("They came, they chainsawed, they carved"), a local Pastafarian has made a representation of the FSM to be unveiled on the courthouse lawn today and I plan to be there!
(what's up with those exclamation points--I never use them!)
It came to me in a sign....build a statue of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and put it on the courthouse lawn in Crossville Tennessee so that others can share in its beautiful image and learn about Its story.
Ariel Safdie is striking a blow for religious freedom in a little town that normally displays other artists' rendering of religious figures. She applied for and was granted a chance to display her religious representation of the FSM.
Many would argue that no type of religious symbols should be put on government property. Those few would say that worshiping should be the decision and act of an individual, and not the government. But I disagree. I am thankful that that is not how it is in Crossville. I believe all of us should share our beliefs on that nicely cut piece of grass on Crossville's Main Street. My only concern is that as it stands now, the Spaghetti Monster and others are absent. By displaying only one type of symbol on our great town's communal property, an atmosphere could be created in which other faiths and ideas are stifled.
Give her some love by visiting her blogspot and witnessing her inspiring journey toward creation.
from Ariel this morning:
All Pastafarians, Rejoice!
Statement at Installation Ceremony
March 21, 2008
We are lucky enough to live in a country that allows us, its citizens, the freedom of speech. I have chosen to put up a statue of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to represent the discourse between people of all different beliefs. The many faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds of Cumberland County’s residents make our community a stronger richer place. I respect and am proud that on the people’s lawn, the county courthouse, all of these diverse beliefs can come together in a positive dialogue. Here, we are all able to share the issues close to our hearts whether it is through a memorial to the soldiers killed fighting for our country, the Statue of Liberty honoring our nations welcoming promise to all, a group’s fight to stop homelessness, or powerful symbols of faith. I greatly treasure this open forum between everyone in the community.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster is a pile of noodles and meatballs, but it is meant to open up discussion and provoke thought. Being able to put up a statue is a celebration of our freedom as Americans; a freedom to be different, to express those differences, and to do it amongst neighbors— even if it is in a noodley way.