Thank You Everyone!
12.04.09 | Ariane |
Thank you to everyone who donated to the campaign in its six-month donation phase. We raised a phenomenal amount – during a credit crunch, no less – and special thanks should go to Simon Bishop, Richard Williams, Malcolm Dodd, Andrea Busby, Oliver Rowland, Deedyi, Dave Worrall, Gordon Livesey, and everyone else who kept the page alive and helped make the campaign such a success.
The JustGiving page is now closed. We’ll keep you updated on everything that’s happening here, but until then, I’ll leave those of you who haven’t yet seen it with this beautiful story:
Thank you again for your generosity, and see you soon.
299 Responses to “Thank You Everyone!”
Pages: « 1 [2] 3 4 5 6 » Show All
Pages: « 1 [2] 3 4 5 6 » Show All
April 20th, 2009 at 5:35
Jens
If you are female and not married, I am available; we could have some FASCINATING discussions about religion over dinner and a bottle of red wine!!!!
Malcolm
April 20th, 2009 at 15:37
@ Malcolm Dodd
Sorry, but I am male and hetero but I guess I will take it as a compliment, thanks for the offer. Though I doubt that an atheist bus is needed for Vienna since here its all pretty open.
@ quedula
Well I am on facebook but I am pretty sure there are enough people called Jens on facebook so I am not sure if I am the one you mean. I also have no profilic photos on facebook, just normal ones with friends. Truly I am normaly don’t care about atheist buses or anything. The reason why I am writing back so often is because if you are talking to me I feel like I should answer.
@ Roy
I am sorry if I offended you but for me the video was just normal comedy. I did think most of it was funny but nothing that I could serious. I just felt like as if people make rasist jokes about indians (I am Indian) … I think they are funny but at the same time I know its not true.
April 20th, 2009 at 17:36
Jens
Damn.
April 22nd, 2009 at 13:38
NewsBiscuit reports new bus campaign http://newsbiscuit.com/2009/04/22/agnostics-undecided-on-launching-publicity-campaign/
Ha Ha
April 22nd, 2009 at 18:25
lol that’s good
April 28th, 2009 at 19:16
Ah, what a lovely campaign! At last – the chance to stick it not just to “the man”, but to “The Man”! Nice video too. Should be compulsory viewing in all schools! Thanks Ariane!
May 1st, 2009 at 16:50
Hi, I have only just recently stumbled upon these websites for atheists (just 5mins ago infact) and I just want to say that I find it appealing!
I am an Atheist and if you knew what the word Atheist meant then you would know that these websites should not exist at all! It is wrong!
And what is with the donations?! This is not a church!!
If you have anything you wish to say to me then I would love for you to email me at heavenlytear_1 {at} hotmail(.)com.
May 2nd, 2009 at 14:44
@Katherine
Errm, you appear to contradict yourself, first you say the site is appealing, then you say it should not exist, and is wrong!!!!!!
What’s with the donations? Try reading the site and why the money was raised in the first place. Even atheists need a collective voice to speak out against the constant drumming and threats of the religious message.
Nice try with the e-mail address, if you think I’m going to reveal my address to anyone I don’t know, then think again, and I would urge anyone else to exercise caution, this is the classic ploy of spammers.
The statement “I am an Atheist” is telling, well it’s telling me that you may not be who you claim to be. This would be like a butcher going to a butchers web site and saying “I am a butcher”.
Nuff said.
May 2nd, 2009 at 15:24
@Pete
Do you think she meant “appalling”?
Very suspicious anyway.
May 2nd, 2009 at 15:42
Katherine
I have sent you links to OED and Wikipaedia deinitions of atheit.
We all waiting agog for an explanation of your contradictions.
May 2nd, 2009 at 15:56
@quedula
Aah yes, that reads more consistently, I stand corrected.
Still a bit suspicious about it though, and I hope Malcolm’s e-mail address is a throw away one, just in case!
One thing this campaign has done is to bring out all those closet atheists, a recent poll in the US indicates an increase in atheists, but I believe they were there all along, they just didn’t declare it.
