Welcome to Canadian Atheist Bus Campaign
Campaign Updates January 11th, 2009Hello everyone and welcome to Atheistbus.ca.
This website was created in an attempt to try and start a home grown Canadian advertisement campaign similar to the one happening in UK as seen at http://www.atheistcampaign.org. Our goal is to run counter advertisements to all of the religious ads seen on buses and subways throughout Toronto and the rest of Canada.
For decades there have been religious ads seen throughout Canada and now it’s time for us atheists to promote awareness of humanism and atheism and to show that it is perfectly ok to think freely, question things, and not to have a belief in any religion.
We ask that you please join our facebook group located at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43994941863&ref=mf to show your support. As of right now we are awaiting a response from the TTC advertisement director on advertising guidelines.
Please check back soon for more updates!
Thanks,
Chris
January 11th, 2009 at 12:03 am
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January 14th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Congratulations for your initiative!
Atheist busses are spreading; London, Barcelona, Genoa and now Athens.
If they can do it we should be able to do it as well!
The Humanist Association of Quebec is looking into the possibility of having a couple of atheist busses in Montreal.
Which city will be the first? Montreal or Toronto?
Regards,
Bernard Cloutier
January 14th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
This is really great, congratulations! As a two-time donor for the Atheist Bus in UK, I always thought when will this idea come alive in Toronto!
I’ll definitely watch this blog and should the time come to give some money to this campaign, I’ll be there.
January 15th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Hi, i’m from montreal, and I just heard since recently about the campaign, and ‘m very happy this groups is starting here in Canada.
I’m a designer and 3D film artists if there is anything I can contribute with let me know
January 16th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Brilliant news! Very best wishes, and good luck, from Australia, where the Atheist Foundation of Australia have been trying to get bus ads here since November. No bus company will take an atheist ad, but “talks before litigation” (from us) are currently occurring. Sheesh… and we don’t even have a “bible belt”!
January 16th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Hi Canadians,
I’ve donated to the atheist bus campaign here in Britain,and I saw the first one here in Liverpool last Friday.Cheered me up no end,I can tell you.So,if I.
can help cheer up Canadian atheists,fine by me
The buses are all over the UK,with the exception of Northern Ireland-I wonder why?
Anyway,once you have decided on the campaign and ads,I’ll send some sterling your way.
Good luck/bonne chance
January 16th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Hi. I have a problem with this campaign. Religion is not the problem, ORGANIZED religion _IS_. By means of pushing out a message and trying to “convert” people, followed by the creation of a fake separation line between “right” (ie the believers) and “wrong” (the non-/other-believers), organized religion has caused great suffering in the world over the last millenia. I’m all for Atheism, but please, please, please let’s not turn Atheism into another organized “religion”.
January 16th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Good for you guys. I will watch your campaign closely and will help organize the same in Saskatchewan.
January 16th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I hope that you won’t use the word “probably”. This is agnostic at best.
January 16th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
[...] so the Atheist Bus campaign is growing! Bravo! U.K., U.S.A., Spain, Italy, and now Canadians want to join in the fun! The folks down in Australia seem to be having a difficult time getting the ads [...]
January 16th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
My problem with this campaign? I’m with Jason….
What’s with the ‘PROBABLY’?????
…There is no god! ‘Probably’ is agnostic, not atheist! Either call it the ‘Agnostic Bus’ or get rid of the ‘probably’. Please!
January 16th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
What a slogan!!! (too bad about needing the ‘probably’ though). Are there plans for busses (even only a few) in other areas. I’d love to see them across the country!!
How about bumper stickers? mmmmm…It’s been done, with resulting vadalism to the vehicle!!! I guess someone felt threatened…lol.
Most of the wars in the world, especiallt the long term overseas wars are based on religion….so that would mean they are “fighting over who has the better imaginary friend!!!!!”
January 16th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I am sure I will be soundly booed for this comment but oh well, here is my two cents worth. How many here would be offended by seeing a Christian advertisement on a bus or a subway? How many of you would be in favour of going to court to have those messages removed? Probably most of you. I am an agnostic, but at the same time I realise that people are free to believe what they want to believe. For those of you would would say that Christians, or any other religion for that matter, should not be allowed to put up advertisements, than you need to be against this campaigne as well. What is fair for one belief is fair for another.
