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PHOTO: INDIANA ATHEIST BUS CAMPAIGN
Yesterday, in response to the ad crusade recently waged by the Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign on Chicago city buses, I asked what atheism has to offer me that transcends my own self. Today, I’d like to ask a second question: Why do atheists so often experience the need to persuade me that there is no God? If, as most of them say, God is a fantasy, why can’t they just cluck once or twice in sympathy, pat me on the head, and then leave me to my delusion?
I’ve often wondered why this is so frequently the case, and each time I do, I think of the Flat Earth Society. Yes, Virginia, there is a Flat Earth Society (or was, until about the year 2001). The Flat Earth Society, as the name suggests, believes you and I inhabit a round, but decidedly flat, earth, i.e., that the earth, while it may be circular, is not spherical. Charles K. Johnson, the last president of the FES, died in 2001, and since then not much has been heard from the organization . . . at least not in an official capacity; individual “flat-earthers” are still out there on the web should you care to check.
Now, I happen to believe Charles K. Johnson, rest his soul, was deluded; I think anybody who thinks the earth is flat is deluded. But I have never (until now, I guess) took the time to tell anybody that the earth is not flat but is, instead, a sphere. It has never come up in conversation, I have never written a letter to the editor in earnest opposition to the notion of a flat earth, and I for sure have never entertained the idea of slapping signs on Chicago city buses in order to tell the world (or, at least, the city) that a flat earth does not exist.
Most atheists, I presume, would have no difficulty equating my belief in a transcendent God with Charles K. Johnson’s belief in a flat earth (assuming, of course, that most atheists do not belong the FES). In their eyes, the notion of a transcendent God is every bit as fantastical as is the belief in a flat earth. And yet, while I am not in the least constrained to tell anybody in Chicago that there is no flat earth, members of the Indiana Atheist Bus Campaign are perfectly willing to spend not only time and effort, but money as well, to inform Chicago that there is no God. Why is that?
If it be argued that Christians spend a great deal of time, effort, and money to tell the world that there is a God, I simply reply that Christians believe in an afterlife, participation in which is dependent upon how we conduct ourselves in the here and now, and that it is a matter of no small significance that this message be proclaimed. Atheists do not believe in an afterlife (at least not in the same sense as do Christians) and, accordingly, have no concern for eternal consequence. So why all the signs on buses?
I have often wondered if the answer might not be found in Gen. 1:27: “So God created man in his own image; in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Might there not be some reason to suppose that, because we are created in God’s likeness, when we deny his existence, there is a part of our nature that, understanding the denial to be invalid, seeks to deafen conscience by the noise of slogans, placards, and signs on buses . . . all of which protest the affirmation that God exists?
“The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
Admittedly, this is an argument only a Christian could make. No atheist thinks along these lines, and I do not presume to think on any atheist’s behalf. I may, after all, be grievously mistaken in regard to the entire matter. Perhaps there is no God, or, if there is a God, perhaps what I've just said about my being created in his image and the consequences that follow may be sheer nonsense, nothing more than a pound of theological poppycock. If what I propose is true, then the reason for the bus campaign may have been given at least a partial explanation. If I’m wrong, nobody, in the end, will know the difference.
Comments
Thanks for your reasoned and moderate discourse.
In response to your questions, let's forget afterlife. In this lif, my cousin was killed by a religious zealot. Of course, you are moderate and liberal and don't suggest that nonbelievers should be killed. But to a large extent people who believe in god enable religious violence. The provide moral support to zealots.
Others have eloquently pointed out that religion poisons different things. As a corporate trainer, I see how religion prevents critical thinking and I have seen its negative effects on our personal and professional lives.
May your life be safe, healthy, happy, and easy. Have a nice day.
I think of these bus ads as an outreach to those non-believers who feel isolated, to let them know they're not alone in not believing in a god. Believe me, in the breakroom of my office, in the hallways, how many times I've had Christians (not knowing that I don't believe) whisper to me about how so-n-so wasn't a Christian when he died, or "you know, he wasn't a CHRISTIAN..." or the countless emails I've received from believing relatives & friends that foretell death from God's vengeance on those evil non-believers. I don't get the reverse chain emails from atheists. I never have. Do you not understand at all? I've quietly suffered a great deal of intrusion and insult, and have not returned it. I like the bus ads. They are there for me. Not you.
Don't be obtuse, flat earthers aren't in charge of setting science curricula for public schools, nor do they hold powerful political positions they use to enact potentially dangerous policy based on their beliefs you jackass.
Hi Mick, just dropping by from a social news site. First off, kudos on the good and insightful essay.
Secondly, we must distinguish between atheism and nihilism. Keep in mind that accepting the philosophy of nihilism is *not* a requirement to being an atheist. I can't cite a survey off hand, but likely the case is that most modern atheists are in fact not nihilists.
This is important in regards to your assertion that Christians are concerned with how we conduct ourselves in the here and now, while atheists lack any conviction with which to have that concern. Lack of concern for the goings on of this world does not follow lack of belief in a god.
Religion of all kinds control many public and private aspects of our lives, have had direct responsibility for death and suffering, have stifled the progress of science, etc. These are vague examples, but if you are interested, a well cited book called "God is not Great" by Christopher Hitchens explores the subject further.
Atheists believe in afterlife. Afterlife of our children on this planet AFTER US.
And what could be a better legacy to leave to our children than a world without idiots like you.
Atheists generally have a problem when a person's faith overrides their powers of reason and their common sense.
Generally, people who would prefer to base their opinions, not on the evidence in front of them, but instead on a text written over than a thousand years ago by a group of illiterate and superstitious desert-dwellers are seen as unthinking, zombie-like whackjobs.
Personally, I believe that it is vital that every person thinks for themselves. It is necessary and appropriate to constantly reassess, critically, those precepts you believe to be true -- to ensure that the beliefs one holds are both accurate and consistent.
(This is, in effect, the founding principal of Science. And look at what wonders scientific endeavours have given us!)
No, blind faith is abhorrent; exercise the intelligence God gave you. Beware; it may force you to face some uncomfortable truths. Regardless, be resolute.
because they want to save your soul, Mick.
Marriage. Abortion. Contraception. Right to die. Stem cell research. LGBT rights. Women's rights. War. Prohibition. Stopping female and male genital mutilation. Dress code. Dogs riding in taxis.
In other words: I have my reasons.
You roundies are all bigots.
Sorry, I got cut off there. I just wanted to say thank you for addressing this issue civilly and respectfully. Part of the frustration for non-theists is the demonization and alienation they feel from many corners of society. We need more honest, frank discussions like this. Really, we atheists aren't so bad! :)
Itoo am glad to see a civil discussion on these matters, but the following bit made me rather angry:
>Might there not be some reason to suppose that ... when we deny his existence, there is a part of our nature that ... seeks to deafen conscience by the noise ...
That is a rather smug view, isn't it? Isn't the reverse just as likely? That deep down believers know there's really no basis for their belief, so that evangelizing, constant reinforcement through church attendance, etc. is used to drown out the still small voice within?
As others have pointed out, the current atheist "movement" is making a space in the public square for an overlooked and shunned minority to voice their opinions without shame.
Also, of course, we are social creatures and we all seek agreement and endorsement from those around us. Why do fans of Team A feel the need to proclaim their allegiance by wearing jerseys, waving flags or more extreme expression? Because we crave collectivity.
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