Both the billboards and bus signs mentioned above mention "God," and don't specify which. They aren't attacks on a specific religion, they're an advertisement for atheism/agnosticism, which would mean rejecting belief in any organized religion.
Please, they should just say Allah and see what happens. They are using Santa Claus which is a symbol for Christmas, which is a Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of christ. from the group:
Although I am an atheist, I grew up going to Catholic school, and I'm perfectly alright with these billboards and the Christian billboards. If a belief in God helps you through your life, then by all means believe in God. I'm certainly okay with groups being there for each other, no matter what they believe. ON A SIDE NOTE: I'm so shocked this thread hasn't gotten out of hand. This seems like a very sensitive issue and a lot of times people here get really defensive about these issues, and so far everyone has made clear rationals comments. Thank You To Everyone Who Posted Here! I was starting to ignore that OT thread because everyone gets into insulting matches, and baiting comments.
Since when is Santa a symbol for christianity? Also, it would be dumb to put one with Allah or targeting Jews. There is a lot more Christians in the United States than Jews and Muslims. Targeting Christians is a better use of their money.
No, Jews and Muslims are more radical when it comes to their responses...either violently (muslims) or politically (jews). Hating jews is a hate crime, hating christianity is vogue...they've become somewhat of a punching bag as its actually easier to hate and mock them as they don't really fight back in a reasonable manner.
Santa = symbol for Christmas Christmas = Christian holiday its the same reason people are saying "happy holidays" now, because "Christmas" is more a Christian term than anything.
j/k....i think what it means is that atheists who espout their beliefs externally are seen as fringe kind of people in this country...kind of like PETA activisists or alien conspiracy peeps...or even evangelical christians.....they just seem like losers in general, like most people who define their existence and tell it to others who don't really give a shit.
The point is that they're basically baiting christians for a reaction, nothing more. As I mentioned, they really can't do this to muslims or jews, otherwise the signs would be met with either cries of antisemitism or extreme violence.
Its worth it to them because it gets christians up in a hissy fit. It would be like me putting up an Anti-Lakers billboard up by staples, I would kind of get a personal kick out of it...but again, to most, it would be a waste of money. It would generate controversy and laker fans would be pissed.
i agree. it's not that people don't like atheists, they just don't like atheists who are extremely vocal about their beliefs. and people in general don't like any group of people that is extremely vocal with their beliefs(unless of course they have the same beliefs).
what it comes down to is that these guys are assholes putting these billboards up. i would know, because I am one myself.
“No, I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered as patriots. This is one nation under God.” - George Bush Is this a good enough reason? Or is your brain too tired from "thinking" of other reasons?
+1 Just like MSNBC or FOX news, or whichever talk radio program you decide to listen too, people choose to listen to whatever fits their beliefs. No ones beliefs bother me unless they are trying to force it one me, or are doing something to harm someone else.
link link I don't think the main reason for using Santa is because they want to attack christians. The ad is equating belief in a god to belief in Santa Claus and thus calling religious people naive (or worse). They chose Santa because he is easily recognisable. It's an ad-campaign after all.