January 16th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Why bother wasting time & money on this. As an atheist I don’t care what someones religion is. Why would you want to provoke people knowing how adament some religious people are. I’m sure having some religious type preach about the greatness of god bothers you, why not take the high road & not bother anyone with your beliefs. This campaign is not going to change or do anything.
January 16th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
It’s not about trying to be inflammatory or trying to provoke people. Yes, some people are adamantly religious and will stop at no lengths to let you know that and try to make you adopt their views.
It’s about free thought, and free speech. If you have a problem with the campaign and would prefer to see nothing on buses instead of these slogans, then don’t bother sending comments.
It’s about equality.
January 16th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
The idea is not to confront those deludional enough to believe in God(s) but to make sure that their mythology is not the de facto founding base of society and that rational thinking people are not relegated to second class citizens threatened by the status quo.
January 16th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Agnostic/Atheist, God gives you free will. Have at, it all comes out in the wash. Oops trial by fire I mean.
January 16th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
“What’s with the ‘PROBABLY’?????
…There is no god! ‘Probably’ is agnostic, not atheist! Either call it the ‘Agnostic Bus’ or get rid of the ‘probably’. Please!”
And your evidence that there is no God? Ah yes Jennifer that’s just your own personal opinion.
And that’s all it will ever be, just like believe in God can’t be proven so too is it impossible to disprove the existence of God.
“I am an agnostic, but at the same time I realise that people are free to believe what they want to believe. For those of you would would say that Christians, or any other religion for that matter, should not be allowed to put up advertisements, than you need to be against this campaigne as well.”
Exactly Andrew and they also need to be against section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms which guarantees freedom of speech, thought/belief, the press.
“It’s about equality.”
Not really jNet its only about fundamental freedoms. If this matter ever went to court you’d be extremely hard pressed to use section 15 Charter arguments (Equality provision) for or against the displaying of this campaign.
Aetheists and those who believe in God are connected in the sense that they both have beliefs which cannot be proven or disproven simply due to the fact that they lack the fundamental evidentary tools to do so.
January 16th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Hi,
I just read about this on yahoo news….I don’t agree with it. I mean to each their own were people’s belief lie but COME ON to rub that in people’s faces???? It’s like saying ” GOD IS REAL, DEAL WITH IT” I mean WHO DOES THAT?? No one is telling you to throw your beliefs out there, I think this is a waste of advertising space to be honest. Kudo’s for trying to make something out of nothing though. I personally would be offended if I saw that on a bus or billboard. I am a Christian and you don’t see me putting up my beliefs everywhere……just think about what type of BS you’re about to start….once you post that, then other religions will feel that they have to post their beliefs and next thing you know the whole city will be in a religious war…..it’s not worth it. Think before you do.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
I LOVE what you are doing. I think this is a great idea. I see lots of in-your-face religious campaigns (wrt Miranda’s comments). It’s time for someone to do something for the other side.
I agree that I don’t like the “probably”. It doesn’t make our position strong. We don’t believe in God. You don’t see Christian advertisements say “God PROBABLY exists”. We should definitely rid the “probably” and I think many more people will donate to the cause.
January 16th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Wow, finally an ad campaign that’s going to help educate our society to be better people.
More loving, joyful, peace keeping, law abiding, honest……..
Let’s put lots of money into this?
January 16th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
This campaign is about free thought, free speech & equality but I shouldn’t send my comments if I don’t agree. Way to go jNet. I realise the campaign isn’t about provoking people but that’s what is going to happen & for no reason at all.
If you don’t want rational thinking people being relegated as second class citizens, a bus campaign doesn’t help towards preventing that, Dylan.
January 16th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
This is a great idea. The issue of whether to say “probably” raises the question of what beliefs we are trying to profess. Those who don’t like the word are strong atheists who believe firmly that there is no god. Those who are ok with it appear to be agnostics who suggest there is no proof of the existence or non-existence of the supernatural. What the two groups have in common is that they do not belong to any organized religious group and see no reason for worshipping a god or gods. Our ad should say “We believe in people rather than the supernatural” OR “We believe in people rather than God” or even “We have faith in people.” Any of these will give our ad a more positive spin than the ad on the UK buses. It also incorporates the positions of both atheists and agnostics.
