I recently wrote a blog where I pulled an article from the UK Telegraph saying that our movement is nothing more than the "least inspiring movement in recent years".
I am adamant that one of the main reasons for this and other types of negative press out there is because of the billboard campaign by American Atheists. The billboards are inflammatory. They are not thought provoking or lead to thoughtful debate or discussion. They are insulting and I am frustrated that this is how American Atheists think our movement should be perceived and represented. I have wrote to the Chairman of the Board of AA and asked him to reconsider this campaign. Although the idea of the billboard I'm all for, what they say needs to make people say or think "wow, that's great, and it's something I want to check out further". We need to do better!
What are your thoughts on this? Do we need to write to American Atheists via petition?
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I'm trying to put myself in the role of an in-the-closet-on-the-fence believer who is looking for options. If I were to see a group that is visibly portraying themselves as arrogant and offensive, why would I look to join that group? I would get laughed at by the believers around me for doing so. In my opinion, to truly expand our numbers, the people we need to reach out to are those who are teetering on letting go of religion. If we are not aiming at theists then what is the point of the billboards at all? To say nah nah, we are better and smarter than you?
Dear Joseph: I think that you underestimate how much more quickly the power of religion could bring about the end of atheist organizations than the end of the world. It is immensely unlikely that the neo-cons involved the pact with fundamentalists for their votes actually share a fundamentalist world view. If holding up my hand when poled for belief in a 6000 year old planet would get me elected, you better believe that I would do it. To suggest that indicates sincere belief is akin to having faith in the honesty of politicians.
Appealing on behalf of the imminent destruction of the world is not a tactic I would expect from an Atheist. I cannot see how you reasonably compare the threat of suicide bombers to that of world leaders who would as eagerly initiate global nuclear destruction. This sort of argument really just boils down to an emotional appeal.
If you think that holding your head up and conducting yourself with dignity will have no effect on those who oppress us, then I might suggest you at least look into the story of a little brown man named Ghandi. I can fully respect that you might desire another approach, but I would prefer not to get dragged into any sort of conflict.
How will anyone bring about the end of an atheist organization anymore than convert everyone to Catholism. People such as Sam Harris agree that the scenerio I suggest is more likely to be started in the middle east and the desire to retaliate. Countries such as Pakistan, Iran, and Isreal with proven nuclear and or intent are more likely to be the catalyst. Even if someone shuts down an atheist organization does that stop you from being an atheist, but if they blow you to smithereens, that does.
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