A Quick International Round-up
9.03.09 | Jon - Webmanager |
International
The atheist bus campaign is going international… Or to be more precise a whole bunch of different people all over the place have liked what we’ve done in the UK and are doing similar things in their own towns and cities. Here’s a round-up of the international developments!
- Bus Kampagne / Germany – the campaign to put buses on the streets in Germany (Köln, München, Berlin) is now online. Site visitors can choose their slogan and make online donations. Berlin and München transport authorities do not want the ads it seems, but the guys are determined to find alternatives.
- Uskomaton bussikampanja / Finland – the campaign for atheist buses on the streets of Helsinki. €3500 donated so far. News in English here.
- Atheïstische Reklamecampagne / Netherlands – a huge atheist advert on the side of the A4 motorway near Schipol airport.
- Atheist Bus (English) / Canada – buses in Toronto and Calgary, and even an atheist streetcar party (that means tram, folks), $46000 donated so far.
- Bus humaniste (français) / Canada – the Association Humaniste de Québec is running ads on buses in Montréal.
- Atheist Bus / Switzerland (DE | FR | IT) – local bus firms are resisting the advertisements, but this might also result in bans on religious advertising. Paypal donations are possible.
- Atheist trams / Croatia – ads appeared for 1 day on trams in Zagreb but were removed after complaints. Freedom of speech in a formerly communist country? News in Croatian here, Google translation from Slovenian here.
- Campagna Bus / Italy – despite some legal issues with the bus company the campaign continues in Italy, with €30000 raised so far.
- Bus ateo / Spain – buses in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga with slogans in Spanish and Catalan.
- Atheist Foundation / Australia – a one-off bus after other ads were not permitted. Latest news here.
- Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign / USA – new campaign for buses in Bloomington, Indiana
- Freedom From Religion Foundation / USA – bus campaign in Madison, Wisconsin
- NYC Atheist Bus Campaign / USA – no website yet, but join the Facebook Group
- Why Believe in a God / USA – bus campaign in Washington, and also a new campaign in Seattle.
If there are other atheist buses anywhere else please do let us know in the comments!
We were invited to make a presentation at Re:publica ‘09 in Berlin about the campaign. Here is the video of the presentation – click Jon’s face to start the video! Then fast forward 5 minutes into the video.
March 9th, 2009 at 17:03
I notice that going around London is a bus with a “THERE DEFINITELY IS A GOD” advert with exactly the same styling as the atheist bus one. Copyright?
March 9th, 2009 at 17:40
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery as far as we’re concerned.
March 9th, 2009 at 20:13
The cynic in me says that, given the news coming out of that part of the world, now would be a REALLY GOOD time to launch a campaign in Brazil. After the RCC disgracing itself they might just be receptive to a secular enlightenment right now.
March 9th, 2009 at 22:32
This is all wonderful news. Ariane what have you started! Is this mankind throwing off its shackles of superstition at last?
March 9th, 2009 at 22:55
I like the Germans ones. For anyone who’s interested, they read:
“Godless Happy. A fulfilling life needs no belief.”
“Godless Happy. Values are human. It’s up to us.”
“Godless Happy. Enlightenment means assuming responsibility”
“God is a claim, human rights are real. It’s up to us.”
“There is (almost certainly) no god.” (then followed by the second paragraphs above.).
The French Canadian is pretty much exactly the same as the original UK one.
March 10th, 2009 at 0:07
@Eshu
Thats funny, because on the German site some people in the comments complain about not having stuck more closely to the English one, being more cheerful by leaving away the esplanations about values and responsibility.
I think the German ones are not bad. The situation is different in each country, so why not adjust the slogans?
Important thing is to go public and have an open discussion in the media as well.
March 10th, 2009 at 10:06
@Ryan: Thanks for your suggestion. Just to say that we aren’t involved in any of the international campaigns and can’t take the credit for them! I don’t know if there are any atheist organisations in Brazil, but if so it would be their decision. However, sadly atheist adverts may not be accepted in certain parts of the world.
@Quedula: That’s a lovely thought! Whatever it is, it’s a start.
March 10th, 2009 at 11:28
There is also a campaign in The Netherlands:
http://www.atheismecampagne.nl/
March 10th, 2009 at 13:31
@Ryan
You got my words!
March 10th, 2009 at 13:53
In Switzerland the Freethinkers stareted the campaign on February 14th and are still fighting, but will probably not succed. Bus companies of more than 10 cities refused the ad.
Positive effect: more and more they refuse all religious advertising – some after political pressure in local parliaments.
Website in 3 languages:
http://www.geniess-das-leben.ch
http://www.profite-de-la-vie.ch
http://www.goditi-la-vita.ch
March 10th, 2009 at 15:14
There is also a Facebook-App that can be used for the German campaign (http://apps.facebook.com/helpedia//activities/buskampagne -> German version of justgiving).
March 10th, 2009 at 15:52
I personally think the campaign in Germany will fail, because they have had this before:
The Humanist ideals are very closely associated with Arian ideals and the german people have had enough of that.
It has ultimately the same creators and will eventually lead to the destruction of the very people that have wished for it, as the germans found out at great expense.
I am certain you all are beautiful people, but please do not let yourselves be used by people who, ultimatly do not care truppence about any of ye.
March 10th, 2009 at 20:50
Review: The Holy Reich:
Nazi Conceptions of Christianity, 1919-1945
Richard Steigman-Gall |Cambridge University Press
http://atheism.about.com/od/bookreviews/fr/HolyReich.htm
_____
March 11th, 2009 at 2:28
Must find a nicer way of calling all you atheists a bunch of Nazis;
so we have here (comment#12) a contribution displaying all the marks
of opinionated ignorance whose dubious spelling of a crucial word
might possibly be referring to (or conflating – who knows?) early
Christian heresy, linguistics, or Nazi racial pseudoscience.
Nazi Artifacts
Mementoes, Badges, Paintings, etc.
http://www.nobeliefs.com/mementoes.htm
_____
March 12th, 2009 at 0:19
@Delusion
The German campaign is doing quite fine. After 3 days it has already raised more than 10,000 EUR, which is more than half of its original goal.
Antisemitism, the core ideal of Arianism can be traced back to Augustinus, who happens to be a key creator of Christianity
March 12th, 2009 at 2:09
Shome mishtake shurely!
“Antisemitism, the core ideal of Arianism can be traced back to Augustinus, who happens to be a key creator of Christianity” – Markus
“…most Germanic peoples — such as the eastern and western Goths, as also the Franks, the Lombards, the Suevi, and the Vandals — were baptized into Arian Christianity, and that these tribes settled in widely spread districts of the old Roman empire, a large number of Jews, already resident in those lands, fell under Arian domination. In contrast with the domination of the orthodox church, the Arian was distinguished by a wise tolerance and a mild treatment of the population of other faiths, conduct mainly attributable to the unsophisticated sense of justice characterizing the children of nature, but also traceable in some degree to certain points of agreement between the Arian doctrine and Judaism, points totally absent in the orthodox confession.” – Jewish Encyclopedia
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1757&letter=A
_____
March 12th, 2009 at 3:13
Must put the kibosh on all this mishmash
once and for all – life is too short:
Arianism has absolutely nothing to do
with Aryanism – you bunch of bozos!
[BTW: I'm all for Ariane-ism]
_____
March 12th, 2009 at 5:37
Why do you need to promote this non belief? Fine ignore what’s staring you directly in the face. That’s your choice. You don’t need to force everyone to have to see. One day you will all see the truth, just open up your eyes.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:26
[BTW: I'm all for Ariane-ism]
Love it….. hey Ariane could be our Goddess……… oh wait a minute……… we don’t believe in God do we!!
Never mind, we’ll just have to live with Ariane being absolutely divine.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:47
@Dale
This campaign was in direct response to bus adverts pointing to a web site that attempts to terrorise non-believers by threatening us with everlasting damnation.
Why do you feel so indignant about this challenge to your faith, we’ve had to put up with having religion rammed down our throats for years!
As an atheist I knew I wasn’t alone, but it’s gratifying to know that there are so many of us, now we have strength in numbers, and if it helps people to follow their convictions instead of threats, it can only be a good thing.
What is it that you theists fear about the cohesion of athiests, are your convictions so tenuous that you feel that your beliefs are challenged?
March 12th, 2009 at 14:41
@Dale
I’m sure everyone would be happy to stop promoting our none belief on condition that:
a) those who believe in a particular god also stop promoting their belief especially to children.
b) all privileges that religious groups have (tax relief, automatic promotion in schools, automatic representation in parliament, sacrosanct time in the media, etc) are removed.
March 12th, 2009 at 15:22
I fully support the founding of Arianeism. Perhaps it could find a place in the teachings of Diana, Warrior Princess? (google it)
March 12th, 2009 at 15:42
Dale @18
So enlighten us. What is it staring us directly in the face?
Because when I read comments like yours I know exactly what I think.
March 12th, 2009 at 16:06
Why do you need to promote this nonbelief?
Uncle Tom atheists
\\Some have objected to my use of the term “uncle tom atheists,” but I
still think that it’s a descriptive label for those who think that the
only way forward is for atheists to submit to social, cultural, and
political domination by religion. There is simply no other effective
cultural reference point for describing people who think that activism
or speaking out is a bad idea because it makes privileged classes
uncomfortable.// – Austin Cline
Paul Spinrad: Uncle Tom Atheists are
the Future of Atheism |About.com
http://tinyurl.com/cfk6fe
_____
March 12th, 2009 at 20:39
Re: “Uncle Tom Atheists”
By that reasoning the christians shouldn’t have promoted their religious views against the prevailing indigenous gods that they found around them.
March 13th, 2009 at 7:51
I have to say I was so amused to see your website! That a group of people can find unity in the fact that they DON’T believe in something is ludicrous to say the least! I agree that there are a lot of Christians who aren’t sure if there is a God or not, but for a few of us who have felt and heard God, we KNOW he is real, it’s not a case of faith anymore! I have seen healings and prayers answered right before my very eyes, I am convinced, as are many other people. The fact that you atheists are banding together is mere music to my ears, since it confirms scripture that says there will be many who persecute Christians (see the Gospel of Matthew). So you may not realise it, but the very thing you are doing has been prophesied long before any of you decided to launch your little bus campaign. Trying to explain to some of you the things of God is like trying to explain tax law to a three year old. All I can do is pray that God will open your eyes, that you will have an awakening experience just like Paul did. But rest assured of this one fact: There is a God (I’ve experienced Him), He sees what you are doing, and He doesn’t approve. God is with you and loves you (even though you don’t know it). But please, carry on doing what you’re doing, and continue to fulfill scripture for us believing Christians, we just love it when the very people who are against our beliefs continue to prove us and our God right with every breath that you make (breath that God gave you, I might add)
March 13th, 2009 at 11:05
We don’t need religion, we just need to be nice to each other.
That really is all there is to it.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:07
Persecuting? PERSECUTING???? You call this persecution? You haven’t got the faintest idea what persecution is like.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:17
Putting Christians to the lions was persecution, I’d hardly compare a bus slogan with lions.
For thousands of years religions have persecuted non-believers, the crusades, the conquistadors, the missionaries of the invading forces in Africa and the Americas, that’s persecution.
We have as much right to stand up for our non-belief as you do for your belief.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:27
I did not say the bus slogan is persecution – it is merely an incitement to persecution, as the feeble minded comments above indicate. Ryan, you see very sure that I don’t know what persecution is? I live in Africa, far away from your no doubt comfortable western nation. Believe me, I have experienced persecution that you wouldn’t even begin to be able to comtemplate! Besides, I still maintain in the fact that the ‘non-belief’ in something is futile and stupid. It’s like I can’t say that I don’t believe in the fact that you are a silly little man, simply because I have never met you or conversed with you. Who am I to deny the existence of you simply because I’ve never met you? Your family would no doubt laugh at me because they know you exist, they interact with you. It’s the same with God, we laugh at you because we know Him so closely, yet you continue to deny the existence of Him, simply because your little mind has yet to see Him. I can promise you one thing…one day you will see and meet Him, and I guarantee you will suddenly believe! But please, the cause you stand for is all based on the belief of nothing??? Ha ha!!! I can’t actually keep serious because it’s all so bizarre! Why don’t you fruit brains put your money into something useful like relieving hunger and poverty across Africa (which I work with on a daily basis)? Instead of continuing your fight for…wait for it…NOTHING!
March 13th, 2009 at 11:45
You are partly correct about the nature of the marketing problem us non-believers have in that we’re perceived as “selling nothing” but sometimes nothing is all there is. Lithuania have never won the World Cup but if every Lithuanian on the planet believed that they have, would that mean Lithuania have won a World Cup? No.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:05
That is an incredibly week argument Ryan, because you still do not address the fact that you are denying something that you have never encountered. The World Cup is a feeble example because it is man made anyway, so man makes the rules. Obviously we all know that Lithuania have never won the world cup, since it is decided by man! There is much proof, particularly with regards to personal testimonies, as well as nature and creation as to the existence of God. Just go to drdino.com and see for yourself! But the fact remains…you will believe in God when He reveals his Glory to you…
March 13th, 2009 at 12:21
Kent Hovind is viewed as a discredited outcast by creationist organisations young-earth and old-earth alike, such as AiG and CMI, never mind what evolutionists think of him. You’re really going to have to find a better spokesperson.
This is all going on http://www.fstdt.net , by the way.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:49
Oh…by the way… check out http://www.jesussaid.org, whether you agree with it or not, it’s true
March 13th, 2009 at 13:05
Mr Taylor, it is my firm belief that man created God in his own image.
Religion has long preyed on the weak minded, frightening them with everlasting damnation, well this campaign offers these people an alternative. If your belief is so strong what is it that you have to fear about this campaign, why do you feel the need to come here ant try to convert us (A futile exercise by the way!).
Theists appear to fear atheism more than other religions, why is that I wonder? Would Mr Taylor be as uptight if I was a Muslim for instance?
March 13th, 2009 at 14:12
“God’s wrath includes the prospect of eternal punishment”
Taken from; http://www.jesussaid.org/gods-wrath-against-sin.php
This is exactly the kind of immoral terror tactic that this campaign aims to counter.
So far the only thing that the religious fanatics have used as a counter argument are quotes from the scriptures, but don’t they realise that as atheists we consider the bible to be an unreliable source, and a work of fiction, so why would these quotes impress us or cause us to change our minds.
March 13th, 2009 at 14:59
Dave Taylor,
You say, and I quote:
“There is much proof, particularly with regards to personal testimonies, as well as nature and creation as to the existence of God”.
What do you think the word “proof” means exactly?
March 13th, 2009 at 15:13
@Dave Taylor:
“I still maintain in the fact that the ‘non-belief’ in something is futile and stupid.”
So you believe in how many gods (there are at least 5000 known gods)?
You believe in Pink Invisible Unicorns?
The flying spaghetti Monster
After all “‘non-belief’ in something is futile”
March 13th, 2009 at 16:51
David, what will you say when god asks you why you perpetuated all those lies people have been telling about her? About that son she never had?
March 13th, 2009 at 17:10
David Taylor said: ‘Why don’t you fruit brains put your money into something useful like relieving hunger and poverty across Africa…’
We already are, check out this website: http://www.kiva.org/community
Guess who’s top of the list for donations?
(seriously though, whatever you believe it looks like a good cause to give to)
March 13th, 2009 at 23:20
Just seen on Jesus & Mo http://www.jesusandmo.net/ a comment about Islamic bus ads in San Fransisco – http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=6668524
Thanks Uncle Roger
March 15th, 2009 at 6:05
Atheists marketing their
way into the mainstream
Susan Krashinsky
The Ottawa Citizen
“They’re certainly getting the press.
