Atheist billboard causes stir

Just thought I'd share this news story from my area.

A billboard in south Huntsville is causing a huge stir in north Alabama. The American Atheists put up a sign that reads "You know they're all scams" over the weekend.

Many local Christians are upset at the billboard, demanding it be removed. But why? The billboard is aimed toward other Atheists. What I find funny is, I also see a Christian billboard that reads "Where will you be going? Heaven or Hell"? and thats perfectly fine. I could raise the same ruckus over that if I chose.

However, I think both sides have the right to their own billboard, and whatever message they choose to give. Why not?

Oh, the double standard. There can't be an atheist billboard, but there can be religious and Christian ones?

Seems a little provocative, but at the same time is it any worse then Christians telling Atheists that they will burn in hell for not believing in Christ?

Sounds like it's implying that all releigons are scams when not all of them are?the_phenom_

Well, it's implying that all atheists believe that all religions are scams. I personally wouldn't use the word "scam", but unless all religions are right, some are giving false hope.

Just thought I'd share this news story from my area.

A billboard in south Huntsville is causing a huge stir in north Alabama. The American Atheists put up a sign that reads "You know they're all scams" over the weekend.

Many local Christians are upset at the billboard, demanding it be removed. But why? The billboard is aimed toward other Atheists. What I find funny is, I also see a Christian billboard that reads "Where will you be going? Heaven or Hell"? and thats perfectly fine. I could raise the same ruckus over that if I chose.

However, I think both sides have the right to their own billboard, and whatever message they choose to give. Why not?

dog64

...How is the billboard aimed towards other atheists?

Regardless, if they bought and paid for the space, then go ahead, although personally I find something like that silly more than anything.

People being spiteful to other people for having different beliefs doesn't faze me. People wasting good money to be spiteful to others? that's just stupid and atheist are supposed to be the "rational" ones so it's gets even more disappointing. :(

[QUOTE="dog64"]

Just thought I'd share this news story from my area.

A billboard in south Huntsville is causing a huge stir in north Alabama. The American Atheists put up a sign that reads "You know they're all scams" over the weekend.

Many local Christians are upset at the billboard, demanding it be removed. But why? The billboard is aimed toward other Atheists. What I find funny is, I also see a Christian billboard that reads "Where will you be going? Heaven or Hell"? and thats perfectly fine. I could raise the same ruckus over that if I chose.

However, I think both sides have the right to their own billboard, and whatever message they choose to give. Why not?

GabuEx

...How is the billboard aimed towards other atheists?

Regardless, if they bought and paid for the space, then go ahead, although personally I find something like that silly more than anything.

It's meant to grab the attention of other atheists, so they say, but I don't see how they thought it wouldn't grab the attention of Christians. Scam is a pretty strong word and will definetly grab the attention of everyone.

More attention seeking atheists, nothing new here.

[QUOTE="the_phenom_"]Sounds like it's implying that all releigons are scams when not all of them are?dog64

Well, it's implying that all atheists believe that all religions are scams. I personally wouldn't use the word "scam", but unless all religions are right, some are giving false hope.

Eisegesis much?

You're reading into something that doesn't exist on the billboard.

It's meant to grab the attention of other atheists, so they say, but I don't see how they thought it wouldn't grab the attention of Christians. Scam is a pretty strong word and will definetly grab the attention of everyone.

dog64

Not to mention the fact that I can't imagine who would go to a meeting whose big selling point is the idea that all religions are scams.

In addition, I went to the website on the billboard out of curiosity, and this bit caught my eye:

"If you can read this (if you are human), you are the top of the food-chain. .... Eventually, you will die, and wishing it weren't true won't change that, but at least you can live a full and meaningful life here and now, instead of wasting it following a god you know is a myth, and a religion you know is a scam."

So... yeah, basically, it's not directed only at atheists; the message is that everyone knows that all religions are scams, that all humans know God is a myth, and that those who still adhere to religions are lying to themselves and wasting their lives.

Great work guys, score one for atheist tolerance...

[QUOTE="dog64"]

[QUOTE="the_phenom_"]Sounds like it's implying that all releigons are scams when not all of them are?dracula_16

Well, it's implying that all atheists believe that all religions are scams. I personally wouldn't use the word "scam", but unless all religions are right, some are giving false hope.

Eisegesis much?

You're reading into something that doesn't exist on the billboard.

The orginization said the billboard is aimed toward atheists, with the message "You (the atheist) know they're scams". That's the idea I get at least.

"If you can read this (if you are human), you are the top of the food-chain. .... Eventually, you will die, and wishing it weren't true won't change that, but at least you can live a full and meaningful life here and now, instead of wasting it following a god you know is a myth, and a religion you know is a scam."

GabuEx

in north Alabama.

dog64

[QUOTE="dog64"]

It's meant to grab the attention of other atheists, so they say, but I don't see how they thought it wouldn't grab the attention of Christians. Scam is a pretty strong word and will definetly grab the attention of everyone.

GabuEx

Not to mention the fact that I can't imagine who would go to a meeting whose big selling point is the idea that all religions are scams.

