Atheistic Bus Ads

[PedroSteckecilo]

I'm basically an Atheist, my overall beliefs are a little more complicated than that but I identify with the atheist cause of secularism and the spread of freethought. Why is it then that I feel like The Freethought Association, a group based out of Toronto and their "aNti-Conversion" ads are taking things a little too far...

Perhaps a little context is needed, these ads will be placed on public transit as a means to "counter" the many religious ads you also find on busses and trains here in Calgary. The message they will state is this...

"There's probably no god. now stop worrying and enjoy your life"

Now on the whole I agree with the sentiment, but I find this far to confrontational. The Christian Ads that you see on public transit aren't very confrontational, they usually present Christianity as an outstretched hand to those in need and while I disagree with their beliefs and message... they really aren't invading my space with their ads. This Freethought ad is the atheistic equivalent of Christian ads saying "Non-belief is the path to hell" something that none of them do. They were basically playing fair with public space, now The Freethought Association has to go an up the ante. Shame on you Freethought Association, don't encourage conflict.

It's one thing to try and "spread the message" of Secularism and Freethought, but you can be a secularist and a free thinker and STILL believe in God. The importance of Secularism and Freethought isn't in making sure people have no religious beliefs, that's stupid, it's making sure that those beliefs don't impose on the freedom of others through societal influence.

Anyone from either camp have any thoughts on this?

Link to the News Story...

http://www.globaltv.com/globaltv/calgary/story.html?id=1225788

 

[TwistedEllipses]

The 'probably' bit upset both the religious and the those atheists among us. As an agnostic it suits me right down to the ground but was there really a need to put it on the side of a bus? Surely it's a personal choice and we shouldn't try to affect that...or waste money...

 

[mokes310]

..."Non-belief is the path to hell"...

Isn't that the crux of their argument though? Isn't that what they teach their followers? Either that or to quote Dogma, "...do it and I'll f*ckin spank you!"

 

[TheIr0nMike]

I like, but then again, I'm an atheist.

 

[ellimist337]

I respect their right to advertise in this way, just as I respect Christians right to pay to advertise, and I understand why they do it, but I wish they didn't feel the need. I don't really like or care about either group's advertising.

 

[Willwillwritehiswill]

I can think of better ways to use a format like that.

Spoiler: clicky for pic

Source: http://www.b3ta.com/board/9124192

 

[speedcoreXdandy]

The reason for the adds was a bus advert from a Christian organisation which had a URL for a website which said all non believers would burn in hell for all eternity on it.

I personaly like the adverts, Christians have been advertising for years so why not atheists?

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

The reason for the adds was a bus advert from a Christian organisation which had a URL for a website which said all non believers would burn in hell for all eternity on it.

I personaly like the adverts, Christians have been advertising for years so why not atheists?

I don't argue that Atheism shouldn't have its own ads but here in Calgary Christians mostly extend the hand of salvation, Atheists just threw down the gauntlet.

It's the approach that has me worried, I think it'll make more enemies for atheism than friends.

 

[MONTGOMERYWOODRUFF69]

Great, one more thing to get the holy-rollers panties in a twist.

 

[Spacelord]

Personally, I'm in the 'both sides are being unrealistic jerks' group on this one.

Seconded.

 

[The Random One]

I honestly think neither Christians nor atheists need to advertise.
Seriously, who will see an ad and say, "Holy fuck, it's so right. I need to stop believing RIGHT GODDAMN NOW/WOW I MUST GO BOW AND SCRAPE BEFORE GOD"
Nobody.

This. Thread over.

 

[shatnershaman]

I don't see what the problem is.

"There's probably no god. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life"

 

[Rath709]

The "Probably" was added in order to get the ads past the Advertising Standards Authority. And the ads are in fact a response to some earlier ads from a christian group urging people to view a website informing visitors that they are going to burn in hell, so if you're going to have one you'd better be prepared to have someone respond to it.

