Yeah, but paganism, animism, and Pastafarianism are all valid end points, too.
There’s no social infrastructure behind Pastafarianism. If you’re in the clink for possession, the judge won’t remand you into the custody of a Pastafarian rehab program or grant hours of community service for organizing with Pastafarian social groups. Pastafarians don’t evangelize at local prisons and there’s no benefit to subscribing to Pastafarianism while incarcerated.
The reason people end up “finding religion” is because religious people are finding them. Church groups love scavenging drink tanks and prisons for recruits. It’s the bargain basement for human labor
People “find” religion for all sorts of reasons, not just being emotionally vulnerable.
The social infrastructure for many religions doesnt exist near a person and that doesnt prevent them from following what they want. Immigrants move to places where they’re the only whatever they are. Plenty of people convent to a religion where they’re the only practitioner. Online Buddhist Sanghas serve exactly that group.
I have a friend that is a Unitarian-Universalist because she wanted a chill social group that wasn’t about drinking and matched her ideals. They’re not exactly scooping up huddled masses these days, either.
While I take your point that Pastafarianism isn’t “legitimate” enough to pass muster in a court where religious exemptions might be a defense strategy, that doesnt prevent it from being something that speaks to people. It’s a “religion” highlighting how ridiculous religion can be.
Yeah, but paganism, animism, and Pastafarianism are all valid end points, too.
Worship the sun, it gives us life. What have YOU done for 8 billion people today?
There’s no social infrastructure behind Pastafarianism. If you’re in the clink for possession, the judge won’t remand you into the custody of a Pastafarian rehab program or grant hours of community service for organizing with Pastafarian social groups. Pastafarians don’t evangelize at local prisons and there’s no benefit to subscribing to Pastafarianism while incarcerated.
The reason people end up “finding religion” is because religious people are finding them. Church groups love scavenging drink tanks and prisons for recruits. It’s the bargain basement for human labor
People “find” religion for all sorts of reasons, not just being emotionally vulnerable.
The social infrastructure for many religions doesnt exist near a person and that doesnt prevent them from following what they want. Immigrants move to places where they’re the only whatever they are. Plenty of people convent to a religion where they’re the only practitioner. Online Buddhist Sanghas serve exactly that group.
I have a friend that is a Unitarian-Universalist because she wanted a chill social group that wasn’t about drinking and matched her ideals. They’re not exactly scooping up huddled masses these days, either.
While I take your point that Pastafarianism isn’t “legitimate” enough to pass muster in a court where religious exemptions might be a defense strategy, that doesnt prevent it from being something that speaks to people. It’s a “religion” highlighting how ridiculous religion can be.
Paise bob “Dobbs”