I read that an atheist group in London has raised funds to advertise on the sides of the double-decker buses. They're even in Seattle. They're slogan: There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.
This sort of irks me, not just as a believer and follower of Christ (which is obvious), but for a rather logical reason. I can defend any opinion I have or view I have by saying, "That goes against my religion." But anyone can say that, and with so many different view points circling, I know I feel that way, but I need to have a tangible reason to agree or disagree (Megan hates this simply for the reason that "because" is not an answer that's allowed in our house).
The slogan seems to go against what Atheists believe. Atheists don't believe there's a God, a heaven or a hell. Which is fine. They don't owe any of us anything, so they don't answer to anyone here on Earth. I believe there is one God, a heaven and a hell, but that's fine for me, because (like I said) I have to answer for my own actions, not anyone else's (and no one has to answer for me).
From this idea (them believing nothing exists after we die), why would they waste money on a campaign like this? They're becoming what they supposedly hate: evangelical atheists.
I don't believe "winning souls" happens when strangers knock on people's doors and expect a ten minute window to change someone's life. In fact, Jehovah's witnesses, Mormons and even Baptist door knockers get the same answer from me: "I'm not interested." I'm an equal opportunity heart breaker.
God works how God wants to work. Atheists shouldn't have to worry about how God works because, remember, they don't believe he exists. So why must they try to recruit? Here's what I think. I think they're in the same attention grabbing club the "look at me" Christians belong to. This group is commonly referred to as Pharasis.
Here's a few warning signs to watch for to let some stupidity roll off your back:
- 1. The Gothic Satanist: If you research most real Satanic worshipers, they don't hold vigils or ceremonies. They don't worship Satan like we worship God. They're not trying to get you to be on their side, either. They don't care about anyone else, so they don't bother with anyone else. If you see a Marilyn Manson look-a-like, it's for attention. They might be physically dangerous, but they're probably seeking attention.
- 2. The Rock Star Worshiper: Worship isn't a program (I could go for days on this). It isn't a show. It isn't a production. It's honor. You show me your best "air guitar P&W" and I'll show you my best impression of Cleveland from Family Guy (I've got it pretty much down). Give me something real.
- 3. FAKE: Your favorite book is not the Bible. Church is not one of your interests. Your "curse-replacement words" convey the same subject as the real word. Give me a break. There's no such thing a "Christian" media. Music, fiction, art, movies - these have no soul, therefore cannot enter the afterlife. Plus, most of it sucks. And no one is really a true fan of whatever ball team is trendy at the time. If they are, ask to see their 1983 ticket stub (just thought I'd throw that in there....Go Mets).
- 4. RANDOM: Random acts of kindness are not random. People treat others kindly because they feel compelled to, not because they have to. Compassion is an expression and character trait, not a duty. If you see someone being kind, that's they're "testimony" not the 30 minute speech they'll give you on their front porch. Jesus hung out with drunks and prostitutes. His 12 were fishermen (think about it, you really believe their language was flowery and clean?).
So, Mr. and Mrs. Atheist, give it up. Spend some money on beer or a stripper or something that will actually help the economy. You'd have a bigger impact that way.
5 comments:
So, I'm usually not one to respond to posts and blogs (especially those about religion), but I felt compelled with this one.
The organization that started these bus ads was first triggered by a Christian ad that was full of condemnation for those who do not choose to believe in a god that Christians deem to be the one and only. Allowing for your previous rationalization, “but that’s fine for me, because (like I said) I have to answer for my own actions, not anyone else’s…” it would seem as if the Christian ad could be considered just as offensive as you see the atheist ad, if you look at it from an atheist’s perspective without judging them because their believes do not affect your own.
Additionally, there appears to be two widespread perceptions of atheists that must be corrected. First, most think that because there is no belief in a God that religions shouldn’t matter to them at all. They should just go find a hole and not talk about their beliefs because they “don’t believe in anything.” While it is true that atheists do not believe in God, many atheists are passionate about what their lack of religion frees them to believe in instead of being bound by the rules that Christianity or other religions place on their followers’ lives. Atheistbus.org describes atheism by saying, “It’s about making sense of the world, thinking freely and feeling liberated because of it. It’s about using your intellect and sense of reason to learn what life is about, and having the courage to think for yourself. It’s about relying on evidence when deciding on your beliefs, and being brave enough to speak the truth.”