May 2nd, 2009 at 15:58
Use your Library Ticket number to access all of these incredible online sites free of charge (individual subscriptions to these would cost a small fortune. Not all Libraries participate, this is the Lincolnshire list):
• OED Online – enter LIN before number
• Oxford Art Online (the new home of Grove) – enter LIN before number
• Oxford Music online (the new home of Grove) – enter LIN before number
• Oxford Reference Online – enter LIN before number
• Oxford Dictionary of National Biography – enter LIN before number
• Who’s Who and Who Was Who -enter LIN before number
• The Times Digital Archive 1785 – 1985
• Britannica Online
• Junior Britannica (5-11)
• Student Britannica (12-18)
• British Standards Online
• Smithsonian Global Sound Music Library
• Classical Music Library
• News and Periodicals – EBSCO’
• General Dental Council
• Kompass
• NewsUK
• African American Song Music Library
May 2nd, 2009 at 16:08
Pete
I believe in being open about my identity, I have identified myself on many site and have had ONLY supportive emails.
How about this for encouragement, shall we all move to France?
From Wikipaedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Europe-atheism-2005.svg
May 2nd, 2009 at 18:33
The Lawyers’ Secular Society (LSS) has launched its new website.
Membership is open to all lawyers, practising and non-practising,
and to students and academics.
It offers a wealth of information and research resources on many
issues relating to religious discrimination. Launching in 2008,
it has worked with many related organisations and individuals to
assist them with the legal aspects of anti-discrimination claims.
These have included working with the Southall Black Sisters, the
Secular Medical Forum, and giving lectures on topics such as
whether religious conscience should be accommodated in UK law.
These projects brought together groups of solicitors, barristers
and academics, all providing their expertise free of charge.
[Source: NSS Newsline]
To join or request advice
Lawyers’ Secular Society
http://www.lawyerssecularsociety.org/
_____
May 3rd, 2009 at 13:14
Katherine is right in one respect. This shouldn’t exist. There should be no need for it.
There should also be no need for penicillin. Or seat belts. Sadly the world isn’t perfect.
May 3rd, 2009 at 15:13
@Malcolm
Fair enough, but I thought that was something of a spamming post.
I’m open in all respects, but prefer to be a little bit choosy about who I send my e-mail address to.
I’m a naturist and an atheist, so you can imagine the flack I come in for from prudish and judgmental bible bashers. My favourite way to defend naturism again them is to tell them that, according to their bible, Adam and Eve were punished with shame for eating the forbidden fruit, and that as I feel no shame about being nude I therefore must have been forgiven by their god………. but they haven’t.
May 3rd, 2009 at 15:26
Pete
Thanks for your concern; it is a throw-away email address. I have used it to provoke the offended and marginalized xtians into some negative reaction that would be good publicity. Nobody has bitten – yet; nor any spam.
The postive support that I have had has reqlly gladdened my heart, so-to-speak.
If you would like to chat directly I am quite happy to let you have my everyday email address.
May 12th, 2009 at 3:09
TAM London Sold Out!
The James Randi Educational Foundation
are pleased – though a little shocked -
to announce that tickets for The Amaz!ng
Meeting London have sold out – in an hour!
http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/jref-news/554-tam-london-sold-out.html
_____
May 12th, 2009 at 11:56
Is this proof that his psychic abilities aren’t there?
May 15th, 2009 at 14:43
Utah Atheists Get Positive Press
Hemant Mehta |Friendly Atheist
The growing number of atheists is only because a lot more
are willing to step up and say yeah, I don’t believe it.
