[ THE_PUNK_ROCK_PREACHER.TXT]

My nickname is The Punk Rock Preacher. I’m an ordained minister in the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, lifelong punk rock fan, retro tech nerd, photographer, and believer that common sense deserves a comeback tour.

Punk rock taught me to question authority, think for myself, and judge people by how they treat others instead of what labels they wear. Pastafarianism reminds me that life is too short to take self-important people too seriously.

That combination pretty much sums me up.

[ ABOUT_THE_CHURCH.LOG ]

The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, also known as Pastafarianism, began as a satirical religion supporting critical thinking, scientific literacy, and religious freedom. It uses humor to remind us that no one should be above questioning.

People often assume it’s just a joke. The humor is real, but so is the message. Respect others. Think for yourself. Challenge bad ideas. Don’t be a jerk.

Frankly, the world could use a little more laughter and a little less pretending we’ve got everything figured out.

[ MY_MINISTRY.TXT ]

I don’t preach fire and brimstone.

I believe in treating people with respect, helping when I can, standing up for what’s right, and admitting when I’m wrong. Those ideas aren’t revolutionary, but judging by social media they apparently aren’t as common as they should be.

Whether I’m delivering Meals on Wheels, taking photographs around Ohio, writing blog posts, or talking with people online, I try to leave things a little better than I found them.

[ THE_GOSPEL_ACCORDING_TO_ME.LST ]

* Question authority.
* Respect people until they prove otherwise.
* Stand up for those who need it.
* Laugh often.
* Listen more than you talk.
* Admit when you’re wrong.
* Help animals whenever possible.
* Never stop learning.
* Punk rock is good for the soul.
* Pasta makes almost every day better.

[ THE_EIGHT_I’D_RATHER_YOU_DIDN’TS.TXT ]

One of the best-known parts of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is a set of guidelines called the “I’d Really Rather You Didn’ts.” Unlike strict commandments, they’re suggestions that encourage kindness, humility, skepticism, generosity, and not taking yourself too seriously.

Turns out the world gets along a lot better when people spend less time judging everyone else and more time minding their own noodles.

[ R’AMEN.DAT ]

Whether you believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster, another faith, no faith at all, or simply enjoy a good bowl of spaghetti, you’re welcome here.

Be kind. Think for yourself. Question authority. Take care of each other. Try not to make life harder than it already is.

R’AMEN