When the local rag in our city got hold of this, the moral minority were predictably up in arms in the comments section, and assuming a position of self-nominated superiority. A typical example:

"I certainly believe in God ? and I'm wondering how many atheists and agnostics celebrated Christmas, the birth of Christ. I have talked to my friends about it, and they agree with me."

Oh no. Her friends agree too. Clearly all opposition must now crumble.

The headline from that article was Atheists Face Bus Slogan Backlash, but it actually read as One Woman Rants A Bit, Few Care.

 

[sarahvait]

I don't mind, even as a Catholic. It's not a bad message, even for religious people. You know, "stop worrying so much about religion or whatever that you forget to enjoy your own life."

It reminds me of when I was in high school and me and a friend hung a sign up on the mirrors in the girl's bathroom that said, "Yes, your makeup looks fine. Now move so I can wash my hands."

 

[Klagermeister]

..."Non-belief is the path to hell"...

Isn't that the crux of their argument though? Isn't that what they teach their followers? Either that or to quote Dogma, "...do it and I'll f*ckin spank you!"

And this is why everyone doesn't like Christian ads.
Because they think it's telling them they're terrible people and need to feel guilty.

I'd say it's more outstretching a helping hand than criticizing anyone.
Heck, I know I DESERVE to be punished for my sins. But I won't be.
Most people hear only the punishing part, and not the salvation part.
They think we're calling them terrible people, but we're not.
It's more saying "Humans were once a terrible race, but Jesus changed that."

Whereas these atheism ads are discussing a possibility...
And telling you to make a decision based off of simple doubt.

I may as well just tell you "The world will probably end tomorrow. Now go ahead and kill yourself now."
If I get flamed for this... So be it. I just used the same logic as the advertisements did.

 

[Baby Tea]

The reason for the adds was a bus advert from a Christian organisation which had a URL for a website which said all non believers would burn in hell for all eternity on it.

I personaly like the adverts, Christians have been advertising for years so why not atheists?

I don't argue that Atheism shouldn't have its own ads but here in Calgary Christians mostly extend the hand of salvation, Atheists just threw down the gauntlet.

It's the approach that has me worried, I think it'll make more enemies for atheism than friends.

Didn't one of the Pastors of the local churches (One of the bigger ones...I forget the name. I saw it on CTVNN) say he welcomes the dialogue opportunity?

Pedro, I like you. We've had a few back and forths on the forums here, we're both Canadian, and we both really like RPGs. I say this to point out that I'm a Christian (You know, the kind that goes to church every Sunday, and I even sing in the choir and play bass guitar on the worship team), and you're an atheist...but we get along. I don't agree with your views on God, and, likewise, you with mine. But we can still respect each other.

Now I mention that, because if the church community in Calgary is as you imply, focused on the 'helping hand' (Which I think ALL churches should be focused on, but I won't derail this thread THAT much), then I'd like to think that only the ultra conservatives who get upset over everything are going to be upset. In which case, I'd just smile to myself, shrug my shoulders, and enjoy the bus ride.

I will say that the signs bug me, but not because it says 'there probably is no God'. God gave every person the freedom to choose to follow him. No, what bugs me is the 'stop worrying and enjoy your life', which is implying that one can't enjoy life fully, or at all, if they have questions or a faith in God. Remember, I'm saying the sign 'implies' that message, to me at least. Maybe I'm the only one who sees it that way. Therefore, for the record: That message, whether I'm alone in seeing it or not, is completely false and ridiculous.

 

[Jacklin]

it's better to just not talk to ignorant Christians at all.
I have tried, but their opinions only come from the bible, and not from fact.
Further he critized me for having no religion, and saying I would go to hell if I was not Christian.
Going into Christianity for not going to hell is fear, not faith.

Also I said why is Christianity valid.
His response he tried to sly away from, by wailing on the hell aspect, but I interupted him.

If I were to make a religion, I would have to have a prize, something in for the person(s) joining it. If there is no reward, then why at all convert.

Just saying, think about it