Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Atheist group takes message to Lakeland via billboard
Tampa Tribune ^ | November 2, 2009 | NEIL JOHNSON

Posted on 11/02/2009 1:27:25 PM PST by ConservativeStatement

LAKELAND - Motorists along one of Lakeland's major thoroughfares are being greeted with a billboard asking a provocative question: "Don't believe in God?"

Then there's the answer: "You are not alone."

The billboard went up Sunday on eastbound Memorial Boulevard near Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, making Lakeland the second Florida city to have a billboard sponsored by an atheist organization.

(Excerpt) Read more at 2.tbo.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society
KEYWORDS: antitheism; atheism; atheists; billboard; god; religion; silliness
I wonder how the message would fly in Dearborn.
1 posted on 11/02/2009 1:27:26 PM PST by ConservativeStatement
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

Lakeland is in the heart of the Bible Belt of the I-4 corridor.


2 posted on 11/02/2009 1:30:06 PM PST by Bushbacker1 ( I'll miss President Bush greatly! Palin in 2012! The "other" Jim Thompson)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

I’m thinking another billboard just down the road.

.... and there will be billions of others with you on judgment day.


3 posted on 11/02/2009 1:31:00 PM PST by taxcontrol
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

Interesting that atheist now feel the need to evangelize. ;)


4 posted on 11/02/2009 1:31:16 PM PST by MEGoody (Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

Many atheists forget that Muslims don’t consider them to be “People of the book” and thus have no consideration in the Quran, making them even easier targets for elimination.

An atheist who hates Christians but likes Muslims is an idiot.


5 posted on 11/02/2009 1:31:32 PM PST by antiRepublicrat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

A billboard that reads “There is NO Man-Made Global Climate Change” would provoke more outrage.


6 posted on 11/02/2009 1:32:09 PM PST by a fool in paradise (I refuse to "reduce my carbon footprint" all while Lenin remains in an airconditioned shrine)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

Someone should put up another billboard a couple 2 or 3 hundred feet past that one with the words: “All those people burning in - - - - didn’t believe either!”


7 posted on 11/02/2009 1:33:18 PM PST by GloriaJane (http://www.last.fm/user/GloriaJane)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement
You know, for as rational and intellectual as most atheists pretend to be, this billboard is the equivalent of ,

C'mon all cool kids are doing it!

8 posted on 11/02/2009 1:33:52 PM PST by AreaMan
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

You may not believe in God, but surprisingly enough, He still believes in you.


9 posted on 11/02/2009 1:34:15 PM PST by Hegemony Cricket (The emperor has no pedigree.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GloriaJane

THAT would be great.


10 posted on 11/02/2009 1:34:47 PM PST by ReneeLynn (Socialism is SO yesterday. Fascism, it*s the new black. Mmm Mmm Mmm.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: antiRepublicrat
An atheist who hates Christians but likes Muslimsis an idiot.

Covers more bases.

And I say that as one with some very smart friends who think they know more than God.

11 posted on 11/02/2009 1:35:14 PM PST by ejonesie22
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: MEGoody

<<
Interesting that atheist now feel the need to evangelize. ;)
>>

Yeah. I’m an atheist, but some of the finest people I know are true Christians. The billboard atheists are likely democrat Marxists in reality, just trying to further erode society.


12 posted on 11/02/2009 1:37:02 PM PST by noblejones (Obama rules!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: ejonesie22

Yup. Don’t believe as I do, you are an idiot.

Your atheist friends don’t think they know more than God, because if that’s what they really think, they, uh, wouldn’t be atheists. By definition.


13 posted on 11/02/2009 1:41:41 PM PST by dmz
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: ejonesie22

Thanks for the insult.


14 posted on 11/02/2009 1:44:17 PM PST by antiRepublicrat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: dmz

That would be true.

If they were right.


15 posted on 11/02/2009 1:44:30 PM PST by ejonesie22
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

You are not alone? Au contraire. You are so very very alone.

