Bus Boycott Because of Atheist Advertisement

[mav2097]

While watching the news last night there was a story about a sign being posted on 4 local buses. The sign says this:
"Millions of American are GOOD WITHOUT GOD"

The whole story can be found here:
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2010/12/02/bus- ... thout-god/

As a nonbeliever, I have no qualms with this but some christian leaders in the area have decided to boycott the buses until the signs are removed. They have compared it to the Birmingham, AL boycott during the 60's(?).

My question is to christians:
Is it right for christian leaders to boycott these busses because of the advertisement? If so, why?

[Goat]

No, I am a theist and I dont believe atheism to be immoral at all. There are many theists who dont hold that view while a lot of them, probably fundamentalists, do hold the view.

When it comes to theists, particularly in the Southern states, I am sure you can find Christians who think that being Catholic is immoral, or Muslim, Jewish or even Mormon.

[Kuan]

No, I am a theist and I dont believe atheism to be immoral at all. There are many theists who dont hold that view while a lot of them, probably fundamentalists, do hold the view.

When it comes to theists, particularly in the Southern states, I am sure you can find Christians who think that being Catholic is immoral, or Muslim, Jewish or even Mormon.

I am sure that there are many of any religion who find it to be immoral but there are many who dont think it is immoral.

[RDCH]

I think in the first place, that this way of spreading atheism is kind of provoking.

These bus ads are not attempts to spread atheism. What they are attempting to do is to improve the acceptance of atheists. We exist, we have existed, we are good people, you probably know some of us, we don't sacrifice kittens, you might even be one. And it is OK. Really.

Hmm yes, I am an atheist. And freedom of speech means technically anyone can express his or her opinions, but that does not exclude that some might be inappropriate. Would you be fine with it if - suppose a Pedophile sect would exist - they put signs of "Pedophiles are good people. You shouldn't consider us outcasts because of our sexual preferences." After all, pedophiles are totally normal, they just have a different sexual preference (children).

Because its against the law.

Better example I think is the BGLT community..

Ok, but suppose some conservative guy succeeds at introducing a law that atheism is forbidden by law? Of course this won't happen (I mean, I really hope it doesn't). I totally agree with you guys, but I'm just trying to imagine a reasonable reason for which Christians would be offended by this ad.

PS: Reason I didn't pick the BGLT is because I didn't know it (but thanks for mentioning it, now I do)

I would have a problem with it because it sounds immoral to me. Atheism looks immoral to theists too...

On the other hand, I just can't grasp it that America so violently excludes atheists, or as Bush Senior would put it " Atheists are not American citizens".
That situation is unimaginable for me, and perhaps that explains why I think it is inappropriate, because in Belgium this was never done.

No, I am a theist and I dont believe atheism to be immoral at all. There are many theists who dont hold that view while a lot of them, probably fundamentalists, do hold the view.

Of course, I tend to generalize a bit too much. I was pointing at the more radical ones.

[fewwillfindit]

I voted, "No, because it is their right to advertise what they wish."

I'm not big on Christians legislating Christianity or manipulating it in the public square.

I would have a problem with it because it sounds immoral to me. Atheism looks immoral to theists too...

I do not see Atheists as being labeled immoral just because they are Atheists. Morality speaks of actions, not beliefs.

[RDCH]

I voted, "No, because it is their right to advertise what they wish."

I'm not big on Christians legislating Christianity or manipulating it in the public square.

I would have a problem with it because it sounds immoral to me. Atheism looks immoral to theists too...

I do not see Atheists as being labeled immoral just because they are Atheists. Morality speaks of actions, not beliefs.

Though some fundamentalist christians do relate atheism to immorality...

[Kuan]

I think in the first place, that this way of spreading atheism is kind of provoking.

These bus ads are not attempts to spread atheism. What they are attempting to do is to improve the acceptance of atheists. We exist, we have existed, we are good people, you probably know some of us, we don't sacrifice kittens, you might even be one. And it is OK. Really.

Hmm yes, I am an atheist. And freedom of speech means technically anyone can express his or her opinions, but that does not exclude that some might be inappropriate. Would you be fine with it if - suppose a Pedophile sect would exist - they put signs of "Pedophiles are good people. You shouldn't consider us outcasts because of our sexual preferences." After all, pedophiles are totally normal, they just have a different sexual preference (children).

Because its against the law.

Better example I think is the BGLT community..

Ok, but suppose some conservative guy succeeds at introducing a law that atheism is forbidden by law? Of course this won't happen (I mean, I really hope it doesn't). I totally agree with you guys, but I'm just trying to imagine a reasonable reason for which Christians would be offended by this ad.

PS: Reason I didn't pick the BGLT is because I didn't know it (but thanks for mentioning it, now I do)

It is subjective, but it is based upon what most will agree to be "morally" right. The only reason I can think christians can be offended is because its about the first time their beliefs have been challenged.

I would have a problem with it because it sounds immoral to me. Atheism looks immoral to theists too...

On the other hand, I just can't grasp it that America so violently excludes atheists, or as Bush Senior would put it " Atheists are not American citizens".
That situation is unimaginable for me, and perhaps that explains why I think it is inappropriate, because in Belgium this was never done.

No, I am a theist and I dont believe atheism to be immoral at all. There are many theists who dont hold that view while a lot of them, probably fundamentalists, do hold the view.

Of course, I tend to generalize a bit too much. I was pointing at the more radical ones.

I generalize to sometimes, but if you do on this forum people will be quick to point it out.

[RDCH]

@ mormon boy51,

I noticed. *wink* I'll try not to generalize in the future.

Btw, very to the point, your comment about the reason why they'd be offended

[fewwillfindit]

I voted, "No, because it is their right to advertise what they wish."

I'm not big on Christians legislating Christianity or manipulating it in the public square.

I would have a problem with it because it sounds immoral to me. Atheism looks immoral to theists too...

I do not see Atheists as being labeled immoral just because they are Atheists. Morality speaks of actions, not beliefs.

Though some fundamentalist christians do relate atheism to immorality...

Which is precisely why I said, "I do not see..."

[Kuan]

@ mormon boy51,

I noticed. *wink* I'll try not to generalize in the future.

Btw, very to the point, your comment about the reason why they'd be offended

No point in beating around the bush, say the truth dont smear the truth.

[McCulloch]

Ok, but suppose some conservative guy succeeds at introducing a law that atheism is forbidden by law?

Such a law would be struck down as being unconstitutional.