Spaghetti Monsters, Dudes, and Styrofoam Cups

During times of hardship and strife, many people turn to religion for guidance, solace, and direction. In America, there are many different religions of which many people already know about. During our formative years growing up, we have all learned about Christianity, Judaism and Islam, to name a few. However, there are many other religions out there that not that many people know about. Let's take a quick look at three of the least know ones that are out there right now: the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, the Church of the Dude, and the Church of the Styrofoam cup.

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster was founded by Bobby Henderson in approximately 2005. Mr. Henderson is not your normal preacher type of person as he has a physics degree, and as stated in his website www.venganza.org, has "successfully avoided a "real" job for years." The followers of this religion believe that the universe was created by this Flying Spaghetti Monster who, like the God of the major religions, is able to move through matter with ease and is not able to be seen. Followers also believe that the chosen clothing of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is an entire pirate outfit. Mr. Henderson also provides evidence that due to the disappearance of pirates in the world, global warming has occurred because of the Spaghetti Monster being angry at the loss of those who wear his chosen garb. More information about this religion can be found at the venganza.org website.

The Church of the Dude is a more modern take on Taoism. The main precept of this religion, according to the website dudeism.com, is "Life is short and complicated and nobody knows what to do about it. So don't do anything about it. Just take it easy, man. Stop worrying so much whether you'll make it into the finals. Kick back with some friends and some oat soda and whether you roll strikes or gutters, do your best to be true to yourself and others." The most popular representation of this religion can be found in the movie The Big Lebowski, where the main character, portrayed by Jeff Bridges, spends most of his time wearing a bathroom and going bowling. If you are interested in the religion, the website also offers a chatroom for other followers, an online book tying in the teachings of the Tao Te-Ching with that of the Big Lebowski, as well as the opportunity to become a minister of the church.

Finally, the Church of the Styrofoam Cup is a very recent creation. The main item of worship is the Styrofoam Cup, as it is strong, durable, and also non-biodegradable. The Cup is the source of life as it contains the liquid providing nourishment to make sure you do not get dehydrated. After you drink all of what the Cup has to offer, you are to put the Cup back on the table, and then smash the Cup with all of your might. By doing this, you are reinforcing your might and strength over the Cup. Although the Cup provides life, you are the one with the power over the direction your life takes. For more information about this new religious idea, please contact the founder on his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/