Atheists Erect Anti-Church Billboards In The Bible Belt
A group called American Atheists has started an anti-church billboard campaign across the south, erecting "Skip Church" messages across the Bible Belt.
According to Yahoo! News, the American Atheists have run similar campaigns in the past, but were targeting metropolitan cities like New York. This year, they have targeted areas that are heavily populated with Christians, including Nashville, Memphis and Fort Smith, Arkansas.
A staff member of the local diocese in Memphis objected to the use of a child in the billboard.
“Today’s adults have no obligation to pretend to believe the lies their parents believed. It’s OK to admit that your parents were wrong about God, and it’s definitely OK to tell your children the truth.” - American Atheists President David Silverman
The American Atheists website quotes President David Silverman as saying that the billboard campaign is aimed at the "in-the-closet atheists" who don't feel comfortable telling co-workers and family members that they don't believe in religion (or Santa) and have to endure the traditions, contrary to their beliefs. Silverman says that they also are using the campaign to advertise the annual American Atheists National Convention in Memphis in April.
A local Facebook post about the story had these reactions:
According to the story, the organization attempted to rent billboard space in Mississippi, but the billboard company refused, due to content.
What are your feelings? Should "freedom of speech" include atheists? Do you find these billboards offensive?
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