What I find interesting is that some people on here believe the sign was inflammatory and not suited to conveying a friendly atheist message. First, what I find interesting is that each religion might find the sign offensive for a DIFFERENT REASON. The LDS might consider it an affront and insult to Joseph Smith or their current prophet; the Christians to Jesus; the Scientologists to Xenu the Giant Clam; and the Pastafarians to their Flying Spaghetti Monster.

I have one word for all this – grow up, America. This isn’t a “nice” world… and religion has gotten a free pass at insulting and putting non-believers down for too long now. Asking a question which makes most superstitious (aka religious) people angry is more than appropriate, just as preachers find it okay to espouse their sermon topic on the signboard outside their church (”get saved or go to hell…”). Tit for tat. Grow up, America.

Since when did we have to begin sugar-coating the truth, anyway? It sounds to me like some of you disagree with the tactics, which is a purely subjective objection. None of you have quarreled with the message itself. Truth is an absolute defense. I’m sorry to see that some of you are okay with discarding the truth in order to be “politically correct.”

Ummm, b/c many atheists are fucking tired of being told when/where they can speak. A swift kick of rational thought is exactly what lots of religious folks need.

Final count of the poll:
Partial censorship, 3%
No censorship, 96%
Full censorship, 1%

“My God’s Not Dead – Sorry About Yours”

Of course I agree that it was stupid for the campus people (who yes in that section of the country will be more religiously conservative – Biggest group is probably Mormons but they tend to lay off since they’ve gotten picked on so much by evangelicals as well.

So if you want to fight it politically go for it – but that is only one (long drawn out spproach)

Since cynicism doesn’t sell and people generally dont like to be made fun of
even if they agree with you – I suggest hosting a dialog between an atheist and a Christian who actually like and respect each other (ring any bells)

Then people can choose who they like – the “there is no God crowd” or the “imaginary friends crowd” I think it would surprise everyone and make for good will on the campus (something almost no one will resist) and I predict the Secular Student groups mission of providing support for people who are tired of pretending that there is a God and increasing their numbers will be accomplished

I think I’ve read a book by someone who knows something about this approach – I Sold My Soul on Ebay or something like that

RobL Says:

I am not happy with the censorship but I also think the banner was a bad choice for the location. It would be fine in Berkeley

If their goal is to bring in new members something softer along the lines of “If you have doubts this might be your club” would be more effective.

Agreed totally. BTW Berkeley has active religious groups and they coexist with atheist and humanist groups quite well, including club days and other events when everyone has their booths out. They also get bible thumping preachers telling the students and staff that they’re all fornicators and blasphemers. Those guys get heckled quite a bit but nobody objects to their being there.

Errm, the problem isn’t that it makes Christians ashamed, but rather that it makes them annoyed at the rather dubious implication that they are childish. Think how annoyed when you get when you see the accusation that atheists are in denial about the existence of God. That’s about the feeling the Christians are getting.

I recognize the danger of having a sign that can be taken as insulting. It was a choice I weighed when I made it. My decision partly had to do with the tone I wanted to set for us here in Boise. I don’t want us to be ashamed of our non-belief and if that means upsetting some of the religious folks that’s a risk we must be willing to take. Others may disagree, which I understand and respect, but I’ve just come from a military base in North Carolina and I’m tired of keeping my mouth shut.

At this event I was really reaching out to those who are already non-believers. Eventually we would like to open a dialog between ourselves and the MANY religious groups on campus but we’re a new group and these tabling events don’t seem well suited to the thoughtful discussion necessary for revealing the man behind the curtain.

That being said, I know I’ve got a lot to learn about organizing events and promoting positive atheism so I really appreciate the constructive criticism.

Lloyd Lowe

edit: To Shaggy, we do see those signs all over the place. And we deal with it. We may grumble amongst ourselves but we don’t pull their banners down and stifle their message. BSU had a horrific “Christian Week” just a little while ago where pastors were handing out Bibles ALL OVER CAMPUS, for a WEEK.