The origins of Pastafarianism

[keldaryth]

I thought this was interesting (nicked off Wikipedia.

Russell's teapot, sometimes called the Celestial Teapot, was an analogy first coined by the philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), intended to refute the idea that the burden of proof lies upon the sceptic to disprove unfalsifiable claims of religions. In an article entitled "Is There a God

Comments

[keldaryth]

On the other hand I didn't *not* want to be invaded with your opinion, so by all means keep giving them to me. It's always interesting finding out what other people think as long as said other people are able to discuss such throughts and beliefs rationally without grandstanding, taking offence or trying to "kneecap those who put the tea in first

[pezzae]

Sorry, which Judeo Christian God would that be? The one who told Abraham to kill his son? The one who eliminated two entire cities because the people did something to piss him off? The one who supposedly flooded the entire world because he didn't like how his creations turned out?
If people followed a few select bits (mostly in the New Testament) like 'Love thy neighbour' the world would be a better place. But the Old Testament god is a nasty teapot that I want nothing to do with.

[pezzae]

Sorry, that came out a bit ranty...
Replying to your original post, the teapot analogy is great. I think Dawkins mentions it again in 'The God Delusion' (which I've read, but haven't read 'A Devil's Chaplain'), where he further develops the theme of why we need to get rid of religion. The thing that he dismisses to quickly, and that Pastafarianism totally fails to address, is that religious organisations serve many community functions. There needs to be clear replacements to those (and one body doesn't have to perform all the functions) before most people will let go of religion. Saying 'your beliefs make no sense (ha ha)' is not likely to get people to change their minds.
Interesting topic, thanks for bringing it up!