http://friendlyatheist.com/2009/05/14/utah-atheists-get-positive-press/
_____
May 20th, 2009 at 0:33
Regarding the Cartoon on the home page…There are flaws in the message. Cupboards DO have room for other drawers. The BIBLE (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) Manual does allow for mistakes in our cupboards, it doesn’t say to reject people as the cartoon portrayed. Dysfunctional parents (regardless of which Manual they use) can seem “possessed”, and bullying parents are terrified that your cupboard will change (whether they are right or wrong), but it is not the Manual’s fault. We are humans and we often don’t know which manual to use, but we ALL know that there is a CREATOR and that he loves and accepts ALL cupboards. It’s people (not the manual or Creator) that reject and hurt others. This cartoon is obviously written by people who feel rejected by parents and they are using the “no God” belief to try to convince others that their life should include a “different” cupboard and no God. Unfortunately, some cupboard makers (some religious denominations) twist the truth and force One cupboard on people, they are hypocritical. But, the Creator (God) is one in the same and loves all cupboards, no matter the color, size, and type. I do not support the Athiest Bus in the Americas, just as I do not support hypocritical bible-twisting crazy people who do more harm than good to the good word of the manual. May all those who think there’s absolutely no God or creator, have a second to ponder their belief the last second of their life so that they might see the vision and enter into heaven to meet their loved ones. Enjoy life. Live every day as if it were your last, and live your last day as if you will live forever in heaven or hell. Ask forgiveness of sins your last moment of breath and I think the creator will forgive and accept you. What could it hurt?
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:36
@Tally Smith:
“… but we ALL know that there is a CREATOR …”
What qualifies you to speak on behalf of the entire human race?
Please provide evidence to support your ridiculous assertion.
May 23rd, 2009 at 12:11
@Tally Smith:
Do you believers go about “sinning” all over the place in the knowledge you can always ask “forgiveness”?
I don’t want to sound arrogant but, sincerely, I can’t remember the last time I did some “sinning” nor exactly what it was.
May 24th, 2009 at 17:35
@Tally Smith-What culd it hurt? Well, it’s a waste of time if God does not exist, or does not care wether you “sin” or not. Since there is no reason to believe that the God of the Bible is any more real than any other, and since God has never been the answer for any question we solved so far, worshipping seems pretty pointless. Asking for forgiveness when one is about to die is even worse: I have other things more urgent to do, such as spending quality time with the people I love. And even IF he exists, he would know I am an unbeliever, so my repentence would be hypocritical. I would be acting out of fear of punishment, or self interest, not out of any moral consideration. If that’s okay for this hypothetical God, then he does not deserve to be worshipped, plain and simple. Until I die, I will rather try to act morally according to the effects my actions have on this world, seeking to be a good person towards my fellow human beings.
May 25th, 2009 at 6:26
Actually, the point of the cartoon is that people don’t make their cupboards according to the bible, they make them the same way the people who taught them religion made theirs, which is not how the bible says.
Look, for instance, at the part, Matthew 11 was it? where the bible says you should not call a priest Father. Many christians will not believe that page exists unless you show it to them.
The parents in the cartoon got given their instruction manuals, but they didn’t read it. They didn’t need to, the priest summarised it into a few simple soundbites and told them that was all they needed.
It’s like when legal action was taken against Neil Gaiman for a comic depicting a very sick rape and murder scene. It was eventually dropped because the comic was entirely true to the section of the bible it was retelling, but all those people didn’t know that.
Oh, and I thought people might be interested in http://www.thenationalstudent.co.uk/pages/uk_news/atheists_hit_with_death_threats.html
May 28th, 2009 at 14:56
More TAM London tickets available!
Rather than simply do a first-come-first-served offer,
which can be biased towards some time zones over others,
we have opted instead to have an email lottery.
JREF
http://tinyurl.com/oc9j9b
_____
May 29th, 2009 at 13:02
hey this is so cool…i am an atheist i just stumbled on this site..i want some friends with me ,when i get to the no ..there after.I totaly believe” religion is the opiate of the masses(marx)…and my intellect will not accept evil (there are evil people tho).I think religion was a social control mechanism..to divide or conquer..and still remains as is.
I do think there is a dimension out of my experience….but it aint no god ,by labeling beliefs we have had so many wars…all total political bullshit.talk to me..sue
June 1st, 2009 at 20:05
“In the beginning Man created God”. and that’s all you really need to say. To me its so obvious I can’t be bothered to argue with the godbotherers.
It is a puzzle how otherwise rational, educated people can subscribe to a belief in a supernatural being. However I think it won’t be too long before advances in neuroscience produces an answer.
June 2nd, 2009 at 3:08
The video is great,definetely speaks the truth
This Atheist Bus Campaign Is Great!
June 3rd, 2009 at 17:25
Moral Maze
Michael Buerk is joined by Claire Fox,
Melanie Phillips, Clifford Longley and
Kenan Malik to consider what has become
of moral authority.
