Public transportation has become so controversial. In Britain, thousands of atheists banded together to create a campaign that has gotten people talking about the man upstairs. More than 800 buses in Europe are plastered with ads that read “There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”
The atheist campaign has rapidly spread, creating controversy in its wake. The mobile billboards are on display from Canada to Australia.
According to the Vancouver Sun, the campaign has raised more than $250,000 to place ads and posters on buses and in London’s underground train stations. Two video screens at popular London tube stations also displayed the messages for the entire month of January.
Richard Dawkins, an Oxford biologist and a major contributor to the campaign, told the Los Angeles Times that donations were received in small sums from numerous people to produce the advertisements.
All the hoopla has caused Christian organizations to strike back.
In an article from The Washington Post the Rev. George Hargreaves, the leader of the Christian Party in Britain, encouraged his crew to purchase advertising space to ensure civilians there is a God. The ads will read “There definitely is a God,” and “There is a God. BELIEVE. Don’t worry and enjoy your life.” These signs will also encourage people to text “Amen” for a fee of $2 to support the Christian Party.
Although religion is a touchy subject, are people really going to change the way they feel over seeing an ad on a bus as it drives by? The Washington Post reported that more than three of four people in the world consider themselves religious and those who don’t identify with any sect are a distinct minority.
Messages have always been displayed about faith. God has his own personal billboards on every sign that litters the front lawns of churches. Cliff Erasmus, an organizer for the campaign in Calgary told Fast Forward Weekly “as non-believers we feel it is our turn to express what we think and feel.”
The atheist campaign website states “we believe in freedom of speech.” Although people are able to say whatever they feel, not all companies are willing to support such a touchy subject. According to Metro News-Canada some bus drivers are refusing to work because of the ads. Lori Patterson, a spokeswoman for Canadian Metro Transit said they have a policy on running any political or religious advertisements to stay fair.
Although freedom of speech is key in any society, religion can create more drama then necessary. David Long, spokesman for the Trinitarian Bible Society told The Washington Post the ads “got people talking.”
Americans will soon see these posters as they hit the streets of New Orleans, just in time for Mardi Gras. Fred Edwords of the American Humanist Association told The Washington Post the new ads would read, “Don’t believe in God? You are not alone.”
Perhaps Americans’ eyes will be open during this campaign. At times, we may not think about other peoples’ perspectives of life. Considering so many people supported the atheist campaign, what could happen if everyone put their money into something actually worth supporting, like a disaster fund?
Putting $250,000 into a campaign that’s not going to change the way people think is just plain stupid.
Kara Bautch is a senior journalism major and a contributing writer for the Daily Forty-Niner.
I’m christian and I think that both parties are being stupid. I think Kara is right in saying that that money should be put into something that is worth it. As a christian I can assure you that God doesn’t need me to make publicity for him, he can do it on his own. As for the atheist, practice your freedom of speech, its our natural right.
I will ask this:
WHY ARE YOU INVESTING MONEY AND TIME TO PROVE THAT SOMETHING DOESN’T EXIST?
I don’t mean to offend anybody but seriously, your slogan says it
“There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and ENJOY YOUR LIFE.”
How about practicing what you preach?
No matter what Kara, Agrum, or I say will change the entire world but at least it will let people reflect on their beliefs and move on.
“The Washington Post reported that more than three of four people in the world consider themselves religious and those who don’t identify with any sect are a distinct minority.”
A quarter of a population might be a minority, but it’s still 25%! That means a lot of people who watch religious malevolent deeds all alround the world and feel powerless. It’s about time this so-called minority started to raise their voice and demand that their position was taken into account. And ads, mind you, can inspire that.