Believe in God? You are NEVER alone.


16 posted on 11/02/2009 1:45:30 PM PST by IronJack (=)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Bushbacker1

There`s one of those electronic billboards in Nashville now with a similar message.


17 posted on 11/02/2009 1:48:35 PM PST by Harold Shea (RVN `70 - `71)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement
Atheists are our brothers and sisters who are being led away from heaven by Satan, and they are going to suffer terribly.
18 posted on 11/02/2009 1:52:36 PM PST by patriotUSA (Thank you Jesus.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: antiRepublicrat
It's a rough and ruble world, getting worse every day in large part due to a general drift away from the truth of God and the following of his will.

While I would not want to insult anyone directly,including my own friends (who have said the same thing BTW) the truth is the misguided human centric concept is killing us by a thousand little cuts.

So when and where does one finally say enough to the practitioners of that philosophy, or any others, religious or otherwise in nature, that are an issue? Do we wait to the last minute when all that is left is an "I told you so"?

19 posted on 11/02/2009 1:55:02 PM PST by ejonesie22
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: noblejones

They have been around a long time and out of millions or residents here in Fl. they’ve found a thousand to support them. I would think that with their winning message, everyone would want to be a part of this yet, it seems that a thousand other nuts is all they could gather. The rest of us could do without them.


20 posted on 11/02/2009 1:56:32 PM PST by Bowtie52
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement
This organization must not be very familiar with Lakeland.
21 posted on 11/02/2009 1:59:42 PM PST by Mase (Save me from the people who would save me from myself!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

22 posted on 11/02/2009 2:06:38 PM PST by Parody
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: ejonesie22
the truth is the misguided human centric concept is killing us by a thousand little cuts.

Yet a God-centric concept seems to be the number one danger facing the world today. It's also been a major source of hatred and division for much of human history. You showed a sliver of that, if I don't agree I must be an idiot.

Religion can be good or bad depending on what you do with it. Same for lack thereof.

I would say these atheists who think they need to constantly, publicly bash religion aren't doing anybody any good either. On the other hand, Christianity has quite a large advertising budget, and I have heard many religious bash atheists, so maybe they're just responding in kind.

23 posted on 11/03/2009 6:09:12 AM PST by antiRepublicrat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: antiRepublicrat
Yet a God-centric concept seems to be the number one danger facing the world today. It's also been a major source of hatred and division for much of human history.

Language has been a major source of hatred and division for much of human history.

Politics has been a major source of hatred and division for much of human history.

Economics has been a major source of hatred and division for much of human history.

Sex has been a major source of hatred and division for much of human history.

...and so forth!

And to say a "God-centric concept" -- whatever that is, perhaps you could clarify -- is "the number one danger facing the world today" SEEMS a bit much.

24 posted on 11/03/2009 6:22:34 AM PST by Poe White Trash (Wake up!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: Poe White Trash
Language has been a major source of hatred and division for much of human history.

Not really. I never heard of a war started by language difference.

Politics has been a major source of hatred and division for much of human history.

True. Often related to or even driven by religion though.

Otherwise, generally true. But one who doesn't like religion can say you've listed four out of five evils (religion being the fifth), so we can shave 20% of the hatred and division by ridding ourselves of it.

Personally, I don't think religion is inherently good or bad. It's what people do with it that matters.

And to say a "God-centric concept" -- whatever that is, perhaps you could clarify --

Fundie Muslims.

25 posted on 11/03/2009 6:36:43 AM PST by antiRepublicrat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

They are doing the devil’s work here in Nashville too..same outfit....same lingo.


26 posted on 11/03/2009 6:37:37 AM PST by wardaddy (folks, these freepathons are taking too long tightwads, shame on us in front of the kooks)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: antiRepublicrat
Not really. I never heard of a war started by language difference.

Oh, so you're talking about war, not "hatred and division." Thanks for clarifying.

But if you think that language-based misunderstandings have no significant effect upon wars -- their beginnings and endings -- I'd argue you are mistaken. War and diplomacy are kissin' cousins.