Wednesday, 3 June 2009, 20:00 – BBC Radio 4
Saturday, 6 June 2009, 22:15 – BBC Radio 4
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00kpw9n
_____
June 4th, 2009 at 6:21
Simon Singh is appealing!
Sign up now to keep the
libel laws out of science!
James Randi Educational Foundation
http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/585-simon-singh-is-appealing.html
_____
June 9th, 2009 at 8:42
Hello everyone,
I will be attending a discussion in the Faculty of Divinity of Marmara University in Istanbul on a doctorate thesis claiming having refuted evolution.
I would appreciate any help regarding some questions I could forward to the “doctor” showing that his claim is wrong.
I know I should have outlined the claims to ask for such a help, but I am not very good at science and I take it that most of you must already know these main points of controversy.
Thanking you,
June 9th, 2009 at 23:52
There is a similar campaign held by the Swedish Humanists. It started yesterday and the name is “Gud finns nog inte” (God probably does not exist). There will be advertising in the major Swedish newspapers and in the Stockholm underground.
Link: http://www.gudfinnsnoginte.se/
June 13th, 2009 at 23:37
I didn’t know that someone would want to encourage people to not have faith in something truly amazing. I mean, I don’t think I could ever be atheist. I wasn’t raised in a strong Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or Catholic enviornment, but religion is one of the best things in my life.
Constantly having something to rely on. I’ve witnessed somethings that people way beyond my years didn’t know existed. I’m not here to convert any atheists into believers… I respect atheism. Actually, it makes a hell of a lot more since than Christianity. But, that’s why I love being faithful. It sounds so ridiculous that it’s believable and truthful. And it frightens me, it gives me thrill and a sense of protection. I’m not exactly a bible-hugger, and I don’t go to church very often, but still…
It just hurts my heart to be aware of the pushing of people not having faith–in anything at all. As in religious stands…
June 17th, 2009 at 23:06
What to Buy an Atheist for Christmas?
The Atheist’s Guide to Christmas
Humorous and irreverent tips on surviving
the Christmas season compiled by comedy
writer and journalist Ariane Sherine.
http://www.yourchristmasgifts.co.uk/atheist-christmas/
_____
June 23rd, 2009 at 18:42
Little Atoms next guest
- Ariane Sherine
The moving finger having writ,
for mp3 – click .
http://www.littleatoms.com/guests.htm
_____
June 23rd, 2009 at 19:47
@Tia
It’s not a case of turning true believers away from their religion, not an easy task anyway, but one of letting the doubters know there are others like them out here.
Many people follow a religion because it’s a family tradition, or they were bullied into it, as is seen with the threats of everlasting damnation, which prompted this whole ‘Atheist Bus Campaign’ in the first place.
In parts of America the coming of secular choice has brought many doubters out, even though they live in the religious south and have and all manner of threats made against them, including some very Christian death threats.
June 25th, 2009 at 2:05
@Tia
We atheists have lots and lots of beliefs – the beauty of nature, the rewards of enquiry, materialism (not a dirty word, but the product of science that you obviously will endorse as a daily user of its results, results that have so improved your life and wellbeing over that of your ancestors) and, of course, our limited but increasing knowledge of the origins of our universe.
As the late and lamented Douglas Adams said “Isn’t it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?
June 25th, 2009 at 13:42
I’m not wanting to offend anyone who created this cartoon but it had the feel of a Hitler Youth production. I was an Atheist for 18 months – 2 years. This was a cursed time for me and I’m still paying for it. I’m a guy who likes to have fun and I love my kids. I’m involved with Karate, boating, working out, dance and many other things ie. normal person not a fanatic. I hope and pray that the the host of this website and sponsors don’t lose their personal relationships but do change and offer a positive message based on biblical principles. I’ll pray for you.
June 25th, 2009 at 16:16
FreethoughtAction
for a rational America
You might think you are the only nonreligious person
in America. Not true! – tens of millions of your fellow
Americans are not religious. Together we can help America
evolve into a more rational, less superstitious society.
http://www.freethoughtaction.org/
_____
June 25th, 2009 at 19:22
Little Atoms Radio Show: Ariane Sherine
Friday 26th June 2009 – 19:00–19:30
Little Atoms is a talk show about ideas.
