I had to share this.
Nico Alm of Austria has been allowed to wear a spaghetti colander upon his head in his license photo, and all because of freedom of religion.
I'm not making this up, fellow babies. The full story is here.
Mr. Alm, y'see, is a member -- perhaps the only member, for all I know -- of a religious group called the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, which claims that "the world was created by the Flying Spaghetti Monster, but, owing to the monster being inebriated at the time of creation, it has a flawed design."
And no, he's not totally serious (if at all), but that didn't stop this self-proclaimed "pastafarian" from demanding his religious rights.
Now, what does this mean for The Silver Fox, you may be asking?
Well, I've always wondered if my own official license photo could consist of my wearing a Zorro costume. Maybe I have time to start the Church of Don Diego de la Vega before it's time to renew?
Okay, maybe I'm kidding.
Thanks for your time.
Are you kidding? The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is HUGE! Although the actual numbers are kinda hazy, seeing as how the denomination only exists on the Internet. But still, worship of the FSM has been around for quite a while now and seems to be growing, mostly in reaction to the intensifying absurdity of the "Christian" right.
ReplyDeleteYou need to be careful before believing too much you read in the right-wing xenophobic Daily Telegraph. According to the Austrian authorities, the issuing of the licence had nothing to do with religious freedom, the only criteria is that you have to have your full face visible - which it was. The authorities did however write to him to inform him that he needed a certificate from his doctor stating that he was psychologically fit to drive.
ReplyDeletehahaha all for religous freedom, but seriously? The church of the flying spaghetti monster, sounds like some crackpot idea Orlin would joke about..haha.
ReplyDeleteOh I could go on and on making up tons of new religions like this, but I won't, maybe Orlin will..lol
Yeah I think that was a good call having his head examined too, just in case.
@Roy: The COTFSM is "huge," huh? Damn. I never heard of 'em, and I spend way too much time online. But of course, I'll take your word for it, knowing how well-informed you are on the subject.
ReplyDelete@Alan: "Full face visible," huh? Oh, well, if I ever move to Austria, I guess I can rule out posing as Zorro, The Lone Ranger, or Batman on my license.
@Pat: Some of these newer religions you refer to are serious -- this one, apparently, is not. -- and I wouldn't poke fun at them. I have friends who are Christian, Pagan, Muslim, Jewish, etc. (not to mention non-religious types like atheists and agnostics), and as far as I'm concerned, there's room for all. I know what works for me, and that's as far as I take it. I hate pushy types of any persuasion.
Yeah is kind of a touchy subject, so best avoided. Agreed pushy is a pain no matter who/what you are. I don't care what anyone is as long as they don't continually shove it and preach it down everyone's throat. Than again I still don't care about the religion, I just hate the person..haha
ReplyDeleteMy Alex loves pasta. I'm sure he'd convert if given the opportunity! ha.
ReplyDelete@Betsy: Maybe Harry's the one who should wear the colander, though. It might prevent those DIY haircuts, haha!
ReplyDeletehahaha...oh so true. And he won't touch pasta, but he likes monsters, so there you go!
ReplyDelete