Richard Dawkins -- famed evolutionary biologist and bestselling atheist has launched a new 2009 campaign in Britain to get atheists to "come out." All over central London, the tube, and on the sides of buses will be the following slogan:'There's probably no God, now stop worrying and enjoy your life.'
Yes, I blogged about this in November when the American Humanist Association forked out money for a Christmas campaign in Washington D.C. challenging the existence of God Almighty. Most of my views in that blog remain static. Hey, if you don't want to believe in God, well, offending me is the least of your problems. You can stand on the street corner in a rubber suit and belt out atheist pish posh all day and night. It's your right as an American...and God bless...wait, I mean, bless America...wait that doesn't work either...how about 'U.S.A all the way!'
Yeah right... anyway, there is one issue I've reconsidered. The campaigns in Britain and the U.S. might have a counter effect not anticipated by their sponsors. By creating a stir around something as profound as the existence of God, people (who might not otherwise) start thinking about God and His role in the true big picture of life. What question is more important to the believer and the atheist? Why did Richard Dawkins take all that time writing about something he doesn't actually believe exist? Are the Humanist obsessed with in-your-face antics directed at the religious? Did I lower the garage door when I left this morning?
A ha! I got you thinking about the garage door. See what I mean?
The very slogan used by the British Humanist Association 'probably no God' creates a realm of debate with -'probably.' The persons targeted by the ads could easily become confused:
Well, do they believe in God or not? Look people, my eternal soul is in the balance here. The Jesus people seem pretty darn sure about what they believe. There's no 'Jesus probably died for your sins' or 'God might love you and He might not' stuff. Hey, I need to be sure here before I start living it up as you Humanist suggest. By the way, what is that...Humanist? Isn't that what George Costanza made up fake Christmas cards to and passed around his office on Seinfeld?
Yeah, I'm feeling pretty good about this campaign. Money well spent. You're still thinking about your garage door...aren't you?
7 comments:
The ironic thing is, for Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens and all those obsessed with their unbelief in God, God must evidently be making himself known to them or they wouldn't be fighting against Him so desperately. I have been praying for both of them since I saw the movie Expelled. God has worked in prominent atheists hearts before: C.S. Lewis, Lee Strobel, Charles Templeton, et al.
If you've haven't seen Ben Stein's 'Expelled,' go see it. Dawkins comes off as a very bitter little man who seems to find no joy in existence. Funny how he tries to put on the act that he is indeed happy.
Thoughtful post. Thanks.
I think about this stuff a lot. I mean, why don't people believe in God? Why do they think church is not worthwhile?
I hear a lot about relevance, which means what? Contemporary music and chance to wear jeans in the sanctuary?
I know there is a battle out there. It is not against flesh and blood, that is what Paul said. Like a NE Patriots fan, I am rooting for the church! Go Jesus! (Jesus smokes Tom Brady!) We didn't make the play offs, but look at our history.
What's the problem?
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before [all] men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
That's the game plan. We just need to let our best get off the bench and get in the game.
Tony,
Great point. I forgot where I heard the quote, but it goes something like this:
Atheists don't believe in God and want to blame Him for all of the world's problems.
Thank you for your comment.
I like how you write! I a lot of truth mixed in with a little sarcasm and humor is just my style.
I wholeheartedly agree by the way.
I read your profile and am very interested in what you have to say, merely because of where you have been.
I wonder if you might be able to take the time to comment on my post previous to the one you commented on. A non-realist has entered the conversation. I have no background in philosophy, so I thought you might like to join in.
I thought that was a little odd. Why would an Atheist slogan have the word "probably" isn't that the big thing about being an Atheist. That you know there's no God, therefore, you're an Atheist?
Probably belongs in the realm of Agnostics. At least they admit they don't know.
No, I'm not thinking about my garage door, I'm thinking about that poor bus with that ridiculous statement printed on its side.
Why are people stupid?
I'm not being very Christlike here, I know, but COME ON, PEOPLE.
Saying there's no God is like saying Pepsi is better than Coke.
Utterly ridiculous.
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