In addition, I went to the website on the billboard out of curiosity, and this bit caught my eye:

"If you can read this (if you are human), you are the top of the food-chain. .... Eventually, you will die, and wishing it weren't true won't change that, but at least you can live a full and meaningful life here and now, instead of wasting it following a god you know is a myth, and a religion you know is a scam."

So... yeah, basically, it's not directed only at atheists; the message is that everyone knows that all religions are scams, that all humans know God is a myth, and that those who still adhere to religions are lying to themselves and wasting their lives.

Great work guys, score one for atheist tolerance...

Wow, I didn't go to their website. Sounds alot like an anti-religion organization alright. No wonder everyone is saying to pray for these people lol.

People being spiteful to other people for having different beliefs doesn't faze me. People wasting good money to be spiteful to others? that's just stupid and atheist are supposed to be the "rational" ones so it's gets even more disappointing. :(

Oscar-Wilde

The orginization said the billboard is aimed toward atheists, with the message "You (the atheist) know they're scams". That's the idea I get at least.

dog64

Then the billboard is preaching to the choir. It would serve no purpose (especially given AA's history of getting their jollies out of pissing off theists)

[QUOTE="Oscar-Wilde"]

People being spiteful to other people for having different beliefs doesn't faze me. People wasting good money to be spiteful to others? that's just stupid and atheist are supposed to be the "rational" ones so it's gets even more disappointing. :(

Harkat95

Are you serious? Wasting money to provoke people and link to a website (again which they are paying money for) to tell people live their lives (ironically) has to be the most irrational thing ever. At least those supporting/against laws state a reason why..

whats wrong with that? we can have a religious billboard, but not an athiest one?

I don't really see why Athiests feel the need for billboards (same goes for my fellow theists actually) but you make a decent point TC. Also controversy over a billboard is really quite dumb.

I don't really see why Athiests feel the need for billboards (same goes for my fellow theists actually) but you make a decent point TC. Also controversy over a billboard is really quite dumb.

Serraph105

[QUOTE="Harkat95"][QUOTE="Oscar-Wilde"]

People being spiteful to other people for having different beliefs doesn't faze me. People wasting good money to be spiteful to others? that's just stupid and atheist are supposed to be the "rational" ones so it's gets even more disappointing. :(

Espada12

Are you serious? Wasting money to provoke people and link to a website (again which they are paying money for) to tell people live their lives (ironically) has to be the most irrational thing ever. At least those supporting/against laws state a reason why..

Well, most political billboards hardly argue their case very thoroughly, it's mostly buzz-words like "HOPE!" FREEDOM!", "EQUALITY!" and "CHANGE!".

The Billboard is trying to sell an idea, and one usual and generally effective way of doing this is provocation. The billboard is made the way it is to grab their target demographic's attention. Wether that idea is politically, socially or religiously related is irrelevant.

Nothing wrong there. I don't throw a fit every time I see something religious

[QUOTE="Espada12"]

[QUOTE="Harkat95"] I wouldn't say there is anything irrational about trying to provoke someone in the way that the sign is trying to do. It's no different to a billboard against or supporting some new law.Harkat95

Are you serious? Wasting money to provoke people and link to a website (again which they are paying money for) to tell people live their lives (ironically) has to be the most irrational thing ever. At least those supporting/against laws state a reason why..

Well, most political billboards hardly argue their case very thoroughly, it's mostly buzz-words like "HOPE!" FREEDOM!", "EQUALITY!" and "CHANGE!".

The Billboard is trying to sell an idea, and one usual and generally effective way of doing this is provocation. The billboard is made the way it is to grab their target demographic's attention. Wether that idea is politically, socially or religiously related is irrelevant.

Just thought I'd share this news story from my area.

A billboard in south Huntsville is causing a huge stir in north Alabama. The American Atheists put up a sign that reads "You know they're all scams" over the weekend.

Many local Christians are upset at the billboard, demanding it be removed. But why? The billboard is aimed toward other Atheists. What I find funny is, I also see a Christian billboard that reads "Where will you be going? Heaven or Hell"? and thats perfectly fine. I could raise the same ruckus over that if I chose.

However, I think both sides have the right to their own billboard, and whatever message they choose to give. Why not?

dog64

You should see the one in my neighborhood. It reads, "Reject Darwin."

I see no problem with this billboard.

If religious billboards are allowed, so should atheist billboards.Lonelynight

Why dont we hang nazi billboards as well?.. Look im not really religious at all but these are just stupid. Their intent is to delibrately insult and bash everyone who takes part in religious activities.. The religious billboards aren't trying to hurt anyone just draw in people who might wanna participate or become a part of their community. And if you dont want to than fine nobody cares.

[QUOTE="Oscar-Wilde"] It cost in the range of $2,500 to $3,500 to put a billboard for up for 4 weeks where i live, That is ****** load of money just to piss people off. Also confrontation doesn't convince anybody it makes people cling harder for their beliefs, It's the kind of stuff I expect fro the religious fanatics not from atheists.Harkat95

It's irrational because they are basically paying money to annoy people and ironically tell people to just live their lives when they are the ones paying for a billboard denouncing religion and can't seem to just live their life.