To that extent they’ve been successful,”
says Mara Einstein, the author of
Brands of Faith: Marketing Religion
in a Commercial Age.
http://tinyurl.com/bu5hte
_____
March 15th, 2009 at 13:53
There’s a new power
in America – atheism
The faithless are a growing force as the
churches duck the challenges of the age
Andrew Sullivan |Sunday Times
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/andrew_sullivan/article5907453.ece
_____
March 15th, 2009 at 14:19
Does anyone know what is happening to the atheist buses in Sydney and Tasmania, Australia?
My recent searches have proved fruitless?
March 15th, 2009 at 14:29
You get me wrong, I have no fear of your campaign. Cos guess what, the vast majority of people in the world know this God that I worship. To the silly person who said something along the lines of ‘the son she never had,’ all I have to say is please wake up, you really need to read some literature re: the gospel. There is eternal punishment for those who don’t know God, which is why he offers you eternal paradise with him if you just acknowledge him! Your campaign is just causing the general church to rise up even more against godlessness. Christians would much rather support a God for which we have proof (and I understand what proof is – intangible evidence people) of His existence, rather than the very simple-minded idea that we are all alone. My direction to drdino.com was not for you to decide whether you like Dr Kent Hovind or not; rather for you to see evidence which to this day is still unrefuted by so called evolutionists. I am a teacher, and I actively ask children to ask questions. Even my 16 year olds see evolution theory as the biggest load of rubbish ever. The theory holds about as much water as a sieve. Anyway, an aside, I was part of an event last night that saw over 100 former atheists give their lives over to Jesus. I need you to know that there are far more people turning to Jesus each day than those that are turning away from him. The media tells us that the church is growing weaker, but they only really comment on the mainstream churches like Anglican and Catholic. The charismatic and pentecostal churches are simply bursting at the seams at the moment, with my churches membership doubling each year. So that is why your campaign doesn’t worry me in the least. It just saddens me that you cannot see the relationship that I have with Jesus. I honestly am amused when you say He doesn’t exist as a God, because I hear from Him daily! Thank God, every day I see people turning to him, suddenly wondering how they could not believe. Don’t be surprised if things start getting chaotic in your lives in the next while, because I’m speaking over your lives that God is not gonna give up on you, He will continue to knock until you open the door. Because one thing I’ve learnt is that even though you don’t believe in Him, He still believes in you, and He loves you whether you like it or not. It’s so sad how you (attempt) to poison the minds of our youth with your filth. And yes, if you were muslim I would still have the same views, because God loves the m,uslims, He just wants to know them. In south africa we have a conference called mighty mens (go to http://www.shalom.co.za) held every year. It seeks to reach out to lost men and empower them to claim victory and souls to Christ. Year 1 – 200 people attended. Year 2 -
March 15th, 2009 at 14:33
You get me wrong, I have no fear of your campaign. Cos guess what, the vast majority of people in the world know this God that I worship. To the silly person who said something along the lines of ‘the son she never had,’ all I have to say is please wake up, you really need to read some literature re: the gospel. There is eternal punishment for those who don’t know God, which is why he offers you eternal paradise with him if you just acknowledge him! Your campaign is just causing the general church to rise up even more against godlessness. Christians would much rather support a God for which we have proof (and I understand what proof is – intangible evidence people) of His existence, rather than the very simple-minded idea that we are all alone. My direction to drdino.com was not for you to decide whether you like Dr Kent Hovind or not; rather for you to see evidence which to this day is still unrefuted by so called evolutionists. I am a teacher, and I actively ask children to ask questions. Even my 16 year olds see evolution theory as the biggest load of rubbish ever. The theory holds about as much water as a sieve. Anyway, an aside, I was part of an event last night that saw over 100 former atheists give their lives over to Jesus. I need you to know that there are far more people turning to Jesus each day than those that are turning away from him. The media tells us that the church is growing weaker, but they only really comment on the mainstream churches like Anglican and Catholic. The charismatic and pentecostal churches are simply bursting at the seams at the moment, with my churches membership doubling each year. So that is why your campaign doesn’t worry me in the least. It just saddens me that you cannot see the relationship that I have with Jesus. I honestly am amused when you say He doesn’t exist as a God, because I hear from Him daily! Thank God, every day I see people turning to him, suddenly wondering how they could not believe. Don’t be surprised if things start getting chaotic in your lives in the next while, because I’m speaking over your lives that God is not gonna give up on you, He will continue to knock until you open the door. Because one thing I’ve learnt is that even though you don’t believe in Him, He still believes in you, and He loves you whether you like it or not. It’s so sad how you (attempt) to poison the minds of our youth with your filth. And yes, if you were muslim I would still have the same views, because God loves the m,uslims, He just wants to know them. In south africa we have a conference called mighty mens (go to http://www.shalom.co.za) held every year. It seeks to reach out to lost men and empower them to claim victory and souls to Christ. Year 1 – 200 people attended. Year 2 – 60 000 attended. Year 3 (this year) a projected 200 000 men to attend. Don’t for one minute think your little atheist campaign threatens the faithful. You see, you have no one to turn to, yet we daily get inspiration from God how to live our lives. The promises He has made is that He will honour those who love Him, it’s as simple as that! The bible says ‘no weapons formed against them shall prosper’. that has proved to be true time and time again. So good luck! The best thing that’s gonna come out of your campaign (It’s happened already by the way) is that people who call themselves atheists will begin to question, they will get into rhetoric with christians, and they will see the Truth is Jesus. So hold on tight! Unless you ask Jesus to reveal himself to you, it’s going to be a hectically bumpy ride for you. and one last thought for you to ponder…THERE IS A GOD, and HE BELIEVES IN YOU!!!
March 15th, 2009 at 14:37
@ Bubalus
I don’t believe in Pink Invisible Unicorns or the Spaghetti Monster. That’s not the point. The point is I am not creating bus campaigns to try and convince anyone that they don’t exist! Ha ha!
March 15th, 2009 at 14:37
confirmation bias (similar to observational selection): This refers to a form of selective thinking that focuses on evidence that supports what believers already believe while ignoring evidence that refutes their beliefs. Confirmation bias plays a stronger role when people base their beliefs upon faith, tradition and prejudice. For example, if someone believes in the power of prayer, the believer will notice the few “answered” prayers while ignoring the majority of unanswered prayers (which would indicate that prayer has no more value than random chance at worst or a placebo effect, when applied to health effects, at best).
proving non-existence: when an arguer cannot provide the evidence for his claims, he may challenge his opponent to prove it doesn’t exist (e.g., prove God doesn’t exist; prove UFO’s haven’t visited earth, etc.). Although one may prove non-existence in special limitations, such as showing that a box does not contain certain items, one cannot prove universal or absolute non-existence, or non-existence out of ignorance. One cannot prove something that does not exist. The proof of existence must come from those who make the claims.
bandwagon fallacy: concluding that an idea has merit simply because many people believe it or practice it. (e.g., Most people believe in a god; therefore, it must prove true.) Simply because many people may believe something says nothing about the fact of that something. For example many people during the Black plague believed that demons caused disease. The number of believers say nothing at all about the cause of disease.
March 15th, 2009 at 15:00
@45, David Taylor
Wow! This campaign has really got you worked up hasn’t it!
Lots & lots of words but you still haven’t answered my question at #37
March 15th, 2009 at 15:02
Sorry the website for the Mens Conference is http://www.shalomtrust.co.za, not http://www.shalom.co.za which is a Jewish Dating site. How ironic for this blog
March 15th, 2009 at 17:37
@46, David Taylor
But David YOUR words were “non-belief is futile”.
So how many of the other gods do YOU believe in?
We just go one god further.
March 15th, 2009 at 17:44
@44, David Taylor
“and I understand what proof is – intangible evidence people”
Proof requires Tangible evidence!
Evidence that can be repeated, tested and demonstrated by other parties.
March 15th, 2009 at 17:56
@44, David Taylor
I think you will also find that the non-religious group is the fastest growing group in the West. See this from today’s Sunday Times –
“The nonreligious are now the third biggest grouping in the US, after Catholics and Baptists, according to the just-released American Religious Identification Survey. The bulk of this shift occurred in the 1990s, when they jumped from 8% to 14% of the population – but they have consolidated in the past decade to 15%.
”
Full article – http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/andrew_sullivan/article5907453.ece
OK that is only the US but you will find similar trends in Europe as well.
March 15th, 2009 at 18:24
Atheist bus campaign starts in Finland
The phenomenon known as the Atheist Bus Campaign that started in England has found its way to Finland. The Union of Freethinkers of
Finland and The Finnish Humanist Union have combined forces and produced an advertising campaign that follows in the foot-steps of the
original campaign.
The campaign slogan is almost an exact translation of the original, adapted to Finnish language. Campaign is hosted at http://uskomaton.fi which itself is a clever wordplay in Finnish. “Uskomaton” directly translates as “amazing” or “unbelievable”, but also means “unbeliever”.
Campaign organizers are looking forward to raising enough money to pay for bus adverts in all the major cities in Finland (there aren’t that many, Finland is a small country
).
So far the most successful free-thinker campaign in Finland has been the http://www.eroakirkosta.fi web-site launched in 2003, which provides a simple and efficient service for leaving the national church. Last year almost 50,000 Finns (1% of the population) used the service.
If you wish to contribute to the campaign, you can do it via PayPal or international bank transfer at http://uskomaton.fi/kampanja/lahjoita.html#english
March 16th, 2009 at 1:11
All praise the wall of unformatted text! Paragraphs are of the devil! Blessed be the incomprehensible for they are truly not going to be read by the secularists! Whatever!
March 16th, 2009 at 8:38
Re David Taylor.
For those of you unaware, this is the same Kent “Dr Dino” Hovind the David Taylor is promoting, by publishing his website.
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/16451/kent-hovind-dr-dino-guilty-on-all-counts
I think this just about sums up Taylors tirade against atheists, but it seems a shame that someone who pushes the website of a convicted criminal (currently still serving his sentence) is allowed to teach vulnerable children. Guess we’ll just have to let Taylor struggle with his own conscience over that one.
March 16th, 2009 at 9:15
@ Richard W
Like I have previously said, I am not promoting the man, since he was guilty of fraud and various other crimes, I agree. The fact remains that his arguments re: evolution are sound. I notice no one has succesfully refuted them! If I believe that murder is unacceptable, and then get arrested for fraud, does that mean that murder now becomes legal? Come on people, think for a change instead of regurgitating the same mindless drivel as everyone else is. I love my job, because it enables me to get to the kids minds before people like you are able to poison them. And for the person who seems to think that atheists are growing faster than Christians, please take a look at this link: http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html It shows that non-religious (and that includes agnostics, who actually make more sense then you do) groups account for less than 17% of the worlds population, down from about 20% five years before. We are making ground! This earth is being claimed back for Christ! So carry on with your campaign, it’s a great launching tactic for us to help atheists open their eyes to the real world. It’s happening every day, as atheists start to question more and more how they can deny the existence of something just because they have never encountered it for themselves. They are starting to realise how small minded their presumptions are. They are being faced with unsurmountable evidence against the fraud that is macroevolution theory. By the way, atheism in south africa is next to nothing, particulalry in our leadership (the media can’t see that). But as a result, God has honoured this country in a big way. We are booming, largely unscathed by the economic crisis. In fact, we’re doing better, especially Christian businesses! They are reporting more business than usual. Why? Because scripture says ‘when things are tough, the Lord will protect those who love Him.’ I’m bowing out of this debate now for 3 reasons. 1) My intention is not to prove Christianity right, but rather for you to take a chance, and just ask God to show Himself to you. Then you will see what I’m talking about. If you choose not to, then you are free to continue on your mindless campaigning for nothing (pardon the pun). 2) You seem to be insistent on attacking the man Kent Hovind, but no one has mentioned his views on creation and evolution. Why? Because they are watertight! 3) I have a job to try and help as many people see that Jesus is Lord as possible. I have hundreds of children passing through my classes each day, which I use to preach His Word through my lessons (Thank God, it is legal in my country to do this). The atheist governments of the UK and USA are so scared that there evolution theory will be found out to be a fraud that they have made it illegal to talk about creation and/or Jesus in the schools! But God thankfully still manages to reach the masses, despite your little red buses. Oh, and by the way, my conscience is 100% clear with regards to the children that I teach. Most of them love and know God so much, and it makes a difference. The one reason that most public UK and USA schools are unbearable (and I have been there) is because the children get no religious education. Whereas here, we embrace it. Children are disciplined, full of life and enjoyment, full of respect to their elders. Long live God in schools! I pray our government maintains the status quo, lest our public schools become a cesspit like those in your country.
March 16th, 2009 at 10:56
There was a try of atheist tram campaign in Croatia two weeks ago, but the adds were banned after a day. The adds were payed by an organization called “Coalition for secularism”, and it went something like “No God – No Master.”
March 16th, 2009 at 11:26
David Taylor wrote:
Like I have previously said, I am not promoting the man [Kent Hovind],…
Wrong David! You are promoting Kent Hovind. In post 32 you even spelt out his website, “dr dino.com”, without giving any warning as to the true nature of this greedy crook’s murky past.
This is a man who makes a lot of money deceiving the gullible, especially children. Yet you, a teacher, are prepared to steer children to the site of a convicted tax evader who is still in jail. Are the parents of those children aware of your links to Hovinism multi-million dollar business empire?
Are you aware that much of those unpaid taxes would have been used to build hospitals, schools and centres for vulnerable people, including children.
Do you have no regrets promoting Dr Kent Hovinds money-making ventures at the expense of vulnerable, gullible people?
Just think of those poor sick children next time, before you promote his site. Do you have no shame?
March 16th, 2009 at 11:31
David Taylor wrote:
Like I have previously said, I am not promoting the man [Kent Hovind],…
Wrong David! You are promoting Kent Hovind. In post 32 you even spelt out his website, “dr dino.com” without giving any warning of Hovind’s criminal past. This is a website which sells “educational products” which are Hovind’s income.
This is a man who makes a lot of money deceiving the gullible, especially children. Yet you, a teacher, are prepared to steer children to the site of a convicted tax evader who is still in jail. Are the parents of those children aware of your links to Hovinism multi-million dollar business empire?
Are you aware that much of those unpaid taxes would have been used to build hospitals, schools and centres for vulnerable people, including children.
Do you have no regrets promoting Dr Kent Hovinds money-making ventures at the expense of vulnerable, gullible people?
Just think of those poor sick children next time, before you promote his site. Do you have no shame?
March 16th, 2009 at 11:51
Again, not one comment about the damning evidence against your cause and that of evolution. Instead you continue to attack the fact that he evaded tax. Why don’t you take that up with a tax website, it’s irrelevant here. My children and parents are well aware of my support, not of the man, but of the arguments that he makes regarding evolution. You see, in our country, people are taught to respect the mans theories, and not dismiss them simply because he evaded tax – that would be stupid, with all due respect. By the way, I work with those ‘poor, sick, children’ on a daily basis here, and all they have to keep them going is their unfaltering faith in a very real Jesus Christ. 90% of the institutions in this country are funded exclusively by christian organisations. Don’t try play that card on me, it’s easy to say that from your rich western country where you think that spending money solves the worlds problems. We have found out that money is important but it yields much more results if it is accompanied by a real teaching of Jesus in their lives. It has worked time and time again in the communities in which I work. In this country, we have, through our christian teaching, made ‘atheism’ almost redundant, because we teach intelligent thinking here. So please, we as Christians do not condone Kent Hovind’s actions – true they were wrong. But it doesn’t change the fact that through his work he has practically disproved evolution, and SCIENTIFICALLY proven that there is one God!