January 16th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Would not an agnostic say [in one direction] “there may not be a god”, as opposed to “probably”? Probability is the reasoning behind a theory… theory’s are not proven, but supported. If you support a theory with evidence, probability of likelihood is increased.
January 17th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I will donate $100 if the word “probably” is removed.
January 17th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I’m a confirmed atheist, but I like the “probably” part. It’s not that there’s really any doubt it but it’s always smart not to overstate your position.
“Probably” gets the message across and makes the ad safe against those who will say “prove God doesn’t exist”. The evidence is overwhelming against the supernatural, but you can’t logically ‘prove’ supernatural things don’t exist because by definition they would be separate from the real world.
This is a much needed campaign, let’s support it!
(For those atheists who question this campaign’s value, I suggest you read Richard Dawkins’ book “The God Delusion”. Atheists need to speak up if we want the world to change.)
January 17th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
“Get off your knees – there is no God” is essentially the message, is it not? But if you add “probably” then maybe you should stay down, just in case…
January 17th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
MasterWooten,
“Aetheists and those who believe in God are connected in the sense that they both have beliefs which cannot be proven or disproven simply due to the fact that they lack the fundamental evidentary tools to do so.”
No.
Santa exists, you can’t prove that he doesn’t. Believers in god bear the burden of proof. Atheists don’t have a belief in a not god. I don’t have to prove that Santa doesn’t exist, you would have to prove that he does.
I actually prefer the “probably” no god part as well.. only for the sake of dealing with people that think Atheism is a faith of some sort.. which is probably the majority unfortunately.
I would like to see an ad campaign say,
“There is probably no god. Be responsible and honest with yourself and enjoy life.”
I think it just allows for more conversation, but maybe that’s just my experience with how people seem to perceive god. Most people are wish-washy whether or not they admit it. Keeping probably in there appeals more to the masses.
I wouldn’t be heartbroken if it stated “There is no god.”
January 18th, 2009 at 1:39 am
Where is this bus going?
“Probably” nowhere!
January 18th, 2009 at 1:58 am
Oh dear Neil, U wrote:
This campaign is not going to change or do anything.
Here’s the future Neil: Door kicked open:
“Hello punk, you’re under Sharia Law now, ‘cos you were too lazy to preserve your freedom.”
“Hey dude, who’s Sharia? Is she, like, a hottie?”
“On your knees Western punk.”
“Chill man! Let me finish my burger and beer first.”
“ON YOUR KNEES, SCUM BOY!”
“Hey, you spilled my Molson. And what’s with the big sword? Can’t we all …..”
January 18th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Wonderful news about the campaign coming to Canada! I’ll be making a donation here, too.
January 18th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Agnosticism and atheism are not mutually exclusive things. Atheism is not a question of what you know or don’t know, it’s a question of what you believe or don’t believe. Agnosticism is a wishy-washy term so broad in it’s definition it is hardly worth mentioning. How many people say they are agnostic about Zeus? No one right? So on what basis do agnostics dismiss Zeus but remain agnostic about some other conception of god? There is no end to the absurd claims one can make that are unfalsifiable, such as fairies, invisible pink unicorns, Odin, Krishna, the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Yahweh… you get the point.
Knowledge and belief are two different things. Click on the “Atheism” link at the top of the page for a good and succinct explanation of what atheism is. It will likely dispel a lot of misconceptions.
January 19th, 2009 at 9:10 am
“Probably” implies the greater likelihood that there is no God. I’d like to see you prove that one… where’s the statistics of the likelihood?
January 19th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Reply o Jenn, I would like to see you prove that zeus doesn’t exist or the flying spaghetti monster. Or give exact statistics on their non-existence.
When they say there probably isn’t a god they mean he is as likely to exist as pixies and what have you, due to the utter lack of evidence of his existence. It would be very difficult, almost impossible, to come up with an exact number for you, it is just considered extremely low.
