Jedi or Pastafarianism, which is for you?

The New Zealand census has brought a few unusual things to light.

'The Jedi still believe in the force, despite census snub', says a headline in the Wellington Dominion Post, dated Thursday December 19 2013.

 The force is not with us nor is the flying spaghetti monster. Census figures released last week have shone fresh light on Kiwi’s religious faith but tens of thousands of responses were rejected because they were not deemed legitimate. 

Among those considered “out of scope” were Jedi, and Pastafarianism, who profess to be worshipers of the flying spaghetti monster.

 After a public campaign in 2001, 53,714 people declared themselves as Jedi in the census, and 20,262 in 2006. Wellington Jedi Renee Lee, says ‘it sucked that Jedi were not recorded as followers of a legitimate religion, particularly given it had more devotees than some more accepted faiths’.

‘Jedi is definitely a valid thing’, she said. ‘The idea started from a story, but you can say a lot of religions started that way.’

 Miss lee has always been a star wars movie fan and converted to Jedi a few years ago. 'As a faith it was mostly about being peaceful and kind, and fighting the dark side,’ she said.  She and several friends all put Jedi as their religion on the census although most did not take it as seriously as she. ‘I just think they are cool principles to live by’.

Faith or fad.

Jedi and Pastafarians do not count as legitimate faiths but others with fewer followers do. What are they and how many people follow then?

Jedi.   Based on Star wars films, belief in the force, and unseen power surrounding and binding us. Jedi are sworn to fight the dark side.

Kiwi devotees:  20,262 in 2006.

 

Pastafarianism.

A tongue in cheek counter movement to intelligent design and creationism. Devotees worship the flying spaghetti monster and wear colanders on their heads.

Kiwi devotees:  unknown.

 

Food for thought?