March 16th, 2009 at 11:53
And what about all the atheist people who have evaded tax? I suppose they are not morally reproachable… Please, get over your personal attacks…you are wasting God’s time…
March 16th, 2009 at 12:00
David Taylor wrote:
“You seem to be insistent on attacking the man Kent Hovind, but no one has mentioned his views on creation and evolution. Why? Because they are watertight!”
This might be the daftest thing anyone has written in this tread!
David, are you truly not aware that even your favorite Creationist website have had to publish disclaimers against Hovinism, because they are so flawed? Do you not read anything on these sites that you push vulnerable children towards?
“Again, not one comment about the damning evidence against your cause… ”
Read on David!
This is a damning critique by Creationist website AiG (Answers in Genesis) of Hovind’s whacko theories:
http://web.archive.org/web/20060114035614/www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/faq/dont_use.asp
David, you must be one of the few whacky creationists still pushing Hovind’s work. What’s the betting you will now start praying that none of the parents find out about what your doing. Promoting a criminal’s website is one thing, but to fill children’s brains with mush that even your quoted AiG website are warning against is quite another. Those poor kids – in Britain this would be classed as abuse, so you’d better stay in Africa and hope no one finds out what you’re doing.
Shame on you, David.
March 16th, 2009 at 12:36
This link to Aig specifically lists Kent “Dr Dino” Hovind’s work which is deemed to be particulary flawed.
http://web.archive.org/web/20060111073547/www.answersingenesis.org/docs2002/1011hovind.asp
Hovind is also noted for his other weird theories. including:
The US Gov’t destroyed the Twin Towers;
The US Gov’t were responsible for the Oklahoma bombings;
Hovind believes that the cyanide-releasing compound Laetrile is a “cancer cure” and argues that the US government is conspiring to suppress a cure for cancer;
Regarding UFOs Hovind recommends books by conspiracy theorists who believe “some UFO’s are U.S. Government experiments with electrogravitic propulsion as opposed to jet propulsion, while others are Satanic.
Hilariously, Hovind has also been recorded in jail on the phone to his family, desperately trying to hide assets of his from the IRS.
March 16th, 2009 at 12:50
Abuse? I feel so sorry for the children in your country, that they are not allowed to make decisions for themselves in your pathetic schools. The fact remains that there is far more evidence supporting the Christian God than that against him. Africa is awakening my friend, because we know God. God is shaking this world, look at climate change, economy etc. My advice is to make sure you’re on the bus. I feel no shame in what I’m teaching my kids, because it is right, and we (christians) are backed up by far more people than back you up. Our kids parents have been on the website, but you see, they are able to think for themselves. They are able to make their own conclusions from the information. We are not a people that ban them from the website because the man is a tax fraud. I looked at the aig site, wow I’ve never seen so many flaws in an arguement, I’m actually laughing! Your atheist bus campaign would never work in South Africa, the people here love God to much. Anyway, I’m seriously pulling out of this thread now because I’m in a world-wide ministry called ChoZen, aimed to bring more people to Christ, and guess what, the UK is on our list! You will see us making a stand in your country soon! But right now, I have more children who desperately need to know God’s love in their lives. And no Richard, I have absolutely no shame, you are the one who should have shame, spreading your poison on the internet. You should be ashamed of yourselves. I don’t understand how you can deny God, simply because you haven’t seen him. I am engaged to a wonderful girl, I suppose you would also deny her existence because you have never seen her or experienced evidence of her? What a laugh. All you and your campaigns have done for christians is boost our numbers, and of course, provide endless humour.
March 16th, 2009 at 12:56
David Taylor, I think everyone visiting this thread will note that you have conveniently changed the subject from my point about Kent “Dr Dino” Hovind.
Your continued support for this criminal (even though still in prison), and your continued promotion of his multi-million dollar enterprise will be noted by all visitors here.
It seems a shame that so many Christians lead hypocritical lives.
Yes, shame on you David!
March 16th, 2009 at 13:10
All I can say is that I will pray wholeheartedly that God will touch your life, you clearly know nothing about what hypocracy is, or even what clear thinking is. Thank God you are in the vast minority, and shrinking still. Good luck, cos if you’re not gonna have God on your side, you are seriously gonna need good luck.
Shame on you, for imposing your immoral views on so many people!
March 16th, 2009 at 14:28
@ Richard
Since you seem to be so concerned about the children in my care, you might like to see some of the other websites that I direct them (and there parents) to. It is as a result of some of the arguments made therein, that most of the kids I teach have completely disregarded atheism as a belief for people without the ability to think. The second link shows that it is possible for atheists to see the Light (pardon the pun).
Enjoy
http://theseekeroftruth.blogspot.com/2005/07/why-atheism-is-wrong.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6688917/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/12/AR2007071201620.html
http://www.namb.net/atf/cf/{CDA250E8-8866-4236-9A0C-C646DE153446}/CL_Atheism.pdf
March 16th, 2009 at 14:36
“I feel so sorry for the children in your country, that they are not allowed to make decisions for themselves in your pathetic schools.”
That’s right, they have to take religious education whether they like it or not, so their choice not to has been removed.
“Shame on you, for imposing your immoral views on so many people!”
Explain the immorality of accepting that there is no god, whereas I can explain the immorality of Christianity using scare tactics, or take money from people who can scarcely afford it to prop up a religious hierarchy. Who pays for the pope to live in comfort, who pays for bishops to live in style?
Religions are no worse than the mafia, they employs similar tactics.
March 16th, 2009 at 14:57
@ Pete “Explain the immorality of accepting that there is no god”
Take a look at this from CARM ministry;
I don’t see any convincing evidence for the existence of God.
That does not mean there is no God.
Since you cannot know all evidence, it is possible that evidence exists that proves God’s existence, or at least supports His existence.
Therefore, it is possible that God exists.
If it is possible, then faith has its place.
If it is possible that God exists, then you should be an agnostic (an agnostic holds that God may exist but no proof can be had for His existence.)
It is possible that there is no evidence at all for God.
But this cannot be stated absolutely, since all evidence would need to be known to show there is no evidence.
Therefore, since all evidence cannot be known by any one person, it is possible that evidence exists that supports theism.
Then what kind of evidence would be acceptable?
If you have not decided what evidence would be sufficient and reasonable, then you cannot state there is no evidence for God.
If you have decided what evidence is sufficient, what is it?
Does Christianity fit within that criteria?
If not, why not?
Is it possible that your criteria for evidence is not reasonable?
Does your criteria put a requirement upon God (if He exists) that is not realistic? For example:
Do you want Him to appear before you in blazing glory?
Even if that did happen, would you believe He existed; or would you consider it a hallucination of some sort, or a trick played on you?
How would you know?
Does your criteria put a requirement on logic that is not realistic?
Do you want Him to make square circles or some other self-contradictory phenomena, or make a rock so big He cannot pick it up?
If God exists, the laws of logic would be a product of his nature since he is absolute, transcendent, and truth (logical absolutes are conceptual, absolute, and transcendent which reflect a logical, absolute, and transcendent mind). He did not create the laws of logic. We simply recognize them because God exists. Therefore, God cannot violate those laws because He would violate His own nature — which He cannot do.
Are you objectively examining evidence that is presented?
Granted, objectivity is difficult for all people, but are you being as objective as you can?
But, do you have a presupposition that God does not exist or that the miraculous cannot occur?
If so, then you cannot objectively examine the evidence.
Therefore, the presuppositions you hold regarding the miraculous may prevent you from recognizing evidence for God’s existence.
If so, then God becomes unknowable to you, and you have forced yourself into an atheistic/agnostic position.
Do you define the miraculous out of existence?
If so, on what basis do you do this?
If you assume that science can explain all phenomena, then there can be no miraculous evidence ever submitted as proof.
If you made that assumption, it is, after all, only an assumption.
Is atheism viable? (from http://www.carm.org/secular-movements/atheism/atheism-viable)
Atheism is, essentially, a negative position. It is not believing in a god, or actively believing there is no God, or choosing to not exercise any belief or non-belief concerning God, etc. Whichever flavor is given to atheism, it is a negative position.
In discussions with atheists, I don’t hear any evidence for the validity of atheism. There are no “proofs” that God does not exist in atheist circles; at least, none that I have heard — especially since you can’t prove a negative regarding the existence of God. Of course, that isn’t to say that atheists haven’t attempted to offer some proofs that God does not exist. But their attempted proofs are invariably insufficient. After all, how do you prove there is no God in the universe? How do you prove that in all places and all times, there is no God? You can’t. Besides, if there was proof of God’s non-existence, then atheists would be continually using it. But we don’t hear of any such commonly held proof supporting atheism or denying the existence of God. The atheist position is very difficult, if not impossible, to prove since it is an attempt to prove a negative. Therefore, since there are no proofs for atheism’s truth, and there are no proofs that there is no God, the atheist must hold his position by faith.
Faith, however, is not something atheists like to claim as the basis of adhering to atheism. Therefore, atheists must go on the attack and negate any evidences presented for God’s existence in order to give intellectual credence to their position. If they can create an evidential vacuum in which no theistic argument can survive, their position can be seen as more intellectually viable. It is in the negation of theistic proofs and evidences that atheism brings its self-justification to self-proclaimed life.
There is, however, only one way that atheism is intellectually defensible, and that is in the abstract realm of simple possibility. In other words, the atheist would have to propose that it may be possible that there is no God.1 But stating that something is possible doesn’t mean that it is a reality, or that it is wise to adopt the position. If I said it is possible that there is an ice cream factory on Jupiter, does that make it intellectually defensible or a position worth adopting merely because it is a possibility? Not at all. Simply claiming a possibility based on nothing more than it being a possible option, no matter how remote, is not sufficient grounds for atheists to claim viability in their atheism. They must come up with more than “It is possible,” or “There is no evidence for God,” otherwise, there really must be an ice cream factory on Jupiter, and the atheist should step up on the band wagon and start defending the position that Jupiterian ice cream exists.
At least we Christians have evidences for God’s existence, such as fulfilled biblical prophecy, Jesus’ resurrection, the Transcendental Argument, the entropy problem, etc.
There is another problem for atheists. Refuting evidences for the existence of God does not prove atheism true anymore than refuting an eyewitness testimony of a marriage denies the reality of the marriage. Since atheism cannot be proven, and since disproving evidences for God does not prove there is no God, atheists have a position that is intellectually indefensible. At best, atheists can only say there are no convincing evidences for God that have been presented so far. They cannot say there are no evidences for God, because the atheist cannot know all evidences that possibly exist in the world. At best, the atheist can only say that the evidence presented so far has been insufficient. This logically means that there could be evidences presented in the future that will suffice. The atheist must acknowledge that there may indeed be a proof that has been undiscovered, and that the existence of God is possible. This would make the atheist more of an agnostic since at best the atheist can only be skeptical of God’s existence.
This is why atheists need to attack Christianity. It is because Christianity makes very high claims concerning God’s existence, which challenges their atheism and pokes holes in their vacuum. They like the vacuum. They like having the universe with only one god in it: themselves.
1. I do not believe it is possible that God does not exist, and I think such a claim by an atheist is ultimately illogical.
Basically, it’s no point arguing with you since the evidence is STACKED against athiesm. I am just thankful that you are part of the ever-shrinking minority…
March 16th, 2009 at 14:59
For David Taylor:
I note too that not only are you prepared to withold information from children and their parents about Dr Kent “Dr dino” Hovind’s criminal past regarding tax evasion, but you also seem to have “forgotten” other aspects of his murky past.
Presumably, you are the sort of Christian that “overlooks” the failings of Christians around the world.
Or maybe just when it suits you?
Good luck, David Taylor, for you may need it more than I. Remember to keep praying that the parents don’t find out who you’re promoting to their children.
NB: Dear readers, just to avoid confusion with the name, this David Taylor, is a children’s teacher in Africa, possibly South Africa.
The details of creationist Kent Hovind’s conviction are here:
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/16451/kent-hovind-dr-dino-guilty-on-all-counts
The details of the Creationist AiG webpage discrediting convicted “Dr” Kent Hovind as flawed is here:
http://web.archive.org/web/20060111073547/www.answersingenesis.org/docs2002/1011hovind.asp
March 16th, 2009 at 15:09
David, you still haven’t told us what you will do when God asks you to explain why you told people that she had an illegitimate son thousands of years ago.
I’m sure that if she exists she would rather be ignored than slandered. Given that the bible was written by men with political goals, I will therefore reject it as false and refuse to pass on claims which I know were made up.
March 16th, 2009 at 15:15
Mr Taylor, your last cu’n'paste outburst didn’t explain what was immoral about not believing there was a god.
As to proof, I see no empirical evidence that a god exists, only words written, translated and distorted by men over thousands of years are offered.
If there was a god she would have shown mercy to all her children that suffered in the Tsunami, and her believers who starve to death in third world countries.
If there was a god she would lead you from the path of self righteousness, she would have prevented all those wars in her name.
The greatest problem of all is that man has created this mythical god in his own image. Ask yourself why there are so many religions at odds with each other, ask yourself why so may have died in the name of religion. Why do the religious types think they are entering into battle in gods name, or with gods support.
In God we trust, or more likely, to god we pass the blame for justifying death.
Save your prayers for someone else.
March 16th, 2009 at 15:18
@56
David,
A quote from the same site that you used http://www.adherents.com/Na/Na_44.html#315
“Thus, the picture is complicated, making definite predictions of the future growth or decline of atheism difficult. What is clear is that in certain societies, non-belief in God is definitely growing. While most people continue to maintain a firm belief in deities (especially in the most populous countries, there is clear evidence of secularization in many advanced industrial nations (Norris and Ingelhart, 2004; Bruce, 2002). Secularization is specifically evident in the empirically observable decline of belief in God within many western nations. ”
Which confirms my original post – Western nations are tending to increase levels of non-belief
March 16th, 2009 at 15:19
David Taylor:
I note too that not only are you prepared to withold information from children and their parents about Dr Kent “Dr dino” Hovind’s criminal past regarding tax evasion, but you seem to have “forgotten” other aspects of his murky past.
Presumably, you are the sort of Christian that “overlooks” the failings of Christians around the world.
Or maybe just when it suits you?
Good luck, David Taylor, for you may need it more than I. Remember to pray that the parents don’t find out who you’re promoting.
NB: Dear readers, just to avoid confusion with the name, David Taylor, is a children’s teacher in Africa, possibly South Africa.
The details of creationist Kent Hovind’s conviction are in the link in post 55.
The details of the Creationist AiG webpage listing “Dr” Kent Hovind’s discredited theories is the above post 61.
March 16th, 2009 at 15:27
Bubalus:
That’s a very good point, but unfortunately we’re not sure if David Taylor can read anything unless it’s in his version of the “good” book.
… although Taylor does seem very familiar with some dodgy websites.
Taylor seems unable to answer simple questions without C&Peeing vast tracts of irrelevant text.
March 16th, 2009 at 15:33
@David Taylor
You have stll not answered my question
How many of the other (5000+) gods do YOU believe in?
Do you teach your children about them all, or are you hiding “the truth” from them.
March 16th, 2009 at 16:04
Well, I have proved the point I was trying to make; sarcasm is very hard to pick up on over the medium of text. I’m surprised everybody didn’t just call Poe’s Law on me, to be honest. Of course I don’t see the ABC as persecution; it is merely Ms. Sherine’s opinion on the side of a bus. It doesn’t hurt anybody, nor would I expect it to. The campaign is simply turning round to theists and saying “I disagree” and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Seriously, I can’t believe you lot thought I was being serious about the ABC being a form of persecution.
