One of the things that makes me crossest about the Alpha course is the tag ‘explore the meaning of life’ — when what they actually mean is ‘absorb a not-very-scholarly analysis of just one of a myriad of religious belief systems put together by our friendly religious conservatives.’

What I hope most from the atheist bus campaign is not that everyone will suddenly become atheist (I’m a realist) but that those trapped – and especially those raised – in a limited system will feel they have the permission to *really* explore the meaning of life – ie. to look at the cultural roots of their beliefs – and the views of the likes of me – and think properly without fear. And not feel that thinking is immoral.

The other day, as happens from time to time, I was accosted by a woman on the bus going ‘Do you know Jesus Christ? Have you read your Bible etc’. It’s the kind of argument I quite enjoyed 20 years ago – now I know all the moves, I’m just profoundly bored. Like so many Christians who accost people on buses, she couldn’t distinguish between a good factual point and a leaden metaphor and ended up banging on about hell and how I’ll be toast. These people never accept a civil ‘no thankyou, I’m not interested’. It gives me a nice warm feeling inside to have provided, in a small way, and alternative to this inane evangelising.

I am a Christian (please don’t stop reading!!). I do however completely respect an atheist’s right to decide what they wish to believe / not believe (as the case may be )

Obviously Christian’s try to spread what they believe to non-believers as it is our belief that in order to be saved and go to heaven, you need to accept God into your life and ask for his forgiveness etc. We are ultimately trying to help people. I have only been a Christian for a few years (before that I suppose I was agnostic!), but I can say that my life is certainly not any less enjoyable than it was before hand. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I DO NOT worry as much as I used to and I DO enjoy my life.

I suppose what I’m tring to understand is what motivates an Atheist to go out and try and persuede people that there is no God. There just doesn’t seem to be any benefit for either party! However, I would really like to get your views on this – I am genuinely interested in your opinion.

Many thanks.

p.s. I completely agree with your views on not labelling children and letting them decide for themselves as per your billboard campaign. I belong to a Baptist church and we only believe in a believers / adult baptism (not all Christian’s are the same!)

“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!]

I’ve got one on the back of my car in conjunction with one of those silver fishes…..