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"]If religious billboards are allowed, so should atheist billboards.VendettaRed07

Why dont we hang nazi billboards as well?.. Look im not really religious at all but these are just stupid. Their intent is to delibrately insult and bash everyone who takes part in religious activities.. The religious billboards aren't trying to hurt anyone just draw in people who might wanna participate or become a part of their community. And if you dont want to than fine nobody cares.

Nothing wrong there. I don't throw a fit every time I see something religious

BPoole96

Well maybe because they ( well normally.. in recent years lolz) are simple like.. Come to ____ Church, Everyone and Anyone is welcome... they aren't saying things JOIN US OR GO TO HELL ALL YOU SINNERS.. Which is the equivalent of this sign.. its just meant to make the people who put up the sign some how put themselves above other people

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"]If religious billboards are allowed, so should atheist billboards.VendettaRed07

Why dont we hang nazi billboards as well?.. Look im not really religious at all but these are just stupid. Their intent is to delibrately insult and bash everyone who takes part in religious activities.. The religious billboards aren't trying to hurt anyone just draw in people who might wanna participate or become a part of their community. And if you dont want to than fine nobody cares.

Well, if the Christian one can stay up, so should the atheist one. Only fair for both sides.

Though both are silly, really.

Normally I'm fine with billboards that promote one worldview over another. But that one downright insults the face of religion, and it should be taken down, or re-worded to be less offensive.Acemaster27

What about all the billboards / rallies / bumper stickers that insult people who follow a scientific way of thinking?

[QUOTE="BPoole96"]

Nothing wrong there. I don't throw a fit every time I see something religious

VendettaRed07

Well maybe because they ( well normally.. in recent years lolz) are simple like.. Come to ____ Church, Everyone and Anyone is welcome... they aren't saying things JOIN US OR GO TO HELL ALL YOU SINNERS.. Which is the equivalent of this sign.. its just meant to make the people who put up the sign some how put themselves above other people

yea being one that believes in god i can care less,they would only sway people who have little to no faith.

[QUOTE="VendettaRed07"]

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"]If religious billboards are allowed, so should atheist billboards.HoolaHoopMan

Why dont we hang nazi billboards as well?.. Look im not really religious at all but these are just stupid. Their intent is to delibrately insult and bash everyone who takes part in religious activities.. The religious billboards aren't trying to hurt anyone just draw in people who might wanna participate or become a part of their community. And if you dont want to than fine nobody cares.

Yeah and all those religious billboards that are in the least bit offensive to non religious people get killed by the media almost instantly. With everybody jumping around on MSNBC going OMFG RELIGION IS SO FULL OF HATE AND EVIL DLKFSLFSLDSF.

I agree, I do wish both radical ends of the spectrum would stfu.. But all the normal religious billboards are normally just promoting their churches/temples peacefully.. All the atheist billboards do is bash.. because they have no church or any sort of establishment.. If these radical atheists really care so much why dont they make a church or whatever sort of groups or organizations they want....then they can put up billboards promoting those organizations they want. But until then they just need to stfu and stop with bashing.

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

"If you can read this (if you are human), you are the top of the food-chain. .... Eventually, you will die, and wishing it weren't true won't change that, but at least you can live a full and meaningful life here and now, instead of wasting it following a god you know is a myth, and a religion you know is a scam."

PannicAtack

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"]If religious billboards are allowed, so should atheist billboards.VendettaRed07

Why dont we hang nazi billboards as well?.. Look im not really religious at all but these are just stupid. Their intent is to delibrately insult and bash everyone who takes part in religious activities.. The religious billboards aren't trying to hurt anyone just draw in people who might wanna participate or become a part of their community. And if you dont want to than fine nobody cares.

after 1 page of debate, too.

Jeez, some people in here... Religion is a worldview, an OPINION. Saying an opinion is incorrect, which is exactly what this billboard is doing, is a basic democratic right. Someone compared it to a nazi billboard, and there is a huge difference: A Nazi billboard would be saying that a race of people are inferior. Race, is case you did not know, is something you DON'T decide, as opposed to opinion. And thus, a nazi billboard would be discrimination, as opposed to this one.

[QUOTE="VendettaRed07"]

[QUOTE="Lonelynight"]If religious billboards are allowed, so should atheist billboards.SkyWard20

Why dont we hang nazi billboards as well?.. Look im not really religious at all but these are just stupid. Their intent is to delibrately insult and bash everyone who takes part in religious activities.. The religious billboards aren't trying to hurt anyone just draw in people who might wanna participate or become a part of their community. And if you dont want to than fine nobody cares.

after 1 page of debate, too.

I was gonna use the KKK, buutttt, I thought I would help keep godwins law theory going..

I think "SCAM" is the perfect choice of word. Sure it'll offend some people (but then again it is kinda childish to be offended by billboards, and some people are sissy like that), but more importantly it'll stir up a discussion on whether or not religions are scams, or which elements of a particular religion constitute the scam, if any. You may even want to checkout the Billboard Warsbetween Christians and atheists.

The US is a really nice place.GazaAli