March 16th, 2009 at 16:08
Do it yourself
in Australia
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/03/12/if-you-dont-have-an-atheist-bus-near-you/
_____
March 16th, 2009 at 18:04
I believe in my God, and not the 5000 others, simply because no other god has as much biblical prophecy fulfilled. You seem to think i’m withholding info about dr dino from parents and kids. You don’t understand that in my country we actively discuss all the issues. My kids are well aware of his tax fraud and the like, but we are focused on theories of his. Our people are able to think critically for themselves! @ Michael, God will not ask me why i lied about ‘her’ illegitimate son, rather he will bless me for explaining to so many people His truth. Who told you Jesus was illegitimate? Nonsense! An illegitimate child is the result of sexual intercourse outside of marriage. God did not have sexual intercourse with Mary, any fool will be able to see that if they just read the bible. You may reject the bible as false, but it has been right many times when science was wrong. Examples are the fact that the sun is still in the sky, that earth is round, and many more. Science disagreed with these originally but science has continually CHANGED as more tech advancements are made. The bible has not changed, and still is correct after so many years. By the way, this blog has been emailed now to many of my co-workers, i have to say that your arguments and cause have become the laughing stock of the school!
Here is an interesting thought… We as christians have many proofs that God exists, such as biblical prophecies fulfilled, non-biblical proof that Jesus resurrected from the dead. Yet I have yet to see a single proof that God doesn’t exist. I find that simple thought dismisses atheism as utter rubbish. I have often told my kids you need more faith to be an atheist then to be a christian, because to be an atheist you need to believe a lot of already disproved hogwash. I am seriously tired of this debate, this is SERIOUSLY my last post. Good luck people, please don’t take my comments seriously, I commend you for believing so strongly in your cause. I just hope soon you will see how futile your cause is. And remember, even though you don’t believe in God, He believes in you
March 16th, 2009 at 18:20
You are a very, very disturbed person. Effectively mad. You need treatment;
SOMEWHERE ELSE
March 16th, 2009 at 18:57
@David
I don’t believe that science ever predicted that the Sun was going to fall out of the sky, or that the world was flat, could you provide your source for those statements?
Aristotle knew that the Earth was round, long before chritianity came along.
You need better examples of prophesy, even a boken watch is right twice a day.
March 16th, 2009 at 19:02
@David
I don’t think you understand science.
The whole point is that we don’t know everything and are willing to refine what we know according to the evidence.
Whereas religion claims to know everything IN SPITE of evidence to the contrary.
What is the subject and level you teach?
March 16th, 2009 at 19:15
@ David Taylor.
Whilst you are brave to attack the atheists here in defence of Christianity, you have made a fundamental flaw in that you are defending the wrong religion. Become a Muslim, my friend, and let Allah guide you to his glory.
We Muslims have many proofs that Allah is the true God, such as scientific facts in the Qu’ran being confirmed by non-Islamic scientists hundreds of years later and the fulfillment of Qu’ranic prophecies, yet I have yet to see a single proof that Allah does not exist.
March 16th, 2009 at 19:22
So going by Mr Taylor’s hypothosis, the earth is indeed flat, Robert J. Schadewald wrote:
The Bible is, from Genesis to Revelation, a flat-earth book. …While the Bible nowhere states categorically that the earth is flat, numerous Old Testament verses clearly show that the ancient Hebrews were flat-earthers. This comes through more clearly in modern translations such as the New English Bible, but it’s clear enough in the King James Version. The Genesis creation story says the earth is covered by a vault (firmament) and that the celestial bodies move inside the vault. (See Genesis 1:6-8 and 1:17. Note that, even in KJV, while there are waters “above” the firmament, the celestial bodies are “in” it.) This makes no sense unless one assumes that the earth is essentially flat.
What amazes me is how many different variations there are on the meaning of the words of bible, ask any religious loony and you’ll get a different version each time.
Back to morality, would Mr Taylor explain all those people in America who claim to speak for god, then go on to ask his followers to show their love of god by sending cash to the spokesperson. If god is the creator of all that we see, why does she want donations? Why can’t she create bread for the hungry, either she isn’t doing a very good job of looking after her flock, or she exists only in the minds of the weak minded.
Now let me say, I do not go to religious web sites telling them they are fools, or trying to convince them to turn away from religion, so why does Mr Taylor feel the need to come here and attempt to convert us? Mr Taylor and his ilk are the reason I took up a proactive stance, I was quite happy being a private artiest until religious time wasters tried threatening me with everlasting damnation.
I’m now glad that Ariane has brought us together and allowed us to see that we are not alone, and that people like us are united all over the world.
March 17th, 2009 at 9:42
The latest on the Oz Atheist buses can be found at http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/forums/showthread.php?t=518
March 17th, 2009 at 12:47
@David Taylor
You are repeating lies. God did not have a son. Why do you insult her so?
March 17th, 2009 at 13:48
@ Michael
God definately did have a son. Do you know how I know? Because I have spoken to Him and been spoken to by Him. That is a fact! The point here is you are trying to convince me otherwise, with nothing whatsoever to back up a statement like that. Honestly it feels like I’m debating with a three year old. Guess what? God is there, He hears what you are saying about Him, and He (not she) loves you all the same.
To the person who maintains I need help, I’m afraid it is you that needs help. I have discovered one thing through this debate. Atheists are incredibly insecure about conversing with Christians, because they realise that the evidence is far weightier in the Christian’s favour. Atheists (the ones on this site anyway) are particulalry insecure. This is because I find it incredibly immature that the comment moderator did not publish my comment that contained 5 internet links to sites that essentially implode atheism as one of the weakest stances ever encountered by humanity. Why is that? Because it’s threatening, that’s why!
The world is starting to realise that atheism is a lost cause, and the independant Christian church is reporting bigger and bigger numbers each year, mostly people who had previously been poisoned by the likes of atheism.
I thank the Lord here publically that He is doing this wonderful work. Take heart, He could touch one of you next
And you’d better fasten your seatbelts cos it’s going to be one heck of a ride.
March 17th, 2009 at 14:11
Dear deluded David
I received your post by e-mail, so I don’t think it’s been moderated, perhaps there is a technical problem. I don’t feel threatened by your words, I do feel insulted and offended by the constant tirade of terror tactics though.
Errm, excuse me, you are here on an atheist site trying to convince us, it’s you that is on the big sell matey!
So you’ve spoken to your god eh! Not even the Pope has made that claim, you really are a loony.
I’m not at all insecure about my atheism, but then it’s not me using terror tactics to frighten the weak minded into following your religion, I am however heartened by the significant number of freethinkers.
With Christianity there is heaven or hell after death, with atheism there is nothing, an option I’m quite happy with thank you very much.
The Independent Christian Church eh, have you ever asked yourself why there are so many different sects of the Christian faith, your lot can’t even agree on what your bible says, or stand as one voice.
May your god go with you, but I prefer to walk alone…. thanks all the same.
March 17th, 2009 at 14:18
You are way deluded. Off course the pope has claimed to speak to God, what do you think prayer is? Didn’t think about that did you?
And the reason there is so much difference in the church is because we all have traditions that came out of different cultures. We do all however, agree that Jesus is God, He died for our sins, and we KNOW there is a heaven waiting for eternity. We are way more united than you might think my poor deluded friend.
March 17th, 2009 at 14:20
Here is a comprehensive list of scientific facts that the bible contains before man ‘discovered’ them. It is for these reasons (among many others) that I accept the bible as accurately recorded and inspired by a very real God.
1. Science has only recently discovered that everything is made up of invisible atoms. However see Hebrews 11:3, It speaks of “things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
2. Medical science has only last century discovered that blood-clotting in a new born reaches a peak on the eighth day. Scripture consistently says a baby must be circumcised on the eighth day.
3. The prophet Isaiah tells us that the earth is round, 2 400 years before secular man discovered this fact. Isaiah 40:22 says “It is he that sits upon the circle of the earth.
4. Job 38:19 asks: “Where is the way where light dwells?” Secular man has only recently discovered that light has a “way” traveling at 186 000 miles per second.
5. Science expresses the universe in 5 terms: time, space, matter, power and motion. Genesis 1:1,2 revealed these truths to the Hebrews in 1450 BC. “In the beginning (time) God created (power) the heaven (space) and the earth (matter) …And the Spirit of God moved (motion) upon the face of the waters. Here God is proclaiming at the moment of creation that HE CONTROLS THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE.
6. The biological importance of blood has only been fully understood in recent years. About 120 years ago, sick people were ‘bled’ to get rid of disease (many died). However in Leviticus 17:11, written 3 000 years ago, blood is declared to be the source of life: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood.”
7. Luke 17:34-36 says that the second coming of Jesus will happen when it’s night for some people and day for others. This is a clear indication that the earth is round, and revolves. This was long before any human discovered this fact.
And finally, read Colossians 1:17. Since I realize you might not have bibles, here is the text:
“He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (NIV)
This letter was written by Paul, a hundred years or so after Christ died. What is this thing that holds us together? Do you know that there is a protein (only recently discovered) called Laminin, that literally has the job of holding us together. It is the glue that holds each cell together. You may be thinking what am I on about. Check out this link, it shows a scientific (non-Christian) source.
http://foreverandalways.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/laminin.jpg
You will understand what I’m getting at. This protein molecule shows that the cross of Christ LITERALLY holds us together. So even though you are an atheist, you are marked by God, because you have a million little crosses holding your very life together.
Oh, the person who asked what I teach, I teach maths, science and biology. I love science particularly because it complements the bible so much. Many of the scientific principles that I teach are actually backed up in the bible!
I have debated many atheists with these arguments. The best retort I have had is that it is coincidence. Ha ha!
March 17th, 2009 at 15:18
@81 Simon Gardner, re. David Taylor
“You are a very, very disturbed person. Effectively mad. You need treatment;
SOMEWHERE ELSE”
I am sure you are on the right track Simon, but it depends how you define “madness”. D.T presumably has no difficulty in living a reasonably normal life. But he obviously does have a self-feeding obsession verging on mania. The scary thing about it is that he appears to have access to and control of children or young people, the next generation on which the future of the human race depends.
March 17th, 2009 at 15:35
@David Taylor
Your comment was not moderated, but there appears to have been a delay in posting, see #68.
As I expected, your so called biblical truths of science are so vague that they can mean whatever you wish to twist them into and therefore meaningless. For example your point 3 has also been claimed as indicating a flat earth, indeed a circle is 2d rather than a sphere or globe which is 3d. All of your examples are the same type of statements that you would expect from an astrologer, medium or any other charlatan.
If you accept that level of answer from your students in your maths and science classes I am just very glad that my children are not being educated by you.
Religion is not explicit in its predictions using vague statements that can be interpreted any way required and is only happy to be specific on its claims once science has exposed the truth.
Science however requires specific statements that can predict events, be tested, verified, and if necessary is happy to amend those hypotheses to fit with the evidence found.
Your reference to Laminin shows a schematic of a single molecule, try this one for a schematic for is use in the body – http://www.upei.ca/pathclub/fig13.jpg – not quite the cruciform now is it? And when you look at actual photographs the shape of the form varies extensively – try http://pharmchem.kfunigraz.ac.at/icmsb99/abstracts99/hansma.html .
However does, your logic imply that anything that has a vague cruciform shape implies god to you, more specifically your god: a lower case T; a road intersection, the bars on windows or indeed any molecule that has four ”hooks” which make it look cruciform?
Your last biblical quote “He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (NIV) again can be used any way you wish, I have seen it before as indicating that it was the church that was being held together by Jesus not the physical body. In fact the next verse (Colossians1:18) makes this clear “And he is the head of the body, the church”
March 17th, 2009 at 16:04
David, I don’t know why you believe that you have been talking to God’s non-existant son. Given that afterwards you have been spreading lies about God I can make a fair guess about who you have really been speaking with who has driven you to such things.
Repent of your evil ways before it is too late.
March 17th, 2009 at 17:49
Ha ha its definately not evil, because u may think he’s non-existant, but i have been the subject of his miracles. He is more real to me then you are! You don’t realise it, but you are walking in such darkness, you can’t see what is right and true anymore… Its a shame…
March 17th, 2009 at 18:05
I’m beginning to think that I have a split-personality disorder here. I seem to be posting absolute nonsense here, yet I cannot remember making such posts.
The passages my namesake quotes are, like Qu’ranic passages relating to science, rather ambiguous. For example, the first passage could be relating to spirits, ghosts, angels, magical gusts of wind, etc. I interpret some of the passages differently to how “I” interpreted the passages in “my” last post.
1) I’ve already explained this.
2) “I” should have said why this is. It is probably more to do with the story of Creation than medical science per se. The Earth was created in 6 days, the 7th is for rest, so children are to be treated in a similar way, as they are a new “creation” that God wants us to circumcise on the 8th day as a means of acknowledgement to god’s creation of the universe. Furthemore, medical science has shown that circumcision is a dangerous and harmful practice that has no practical benefit. If the Bible were a good medical-science journal, it would not be advising circumcision at all.
3) Isaiah said a circle, not a sphere, and a circle is 2D. Besides, Ancient Greek astronomers had already discovered that the world is not flat.
4) “I” seem to have clutched at straws here. Iob’s interrogative does not imply that light travels, as he is talking about God. One could rephrase Iob’s question as follows; “What lifestyle leads to God?”
5) The existence of time, space, power, matter and motion are obvious to even a child. Noticing them is not a praise-worthy scientific achievement. Besides, would you say that a woman has power when she “creates” a baby through sexual intercourse? What about if the baby was the result of rape? If the Hebrews did not know about time, etc. 3450 years ago, they must have been extremely ignorant to the world around them.
6) Here, “I” have written absolute nonsense based on a poor understanding of medical history. People were bled to drain out infections in the blood, but this does not mean that people believed blood itself was detrimental to the continued survival of the individual. People also understood that stabbing somebody and letting enough blood flow out could kill them. The misguided doctors of the time killed people by believing there was “bad” blood mingled in with the good stuff, so they tried to get rid of it, but got rid of too much of it.
7) As I have said, the Greeks already discovered that the world was round, and the Hebrews were not alien to Grecian thinking. Indeed, Jesus is Greek for Ieshua, and Christ comes from Christos, which is also Greek. Ieshua often communicated in Greek (See the letters that Oscar Wilde wrote in prison for more on this). Furthermore, this quote could very easily be a metaphor, and it most probably is. The 2nd coming will occur when some people are enjoying a very happy life at the height of power, whilst others will be miserable and oppressed.
Now, where’s my brain medicine?
March 17th, 2009 at 18:47
The bus signs are coming to Ottawa, Canada…….and while I heartily support the campaign I regret that it takes such a pacific line. I’d much rather, “There are no gods. Lighten up.”
March 17th, 2009 at 21:37
@ #97, david:
I can see your point but a) there’s all kinds of advertising standards red tape about claims and verifiability, and b) it’s important not to alienate agnostics (like me) otherwise there’ll be a big holy war between atheists and agnostics.
March 17th, 2009 at 22:24
Honestly you guys make me tired because the long post above proves nothing except that my ‘namesake’ has no understanding of scripture whatsoever, no understanding of scientific views of the earth at the time of biblical writings, and to top it off, no common sense whatsoever. If you type laminin into Google images, all of the diagrams (schematic and micrograph) shows the cross shape.
I have learnt something about the atheist, and this shall be my overwhelming conclusion to this debate; the atheist exists only to refute any theistic claim, grasping on dearly to any hint of an argument, however vague it might be, for the sole purpose of attempting to prove the christians wrong. The atheist will tell me that I am deluded to think the way I do. If this were the case, the vast majority of the world’s population is deluded, and only the tiny minority that are atheists are normal. This is ridiculous. The atheist will deny the existence of God simply because they have not seen Him, even when evidence proves He exists. It is the most stupid idea to deny something exists on the basis it has not been seen (by the atheist anyway). Most christians have encountered God in a very convincing way. I wonder if atheists believe that Venus is covered with poisonous gas? Because if they do, they follow double standards, since none of them have physically encountered those gasses. And finally, the atheist spends so much time trying to prove Christians wrong, yet has not one ounce of proof that God DOESN’T exist. If there was such a proof, we would not hear the end of it.
@bubalus. It pains me that i cannot educate your child. It is one thing for you to reject overwhelming evidence for a God to exist, but to subject your poor children to the same archaic thinking is just criminal. It just makes me even more determined to intensify my efforts to see as many children to find God in their lives as i can. You should be ashamed of yourself for sheltering your children from reality. They deserve to know the truth, which you people hide from them. People like you should not be parents.
It is also unfortunate that atheists are determined to want proof of a God. Scripture clearly says that He will not be tested. I understand that you do not accept the validity of scriptures. But i can testify that when i and thousands of others known to me said to God, ‘please show me your power in my life’ God just takes control and life becomes a true journey. This becomes more real than any silly argument you come up with, trust me, it doesn’t even pale in comparison! My God is so real, if you don’t believe in Him, sorry for you! You’re missing out! Scripture says that ‘the things of God are closed to those who refuse to love Him, to them, everything is meaningless! I am using this blog page as an instrument to prove this to new atheists-turned-christians (there are a lot of them, God has been so good!)
March 17th, 2009 at 22:52
David, I will pray for you that you stop following this demon which has by your own admission bought your belief with ‘miraculous’ displays of its infernal power and that you open your eyes to the truth before it is too late and you condemn your soul to hell.
God help you.
March 18th, 2009 at 0:10
“If you type laminin into Google images, all of the diagrams (schematic and micrograph) shows the cross shape.”
Wow! What an amazing phenonemon that is! There are proteins that look like crosses! It must be Christ, because the cross is the symbol of Christ.
Hang on; there are stars and a moon in the sky at night. The moon and stars are the symbol of Allah. Allahu akbar!
“If this were the case, the vast majority of the world’s population is deluded, and only the tiny minority that are atheists are normal.”
Read any comment sent into the Daily Mail that includes the clause “we, the silent majority,” and you’ll all see that the majority are a few crosses short of a collection of brain cells. Anyway, what was “I” trying to do? Argue ad populum? I don’t know what was wrong with “me” when I thought I was typing out a decent argument with that.
“The atheist will deny the existence of God simply because they have not seen Him, even when evidence proves He exists. It is the most stupid idea to deny something exists on the basis it has not been seen (by the atheist anyway).”
I suppose it would help if “I” actually provided the evidence. Well, “I’m” not going to do that, because there is no evidence. Nobody has seen, heard, smelt, felt, bitten, licked or sucked God. If they claim they have, they are a liar or insane.
“Most christians have encountered God in a very convincing way.”
They happened to feel rather good one day, and they assumed it was because Jesus had come inside them. I can see why they’d get excited, but somebody coming inside me wouldn’t convince me that there is a God. It would convince me that the scriptures are wrong to condemn homosexuality.
” wonder if atheists believe that Venus is covered with poisonous gas? Because if they do, they follow double standards, since none of them have physically encountered those gasses.”
So, the probes that have been sent up to examine the planet don’t count, eh? “I” feel I must apologise for such a ridiculous argument.
“And finally, the atheist spends so much time trying to prove Christians wrong, yet has not one ounce of proof that God DOESN’T exist.”
In “my” next post, “I” will prove that unicorns, Allah, Vishnu, Ngai, goblins, fairies, and good films directed by Michael Bay do not exist.
“@bubalus”
Bubalus, you’re on, sunshine.
March 18th, 2009 at 7:07
Once again. I have proved that the atheist insists God is not real, simply because He hasn’t seen evidence! How egocentric! God is real, the evidence is clear when God works through people to heal right in front of you eyes, when one gives insight about someone else that noone else could know. I don’t expect you to believe me, because off course, it hasn’t happened to you… But I assure you it’s real, I experience it daily.
I have said time and time again, thank God your thinking is in the minority. You may believe your in the majority, but most of the ‘non-religious’ people are agnostic, which is a more sensible position if you’re insisting on evidence. But to deny because there’s no evidence (even though there is far more evidence to prove existence of a God then there is to prove that he doesn’t exist).
March 18th, 2009 at 7:13
@100 Michael.
Thank you for your offer to pray for me. I’m curious though, to who are you going to pray? Your very statement that it is a demon (what rubbish – shows utter simple-mindedness) proves that even you believe in God, since it is accepted that where there are demons, there is a God.
You have no inkling at all as to what the “truth” is. I pray that God reveals himself to you and that you realise that without him, you are going to suffer a long, hot eternity.
It saddens me how some people can campaign so vigorously for such utter rubbish, with absolutely no basis in fact.
March 18th, 2009 at 7:40
That said, I am leaving on a foreign trip (aimed at elightening more people to the truths of Christs). Sadly I will have no internet connection and thus will be unable to see your replies. Not that I’m missing much, since I predict that the retorts will be more of the same mindless drivel from your side. I don’t blame you though, I don’t know what I would do, if I was conned into defending the biggest lie that is atheism, without an ounce of proof to support my claims.
Hold your head up high and read your bible – it will scare the hell out of you!
March 18th, 2009 at 8:42
David
You scare the hell out of me, I don’t need the bible, with people like you around I think the world has much to fear, such blind faith is frightening.
Now go on and enjoy the ret of your life.
March 18th, 2009 at 10:26
Heard on radio 4:
A religion is like a big dog. Whilst you may find your own comforting, to everyone else it’s very scary. And the least you should do is keep it away from children.
March 18th, 2009 at 12:22
Good day all. Sori my english is no good. I no understand what athesim is about. Have found interesting website. The address follow. Go down the page to the title: “Why the atheist doesn’t exist.” Then can someon try to explain to me why you believe what you believe? I honestly no understand, makes no sense to me.
Thank much
March 18th, 2009 at 12:22
Sorry here is website
http://www.christiananswers.net/evangelism/beliefs/atheism.html
March 18th, 2009 at 12:52
@David Taylor #99
Well you got one thing right – you’re deluded.
You still haven’t produced any empirical evidence that your god exists other that in your religious texts and in your head. There are plenty of people who hear things in their head, most get treatment for it.
Your statement on the Venusian atmosphere is incorrect, do you not know about remote sensing, spectral analysis and the space probes that have been utilised? Again the scientific understanding of the atmosphere of Venus has changed throughout the years as more information has been gathered and verified by multiple processes and multiple teams of scientists. They publish their peer reviewed methods and results so that anyone (with sufficient skills) can retest and confirm or find anomalies that may exist. It’s called scientific method which you seem to ignore with your religious “truths” only stating that “christians have encountered god in a very convincing way” as a so called science teacher I would have thought empirical evidence would be important to you. But then again I should know better, you ignore the evidence from the site that you provided that non-belief levels are INCREASING in the western world (i.e. the more educated).
Additionally, as someone purporting to understand science and maths you would understand that you cannot prove a negative.
Regarding your comments on my children – I have taught them to evaluate the evidence, not take anything said to them on trust, even what I say, find out for themselves. Even though they had a teacher who was a YEC (thankfully not allowed to teach it here), they saw through the idiocy of his position.
Your final paragraph is an excellent “get out of jail free” statement, you can’t have proof because I refuse to give any – Ha! What about all those other gods that refuse to give proof? How can you not follow them as well? Pascal’s Wager and your own statement “non-belief is futile”.
So let’s look at this proof thing a little closer. You, I presume, are a YEC therefore you believe that the whole universe came into being between 6-10,000 years ago. In that case how do you explain that light from distant stars and galaxies can take millions and billions of years to reach us?
Now onto your post #102
Atheists egocentric ROFLHO!!! We are not the ones claiming that a sky fairy created this whole wonderful universe just for us.
You keep repeating that there is evidence for your particular sky fairy, please, please, please provide the EMPIRICAL evidence for it not the “intangible evidence” which you seem to think is sufficient.
When you get back from your trip, using scientifically designed, empirically tested transport, you really need to review your acceptance of non-empirical evidence and visit you psychologist to help you with those voices in your head.
@Dave #101
Thankyou
March 18th, 2009 at 16:30
@Marco
Thanks for asking a reasonable question, here (For what it’s worth.) is my answer; I spent many years not knowing if I was agnostic or athieist, my armed forces ID tags only gave me the option of an established religion or athieism, but it was the continuous and conflicting voices of religion that made me decide. People like our friend David Taylor telling us we are fools and that we face an eternity of everlasting damnation do nothing to convince me, indeed quite the opposite.
Whe I look about the world, and I see the advances of science, I see a simple act of evolution that saw life form and evolve from single cell Ameoba to the life forms we see, and are. I know through science that we are around 70% water, and a collection of minerals.
Some religions see animals as lesser creatures than humans, some revere one animal whilst others despise another, all this confusion stems from one thing, belief in a god.
Much of the worlds conflict is over religion, people have been, and are, put to death in the name of a god. If there is a god, why does she allow this to happen?
Taken from the web site to which you refer;
“It is said that Mussolini (the Italian dictator), once stood on a pinnacle and cried, “God, if you are there, strike me dead!” When God didn’t immediately bow to his dictates, Mussolini then concluded that there was no God. However, his prayer was answered some time later.”
I fully expect to be struck down by this imaginary god too, I expect it will occur around about my 82nd year on this planet (About the age my father and grandfather lived to.), and expect this striking down to happen as I lie weak in my bed, too weak to find the strength to breath.
I see no evidence in favour of an omnipresent being who watches over us (If he is there he should be sacked for failing in his job.), all I see is innocent people suffering. I can see no point in living this life in the belief that I will be rewarded in the afterlife for my good deeds, not whilst evil bastards take advantage of the weak to live in style in this life.
We are people, we decide our own way in life, and when that life ends, that’s it, no more.
Why do I feel the need to stand up against the religious bullies who use fear and intimidation to reel in the simple minded? I stood by for too many years watching good people give a portion of the meagre income to churches, only to be ignored when they are in need. Where was this god and his faithful followers when a lifelong christian and supporter of the church was needy?
In all the years of organised religion, and there have been many, what good has come out of it for the ordinary man? If you’re a Bishop of the Pope, there is every reason to want the deception to continue, after all it’s better than working for a living.
March 18th, 2009 at 20:52
@Marco
In answer to your question I would refer you to the 7 point scale proposed in Richard Dawkin’s book “The god delusion” and on his web site http://richarddawkins.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=742 where they are conducting a survey.
1.00: Strong theist.
100 percent possibility of God. In the words of C.G. Jung, ‘I do not believe, I know.’
2.00: Very high probability but short of 100 per cent. De facto theist.
‘I cannot know for certain, but I strongly believe in God and live my life on the assumption that he is there
3.00: Higher than 50 per cent but not very high. Technically agnostic but leaning towards theism.
‘I am very uncertain, but I am inclined to believe in God.’
4.00: Exactly 50 per cent. Completely impartial agnostic.
‘God’s existence and non-existence are exactly equiprobable.’
5.00: Lower than 50 per cent but not very low. Technically agnostic but leaning towards atheism.
‘I don’t know whether God exists but I’m inclined to be sceptical.’
6.00: Very low probability, but short of zero. De facto atheist.
‘I cannot know for certain but I think God is very improbable, and I live my life on the assumption that he is not there.’
7:00: Strong atheist.
‘I know there is no God, with the same conviction as Jung ‘knows’ there is one.’
Although it is a seven point scale you could define yourself with decimal parts as well.
From the survey (and I would include myself) most atheists would rate themselves between 6 and 7. Believing that there is no evidence for any god but allowing the remote possiblity that if any empirical evidence were to be demonstrated and validated in a scientific way, then, as with all hypotheses, we would adjust accordingly.
My atheist rating is currently 6.99
March 18th, 2009 at 21:59
@Marco,
To complete the answer to your question why I believe what I do:
I was raised in a christian family, attending our church each Sunday up to 3 times a day taking in the various lessons that were given out. Some of the lessons were more “brimstone and hellfire” than others, dependent on to individual preaching. To be fair to them it was more about the rewards than the punishment.
However as my normal education (as opposed to religious) continued I began to question the basic tenets of christianity. I migrated through various churches until at the age of about 16 I left the established churches all together. I looked at other religions as well but saw nothing too different.
At that point I would have probably been classified as a deist – someone who believes that there is something out there but not particularly interested in us humans, an absentee landlord.
However, as I learnt more about:
1. The cosmos, the size of the universe and the immense time it has been around;
2. Astronomy and the life cycle of stars creating chemicals;
3. The earth and the mechanisms that make it work;
4. Abiogenesis and how close scientists are getting closer to fully understanding how life started;
5. Evolution and how simple steps can lead to massive changes;
6. Questioning how this thing religion called a soul could evolve;
7. Questioning how could reincarnation evolve;
8. The probability of extra terrestrial life existing somewhere in the universe;
9. The history of religions and how they developed whilst humans were still in the stone/bronze ages;
10. The fact the religious types seem to think that bronze age cultures knew more than we do now;
11. The fact that religions try to stifle knowledge in their communities;
12. The way religions hold undue influence in a country’s life;
13. The damage religions do to communities where they hold power eg keeping the poor, poor; stopping the use of condoms; etc;
14. The way religions are extremely rich;
15. The final understanding that religion was just another form of political power.
I finally understood that the probability of any god was extremely low and a god that had a particular interest in human beings was virtually zero.
March 18th, 2009 at 22:44
Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign
The Campaign’s goal is to run with the success and momentum
generated by a similar campaign in the UK by Ariane Sherine
to purchase advertising on public buses in support of atheism.
http://inatheistbus.org/
_____
March 19th, 2009 at 7:01
Thank you for your ansers, i apreciate much of it. Myself I was no believe in God for much of my life. Unitil one day, I was given by doctor only 6 months to live from cancer of tumour in my stomach. after only 2 month I start to become fainting somtimes 3 times per day. I go in hospital, doctor make scan and show me picture that tumour is far to big to operate. the following saturday, I have one friend ask me to go to his church with him the next day. I say no because I must go with wheelchair and I’m very uncomfortabel, besides i don’t have knowledge of this God. but he press me and i relent. It was not mainstream church, is independant church. when we go there was much singing, I start to feel something in my self, I’m interested. the pastor say to the people somebody is here that have big medical problem, if you have faith come forward. so i think is me, I go. this guy ask me to put faith in God (i decide is ok because i desperate). He put his hand on me and pray, I feel something like fire in his hands, was very hot. After there I walk to my chair not in whhelchair. I still no believe 100% so when i go for check up at doctor, all tumour is remove! Nothing left after only 2 days. This happen 4 years ago I still have no trace! since this time I learn how to hear God, my life has change for better. This why I say I cannot understand why you no see this God I’m talking about
March 19th, 2009 at 19:57
@Marco
Aaah, one of David’s disciple’s, now I understand!
Sorry mate, I’m happy for you to believe and if your faith gives you strength, then go for it, but I remain the skeptic, and your efforts strengthen my skepticism.
Thanks, but no thanks.
March 19th, 2009 at 21:14
@Marco
A trojan horse question, why couldn’t you be more honest and put your point of view up front, a dishonest approach, tut, tut, but then again what we’ve come to expect.
Here’s the Buddist answer for you:
“Christians claim that miracles are sometimes performed in God’s name and that the fact that this happens proves that God exists. This is an appealing argument until it is looked at a little more closely.
While Christians are quick to claim that because of their prayers the blind could see, the deaf could hear and crooked limbs were straightened, they are very slow in producing evidence to back up their claims. In fact, some Christians are so anxious to prove that miracles have occurred at their prayer meetings that the truth often gets lost in a flood of wild claims, extravagant boasts, and sometimes even conscious lies.
