In England, Southport clergy say they have no beef with the bus campaign.
“We live in a pluralist society and one of free speech.Others chimed in, adding that they can't possibly figure out where people are getting the idea that Christian religious beliefs might be worrysome.
“I have no problem with the right of humanists, atheists and others seeking to promote their views peacefully and with respect for others and as long as I, as a Christian, have the right to promote mine.
“The campaign opens a debate which is worthwhile. I hope that this opens a wider discussion amongst people.”
“I have no problem with the campaign - faith has nothing to fear from debate - but I'm curious why its sponsors think that believing is a source of anxiety and worry.I'll give them a hint. Just a tiny, little hint.
The whole reason the bus campaign exists is because some nutters put a loving message of fire and brimstone on buses. The idea of that some nutjob next door not only believes that you will get everlasting torment after death, but self-righteously declares that you deserve such treatment simply for not mouthing the right pieties apparently doesn't go over well with nonbelievers. And for believers who haven't yet abandoned their integrity, it's undoubtedly unsettling as well.
“A good deal of evidence points to the fact that a religious faith makes for personal well-being and a sense of purpose.Somehow, I doubt that such beliefs are truly as positive as the salesmen claim.
“It also offers hope even in the face of suffering and death.”
Fr Atli Jonsson, of Our Lady of Lourdes RCC, Birkdale, added: “This slogan makes me wonder what its authors mean by "God". It probably isn't the one I believe in - so I dont worry and enjoy my life!”
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BH you said: The idea of that some nutjob next door not only believes that you will get everlasting torment after death, but self-righteously declares that you deserve such treatment simply for not mouthing the right pieties apparently doesn't go over well with nonbelievers...
and this is exactly it. True believers want to reserve all their rights (including their varieties of the doctrine of eternal "exclusion from the grace of god") and at the SAME TIME call on tolerence from atheists! They say "tolerence" and "respect" but what they really mean is "Shaddup!"
NO more I say, and I have personally contributed to the UK atheist bus campaign. The amount of debate and nerve rankling it has generated has been a source of untold joy for atheists living here! The UK is really streets ahead of the US in terms of freedom of expression (no malice intended)
Yeah, I'm not a fan of Christian groups churning out turn-or-burn advertising and then trying to shut down comparatively meek atheist adverts for "intolerance". Makes my head spin.
But yeah, at least over there, the clergy come out and say that they respect free speech. Over here, it's just a deluge of sanctimonious complaints until the offending godlessness inevitably is pulled.
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