Atheist Advertising
A quick recap on why it’s not the atheist ads that are outrageous but rather the people who want to get rid of them that are.
“There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life,”
That is the ad that will be seen by Torontonians riding aboard the TTC which an independent group called the FreeThought Association has launched aboard the public transit system. This ad- which has already kicked off in quite a few countries- is basically an aiming to create discussion among Canadians and give a nice friendly, “Hey, we atheists do exist you know!”
When I first heard about this, I expected the general public to be okay with this move. I mean, it’s just a way of free speech (which is being paid for by the organization) and I expected my fellow Canadian peers to withhold the Charter of Rights by going along with what the FreeThought Association wished to advertise asI have also seen many Christian, Sikh, and Jewish ads on those buses. I was in fact quite abashed when a poll on the news said that more than fifty percent of viewers thought that it was irresponsible of the TTC to let the ads get onto the TTC! Therefore, I feel that I owe it to my atheist minions- I mean siblings- to defend them for their current campaign.
To bring up my first point as to why the organization has every right to advertise is idea of free speech in Canada. The TTC made a commendable move by allowing the ads to run on the buses despite the fact that they knew they would be controversy. They simply held up the Charter of Rights. This is an obvious point which I am sad to say that my fellow Canadians have totally ignored.
Secondly, the ad truly does not contain anything in offensive nature. If you have been in Toronto, I am sure that you will have seen ads much more offensive in nature. For example, I have seen countless numbers of advertisements which contain scantily dressed women with suggestive poses. Now, if I were a mother (even one who had a belief in a god/gods) with a three year old child, between those atheist ads and an ad with an nude woman, I would be much more happier with the atheist ads because they are simply made up of words which my son wouldn’t even be able to read. I strongly believe that there is some sort of hypocrisy here as these more offensive ads aren’t challenged nearly as much.
Lastly, I would like to perhaps compare and contrast the different viewpoints that have been presented above. Religious organizations have been trying to spread their faith since the beginning of mankind. Is it not about time that atheists jumped onto the idea too? Religious crusades and forced conversions are not only supported by historical data but the Bible as well. In 1201 the then pope tortured and intimidated those who didn’t accept Christianity. I know it may seem as though I’m picking on Christianity but it’s not just Christians. Jews, Hindus, Muslims, and so forth are all guilty of infamous examples in which they tried to convert non-believers. In comparison, these atheist ads are extremely inoffensive. Besides, if you truly did not agree with the message that these ads send, wouldn’t you take it as a funny joke as most atheists do when are we are told that we’re going to hell?
I think that this wall could use one more view…
So what really is the big deal with these atheist ads? Forgive me for saying so but I strongly believe that those opposing the advertisement are just unable to deal with the face that others do not believe in the same delusion.
I think Jesus is running just a tad bit late….
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User Comments
nesita
On February 2, 2009 at 1:08 am
Every one has a right to believe what they want, but personally when i look around and see the beauty this world have to offer it did not come here by chance i will be lying to myself if I did.
djonghs
On February 2, 2009 at 3:37 am
I’m not a believer if you associated with Christianity, but I do believe that there are a supreme being on my own way.
miss cornelia
On February 2, 2009 at 3:44 am
I agree that banning atheist ads is not the solution. Might as well ban all religious ads ever made too. If you truly have faith that there is a creator as I do, then the fact that others do not believe will not offend you. Everyone has the right to choose his or her own beliefs. As long as you respect my right to believe what I do, I’ll respect yours.
TennisGirl528
On February 5, 2009 at 10:20 am
I really liked your point about the hypocrisy of not commenting on truly offensive ads while throwing big hissy fits against atheist advertising. It’s ridiculous.
eprom
On February 5, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Good article. You implied that Jews were ruthless when seeking converts. Jews do not want, nor try to get converts. They actually make it difficult to become Jewish.
tnmcetnmce
On February 6, 2009 at 3:51 pm
this is great!
nobert soloria bermosa
On February 8, 2009 at 3:32 pm
just respect others belief…it’s all i can say.thanks
Likha
On February 8, 2009 at 6:59 pm
I see your point, though I’d like to believe that with freedom comes responsibility.
denus
On February 8, 2009 at 11:38 pm
informative article, well done
skylite
On February 9, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Lots of thought out information, nice work.
Katien
On February 14, 2009 at 8:33 am
Good article, and I agree with you completely.
Anonymous
On February 23, 2009 at 3:41 pm
‘And the fool said there to himself there is no God’ you’re 1 of the few atheists that doesn’t accuse christians of being foolish for believing. I live in London and just had these ads on 800 buses, I’m not offended hence my opening statement and I’m embarrassed when christian throw ‘hissy fits’.
Good article, wish i could reply so we could get a string of God arguments going.
ML Sheldon
On March 6, 2009 at 9:09 am
100% agreed.
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