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Atheist Bus Campaign Comes to New Zealand

11 December 2009 4 Comments

Author:  Jason is one of the editors at TM and is currently undertaking a BA in philosophy. Read more from him

bus

The campaign to promote atheism on New Zealand buses was launched yesterday. Organizers are hoping to raise $10,000 in order to run the advertisements from March next year. The campaign migrates from Britain, where 800 buses in that country have circulated slogans such as “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life” and “Why believe in a God? Just be good for goodness’ sake.” Spokesperson for the campaign, Simon Fisher, argues that while the group has no agenda to increase atheist numbers they hope the advertisements will reduce any stigma that might be attached to the atheism label. At the 2006 census 1.3 million New Zealanders professed to be without religion, although how many of these are actually atheists was not measured.

While some may be critical of the campaign, Christians should welcome the fact that one of the (intended or unintended) consequences of the advertisements is that it puts the question of God’s existence back into public debate. Contrary to the atheist message of the campaign, the debate about God matters and is worth worrying about.

Also, check out this cool bus slogan generator.

(HT: Rob)

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4 Comments »

  • Bob said:

    Hmm … atheists paying big money advertising to boost the number of agnostics? ;)

    # 11 December 2009 at 6:45 pm
  • Jonathan said:

    Yes, it is nice to see the issue put out there. I like how people are confronted and actually have to think. The obvious message that springs out for me is that I do not need to modify my behaviour, for there are no ultimate consequences. Do what I want, enjoy myself, if I can get away with something, “Whoohoo, all the better.” Once we start teaching people this, we should not feign surprise at a subsequent decay in moral standards.

    As for myself, I really am enjoying getting to know God better and learning to live in His love. Glad to know that I am doing as agnostically instructed, ‘enjoying myself’ with the way, truth and ‘life’.

    # 12 December 2009 at 1:03 am
  • Thinking Matters Talk » Blog Archive » There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life. said:

    [...] Author:  Stuart holds a Bachelor of Design and is currently studying theology at Laidlaw College. Read more from him
    I’ve taken the time to write some of my thoughts on the proposed “Atheist” bus advertising initiative which was such a success in Britain, and looks to be coming to New Zealand. The proposed signage reads “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” For more information on this campaign, visit Atheist Bus Campaign Comes to New Zealand. [...]

    # 14 December 2009 at 11:19 pm
  • There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life. « Theology Geek NZ said:

    [...] as  “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life” (check out this post for all the details).  Here’s my take on the [...]

    # 15 December 2009 at 2:04 am