I have supported that they should really say There is almost certainly no God, as that would more accurately depict the viewpoints of atheists. Saying you aren’t absolutely sure he doesn’t exist is really only a scientific technicality, and they would say the same of unicorns (although they probably stand a better chance of existing than a god) in that there is a very, very slight possibility of there existence in scientific sense.
January 20th, 2009 at 6:41 am
I agree with Miranda…You dont have to throw your beliefs out there. I wouldn’t be offended if I saw your advertisement on a bus, but I really dont know what is the purpose of this campaign. A little bit childish, dont you think?
January 20th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Wow, I am so glad n relieved that this has finally started in my lifetime and we might actually have a chance to stop the brainwashing that has gone on for centuries. Kudos to Chris! A really excellent way to spend ur time as u wait for the strike to end. The word ‘probably’ is slightly annoying but the idiots in charge would probably not let it even go through unless it is there. Morons! When will science and living life well, making intelligent and informed decisions that are based on verifiable and constantly updated facts, matter? After the Earth is completely screwed? Worst of all…a lot of the idiots will take their stupid ass religions and dreams of gods to their graves. Now, where is the “Abortion is a Woman’s Choice Bus”? so necessary to shut that door too n move on
January 20th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
I certainly won’t support such a useless cause.
Canadians save your money for real needs.
January 21st, 2009 at 12:35 am
Hey all, this is a great idea and I’m glad it’s finally come to Canada. I hope you all remember that the ROC would love to see an atheist bus and that if you restrict the advertising to Toronto you won’t be doing yourselves any favours. I’ll donate to the campaign once I know that buses/billboards whatever are being used cross country. Thanks!
January 21st, 2009 at 12:38 am
P.S. Why call this the Canadian Atheist Bus Campaign when you clearly say “We need to contact the TTC…” Might as well call it the Toronto Atheist Bus Campaign.
January 21st, 2009 at 2:57 am
This really sounds like a good idea, but why don’t you try this. Instead of saying “There is no God” rather say “There is no God AND Muhammad” Then you will have a civil war on your hands………..
January 21st, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Clive, you clearly suffer from ‘fatwa envy’. Oh, you poor, persecuted christians.
January 21st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
After being involuntarily inundated with religious propaganda in the media, the public school system, my home (with people coming door-to-door trying to “save”) and elsewhere, it’s nice to see something that I actually believe in (or don’t, as the case may be) supported. I’m glad to be able to contribute myself. This reflects what I believe, and for those who find it a waste of money, consider the amounts given to religious organizations. The massive wealth of the Catholic Church could feed a lot of hungry people….
January 21st, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Here is a great web site with very convincing arguments on god, consciousness, “do we have a soul?” and the cosmos. enjoy
http://www.closertotruth.com/
January 22nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
James, here is a better one that tells the truth!
http://richarddawkins.net/
January 23rd, 2009 at 12:23 am
PLEASE don’t include the word “probably”. That completely dilutes what we’re trying to say. Why would you want to suggest that there is even a debate??
(go Tdot)
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:16 am
Great, Chris!
What can I do to get buses here in Fredericton to have ads like that?
January 23rd, 2009 at 2:30 am
Just a question- what do have against God? Or is it religion? Or even better religious people that are anything but? I am new to atheistic thinking, so is it God or religion that atheism is against?
Thanks!
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:08 am
The religion being taught in todays church`s just isn`t working for me and a lot of other people today.This religion isn`t proving to be flexible as it is stuck in traditions that happened centuries ago and is no longer adequate to the problems of our time.I do not have anything against god or religion and until i find something that works for me i can`t accept it.
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:26 am
Brandon…I don’t have anything against god…I simply think that it is imprbable that god actually exists. At least there is no evidence for his existence. If someone provides compelling evidence, I will have to change my mind about that.
I am extremely uncomfortable with religion because it based on nothing that can be verified, yet it imposes strict codes of conduct, ritual and, in many cases, it opposes inquiry and rational thought. Perhaps that was not the initial intent of religion but that is what it has evolved into. Case in point, Many Christian congregations would have us ban the teaching of Evolution in our schools, and that despite the 150 years of scientific evidence backing it up.