Produced and presented by Neil Denny and
Padraig Reidy, each show features a guest
from the worlds of science, journalism,
politics, academia, human rights or
the arts in conversation.
Resonance 104.4 FM central London UK
Resonance Listen on-line
http://resonancefm.com/listen
_ _ _
The moving finger having writ, click
[Previous Guests] for MP3 download.
http://www.littleatoms.com/guests.htm
_____
June 26th, 2009 at 7:22
@Erron Wright
You’re not offending anyone, what right do we have to be offended, whereas you have the right to believe or not believe, OR DO YOU? Sounds like you are a doubter, but were coerced into following religion again.
Surely freedom of choice is more important, but in parts of America people are frightened to come out and declare their atheism publicly, now that is an atrocity on par with slavery, forcing someone against their will is never right.
The cartoon, do you mean ‘Instruction manual for life’? How you equate that to Hitler Youth productions is beyond me, I think it clearly shows the intolerance of religions in accepting other lines of thought.
June 26th, 2009 at 7:37
Erron
You ask us to follow biblical principles as you do; therefore, I really do fear for your children, they may be in great danger. My children are reasonably safe since there is no chance that I will kill them for disobedience or receive messages to sacrifice them or sell them into slavery.
I am very proud of thje fact that my list of “commandments” exceed those of the bible by at least 500.
What brand of christian religion do you follow?
June 26th, 2009 at 7:53
Hi Erron Wright, thanks for the comment.
Most atheists lead lives according to the ‘biblical principles’ of treating others with consideration: no stealing, lying, hurting or murdering. We just don’t bother with the devoting-our-lives-to-invisible-sky-fairies bit.
You may have missed the point of our message: you can lead a positive, happy life without submitting to an imaginary god or cash-hungry pastor.
Christians believe in negative things like talking snakes, zombies rising from the dead, demons and threats of eternal damnation in lakes of fire. Some even believe the the Earth was created about 6,500 years ago, and that televangelists tell the truth.
In any case, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that Christians are more likely to end up in prison than non-believers. It’s a shame more of them don’t live by their own ‘biblical principles’.
You have yourself some fun, Erron, but watch out for those pesky talking snakes!
June 26th, 2009 at 8:02
Oh, one more thing Erron, you mentioned the Hitler Youth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URUOSXJrx8c
Peace to you and yours.
June 28th, 2009 at 10:04
@Erron Wright-This must have been the dumbest analogy I have ever read from a believer in a long time. How is that cartoon anything like some a Nazi propaganda video? Seriously! Can we apply Godwin’s law and say you just lost the debate you started and any kind of credibility in the meantime? I think so.
As for atheists’s morals, we have them, they are judged by the effects our actions have on other people, not by some arbitrary rule given by an hypothetical divine master. We do not have the believer’s faith to excuse any behavior that would be immoral and we do not act morally for fear of punishment or hoping for a reward. If anything, this is a more moral position than yours. It is certainly the selfless one. And if a God exists and wants to punish us for not believing, then he is an immoral God and does not deserve to be worshipped whatsoever.
June 29th, 2009 at 0:17
Just saw my first atheist bus sign, it read, “You don’t need god to be good”
I LOVE IT! I’m tired of everyone assuming that atheists are devil worshipping chicken sacrificing sickos!
Thank you for helping us to be more open
July 2nd, 2009 at 15:10
A directory of divine misogyny
Johann Hari |New Statesman
Review: Does God Hate Women?
Ophelia Benson & Jeremy Stangroom
http://www.newstatesman.com/books/2009/07/women-god-stangroom-benson
_____
July 4th, 2009 at 16:27
Camp Quest under attack
The thought of 24 children spending less than
a week in a secular summer camp has set certain
sections of the media into a panic.
NSS Newsline
http://www.secularism.org.uk/camp-quest-under-attack.html
_____
July 4th, 2009 at 16:32
Sir Terry Pratchett speaks to
the BHA about assisted dying
British Humanist Association
http://www.humanism.org.uk/news/view/311
_____