Agnostics Advertise on City Transportation
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Agnostics Advertise in Texas
Recently, the Fort Worth, Texas city transportation agreed to allow a group of Atheists to purchase advertising space on the sides of the city buses. The ads will read "Millions of people are good without God". The ads have sparked a conflict with local churches. I will not name the Atheist group nor the conflicting church as this is not a hub promoting either stance. I will, however, give my personal views on the subject and ask for others to give his or her input.
The local church heading the debate has asked residents of the city of Fort Worth to boycott the city buses while the ads are displayed. The church maintains that these ads should never be allowed especially during this time of the year in which God and the birth of Jesus is ordinarily celebrated.
My Personal Feelings
Although I am a Christian who believes in the Free Speech portion of the Bill of Rights as well as other aspects of the United States Constitution, I do believe the message of God's existence or non-existence should not be allowed on public transportation operated by city government. The Bill of Rights also promise a Separation of Church and State which has been taken to the extreme of not allowing school children to pray or carry a Bible. In reality the Separation of Church and State does not allow the United States Government to regulate its citizens participation in any religion.
I don't live in Fort Worth nor do I ride city transportation on a regular basis so my boycott of the buses will not be due to the ads. I'm not so sure that I would ride the city buses in Fort Worth ever again even when the signs do come down.
I also do not believe there should be any type of advertising on city buses with the exception of those ads promoting different city operated organizations such as the city's zoo. If the city is going to sell advertising space on its city buses, then lower the taxes of the city's residents. The tax revenue collected should pay for the operation of any city transportation.
I had always felt that the belief or disbelief in a supreme being is a personal choice. The belief or disbelief and eventual membership or non membership in any denominational church is usually taught to the individual at a young age with the individual discovering his or her own beliefs in the existence of a supreme being as an adult. Belief or disbelief is not usually something that is sold which is what I feel is the main but not sole purpose of advertising.
© 2010 Tammy L
Should religious ads be allowed on city transportation?
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An ad campaign some people consider controversial is on its way to public buses in Tarrant County. The message has to do with God and the belief that he does not exist. FOX 4's Dionne Anglin has details., More from myfoxdfw.com. - Ministers Threaten Boycott over Atheist Ad
The atheists ads have yet to hit the sides of buses in Fort Worth, but they are already fueling a heated debate., More from myfoxdfw.com.
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Hi Betty. I'm not sure if the big churches advertise on other city bus lines. I know that the city bus line operated in Dallas, Texas does not allow religious ads of any kind on their buses.
I don't think ads like that should be on buses unless there is a balancing ad next to it by a church. The problem is that often Christian ads are not allowed now, and Agnostic ads are. Your idea is good. Stick to the zoo.
That is so true, susan. If these city buses are going to allow one, they need to allow the other. I have seen a couple of billboards for a specific church which surprises me. Thank you for your input.
As a strong Christian Hub Writer I believe that these signs should not be permitted. I know that the companies permitting these signs and producing these signs ar in it for the money but to deny God, that's a big No no.
Brother Dave.
The story floored me too, Dave. There is an update to the story. An unidentified Christian organization has outfitted a box truck with a picture of the earth and the words "I still love you - God" painted across the picture. This box truck is following every bus with the signs wherever these buses go.
Thank you for the comment.
Betty Reid 18 months ago
I don't feel too strongly about it, but generally agree, it is probably better not to allow religious ads on public transportation. I wonder if the big churches advertise on buses too.