It is true that things which are unusual and difficult to explain do sometimes happen during religious events – but not just for Christians. Hindus, Muslims, Taoists, etc. all claim that their God or gods sometimes perform miracles. Christianity certainly does not have a monopoly on miracles. So, if miracles performed in God’s name prove the existence of the Christian God, then miracles performed in the name of numerous other gods must likewise prove that they too exist.
Christians may try to overcome this fact by claiming that, when miracles occur in other religions, they are done through the power of the Devil. Perhaps the best way to counter this claim is to quote the Bible. When Jesus healed the sick, his enemies accused him of doing this through the power of the Devil. He answered that healing the sick results in good and if the Devil went around doing good he would destroy himself (Mk 3:22-26). Therefore the same could be said for the miracles performed by Hindus, Jews or Sikhs. If these miracles result in good, how can they be the work of the Devil?”
http://www.vgweb.org/bsq/budchr2.htm
March 19th, 2009 at 22:41
I’m more inclined to take the down-to-earth outlook on Marco’s miraculous cure.
Either it was misdiagnosed in the first place or he is deceiving himself about its disappearance.
March 20th, 2009 at 0:12
Marco is a troll. Fake “accent” and all.
But aside from that: I am amazed that I’ve been confronted with claims of miraculous cures twice over the past year. Unsubstantiated claims, of course. The purpose of the claim in both cases was as a conversation piece, an excuse to bring up the topic of the claimant’s particular (christian) faith.
In one case a thirty-something couple claimed their daughter’s health had responded to prayer, leading to spontaneous healing which allegedly baffled the doctors. When I asked, they named the hospital but wouldn’t name the doctors concerned. And they changed subject: suddenly the dinner menu was more important than their daughter’s escape from death.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:30
Atheist Bus – why did it work?
http://www.jonworth.eu/atheist-bus-why-did-it-work/
Atheist bus campaign smashes
fundraising target 20-fold
http://www.professionalfundraising.co.uk/home/content.php?id=1526&pg=2&cat=2
Atheist Bus Campaign |justgivingblog
Wow – this page is going completely
bananas on Justgiving today.
http://justgiving.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/atheist-bus-campaign/
Online fundraising lessons to be learnt
from the Atheist Bus Campaign |justgivingblog
http://tinyurl.com/c63l5b
Atheist Bus Campaign |Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheist_Bus_Campaign
The Book
…
Broadway
…
The Hollywood Musical
…
_____
March 20th, 2009 at 5:38
No misdiagnosis at all! This is silly presumption. My diagnosis is from 2 specialist. But there is one explanation: ‘To those who don’t know God, no explanation is possible, for those who do know Him, no explanation is necessary.’
but thank for ansers but i hope u wake up soon before it too late for you!
March 21st, 2009 at 0:10
[...] The Atheist Bus Campaign has been spreading like wildfire ever since it’s arrival in the United Kingdom. Below is a list of campaigns around the world for those interested in following their developments (list borrowed from the UK Campaign): [...]
March 22nd, 2009 at 14:09
Religulous:
Borat-style satire on faith causes outrage
Andrew Johnson & Emily Dugan |The Independent
\\Maher has said that while the film was meant to be funny, it wasn’t just meant to poke fun at religion, but demolish it. “I was raised a Catholic,” he said, “but by the time I became an adult, scientific thought and rational evidence led me to believe otherwise. You know, when I was a kid and got a cavity, I had mercury drilled into my teeth. Then, when I got older, they drilled it out – and you can do the same with religion.”//
http://news.independentminds.livejournal.com/1447528.html
_____
March 23rd, 2009 at 8:33
The argument that the majority of the world believs in some sort of religion is no proof it is real — for a start pretty much all of those religions are mutually contradictoary, so they only show that humans have a tendancy to make up stories to explain things that they don’t understand or that frighten them. Also a vast amount of people counted in statistics as religious are only “culturally” so (i.e. they would probably list a religion if aksed, but only because it’s part of the culture they grew up in and not because they have any strong belief or arguments or personal experience to back it up). Also the biggest religions spread by force and conquest, notably Christianity is so big due to the historical accident of a Roman emperor converting (because he thought God helped him win a battle).
March 23rd, 2009 at 14:18
The harm that religion does is not evenly spread through-out the world. Perhaps the atheist bus campaign could focus on where it is needed.
For example in Northern Ireland where dangerous religious tribalism is alive and well, each religion works very hard to maintain the segregation though separate schooling. Thus they ensure that the society remains divided into the next generation. There may well be relative peace there now, but there is a divided community which is festering.
In Africa, it is a tragedy that religion has so much power. When the Pope tells his flock that they shouldn’t use condoms, millions take him seriously. With over 30 million new HIV infections each year, the extent of the disaster that is religion is difficult to underestimate.
I enjoyed the parody of the Pope’s position on condoms that is on the Reformed Pastafarian web-site: http://reformed-pastafarianism.org/2009/03/imorality-of-seat-belts.html
As is often the case, tragedy and comedy are often very close.
March 24th, 2009 at 16:04
Lights! Camera! Evolve!
The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) is expanding
its online video presence with its new YouTube channel.
http://ncseweb.org/news/2009/03/lights-camera-evolve-004672
_____
March 24th, 2009 at 19:35
Churchifying the godless
God-less ‘congregations’ planned for humanists
Jay Lindsay |AP |Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20090318/rel-religion-today/
_____
March 24th, 2009 at 22:30
Only someone really stupid says that “God probably doesn’t exist”. Truth is not a matter of probability.
And to find the truth you need to ask the right questions.
“Can I explain physical realities without God?” is not a question in the direction of finding the truth about God.
“Why do we have such concepts as the meaning of life?” is a good question in that direction.
March 24th, 2009 at 22:54
@120 Marco,
I’m sorry to hear there is no question of misdiagnosis Marco.
Please do accept my sympathies.
March 25th, 2009 at 0:47
Have there been any Atheist buses in Belfast or anywhere else in Northern Ireland?
As discussed above, I think that is one place where they are needed.
March 25th, 2009 at 16:18
IHS and AHA to link up
A Change is Coming
Two major humanist groups join forces
http://humaniststudies.org/enews/?id=392&article=0
_____
March 25th, 2009 at 17:50
I just came across this cartoon on youtube referring to the atheist bus ads. I like it
watch?v=v8CtVhVImBM
March 26th, 2009 at 11:18
@Jose
If you look into the history of science, the people involved were attempting to find god not exclude him.
It was only as the places for him to hide became smaller and smaller that he became irrelevant.
March 26th, 2009 at 15:41
Quote of the day:
Things that are invisible look very much like things that don’t exist.
I’ve looked around for news of the ads going to Northern Ireland, I just found one, rather badly researched, opinion article in independent.ie, which mentioned that it was going to happen. I didn’t find any confirmation that it actually did go ahead.
I think the ads are badly needed in Northern Ireland.
In places where the Atheist ads have been rejected, perhaps one strategy would be to use real quotes from the Bible and praise them in an ironic way. Most christians are unaware of the extent of the sillyness the Bible contains.
March 28th, 2009 at 1:54
Atheist Billboards Up in North Texas
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
The billboards, much like the bus ads, are not
there to convert passers-by. Rather, the hope
is to reach the atheists who think they’re alone.
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/03/27/atheist-billboards-up-in-north-texas/
_____
March 29th, 2009 at 18:46
Atheist Bus Campaign
arriving in NYC?
Skepacabra
http://tinyurl.com/dmgp3f
_____
March 29th, 2009 at 21:37
Seattle Atheists Get Media
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
Seattle’s atheist bus ads will be going live
beginning on Wednesday and there’s a nice little
writeup about them in today’s Seattle Times.
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/03/29/seattle-atheists-get-media/
_____
March 30th, 2009 at 11:44
@David (if you’re still about!)
Going back a few weeks, you said “It’s like I can’t say that I don’t believe in the fact that you are a silly little man, simply because I have never met you or conversed with you. Who am I to deny the existence of you simply because I’ve never met you?”
Your disbelief in Ryan could be put to rest by Ryan coming to visit you in person and shaking your hand or vice versa.
If your god would be so kind as to do the same, then my disbelief could also be put to rest.
March 30th, 2009 at 17:33
Cast your vote in
the debaptism debate
Barry Duke |The Freethinker
The Church of England’s Religious Intelligence
website is running a poll regarding debaptism.
http://freethinker.co.uk/2009/03/30/cast-your-vote-in-the-debaptist-debate/
_____
March 30th, 2009 at 18:35
TAM London website now open! |Phil Plait
James Randi Educational Foundation
JREF’s first overseas meeting. James Randi, Phil Plait, Adam Savage,
Richard Dawkins, Professor Brian Cox, Ariane Sherine – and you can
expect to see more listed soon!
JREF
http://tinyurl.com/dd9bu2
_____
April 4th, 2009 at 16:44
[...] every free, democratic country in the western world hosted the wellknown atheist bus campaign during the last 3 months. We can read the slogan “There is probably no god” in almost [...]
April 6th, 2009 at 13:59
Book Review
Raising Freethinkers: A Practical
Guide for Parenting Beyond Belief
Dale McGowan, Molleen Matsumura,
Amanda Metskas, Jan Devor
A guide for atheist and freethinking parents
on raising children – every inch of the nine
chapters is devoted to offering practical,
real-world advice.
Austin Cline |About.com
http://atheism.about.com/od/bookreviews/fr/RaiseFreethink.htm
_____
April 7th, 2009 at 20:27
@Marco
I am glad to hear that you no longer have tumors and have survied, but I have to quote you on this:
“if you have faith come forward. so i think is me, I go. this guy ask me to put faith in God (i decide is ok because i desperate)”
I think from a true Christian’s point of view you would not have been healed. Look back to the Old Testiment, where Moses was told to make a gold serpant for the Isrealites to touch to cure the plauges they were suffering from. Although, this was a test. Only the one’s who believed they would be healed got healed. The people who thought “we have nothing to lose” suffered. This is also powerphrased in John 3. Then again, your circumstances might be different in the eyes of this God lol.
From my own Athiest point of view, it really could have been mind over matter. If you believe something enough, your body can make it happen (its unlikely but possible).
And as for the Athiest Bus Ads in Northern Ireland? I live in N.I and I really don’t think they would get any acceptence. I myself am an Athiest and would like to encourage people to think for themselves. But the cullture in N.I is very religious (even if it is significantly calmer and united now). Most people would be disgusted by them and they would probably do more harm than good.
And my own two penny’s? I have so much respect for the Christian that comes from a non-practasing family. a
At least this way they thought for themselves and really do believe/practice what they may preach.
April 9th, 2009 at 1:00
There is now a related campaign running Ireland. The Irish Humanist Organisation is placing ads in Dublin communter trains with the title ‘Unbelievable’.
For more information see:
http://nelnik.blogspot.com/2009/04/unbelievable-campaign.html
April 9th, 2009 at 11:14
Apologies for the link,
http://bit.ly/YWHGN
but does anyone know if the WBC bus advert in Reading (Top right) actually took place?
Or is it another of their lies
April 9th, 2009 at 11:38
@Bubalus
I can see why you’re apologising, what a hate filled site, and in the name of god too!
Those photo’s look as though they are photoshopped, there is no way such hate messages would be allowed here in the UK, added to which; One of the photos’s had USA on the side of a bus with a Coles store in the background, and as far as I’m aware this shop is only found in Australia.
April 9th, 2009 at 12:27
@Pete
Thanks, I thought that they had been faked, but just wanted to check.
I couldn’t bring myself to paste their web site name direct so had to shorten it to something acceptable using tweetdeck.
April 9th, 2009 at 16:04
UK Television
Deliver us from Evil (More4, Tuesday, 14 April, 10pm). This sobering documentary
chronicles an Irish-American priest’s persistent abuse of children in California
during the 1970s and the Catholic Church’s complicity in the cover-up of his crimes.
Film-maker Amy Berg’s approach is non-hysterical and non-judgmental, making for
compelling and uncomfortable viewing. The Vatican’s callousness towards the victims
is heart-rending. [Source: NSS Newsline 9 April 2009]
Deliver us from Evil – trailer
http://www.deliverusfromevilthemovie.com/index_flash.php
_____
April 10th, 2009 at 14:32
Get Atheist Books in the Public Library
Get Public Libraries to Provide Atheist,
Freethought, Secular Literature
Austin Cline |About.com
http://atheism.about.com/od/ideasforatheistactivism/a/PublicLibrary.htm
_____
April 11th, 2009 at 19:13
UK TV tonight
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Channel 4
11.00pm Persepolis (12) (FILM) 2007 Premiere. Animated drama
about a rebellious girl experiencing life in Tehran during the
Iranian revolution and the rise of religious fundamentalism
after the war with Iraq. As she enters her teens her family
send her away to Austria to study, but living in the West
presents its own challenges. Adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s
autobiographical novel, with the voices of Chiara Mastroianni
and Catherine Deneuve [Source: Guardian Unlimited]
_____
April 12th, 2009 at 18:55
Unbelievable!
Humanist Association of Ireland
train car card campaign on
Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART)
http://www.humanism.ie/website/index.php
_____
April 14th, 2009 at 9:50
http://www.ffrf.org is planning a nation wide bus campaign across the entire United States. They already had one in Madison, Wisconsin: http://www.ffrf.org/news/2009/madison_busdebut.php and plan to have more in other cities like in NYC.
April 15th, 2009 at 0:02
Freethought Association of Canada
PRESS RELEASE
Atheist bus campaign
rolls into Ottawa
http://atheistbus.ca/2009/04/14/atheist-bus-campaign-rolls-into-ottawa-media-release/
_____
April 15th, 2009 at 14:56
Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign
officially launches
The Campaign has formed in Bloomington to
spread the word: “You can be good without God.”
http://inatheistbus.org/2009/04/14/campaign-officially-launched/
_____
April 15th, 2009 at 20:46
Atheist Bus Campaign
shortlisted for
prestigious award
ePolitix
http://tinyurl.com/d4n5v9
_____
April 17th, 2009 at 12:56
Atheist Bus ads in Ottawa
Julie Breeze, Director
Humanist Association of Ottawa
http://atheistbus.ca/2009/04/16/recap-of-atheist-ads-in-ottawa/
_____
April 17th, 2009 at 13:30
Official body explains
why bus ad complaints
were knocked back
http://blog.newhumanist.org.uk/2009/04/official-body-explains-why-bus-ad.html
_____
April 17th, 2009 at 13:48
Friday Project plans atheist Christmas
Anna-Marie Julyan |The Bookseller
The Friday Project is to publish a charity
Christmas book edited by Ariane Sherine.
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/82977-fourth-estate-plans-atheist-christmas.html
_____
April 17th, 2009 at 15:56
Atheists Should Distribute
Freethought, Atheist Tracts
Austin Cline |About.com
Religious organizations and churches are not the only ones who
can benefit from short pamphlets focusing on particular issues.
http://atheism.about.com/od/ideasforatheistactivism/a/AtheistTracts.htm
- and there’s one to download from Atheist Eye
Atheist Tract [pdf]
Why Do You Believe in God?
Good to have around for the next
Jesus Freak who knocks at your door.
Listed among the various goodies in column 1.
http://www.atheisteye.com/
_____
April 19th, 2009 at 18:25
Come on! kiwis – your country needs you!
The official website of the
New Zealand Atheist Bus Campaign
are currently seeking expressions
of interest.
http://www.nogod.org.nz/
_____
April 27th, 2009 at 13:42
There is a God: and He’s angry!
William Wilkes |London Student
… and taking it out on the buses.
http://www.london-student.net/2009/04/27/there-is-a-god-and-hes-angry/
_____
April 28th, 2009 at 16:18
40 Million Nonbelievers in America?
The Secret Is Almost Out
Ronald Aronson |Religion Dispatches
Buried in the results of a recent survey is the fact that
secularists may now be one of America’s largest minorities
— larger than gays or African Americans. Will nonbelievers,
traditionally one of the most loathed demographics, begin
to feel their oats and demand greater recognition in the
public square?
http://tinyurl.com/c8cad4
_____
April 29th, 2009 at 2:02
Summertime camps boom: The ‘Godless
alternative’ for non-believers
Jerome Taylor |The Independent [UK]
Even atheists are joining the rush to take
the American way and pack off the kids for
fresh air holidays.
http://tinyurl.com/cbutzn
_____
May 4th, 2009 at 19:35
Come vote against ‘In god we trust’ on the US currency.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/
May 8th, 2009 at 11:06
Bloomington Rejects
‘You Can Be Good Without God’;
Lawsuit Underway
Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign
http://tinyurl.com/c9ndnf
_____
May 8th, 2009 at 22:10
The Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign Launches
Lawsuit against Bloomington Bus Company
American Humanist Association
http://tinyurl.com/ryfnbj
_____
May 12th, 2009 at 4:11
You Can Be Good Without God
Indiana campaign launches in South Bend
http://inatheistbus.org/2009/05/11/campaign-launches-first-ads-in-south-bend/
_____
May 14th, 2009 at 12:38
Blag Hag: More Indiana Atheist Bus drama
First, I apologize if you’re getting sick of hearing about the Indiana Atheist bus campaign…but as an atheist in Indiana, it is important to me, so I’m going to keep blogging about it!
http://blaghag.blogspot.com/2009/05/more-indiana-atheist-bus-drama.html
_____
May 14th, 2009 at 16:29
@167
No need to apologize Adam. Its good to hear what’s going on. Keep it up and good luck.
“constant dripping weareth away stone”
May 14th, 2009 at 18:08
@168
I’ll second that!
May 14th, 2009 at 21:09
That was Jennifer (the Blag Hag) talking, not me.
[Kicks self] Knew I should have used big \\call-out quotes//!
Anyway, thanks for your expressions of appreciation.
Adam
_____
May 15th, 2009 at 17:51
Bloomington won’t defend
bus system in lawsuit
Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign
http://inatheistbus.org/2009/05/15/bloomington-wont-defend-bus-system-in-lawsuit/
_____
May 15th, 2009 at 18:08
Blag Hag: An uncontroversial atheist ad?
http://blaghag.blogspot.com/2009/05/uncontroversial-atheist-ad.html
_____
May 19th, 2009 at 1:08
South Bend buses will carry atheist ads
Friendly Atheist
http://tinyurl.com/rcjoac
_____
May 22nd, 2009 at 2:41
Next stop – Chicago!
Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign
http://inatheistbus.org/2009/05/21/next-stop-for-the-atheist-bus-chicago/
_____
May 23rd, 2009 at 13:41
Atheists roll out ad campaign
In the Beginning, Man Created God.
This provocative twist on the Bible’s opening
line was plastered on the side of 25 Chicago
buses this week as part of an advertising
crusade by the Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign.
Chicago Tribune
http://tinyurl.com/pmquhx
_____
May 28th, 2009 at 13:30
Is God Dead? Or Has He Just Stopped
Riding the Bus? |Steven Gray |Time
Similar ads are being planned for about 20 cities,
including Minneapolis, New York and Los Angeles.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1901301,00.html
_____
June 5th, 2009 at 15:24
Theres now (today) a campaign in Vienna, Austria on the busses of the lines 13A and 14A.
Link: http://www.buskampagne.at
June 7th, 2009 at 11:53
The atheist campaign has now launched in Sweden with the slogan “God probably doesn’t exist”. There is a web-site here: http://www.gudfinnsnoginte.se (in Swedish) and a book: http://www.bokengudfinnsnoginte.se/ (in Swedish)
http://www.godprobablydoesntexist.com/ (in English).
June 8th, 2009 at 16:04
Wiener Linien backs out of agreement
Atheist Bus Campaign Austria
http://www.buskampagne.at/
_____
June 9th, 2009 at 4:03
Austrian Atheist Bus Campaign Stopped
Very unusual to stop an ongoing campaign
that is under contractual agreement.
Richard Dawkins
http://richarddawkins.net/article,3933,n,n
_____
June 11th, 2009 at 15:30
Gud finns nog inte -
Atheist Bus Campaign in Sweden
Even though fewer than 20% of Swedes are
religious, the Swedish Humanist Association
has placed ads in subway stations and beyond.
Friendly Atheist
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/06/11/atheist-bus-campaign-in-sweden/
_____
June 12th, 2009 at 12:07
So no Swedish Bus ads, then.
June 14th, 2009 at 16:01
Atheist bus campaign banned
in two Finnish cities
Heresy Generator
http://tinyurl.com/msvyam
_____
June 15th, 2009 at 15:11
It is fair to deny
atheists public ads
Indiana Daily Student
http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=68580#comments
_____
June 19th, 2009 at 1:02
German “atheist bus” brings
tour of the country to a close
Deutsche Welle
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4406489,00.html
_____
June 19th, 2009 at 18:22
NYC Atheists Bus Campaign
New York City Atheists
http://www.nyc-atheists.org/drupal5/?q=node/57
_____
June 22nd, 2009 at 15:21
Muslim and Christian drivers drop plans
for boycott of buses with atheist ads
Helsingin Sanomat
http://tinyurl.com/me9em9
_____
June 22nd, 2009 at 16:16
Finnish atheist bus campaign
says stickers torn off
thisis
FINLAND
http://newsroom.finland.fi/stt/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=22177&group=General
_____
June 23rd, 2009 at 18:02
Policy change – No more atheist
bus ads in South Bend |Trina Hoaks
The hubbub over the atheist bus ads apparently
made it clear that the previous policy was not
nearly stringent enough.
Atheism Examiner
http://tinyurl.com/kqlqdg
_____
June 24th, 2009 at 21:09
New York City Atheists now have a website you can donate to for their bus campaign: http://www.nyc-atheists.org/
June 25th, 2009 at 12:30
[...] Atheist Bus Campaign has arrived in New York. The ads, which say “You don’t have to believe in God to be a moral and [...]
June 25th, 2009 at 15:02
Ads for Atheism Appear
on Manhattan Buses
Daniel Slotnik
Jane Everhart, the director of communications
for New York City Atheists, said that one goal
of the campaign was to increase membership.
New York Times
http://tinyurl.com/m2c5r2
_____
June 26th, 2009 at 2:09
Atheist bus ad dispute
goes to tribunal
A dispute over Metro Tasmania’s refusal
to display anti-religious advertisements
on its buses has been set down for a
conciliation hearing.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/26/2609226.htm?site=idx-tas
_____
June 29th, 2009 at 20:26
Finnish Atheist Bus Campaign
Draws Official Complaint
Private citizen files complaint
with Council of Ethics in Advertising
YLE News
http://tinyurl.com/klsymq
_____
June 30th, 2009 at 12:03
[...] Atheist Bus Campaign has arrived in New York. The ads, which say “You don’t have to believe in God to be a moral and [...]
June 30th, 2009 at 14:40
Abba star backs atheist
bus adverts |Paolo Gallini
An atheist campaign employing adverts on the sides
of buses has angered Muslims and Christians in Sweden
where the adverts have appeared. However, the campaign
received a boost when the Abba composer Bjorn Ulvaeus
signaled his support.
Religious Intelligence
http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=4643
_____
July 7th, 2009 at 15:33
Great causes, wish you all success
July 10th, 2009 at 15:57
Supreme Court strikes down
British Columbia bus ad ban
Friday’s ruling was also being watched by several
cities across Canada including Vancouver, Victoria,
Halifax and London, Ont., that initially rejected
atheist bus ads proclaiming: “There’s probably no
God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/663948
_____
July 11th, 2009 at 21:12
Atheist Ads on the Horizon in Halifax
And keep up with news at Atheist Discussion -
the joint discussion board for the Canadian
and Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign.
Canadian Atheist Bus Campaign
http://atheistbus.ca/2009/07/10/atheist-ads-on-the-horizon-in-halifax/
_____
July 11th, 2009 at 23:57
[...] Round Up (Thanks Katherine) Share and Enjoy: [...]
July 12th, 2009 at 5:46
Hello there!
I’m working on bringing the bus campaign to Argentina and I would love to chat with you guys. You have my mail here
The site will be up soon, and I’m working on some legal issues regarding the donations. And hopefully, the ad will be running on the Buenos Aires buses in two months.
See you!
Rodrigo.
July 16th, 2009 at 16:00
A shirt and a clear statement for evolution and darwin, and for not falling back to middle age:
FUCK INTELLIGENT DESIGN, VIVA LA EVOLUCION!!!
July 16th, 2009 at 16:09
sorry, i forgot the link before: http://www.cafepress.com/darwinsfriends
July 20th, 2009 at 14:59
Atheist bus signs in Austria
Go say hello!
Pharyngula
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/07/atheist_bus_signs_in_austria.php
_____
July 24th, 2009 at 18:51
Atheist billboard outrages Alabama Christians
Austin Cline |About.com: Atheism
\\So it’s disrespectful and intolerant for atheists
to suggest that people imagine the absence of religion,
but it’s perfectly respectable and respectful for Christians
to tell atheists that they belong in hell – that they deserve
to suffer infinite torment for an infinite length of time
simply for daring to believe differently.//
http://tinyurl.com/n8jene
_____
July 24th, 2009 at 20:01
Their belief is in the power of persuasion
Clyde Haberman |New York Times
You don’t have to believe in God
to be a moral or ethical person
- NYC bus ad campaign a resounding success
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/24/nyregion/24nyc.html
_____
July 28th, 2009 at 1:07
Atheist bus ads ‘pathetic:’ Philosopher
Randy Boswell |The Windsor Star
Canada’s most renowned philosopher has weighed in provocatively
on the debate surrounding the “atheist bus” campaign, describing
as “pathetic” the cross-Canada advertising effort to promote the
idea that “there’s probably no God.”
http://www.windsorstar.com/Atheist+pathetic+Philosopher/1834362/story.html
_____
July 28th, 2009 at 2:25
Press Release: Campaign prevails against
Bloomington Transit in free speech lawsuit
Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign
http://tinyurl.com/noc622
_____
July 30th, 2009 at 10:29
Atheist campaign to run ads
on Bloomington buses
Sara Amato |Indiana Daily Student
From the beginning, the Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign
said it knew it was going to win the fight against the
Bloomington Public Transportation Corporation.
http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=69107
_____
August 3rd, 2009 at 20:57
Atheist bus ads in Chicago
countered by Christians
Friendly Atheist
http://tinyurl.com/lz59ox
_____
August 5th, 2009 at 13:50
Atheist Bus Campaign still rolling
- twenty buses in Des Moines, Iowa
Friendly Atheist
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/08/05/atheist-bus-campaign-in-iowa/
_____
August 5th, 2009 at 22:42
Atheist signs to go
on Tasmanian buses!
Agreement reached
Atheist Foundation of Australia
http://tinyurl.com/n58mjw
_____
August 6th, 2009 at 13:37
Atheist bus ads in Iowa taken down
Friendly Atheist
http://tinyurl.com/m5qcok
_____
August 6th, 2009 at 20:04
Governor Culver: Atheist bus ad is offensive
“I was disturbed, personally, by the advertisement and I can
understand why other Iowans were also disturbed by the message
that it sent,” Culver said.
Des Moines Register
http://tinyurl.com/lhyl7a
_____
August 6th, 2009 at 20:38
ALERT – Des Moines Bus ad controversy
Iowa Atheists & Freethinkers
http://www.iowaatheists.org/drupal/node/146
_____
August 6th, 2009 at 20:55
Des Moines Bus ad controversy
- Media Coverage Update
Iowa Atheists & Freethinkers
http://www.iowaatheists.org/drupal/node/149
_____
August 7th, 2009 at 10:55
Christians: Do you defend your
own freedom? |Richard Wade
Friendly Atheist
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/08/06/christians-do-you-defend-your-own-freedom/
_____
August 7th, 2009 at 11:18
ACLU questions removal of atheists’ bus ads
Cynthia Reynaud and Jason Clayworth
The removal this week from transit buses of an advertisement
promoting a Des Moines atheist group has gotten the attention
of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Des Moines Register
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090807/NEWS/908070354/-1/NEWS04
_____
August 8th, 2009 at 11:18
DART discuss bus ads with atheist group
“There doesn’t need to be a different message,”
said the ACLU’s Ben Stone. “They have the right
to express their original message and there’s no
reason they shouldn’t be able to.”
KCCI Des Moines
http://www.kcci.com/news/20324083/detail.html
_____
August 8th, 2009 at 11:49
Atheist ads will go back on buses, DART decides
Cynthia Reynaud |Des Moines Register
The transit authority had asked
the group to consider reviewing
an alternate bus advertisement,
but the group refused.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090808/NEWS/908080334/-1/BUSINESS04
_____
August 8th, 2009 at 18:10
Iowa bus ads taken down;
offensive to say atheists exist?
Austin Cline |About.com: Atheism
\\Just how bigoted and intolerant do people have to
be in order to be offended by learning that atheists
exist? Remember this the next time someone tries to
tell you that atheists are the intolerant, militant,
closed-minded ones…//
http://tinyurl.com/l27kkn
_____
August 11th, 2009 at 9:05
ABC and Ariane make a brief appearance on BBC’s Newsnight
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/8188372.stm
Apologies if anyone outside the UK is unable to watch.
August 11th, 2009 at 16:53
WHO-TV news report: Kirstin Baer-Harding’s interview
- DART’s advertising manager – being the high spot.
http://tinyurl.com/o3dp6m
_____
August 12th, 2009 at 12:19
Bloomington bus ads are up!
After a long battle with Bloomington Transit, our
ads have finally made it up so that everyone around
may see our message, ‘You Can Be Good Without God.’
Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign
http://inatheistbus.org/2009/08/11/bloomington-bus-ads-are-up/
_____
August 12th, 2009 at 14:34
Culver sends message of unacceptance
Rekha Basu |Des Moines Register
\\Without intending to, the governor of Iowa and a
regional transit authority ended up making the case
for an Iowa atheists group better than any ad the
organization could have placed.
…
What could possibly be offensive to Culver about
someone else not believing in God and saying so?//
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090812/OPINION01/908120327/1001/NEWS
_____
August 13th, 2009 at 1:58
Charles Taylor: “Pathetic” for Atheists to Go Public
Austin Cline |About.com: Atheism
Public atheism must be very threatening to religious apologists
— and that’s what Charles Taylor is, an apologist rather than a
philosopher — if they feel the need to react with such strong
emotion to Milquetoast messages.
http://tinyurl.com/q65rq3
_____
August 13th, 2009 at 14:54
There’s probably no cod
- Greenpeace expresses
doubts about cod’s existence
Greenpeace Canada has launched billboards and
bus advertisements that parody a controversial
campaign from a Canadian atheist group.
Marketing Magazine
http://tinyurl.com/qd3hke
_____
August 18th, 2009 at 21:11
DART driver refused bus with atheist sign
Driver faces disciplinary action
KCCI Des Moines
http://www.kcci.com/news/20444693/detail.html
_____
August 19th, 2009 at 12:59
Iowan refuses to drive bus with atheist
ad on it |Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
http://tinyurl.com/mmubht
_____
August 19th, 2009 at 13:32
DART suspends driver
Cynthia Reynaud
Des Moines Register
On Monday, the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority
suspended bus operator Angela Shiel after she refused to
drive a bus with an Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers ad on
its side. Shiel, 41, said the ad’s message, “Don’t believe
in God? You are not alone,” went against her Christian faith.
http://tinyurl.com/ndvm82
_____
August 20th, 2009 at 12:04
DART bus driver suspended over atheist ad
Shiel says the message is against her Christian faith.
