In an average Kansas town like Hays, Christianity is very commonplace, but some people practice other religions, like the far less common Pastafarianism.

Freshman Kalyssa Boyle is a Pastafarian. She has been a member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) since 2015.

“I discovered Pastafarianism when my friend that lives in Canada introduced me to it in 2015,” Boyle said. “He told me about an omnipotent Spaghetti being that doesn’t discriminate against anyone, and I immediately did my research. I started practicing that summer.”

Pastafarianism became popular in 2005 when Oregon State University physics graduate Bobby Henderson wrote an open letter to the Kansas Board of Education opposing the teaching of intelligent design and creationism in science classes.

In his letter, Henderson states that if schools are going to teach intelligent design in science classes they need to give an equal amount of time to the Flying Spaghetti Monster. He posted the open letter on his website (venganza.org) and it gained the attention of many.

“When I first joined, I definitely thought it was a fully satirical way to make fun of major religions,” Boyle said. “Now that I’ve been a member for a few years, I understand that while Pastafarianism may parody other religions, it still holds true to its teachings and functions without any need to poke fun at other religions. In fact, many people that follow other religions also follow Pastafarianism.”

Boyle grew up as a non-denominational Christian, and at the age of 11, became an atheist.

“I still partially identify as an atheist when relatives ask about my religious beliefs,” Boyle said.

Pastafarians have many beliefs that are solely unique to them. They also have many beliefs that are satirical takes on other religion’s beliefs.

One idea unique to Pastafarianism is the belief that everyone descended from pirates and a modern-day lack of pirates is what causes global warming.

Another of their ideas that mirrors Christianity is their “Eight I’d Really Rather You Didn’ts” which is similar to the Bible’s 10 Commandments.

“The Eight I’d Really Rather You Didn’ts explain a lot about our religion,” Boyle said. “Be nice, be respectful, don’t oppress people (specifically the FSM cares about misogyny), everything you do with another person must be fully consensual, and don’t waste money on temples or churches when it could cure disease or feed the hungry.”

Boyle is no stranger to judgement, which she often receives for following such an unusual religion.

“Yes, I receive a lot of judgement,” Boyle said. “My biggest pet peeve is when people know how important my religion is to me, then laugh at the idea of being in the Church of the FSM. From what I’ve experienced, people of the Christian faith judge me the most. My Jewish and Muslim friends actually respect my beliefs, but my Christian friends seriously judge me for it.”

Boyle’s mother supports her by asking her to pray for her and celebrating Pastafarian holidays with her. Other than that, the rest of her family is not supportive of her religion.

“Even though my mom celebrates certain things with me, the rest of my family sees it as a sick joke or me being a rebellious teenager,” Boyle said.

Many people change their religious views in some way or another over time, but with the open and accepting views of Pastafarianism, Boyle doesn’t see herself doing that anytime soon.

“I can honestly say that Pastafarianism will always remain a large part of my life,” Boyle said. “I’ve changed my religious beliefs before, and I know how difficult it is to adjust. Plus, with the openness of Pastafarianism and their acceptance of members with other religious beliefs, I can be both an atheist and a Pastafarian at the same time.”

21abrooks@usd489.com