Atheism ads on buses spread from London to Spain

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Madrid, Spain, Jan 9, 2009 / 01:46 pm (CNA).- A campaign promoting atheism through ads on public buses in London has spread to the Spanish cities of Barcelona and Madrid, igniting a controversy among the inhabitants of both cities.

The so-called “atheist buses” in London were inspired by columnist Ariane Sherine of The Guardian and backed by the British Humanistic Association and Professor Richard Dawkins. Soon after philosopher, Anthony Grayling, journalist Polly Toynbee and the British Atheistic Association also voiced their support for the campaign.

The campaign now has some $250,000 in donations and has spread to other British cities, where some 600 buses carry ads that read, “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” On Monday 1000 ads will be posted on London’s subway network.

Now, the Spanish media is reporting that “atheist buses” are circulating in Barcelona, and the Madrid city government said it would not oppose the ad campaign as long as it does not violate any advertising norms.

Comments: 17

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Adam
Costa Rica 01/20/2009 07:00 PM EST

To answer William Van Duzen's question "Any idea why they only appear[sic] to be doing this in Christian countries and not Muslim? You don't suppose it is because their scared do you."

No, the reason they aren't doing this in Muslim countries is because they don't have freedom of speech.

Published by: Eric
Venezuela 01/14/2009 10:59 AM EST

It would be interesting that those Mr. and Ms. atheistic to open an investigation upon the quantity supernatural character events or that simply have violated the natural laws along the history of the Christianity. The list is interesting, the Eucharistic miracles , Marian apparitions and their prophecies, the miraculous healings , the permanence of our Church by but of two thousand years of history, or they give a look at the classics five ways to show the God's existence of Saint Thomas Aquino. etc. etc. and then see if they follow with their same convictions: and if they continue placing placards; its attitude is some irresponsible.

Published by: sam
Lahore 01/14/2009 04:33 AM EST

The athiest will match with the muslims because the muslim do not believe in God but Allah.There is no God but allah.
The muslims are gradually taking over Europe by hook or by crook and west be dominated by muslims and will be forced to worship allah or hellfire.
They will be rewarded with lots of goddies in the hereafter.

Published by: Raymond Peringer
Toronto, Canada 01/12/2009 01:18 PM EST

There is always an aura of adolescent glee around self-styled humanists. This latest publicity stunt is yet another expression of their anger at the world which hold religious values in high regard. They need these attention-grabbing ads to help convince themselves of their views. Best left ignored.

Published by: ~The Mage~
Strathroy/ON/Canada 01/12/2009 11:22 AM EST

"There probably is no God... so stop worrying about right and wrong. We're all just accidents. With no God, there is no morality, so just go ahead and lie, steal, kill, cheat, and whatever else. It doesn't matter."

Unbelievable. Does Richard Dawkins *ever* think through to its natural consequences what he says?

Published by: Denis
UK 01/10/2009 07:13 PM EST

I enjoyed reading this objective and accurate article, but I disagree with the other commenters:
1 - They are doing this in a "christian" (er, there are other faiths here too...) country because that is where they live. The UK is a democracy where freedom of speech and religious belief are supported. 2 - Sadly? It's time to rejoice, this ad campaign surely means the end of the world is nigh! 3 - the most ardent NON-theists (how can you be "anti-NOTHING"?) will say the ads aren't strong enough. Of course if it could be proven that there probably IS a God, the outcome would be pro-theist.

Published by: Mo
Pacific Palisades CA USA 01/10/2009 03:05 PM EST

Readers should note that this campaign is a reaction to the very vocal and visible proselytizing by Christian groups in recent years, which seek to tell non-believers that they cannot live good, productive lives without a belief in a god. Be content in your own faith and leave it to others to find their own meaning. Atheists are no one's enemy.

Published by: Carlq
Canada 01/10/2009 02:45 PM EST

These guys are hooked on the "probability theory". I wish they bet on Paschal's wager.

Published by: Sasha
Canada 01/10/2009 11:03 AM EST

Go atheists!
We need to end superstition.

Published by: Dan
UK 01/10/2009 10:43 AM EST

William, This is not being done is Musilm countries (yet) because a) it would probably be banned by religious zealots
b) it would probably ignite a riot by religious zealots

It would also be wise to consider certain area populated by catholic fundamentalists - they can be just a violent as musilms. Am I scared? You bet.

Colin, the probably is there to comply with advertising rules. In addition, its also impossible to disprove any 'god' as it is to prove it. Therefore, we use 'probably'.

Published by: Richard
NY 01/10/2009 03:56 AM EST

I don't see what the problem is, there is far less "atheist advertising" than Christian advertising, if they want to say something we should just let them. Free speech and all that.

Published by: sam
Lahore 01/10/2009 01:49 AM EST

These athiest are doing all ths for kick's sake as they are all sick and their tummies are are full. Starvation and disaster is coming soon as there is too much freedom in the west.

Published by: PET class Humane
Guayaquil, Guayas, Equator 01/09/2009 09:24 PM EST

There is a confused comment, because they have said there is no God. We are Christian people, How can we be happy if we don't have God? We can't enjoy our life.

Santiago de Guayaquil
Ecuador

Published by: August
NYC 01/09/2009 07:20 PM EST

They were forced to put the "probably" in by he advertising standards board, it is not a reflection of them not being strong in the belief that there is no God

Published by: William Van Duzen
Dekalb IL 01/09/2009 04:43 PM EST

Any idea why they only apear to be doing this in Christian countries and not Muslim? You don't suppose it is because their scared do you. They bite at our Lady's heal.

Published by: Jack
NY 01/09/2009 03:03 PM EST

It's sadly Antichrist's reign. This man has yet to show his face.

Published by: Colm
Canada 01/09/2009 01:55 PM EST

Heh, the 'probably' in that statement is sure to draw even the most ardent anti-theist to re-evaluate their beliefs. This could end up being one of the more effective pro-theist ad campaigns.

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