The gods Neptune and Jesus are displayed side by side on a new billboard next to the 55 Freeway at Edinger Ave. in Santa Ana, California. The 48 by 14' billboard, a joint venture of American Atheists, Inc. and the Backyard Skeptics, also relays the message, Tell your family you don't believe in gods ...they might just agree. It's the second billboard the two groups have erected in Orange County. The first, which was unveiled in January, displays Neptune, Jesus, Santa Claus and the Devil, along with the message, 7 million Californians know MYTHS when they see them. What myths do you see? It's located on Beach Blvd. in Westminster.
From American Atheists:
Dave Silverman, President of American Atheists, said, “The target audience of our billboard is closeted atheists. We want them to recognize that they do see the images as myths and hopefully come out of the closet. We especially want in-the-pew atheists to begin questioning why they are continuing the charade of going to church and giving their money to mythology.”
Mr. Silverman continued, “The billboard also lets our fellow atheists know that there are local and national organizations out there for them.”
Blair Scott, Communications Director, stated, “The billboard is not designed to offend people, but we know some people will be upset due to the nature of religious belief. Regardless of one’s theological views, we should all support Freedom of Speech. The real offensive view comes from those who say we do not have a right to put up our billboards.”
He adds, ” When you question someone’s long-held beliefs and doctrine they are going to be immediately offended and be on the defensive: it’s a known psychological phenomenon,” said Scott.
American Atheists will also be testing whether football fans feel the same way because the group has just announced they will be flying an airplane banner on Super Bowl Sunday around Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The banner will read Football beats church anytime – atheists.org. The banner is scheduled to be in the air from 9:30-11:30 AM local time.
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