My biggest beef is against dogma. And I recognize that dogma is not limited to religion. However, it is pervasive in religious circles.
On the flip-side…I believe that it makes sense to be good to other people…not because i’m being watched by the great surveillance camera in the sky, but because conflict just isn’t productive. Being good just makes sense…end of story.
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:30 am
Brandon, look at the Atheism link at the top of the page, it covers it pretty well.
Atheism is, simply put, the lack of a belief in god(s)
Any other views are up to the person in question, but generally atheists don’t believe in other supernatural things. They also generally subscribe to skepticism, empiricism and rationalism.
January 24th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Great idea! I’m from Ottawa. Let’s get this going in Ottawa too. Along the same line, I have submitted a design to Canada Post for a new Canadian stamp to celebrate Charles Darwin’s 200 birthday which is on 12 February 2009. I’ll need some support to get this done.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I simply don’t get it. I understand lots of people don’t believe in God…I also understand that lots of those that say they do,,,don’t live as though they do. I wholely believe in living my life and enjoying it, it doesn ‘t matter whether I believe in any higher being than myself or not…
I feel that life is mean’t to be enjoyed, most anything is ok in moderation and everyone is free to live their lives as they please…and for those that go to the extreme and do things to hurt others will be dealt with in a court of law if possible…
I’m simply trying to understand why any person that doesn’t believe in religion has a need for a group?…
What is the point of the AD?…I just don’t see the need in addressing an issue that you, as a group doesn’t believe in…
Also, why say there probably no God? What about all other religions and their gods, and other higher idols?…do you believe in those gods?
And finally, I have to ask, are you trying to convert Christians to Nonchristianity?…and why are you guys trying to convince others of something that you don’t believe exist?…Why Do You Care?
I don’t enjoy “Bible Thumpers” at all,,,so it’s only fair to say that I don’t enjoy….Atheist Thumpers…
January 29th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
In additon to my previous comment, I would like to say that, I don’t feel that campaigning Atheistism is going to be effective…
You are right in a sense, we have been taught, or “brainwashed” as your group would say, that God does exist and we don’t have to see or hear God to believe in God…but most of us as we get older start to question God’s existence on a HUGE level. Some will decide that it’s best to believe, others will decide not to…But I would think that those who do chose to not believe in God make that decison based on a deep “soul searching” or maybe analitical process. Lets face it, if you’ve been raised in a typical Christian faith, then trying to get someone to change their mind on a BUS AD..isn’t going to do it…Life is a journey filled with more challenges and heart break and joy than most of us can realize until it’s experienced and until this happens, most of us won’t question the existence of God…
I’m sitting on the fence when it comes to my true beliefs…but if and when I make that decision, I won’t feel the need to join a group or make a huge announcement or try and change anyone else’s beliefs…
I say,,,Live and Let Live…
Just move on with your own lives and leave everyone else’s alone…I just hope no one in your group is getting paid for any of these services…that would be “horendous”
February 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Trudy
I can understand that you do not understand why Atheists are rocking the boat. You and many others are so used to hearing religious dogma, that it has become background noise. The fact of the matter is that science has been under attack by the enemies of reason and rational thought. For example, in the USA the former administration under Bush would not allow stem cell research. The people that we vote into office hold personal beliefs that can be detrimental to all of us. Therefore, we should demand that those individuals in positions of power keep their personal beliefs seperate from government policies and politics.
The Atheist movement is not a religion and it is not a belief, it is just the opposite. It should be viewed as the right to “not believe”. Barak Obama has recognised this as a right, we as citizens need to make that next step forward.
If you choose to believe in a God, this should be done in private, it should not be plastered on the side of busses; the reason Atheists feel the need to have a counter bus campaign. We are assailed by religious quotes in our daily lives, isn’t it interesting that when people disagree with religion, they are labeled as “Atheist Thumping”. I suppose that we are so used to the current religious message, that we think that anybody with a different point of view is causing a stir.
The point of this bus campaign is hopefully to get people to think and debate and not accept the status quo.
February 16th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Well no one can beat you in writing posts. I really love your posts every time.