The second stigma attached to atheism is that because of a lack in believe of the Christian God, that atheist some how also lack any sort of moral standing. No, you did not say that directly, but it is implied by instructing atheists to “spend some money on beer or a stripper or something” rather than contributing to something they believe in. This point is what really made me want to respond to your blog. My belief or disbelief in a God has no bearing on the morals that I belief in, act on, or expect. I am not a bad person because I do not believe the way you do and I resent that so many people assume that the word atheist is equated with such a horrible misunderstanding. Perhaps the woman who initially wanted to share her beliefs on the side of that London bus had the same feelings as I have. That someone needs to see atheism for what it is not what it is only thought to be.
First of all, I agree with you one hundred percent. But I'll clear up some misunderstandings.
1. I don't believe atheists are amoral or immoral people. I personally know people of other belief systems who believe hurting your fellow man or breaking a law is just not right. My attempt at a funny closing sentence was not directed at the idea that atheists have a lack of morals. I was just saying that a lot more fun could be had with the money spent on an "in your face" type of expression.
2. I am a believer, but I'm also fully aware that there are MILLIONS of annoying Christians who give the idea of the Gospel a bad name. I lump the lady who first had the Christian message on the bus in the came category as those with the atheist organization. This idea goes towards religion and government. Don't shove your belief down my throat because I'm not shoving mine down yours. I believe those who do don't believe in their position strong enough, and have to persuade others by using advertising should find something else to do with their time and money.
3. I agree with what you said about the widespread misconceptions, but there are misconceptions about believers too. Becoming what you hate is a pretty good definition of stupidity. Those who label themselves evangelicals anger me because when you hear that term, you suddenly thing crazy preacher man on the corner speaking of doom and destruction. So these angry atheists are not using their collective intelligence, but are rather using fire to fight fire. Both are uninviting. The group that pushed tolerance is now pushing separatism.
4. "God probably doesn't exist..." probably? Let's put aside the afterlife and all religious beliefs. No beliefs now. Probably? I'm not going to spend a dime on "probably," so those who have wasted their money on a possibility should rethink their ideas. The stock market will possibly rise. Sorry, not investing right now. The parachute will probably open. Nope, not jumping. The lion will probably not hurt you. Not stepping in that arena. Probably doesn't cut it. You don't get hired on a "probably." You shouldn't base your beliefs on a probably either.
5. I love the idea that people, no matter what their belief, can think. Think. Don't succumb. Christians need to question their faith more. How do you know your faith is strong if it's never put to the test? Atheists, PLEASE don't become evangelical in your life. There are too many "evangelicals" now, and they're on the other team.
I hope you don't think I'm condemning you. Who am I to judge? I have my beliefs, you have yours. We can still get along. But being militant in any action is the wrong way to go. Look at the 1960s.
I think the ads funny actually. And pretty true. "Probably" is a nice way to put it.
I like it because growing up as a devout Baptist, I was always worried about what I was doing wrong and how I was going to be punished for it (or not punished, whatever, grace, blah blah. But if it's wrong, it's wrong. You still get grief.) True, being gay was a big part of it, because I don't think that's wrong and apparently God does (in most circles). But my mom, for instance, went through a very rough time struggling with her faith and she honestly got pretty depressed. I'm sure other people have similar struggles.
So if you're trying to make an educated decision about whether or not to be spiritual — oh, and not taking the "it's in the Bible so it's true and no one can help that; you just have to follow blindly" approach — I think you should consider what faith does for you. If it hurts you, it's easier to let it go. A little.
That's where I think the "Probably" comes in. Faithfulness not an absolute decision and you can't help that. You believe what you believe. I like to think I believe in God. Sometimes I do stronger than other times. I don't have blind faith: my faith is based mostly on evidence, meaning I think I feel God sometimes or see God in things, but sometimes I think he's absent when he shouldn't be. Plus you know...the historic and scientific evidence to the contrary and the Bible making about zero sense and all that.
So yeah I think the atheists are doing a service instead of sitting at home and listening to Manson or whatever.
Personally, I like the points you made. Pointing out hypocrisy is never pleasant for the person who is being deemed hypocritical. :-)
Putting beliefs aside, I'm just floored that we can all post on here, even though we may not all agree, and do so in a respectable fashion. Plus, religion should never get in the way of BECOMING friends. That's where the hate lies. Just because you don't believe what I believe, or I don't see it your way, doesn't mean we can't get to know each other. I absolutely LOVE having diverse friends. It doesn't allow me to become complacent.
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