Billboard Apology

As an atheist myself, I must speak out to express my opinion that the image depicted on this billboard is very counterproductive in promoting our cause because it reinforces already existing negative stereotypes of atheists as troublemakers. The billboard is equally as abhorrent as those billboards depicting aborted fetuses, and it is as equally ineffective in promoting in its message. Yes, the message the billboard contains may be true, but it is not likely to win many friends or influence many minds. Let us also not forget that there were Christians fighting on both sides during the American Civil War, and this billboard therefore gives those believers who cite the positive role of religion in history the ammunition they need in defense of their fairy tales. For me, atheism is grounded in reasoned critical thinking, the scientific method, and a deep skepticism of all forms of religious belief. It is about the sense of wonder at the immensity and mystery of the cosmos, and sharing with others that sense of wonder and mystery, together with the pursuit the proper methods to follow in pursuit of that mystery and gain a better understanding of our place in it. Some of the best modern role models for this kind of positive atheism are Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Carl Sagan, and Stephen Hawking. Though Albert Einstein frequently made conflicting statements regarding God and religion, I always loved his answer to a direct question that was put to him about religion when he declared with the lovely double entendere “I am a religious unbeliever.” In my experience, perhaps the best ambassadors for atheism are the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and The Skeptics Society. Let us follow their example of modeling free and open, but non-threatening, discourse in our common pursuit of promoting reason, science, and skeptical inquiry.