DART general manager Brad Miller says policy states
that drivers can’t choose which buses they drive.
Vote: DART Driver’s Suspension
KCCI Des Moines
http://www.kcci.com/news/20459245/detail.html
_____
August 21st, 2009 at 11:12
Atheist bus ad in Croatia taken down after
one day |Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
No Gods, No Masters
http://tinyurl.com/ltxvke
_____
August 21st, 2009 at 16:30
DART gives suspended bus driver four options
Cynthia Reynaud |Des Moines Register
http://tinyurl.com/m7vlmc
_____
August 24th, 2009 at 15:23
Those evil atheist bus
ads again |Ed Brayton
Dispatches from the Culture Wars
http://scienceblogs.com/dispatches/2009/08/those_evil_atheist_bus_ads_aga.php
_____
August 24th, 2009 at 22:09
Bus driver, suspended over atheist
ad incident, is back at work today
Cynthia Reynaud |Des Moines Register
http://tinyurl.com/ll3b9z
_____
August 25th, 2009 at 14:34
Suspended Iowa bus driver back
at work today |Hemant Mehta
Shiel said today that her views on
the ad haven’t changed and she still
will not drive any bus with the ad.
Friendly Atheist
http://tinyurl.com/nsrw8l
_____
August 31st, 2009 at 23:42
DART driver refused bus with
atheist ad; faces discipline
Austin Cline |About.com: Atheism
http://tinyurl.com/lfkcov
_____
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:08
Help us decide: Cast vote
for FFRF’s next bus sign
Don’t miss the View Suggestions
link at foot of page
Freedom From Religion Foundation
http://ffrf.org/busballot/
_____
September 2nd, 2009 at 19:16
Ken Ham the hypocrite creationist visits a Buddhist temple and displays his ignorance.
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/09/01/ken-ham-buddhist-temple-rationalists-creation-museum/
Read the comments, very interesting indeed.
September 3rd, 2009 at 15:26
DART to meet today to discuss ad proposal
Cynthia Reynaud |Des Moines Register
\\A new advertising policy proposed by the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority would allow political, issue-oriented and religious advertisements on buses. …categories that are restricted include false, misleading, deceptive or disrespectful advertising and advertising of obscene or offensive material, unlawful goods or services, unlawful conduct, adult entertainment or graffiti.//
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090903/NEWS/909030365/-1/NEWS04
_____
September 5th, 2009 at 15:55
Atheist ad controversy fuels DART changes
- new ad policy approved |KCCI Des Moines
DES MOINES, Iowa – Des Moines city buses may
soon be sporting political and religious ads.
KCCI survey – Vote: DART Ad Changes
http://www.kcci.com/automotive/20723315/detail.html
_____
September 5th, 2009 at 16:32
You can be good without God, but
you cannot be saved without Jesus
Jennifer McCreight |Blaghag
Bloomington bus ad in response to the
Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign’s “You can
be good without God” advertisement.
http://blaghag.blogspot.com/2009/09/you-can-be-good-without-god-but-you.html
_____
September 10th, 2009 at 21:44
Freethought gets aboard
75+ San Francisco buses
Freedom From Religion Foundation
http://ffrf.org/news/2009/sanfran.php
_____
September 11th, 2009 at 12:11
Free speech victory
Atheist messages reappear on buses in Des Moines
Charles Haynes |The Leaf-Chronicle
http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20090911/COLUMNISTS99/909110306
_____
September 12th, 2009 at 13:36
Religious skeptics believe
their voices will be heard
Robert King |Indianapolis Star
Spirited secularists hosting
seminar reach out to the unaffiliated
http://tinyurl.com/p2zlab
_____
September 14th, 2009 at 20:25
United Coalition of Reason
The United COR [USA] is one of the groups responsible for putting up atheist billboards and bus ads across the country. It’s not really a group in and of itself. It’s main purpose is to promote local atheist groups in the area.
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/09/14/why-dont-churches-promote-other-churches/
_____
September 16th, 2009 at 13:45
Finnish advertising watchdog
clears atheist bus campaign
“A campaign cannot be considered to be generally
offensive just because individual religious people
may feel it is” said Paula Paloranta, secretary of
the Council of Ethics in Advertising.
Helsinki Times
http://tinyurl.com/r6wbs7
_____
September 18th, 2009 at 19:15
I’d just like to draw your attention to this:
“The Atheist’s Guide To Christmas” is the UK’s first atheist charity book, featuring contributions from Richard Dawkins, Derren Brown, Ben Goldacre, Simon Singh, Claire Rayner, David Baddiel, Charlie Brooker and many more. It’s been edited by Ariane Sherine, the creator of the hugely successful Atheist Bus Campaign. It’s out on Oct 1st and all royalties are going to the HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust. Please pre-order now:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Atheists-Guide-Christmas-Ariane-Sherine/dp/0007322615/
The Atheist’s Guide is a mix of humorous and poignant contributions from over 40 various prominent atheists. It’ll make an ideal Christmas gift for your atheist friends. Your religious friends will love it too, or, even better, it’ll put them in a foul mood for Xmas! So a win-win situation! More info on the Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=128903634833
Your support will not only maintain the profile of atheism in the UK, it will also help raise funds for the very worthy THT charity. Please note that the contributors, and Ms Sherine, have waived payment for their considerable input into the “Guide”.
Thank you, and please pass this message on to everyone you know!!
[My apologies if you already know about the Guide!]
September 18th, 2009 at 20:18
FFRF’s “Image No Religion” campaign
reaches San Francisco |Opposing Views
Those of us who are nonreligious are a
growing force in America – Dan Barker
http://tinyurl.com/lreq7g
_____
September 18th, 2009 at 20:23
Third atheist billboard
goes up in Moscow, Idaho
Millions are good without God
NorthWest Cable News
http://tinyurl.com/knbc2b
_____
September 24th, 2009 at 15:01
Christian group to counter
Des Moines bus ads |Mike Donahey
Times-Republican
http://www.timesrepublican.com/page/content.detail/id/519707.html
_____
September 25th, 2009 at 14:36
I’m from Croatia and I am really pissed that ad was removed from tram. Now the case is at the court, but it is still unknown who’w going to “win” the case. We hope for Ženska Mreža Hrvatske who wanted the ad…
September 30th, 2009 at 8:56
Imagine no religion? Atheist movement
gains momentum |Tana Ganeva |AlterNet
The Freedom From Religion Foundation is
using quotes from famous atheists to spread
the message in its national billboard campaign.
http://tinyurl.com/yfkbv2g
_____
September 30th, 2009 at 9:13
Saskatoon Freethinkers
are launching an atheist bus campaign
http://www.saskatoonfreethinkers.com/
_____
October 1st, 2009 at 15:26
Group touts questioning of religion
Jeremy Warren |The StarPhoenix
Saskatoon Freethinkers observe Blasphemy Day
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Group+touts+questioning+religion/2053454/story.html
_____
October 2nd, 2009 at 21:50
Loving Christians: Churches plan
attack ads for Iowa busses
Austin Cline |About.com: Atheism
http://tinyurl.com/ycg8euf
_____
October 13th, 2009 at 19:59
Can you be good without God?
Debate: Indiana University, Bloomington campus
Debaters: Dan Waugh and Dan Barker
October 19, 7:00pm
Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign
http://inatheistbus.org/2009/10/13/debate-next-monday-can-you-be-good-without-god/
_____
October 19th, 2009 at 3:02
OC Transpo to change
advertising policies
Mohammed Adam |Ottawa Citizen
Transit committee expected to OK political, religious ads
The City of Ottawa is changing the advertising policies of
its transit company to conform with the Charter of Rights
and Freedoms following the controversy over ads from an
atheist group that questioned the existence of God.
http://tinyurl.com/yjjfo46
_____
October 20th, 2009 at 2:35
Heard about atheist bus ads?
Get ready for atheist subway ads!
Hugh Kramer |LA Atheism Examiner
Twelve subway stations will feature a poster that reads,
“A million New Yorkers are good without God. Are you?”
followed by the web address BigAppleCoR.org – the Big
Apple Coalition of Reason – umbrella organization for
a number of New York freethought groups.
National Examiner
http://tinyurl.com/ykk5qzu
_____
October 20th, 2009 at 13:32
Panel debates atheist morals
Peter Christopher |Indiana Daily Student
Students and community members filled the Woodburn Hall
auditorium Monday for a debate about the controversial
Bloomington Transit bus advertisement, which says
“You can be good without God.”
http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=71143
_____
October 21st, 2009 at 15:08
Post-Debate Recap
Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign
http://inatheistbus.org/2009/10/20/post-debate-recap/
_____
October 21st, 2009 at 17:57
Atheist subway ads:
New York coalition of atheist groups
launches subway advertising campaign
Eve Attermann |Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/20/atheist-subway-ads-ny-coa_n_327613.html
_____
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:11
Reactions to atheist billboards
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
It’s really incredible what little
you have to do to offend someone.
Christians have TV stations, churches on every corner,
advertisements on seemingly every highway in the country
- all we atheists did was put up a few billboards.
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/10/21/reactions-to-atheist-billboards/
_____
October 22nd, 2009 at 15:29
Sign says millions ‘good without God’
Manya Brachear |Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/10/sign-says-millions-good-without-god.html
_____
October 22nd, 2009 at 15:32
Happy Atheist Bus Campaign Anniversary
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/10/22/happy-atheist-bus-campaign-anniversary-2/
_____
October 23rd, 2009 at 15:34
Press Release
Seattle – second wave of atheist bus ads to be launched
November 2 – December 27 Seattle Atheists will
be rolling out a second series of atheist car cards.
Seattle Atheists
http://tinyurl.com/yha8eas
_____
October 25th, 2009 at 0:15
Atheist billboard to go up in Nashville
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
Like other billboards, the main purpose of this one
is to let other atheists know they’re not alone and
that there are others like them in the area.
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/10/24/atheist-billboard-to-go-up-in-nashville-2/
_____
October 25th, 2009 at 18:34
Those offensive atheist billboards
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/10/25/those-offensive-atheist-billboards/
_____
October 26th, 2009 at 18:21
Atheist advertisement in a coffee shop
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/10/26/atheist-advertisement-in-a-coffee-shop/
_____
October 27th, 2009 at 3:45
Good news for non-religious New Yorkers
Marijke Peters |Radio Netherlands Worldwide
http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/good-news-non-religious-new-yorkers
_____
October 27th, 2009 at 16:42
Good Without God: The Ethics of Atheism
Becky Garrison |Religion Dispatches
\\It’s like a kinder, gentler Atheist Bus campaign//
- how so unlike that snarling brawler Sherine![ATj]
http://tinyurl.com/yjqpyfd
_____
October 28th, 2009 at 15:53
Atheist debate sparks more talk
Jake Wright |Indiana Daily Student
http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=71395
_____
October 28th, 2009 at 15:59
Nashville seculars seek potluck
without the prayer |Bob Smietana
The Tennessean
http://tinyurl.com/ygyusqu
_____
October 29th, 2009 at 2:29
What could make the atheist billboard campaign
even more powerful? |Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
http://tinyurl.com/yzb6bxl
_____
November 1st, 2009 at 4:38
You don’t believe in God?? That’s okay. God believes in you.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:01
Yes, Virginia… There Is No God
The Freedom From Religion Foundation decided
to buy adspace for a few hundred of these ads
on Seattle buses.
Provocative? Of course.
Accurate? Not in the least.
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/11/03/yes-virginia-there-is-no-god/
_____
November 4th, 2009 at 16:56
Atheist billboard goes
up in Lakeland, Florida
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
The Atheists of Florida are capitalizing
on the media blitz by hosting an event
for Christians, atheists, and whomever
else has a question for non-theists.
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/11/04/atheist-billboard-goes-up-in-lakeland-florida/
_____
November 4th, 2009 at 18:23
An interview with the leader of
the Swiss Atheist Bus campaign
Justin Trottier |Center for Inquiry
http://tinyurl.com/yfvhg22
_____
November 4th, 2009 at 18:42
The Atheist Recruiting Machine
Lauren Sandler |The Daily Beast
From subway ads to “Blasphemy Day,” nonbelievers
are proselytizing louder than ever. But as they draw
more converts, are they in danger of losing their
unique brand of faith?
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-11-03/should-atheists-evangelize/
_____
November 7th, 2009 at 2:48
Letters to the Editor
Atheist bus signs appearing around Seattle
- advertisements a waste of time & money
The Seattle Times
http://tinyurl.com/yc682f8
_____
November 11th, 2009 at 0:17
Atheist billboard campaign comes to Ohio
Mano Singham |Machines Like Us
http://machineslikeus.com/news/atheist-billboard-campaign-comes-ohio
_____
November 11th, 2009 at 19:33
Atheist Bus Ads and Billboards: A Compilation
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/11/11/atheist-bus-ads-and-billboards-a-compilation/
_____
November 11th, 2009 at 19:46
@Faith
“You don’t believe in God?? That’s okay. God believes in you”
Goodness me, how original, not that it makes any difference, someone who doesn’t exist can’t believe in me, but I do, and that’s all that matters!
November 12th, 2009 at 20:12
Cincinnati Coalition of Reason billboard
taken down (and put back up) after threat
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
They took down the message and moved it to another location
— seemingly, a better location — at no extra charge.
http://tinyurl.com/yfld8py
_____
November 12th, 2009 at 23:42
Intolerance in Cincinnati
P.Z. Myers |Pharyngula
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/11/intolerance_in_cincinnati.php
_____
November 16th, 2009 at 3:47
Yet more vandalism
Jesse Galef |Unreasonable Faith
http://unreasonablefaith.com/2009/11/15/yet-more-vandalism/
_____
November 17th, 2009 at 2:33
San Diego gets an atheist billboard
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
One of the wonderful parts of this campaign is that it shows how
ridiculous some religious people are — people who can’t even read
a couple short statements on the billboard, but who are quick to
come to a judgment about what the message says.
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/11/16/san-diego-gets-an-atheist-billboard/
_____
November 17th, 2009 at 21:25
Portland atheist bus ads go up
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/11/17/portland-atheist-bus-ads-go-up/
_____
November 24th, 2009 at 12:32
Humanists launch 1st-ever
godless holiday campaign
Hugh Kramer |LA Atheism Examiner
Move over atheist bus campaign. The American Humanist Association
has entered the godless advertising field with a vengeance!
National Examiner
http://tinyurl.com/yfvkpze
_____
November 25th, 2009 at 19:21
New atheist ad design is
NOT anti-Christmas – really
Jesse Galef |Friendly Atheist
http://tinyurl.com/yaq2777
_____
November 29th, 2009 at 0:34
Catholics react to humanist ad campaign
with a slogan of their own – it’s lame!
Barry Duke |The Freethinker
You’d think that any spare cash in the Catholic coffers would have
been spent by now on compensating the multitudes who suffered
sexual abuse at the hands of their priests.
http://tinyurl.com/y9d9djs
_____
December 1st, 2009 at 12:48
To callers about the bus signs
If you’d like to buy a sign -
Seattle Atheists
http://www.seattleatheists.org/2009/12/01/callers/
_____
December 11th, 2009 at 19:45
Wider still & wider. Today New Zealand, tomorrow . . .er, . . . where?
http://www.nogod.org.nz/2009/12/nz-atheist-bus-campaign-is-live/