They’re Probably Right 27/01/09
I expect you’ve all heard about the Atheist Bus Campaign started by Ariane Sherine in October last year to counter an unsettling Christian advertisement spotted on London buses (see Why should we put up with religious ads on the side of buses?). I expect you’ve also heard all the controversy. Well, I’m thrilled that free speech has prevailed and that anyone who wants to promote a faith (or lack thereof) is pretty much entitled to; if you use the word ‘probably’.
For those of you who aren’t in the know – the original aim of the Atheist Campaign was to raise enough money to sponsor an advertisement promoting atheism and the enjoyment of life without a God on the side of one of London’s bendy buses. This month, advertisements on buses not only in London but throughout the UK were revealed. Since returning to London after Christmas I have seen countless of these Atheist buses and even some of the ads inside tube carriages (which feature lovely quotes from the likes of Douglas Adams, Albert Einstein and others). It goes without saying that the campaign was more than a huge success raising in excess of twenty times its original target.
Now, I’m not an atheist. It goes against my religion to put faith in a particular belief set—excuse the bad pun. I’m a fence sitter, agnostic if you will. I don’t believe in a God but will admit the possibility of one. I am however an advocate of free speech. After years enduring at the hands of religious preachers, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Hare Krishnas I’m glad that the atheists have finally made their impression on the city of London.
The ads are definitely eye-catching, to say the least.
I like how now they’re raising money for other humanitarian campaigns :)
I agree with the sentiment. Even if there is a god (which I don’t believe, but that’s irrelevant), it’s ridiculous to spend your whole life worrying about his/her wishes. I don’t care if someone does believe in god, but I hope for THEIR sake that they don’t let their beliefs override their enjoyment of life.
I wish we had ads like that on public transport here! (We already have tons of ads for churches and whatnot.)
I agree with you. I’m not an atheist, nor agnostic, but it’s great that free speech was won out on this one. I was actually a little surprised (but impressed) there wasn’t more opposition to the ad campaign.
This reminded me of an advert they show here in cinemas.
It’s got a huge slice of chocolate cake and the tagline reads “Church has never tasted so good”. I find it infuriating – if anyone is going to believe in God/religion they should do so because they believe in it, not because of cake.
I suppose this is a rebuttal to that type of advert. It’s especially great that they are raising money for charities as an organisation – although the notion of organised atheism seems rather conflicted to me.
Either way I think it’s ridiculous to have religious advertisements, as if God/religion is a product of some sort. It’s a personal issue, and everyone (believers and non alike) should stop worrying about it so much.
I love the idea of the atheist ads on bendy buses, especialy the ones with quotes from Douglas Adams and Einstein on them. If it doesn’t make people think about religion, it’s still showing something important about free speech.
[...] previously blogged about the atheist bus in my post titled They’re Probably Right, but the Christians have fought back with an advertising campaign of their own. As I was walking [...]