Politics has been a major source of hatred and division for much of human history.

True. Often related to or even driven by religion though.

Related how? Driven how? In concert or not with the many other causes of war (some which I didn't mention, such as territoriality)? These are not easy questions to answer, as any student of human history knows.

But one who doesn't like religion can say you've listed four out of five evils (religion being the fifth), so we can shave 20% of the hatred and division by ridding ourselves of it.

Well, if that's the case, why not go whole hog? There was a group of people in the 20th century who tried to get rid of religion, politics and economics (at least in terms of disparities in wealth). They were called Communists. I think we all know how well THAT worked out.

By the way, how would "one" go about "ridding ourselves" -- the whole world? -- of religion? What would "one's" suggestion be for a final solution to the religion problem? SEEMS to me that calling for a solution to religion would be tantamount to declaring war on religion. And I thought that WAR was what "one" wanted to avoid, correct?

BTW, what would make "one" think that RELIGION is something we could rid ourselves of? If I told someone we should rid the world of territoriality, they'd argue that I was a utopianist -- or worse. And they'd be right. What would "one" think gives religion this special "riddable" status in your view?

Personally, I don't think religion is inherently good or bad. It's what people do with it that matters.

Well, if religion is a neutral phenomena in terms of being good or bad, then why call for ridding ourselves of it? Why not just call for good religion?

And to say a "God-centric concept" -- whatever that is, perhaps you could clarify --

Fundie Muslims.

Thanks for clarifying. If that's the case. theny why call for "ridding ourselves" of RELIGION when there is only one particular religion you have a beef with?

e.g., if I have some weeds in my yard, I'd say that I wanted to get rid of the weeds, NOT that I wanted to rid my yard of all plants.

27 posted on 11/03/2009 7:18:16 AM PST by Poe White Trash (Wake up!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: antiRepublicrat
Yet a God-centric concept seems to be the number one danger facing the world today.

That would be true, if such truly emanated from God's will, plan desires and such.

It doesn't.

The evil ones greatest guise is to appear in the form of another god, or God himself, in order to fool man into his bidding. Islam is a prime example as too are the examples of very "un Christian" actions by those who otherwise appear to be following the Truth.

As far as hatred and division, well in the same vein as "good and bad" religions, it is a matter of perspective. If one is on the wrong side, no matter how brilliant they may be, they are still wrong, and this empower the evil one, whether they are helping the enemy on purpose or just by associating with their efforts. Such people will see any attempt as being told they are wrong as hatred or division.

I am sorry I am blunt, but with the Oprah Winfrey "all paths are right" version of modern faith being bought by those who should know better along with the slowly growing spread of nonbeleif or at least doubt, people are getting more and more reserved about calling the ball for fear of offending, all the while the evil one grows in power and influence which at some point will force Gods hand, something I would hope to avoid. History is replete with stories of what has happened to peoples and nations that turned down such a path as we are doing now..

Of course I find allowing friends to drift into the abyss without at least trying to say something the most offensive thing of all.

But that's just me

28 posted on 11/03/2009 2:04:25 PM PST by ejonesie22
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 23 | View Replies]

To: ejonesie22
That would be true, if such truly emanated from God's will, plan desires and such. It doesn't.

According to your beliefs. You can't even agree what God's will is among the various Christian sects. Up until relatively recently, the Catholic Church was saying all non-Catholics are going to hell.

Of course I find allowing friends to drift into the abyss without at least trying to say something the most offensive thing of all.

I get that with every well-meaning Christian, and I have no problem with it. Not a good move starting off with the "idiot" comment though.

29 posted on 11/04/2009 8:31:59 AM PST by antiRepublicrat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: ConservativeStatement

What do you say to an atheist when he sneezes? When you die nothing happens?


30 posted on 11/09/2009 11:14:13 AM PST by Snoopy88 ("The swiftest way for evil to grow is when the good do nothing" -Edmund Burke)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson