Updated: Thu Jan. 29 2009 15:03:59

ctvcalgary.ca

A new ad, set to run on Calgary buses, is bound to turn some heads.

The advertisement reads, "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."

The campaign is being paid for by Freethought Calgary.

A spokesperson says the group isn't trying to incite hate, just dialogue. "We want a discussion and the bus ads hopefully will create a discussion. They sure did in the U.K.," says Cliff Erasmus.

The ad campaign has already run in London, Madrid and Washington, D.C. Toronto will be the first Canadian city with the advertisements and Calgary will soon follow.

Calgary Transit is preparing itself for complaints but says it's not up to the transit company to judge advertisement content. "In this particular case, it has met the standard as set out by Advertising Standards Canada and so the ad is acceptable," says Ron Collins.

A pastor at Calgary First Alliance Church says he doesn't agree with the message of the ads but he does believe in Freethought Calgary's right to run them. "I think the positive point in all of this is, let's think about this and not allow the advertising cliché to be the thing that guides our life," says Terry Young.

Freethought Calgary has raised about $20,000 to pay for the ads. It will likely take about two months before transit users see them on buses and CTrains.

Comments are now closed for this story

Mark Smith
Who cares? Is anyone going to give up their belief in God because they saw a bus drive by with an advertisement? All this ad shows is a deep insecurity with the atheist viewpoint and a need to somehow justify it publicly.

Malinda
No doubt, the complaints will be flying and before we know it, bus drivers will be refusing to drive their bus if it displays the ad. I think it's quite reasonable and quite fair to have an ad like this displayed - after all, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Mormans and all other religions are allowed to push their beliefs on everyone without a problem. If society is expected to be accepting of these religions, then it should be accepting of a group of non-religious people as well.

Pat Wassill
It is my belief that most religions around the world gravitate to a God of some name that harbors peace.
A lot of people in those religions wrongly misconstrue this fundamental belief to persecute or wage war. I think if these people would stop distorting peaceful beliefs they could enjoy there lives and leave others to enjoy their lives too. It would have the same effect as what your sign says.
Pat Wassill

Bryce Paton
There IS a God. So stop worrying and enjoy life.

Lisa Torry
Thank goodness God has a sense of humour....He'll have the last laugh!

ed best
Will they feel compelled to inform little kids about Santa Claus next?
To paraphrase their offensive insult: Stop worrying about me and get a life.

Yes Virginia, there IS a God
Why is it that we are caving in to these guys? Everything ran fine before. Maybe I'm the one offended by THEIR advertisement! Give me a Freaking break! Guess I won't be seeing you guys in heaven.

Laura
Re: Bus Ads Bound To Attract Attention
"A spokesperson says the group isn't trying to inspire hate, just dialogue."
These ads will certainly inspire a great deal of dialogue, particularly amongst city council members once transit revenues begin to reflect how offensive this is to people of all faiths.
I'd rather walk than fund the coffers of a city that promotes religious discrimination.

Anne
I agree completely with these adds. Religious groups can post adds so why not non-religious groups.

Bev.
These ads should not be allowed, they are no different than an anti jewish group putting up ads.
If it were a pro creation group or a an anti abortion group they would get past first base even though they should.
There is no way this kind of garbage should be permitted.

Frank Lethbridge
Nice to see openess for freedom of thought in this god dominated world and society. Hope CTV will continue to report on more subjects of this nature.

Jesse
I can't wait to see fundies come out of the woodwork to complain about this one!

Al
To each their own as long as it is not harming anyone.The right to free speech as long as it is truly not harmful and this is not from what I see is fine.
What bothers me is the waste of 20,000 dollars just for a public stunt is such a waste.
All of that could have went to so many wise causes .Especially in today's and the future's economy.

Hannah
These ads are wonderful!

They do not induce hate, only Christians and the like will see that perspective. Which makes me have to ask all the God believers why are they always so quick to judge and quick to hate? Does that not make you look at yourself and your beliefs and what they have done to the world as a whole? Not just in your life time. Really really look at it through out history. Religion has been at the root of all evil. It is way beyond time the world starts to see this.

Love to all, without God it is easy and it is a beautiful thing.

Peace!

PutAdsOnPoliceCarsFireEnginesCityVehicles
If I thought there was some hope for our city it now gone down the toilet! We have Haters preaching their garbage on the streets and even causing harm on innocent citizens, now we have Calgary Transit on board with the approval of Bronco Bill and Friends with there atheist advertising on Blue Bible Belt conservative Calgary Transit Buses and LRT!

Kiefer McCrae
This is absolutely wonderful. It's great to see that the world is moving towards a process of intellectual enlightenment and beginning to cast aside the shackles that religion places on thought and logical reasoning.

I can't wait to see the ad run here in Calgary and I will be donating some of my own money to the cause.

To those of you who are offended by it (notably the telling children about Santa Clause comment made by "ed best") I hope that these ads really do make children ask their parents if there's a possibility that the religion they've been brought up on is wrong, because the entire point of these ads is to get people thinking for themselves and formulating their own opinions.

Angela
Love It! Love everything about it!! and to Bryce Paton why are you so sure there IS a God...do you have proof? and please don't say the Bible, cause anyone can write a book.

Jan Holl
I Do believe in God.
If there is no God and I believe in Him, at least I have had the comfort of thinking someone cared deeply for me and loved me unconditionally.
If there is a God and you don;t believe in Him, guess who is in big trouble!!!!!

pam
i can't believe this will actually be allowed in calgary....yay!

it's good to see this after constantly being subjected to religious propaganda....and that is fine..... however, it is nice to see that my point of view is also allowed to be expressed and seen.

not everyone in canadian society is religious so it's nice to have your own point of view (and that of pretty much everyone i know) sharing equal space. and it is really nice to see an open minded and accepting minister like mr. terry young. i don't believe in his beliefs, but i accept his right to his opinion, often it doesn't work the other way. i find religious people pretty unaccepting of other beliefs, thank you mr. young.

James
Maybe we should consider leaving ALL religious advertising out of our buses. This gives the impression that Calgary supports and promotes atheism. Will these ads still be in place during Stampede? What a great impression for guests of our city. The term "seperation of church and state" comes to mind here. I had thought we had enough reasons to be embarassed by this city during recent months. I guess I was wrong.

Peace man
Regardless of what you believe or do not believe, it is always funny how the hypocracy of the believers rings out loud and clear when this kind of event appears. If people choose to believe, they should live by the words of the prophets they are supposedly taught by. Peace and love to all, believer or not.

Heather--Fort McMurray
We live in a country with many freedoms--expression, and religion among them. While I agree that Freethought has the right to produce such posters, I question their motive and the results they attain. The message most religions attempt to convey is one of hope and peace. I fear that Freethought's message will only serve to make people feel more alone, isolated, and foster a self-serving lifestyle. Freethought has the right to expression, but why not use it to promote goodwill and service to those in need?!

Jolene
I am a Christian, but I agree with the ads. Why can't they talk about it? We can have pastors in the park and preaching the good news, but they can't say two words without being cried at for discrimination.

Look at the ad. It says "There's probably no God" That doesn't mean there ISN'T.

This ad is NOT insulting whether you think it is or not - It does not say "Hey, John Doe, you're dumb and stupid." It doesn't say that.

It's stating what they believe (aka not believe). We can advertise for Churches and say that god will save you, but they don't ever complain about that.

Give that some thought. I believe in God and I would love it if everyone did too, but realistically, that is not going to happen.

If you are great in debate, and enjoy it - an atheist is a person you might want to hook up with for a debate. It doesn't mean I agree with their non-belief, but to each their own.

God ultimately will have the final say. Leave it in his hands. Don't start wars, love thy neighbor.

Jason Calgary
Why all this uproar? Religious groups have been advertising for many a millenia to grow and maintain their ranks. When a group who doesn't believe in a God starts advertising, people get all worked up. Why? What are they afraid of? If you TRULY BELIEVE in a God, then you shouldn't have to say anything. If you start spouting off, are you trying to convince others or yourself what is right? Sounds like you might be questioning your own faith rather than others. Who says that you HAVE to believe in a God in order to live a positive and spiritual life? Think about it.

Mike Greyson
I do not get upset when I see these ads as I know that we live in a fallen world. Jesus said that they did not like him and it should be no surprise that they will not like us. In Psalm 14:1 and 53:1 the Psalmist says: "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good."

We believe that God is and that He is alive and well today as the triune God, being Father, Son and Holy Ghost. There have always been those that say that God is not and that God is dead. Every man, woman and child will see in the end that there is a God and that He will judge each of us according to the belief or non-belief that we have. Our task as Christians is to tell people the good news and let them make that decision for themselves.

Janko
Ask yourself what the point of any religion is.
The bottom line is that they help to guide people in their lives through a set of morals.

Now, I think many people would agree, that this is a good thing.
There is also a downside to religions, and that is that they tend to be the root cause of many major wars throughout history [of course, with that logic Oil would be a God to the religion of (insert your choice here).

We are all human. We all live on this planet together, and every day our actions and inactions pave the way to our future.
What guides us in those decisions is our own person choice.
Whether you believe in a God, Gods, or yourself, it makes no difference as long as the goal is the same.


And keep in mind, there will always be people from all areas who will use their religion or lack there of, as a scapegoat for their decisions.

Adam, Cowtown
"All this ad shows is a deep insecurity with the atheist viewpoint and a need to somehow justify it publicly."

The same type of insecurity as worrying that an ad, mere words, on the side of a bus might be seen by children causing them to question their elders on what they've been brainwashed to believe their whole lives?

To all those saying this is discrimination: I see no mention of an individual religious group. Perhaps you're just opposed to freedom of speech? If so, I can provide you with a list of many countries you'd probably find more suitable for living.

If you really don't like this ad, just ignore it.

Mr. Jimmy
I tolerate religions of all kinds. They put up public ads, they knock on my door, they have entire TV networks, publications, etc. Of course, when a differing viewpoint enters the equation, that tolerance isn't reciprocated.

Please, by all means, have your faith and religion. It's your right. But remember that it is a two-way street.

Dave W
As someone who tries to have faith and be a believer in God, I don't take offense to these ads. They are not demeaning, nor disrespectful. They have as much right to advertise as I do to believe. However, I completely agree with what Bryce Paton stated above:

There IS a God. So stop worrying and enjoy life.

Brenda Lee
I have a faith but honestly, I can't see how this ad is offensive. We have allowed all the religious groups/ political/ pro-life/ pro-choice/ war mongering/ anti-war, etc. groups to push their beliefs. This is another belief. If you don't agree with it, that's okay. Just because we don't believe in their message doesn't mean we can't allow them their right to have and express their belief. That's what makes this country so great - the ability to believe and express our beliefs without being persecuted for them.

adam from calgary
True atheists would not push there beliefs on anyone...hence we have no beliefs.

Tim
These group has nothing better to do with its money than this? Talk about trying to get your fifteen minutes of fame!

Now how about some real news?

Mark from Edmonton
The ads certainly do and should generate discussion. However, the other thing I hope they will do is show people that having religion is not the only option - that they don't have to believe in a god.

Our society is inundated with religiosity. I am all for promoting atheism as the alternative.

Brad
This is GREAT! Finally, we have people who refuse to be lemmings and are willing to speak out about their own beliefs. Furthermore, they're not as arrogant as most religious people who categorically state that there "IS" a god, and that he sent some bearded carpenter to visit us - they are willing to state their beliefs, without pretending that their position is based on factual information, ie. "probably". This is no different than any religious propaganda that we so often see, so it should be welcomed.

Dale
I'm an Atheist. I personally don't like advertising of this sort of thing at all.. for god, against god, against gay, for gay, jew, muslim, martian... blah blah blah... I dont change my opinion because of what signs i see but i do see how it will make some uncomfortable... Just like when I see God signs posted up everywhere... i don't like them, but i don't say anything cos it really isnt that big a deal and it doesnt say "God loves you if you love him but if you dont love him you will burn on hell for all eternity" no, its simple things like "god loves you" "god can help" nothing wrong with that... same as the banner on the side of this bus... it could just as easily read "There's probably a God..."
Mark Smith, your statement about insecurity is arroagant. Just another example about people who believe in God so much, that other peoples opinion is "insecure". Let everybody think what they want and RESPECT (know that word?) their decision.

Lee
Now I'm worried,because "Probably" implies that there is a chance God does exist, so now how am I going to enjoy life with even more uncertainty. Not a great ad campain for atheists and agnostics. Fence sitters!

Cheryl
Hey, even the atheists use the word 'probably', since they don't even know for sure! Let's face it, none of us really know the truth until we leave this world. So, let's enjoy life for what it is and each be comfortable in our own beliefs and allow everyone to relish the freedom of living in a society where you can voice your thoughts and opinions. Would you like to live in a society that supports censorship? I sure wouldn't. If you've got issues with the content, take it up with Advertising Standards Canada, not Transit.

Shannon
As a person with a strong Christian faith, I have absolutely NO problem with these ads. While I don't necessarily understand their beliefs or lack there of, I appreciate that everyone has the right to their own beliefs or ideas and as long as they aren't harming anyone else, why spend our time worrying about what other people believe. Leave them be!!

Kevin in Calgary
Listen, belief does not constitute truth. In other words, just because you believe something does not make it real or true. Otherwise, there would be tooth fairies and sightings of Santa Claus all over the place. Ask any 5 year old and they will tell you with all their heart that they believe in Santa, but he does not actually slide down anyone's chimney, or even exist. God is no different. God is simply an imaginary friend for grown ups. How can anyone in today's evidence based society be so ignorant to all the science which time and time again disproves stories from the bible and confirms evolution. Time to spend your sunday mornings getting educated about facts, not brainwashed with myths and fairy tales!!

D
I have a question for everyone that has an issue with this...were you in church on Sunday?

Didn't think so!

John the Canadian
If I really wanted to entertain conversations on religion I would invite the people into my home who ring my doorbell several Saturdays a year and push the Watchtower magazine in my hands. Why does there have to be ongoing campaigns and house visits? I don't push my beliefs on others and certainly don't appreciate others who do whether it meets advertising standards or not.

Why Not?
Someone prove with real evidence that God exists.

I have a right not to believe in God, Just like you have a right to believe in God. It's a belief, not a fact.

My life is full, happy.I have a great job, great family. Believing in God doesn't make you a better person.

Holy Don
I like the ‘Probably’ part. Real definitive, eh. Shows they are not fully convinced (like most Atheists). I guess they are just covering their collective butts when they find out they are wrong.

chris
Now honestly, is anyone's life really going to change by seeing this enourmous waste of money? Whether someone thinks it's true or not it doesn't make a difference. It doesn't send hate messages. First off, it says probably, which I find funny. This means even they arent sure. Secondly, it gives good advice. Get on with your life. This is advice anyone could take if they wanted to, without harmful implications. If I wanted to spend a quarter of a million dollars on bus ads saying that the sky is probably purple and people should be nice to others, there would likely be people that want to crucify me too.

In the history of non-issues, this rates as high as possible as the least important.

Tono
So the universe created itself, and all the living things in it, by accident then?
Let's see the atheists explain that one.

Jess
Everyone is allowed to have their own beliefs and a religion that works and is right for you may not be right for others. I think prople offended by this ad have a lack of confidence in their own religion.

Robert
Sounds like anyone who complains about a pro atheist bus ad must not be real secure in their religious beliefs, otherwise why would they care? Anyone who is truly secure in their convictions would ignore this. It appears that Christians are nervous that they might lose some of their "faithful" to the Atheists.

Greg
Wow, this really issue has really brought out some hatred and insecurities in people who really don't understand what being a Christian is all about. You know things like tolerance and respect for other people different than yourselves?

Cam
Hey look! The ads aren't even out yet and already they are having the desired effect! Amazing!

As an atheist I can say that when I start discussing religion with people, I'm not trying to convince them there is no God, I'm trying to encourage people to rationally question their beliefs. If the result of that questioning is that they still believe God exists, that's fine, and their belief will likely be stronger for having been questioned. Everyone should question the things they believe, after all, faith that isn't questioned is blind faith, and isn't as good as faith that has been questioned.

Kyle
So a magical fairy man living in the sky created the universe and all living things? Let see you explain that one, Tono.

Big Jerry in Calgary
As a christian I obviously don't agree with the message in the ads, but let's keep in mind everyone has a right to their own opinion. If you are a firm believer I don't think a bus ad is going to change your opinion. Sometimes us believers forget that god has given man the free will to choose, and we don't have that right to dictate to someone else what they should or shouldn't believe. No matter what a person believes I always respect them and their right to have their own opinion...........even if it differs from mine.

Mike G
Open and honest discussion is needed. If someone saying "there probably is no god" is so offensive to some, how do you possibly give your religious views any serious critique?

Even if this ad campaign has no hope of freeing people from religious dogma, it will be fair to say at least there will be awareness of how many non-religious people are out there.

Scott B
I am a Pagan, and I am very proud of my faith. It has taught me to be open minded to everyone and their personal beleifes, no matter what they are. I am if full support of these ads running on busses.
I stand downtown and see the "Abortion Truck" every day on my way home, and I cringe a little, because children don't need to see that, but it is still the Pro-Life view, and they are welcome to it.
As long as your views do not encite Hate or opression of someone else, I think that we, as Canadians and Human Beings, are strong willed enough to make up our own minds on what we see and hear.
If your faith in your God can be swayed by a simple sign on a bus, then it may be time to re-evaluate it.

Lisa
Well, the ad certainly HAS invoked discussion and that's what the intent was!

Alberta Believer
Its free expression whether or not you agree with the message.

When the religious folks respond however I don't want to hear any BS about "Separation of Church and State." That phrase which appears neither in the US nor Canadian constitutions does not mean that expressions of religios faith ought to be banned from public view.

I suggest a reading of Thomas Jefferson's letter to the Baptist Church in Danbury Virginia and then Section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Both sides have a right to have their say.

Ruth
I don't worry because I KNOW there is a God. I can't imagine how sad it must be for those who don't believe, especially when their life comes to an end and they have no hope of eternal life with Him in heaven.

M
"Lee
Now I'm worried,because "Probably" implies that there is a chance God does exist, so now how am I going to enjoy life with even more uncertainty. Not a great ad campain for atheists and agnostics. Fence sitters!"

Uh Lee, the definition of atheism is essentially this: I will believe in god when you show me proof he exsists. That's the belief of an atheist.
This message was put up by the atheist society, not the agnostic society, which is a completely different faction.
Please educate yourself on MY religion before you spew nonsense.

Jason
Well Tono - no one can answer that except science. I know for a fact you can't answer that question but that's alright. You can take comfort in your imaginary world but if you try to attest your "facts" against reality it's hard to have a logical conversation with people like yourself.

John Calgary
Angela
Love It! Love everything about it!! and to Bryce Paton why are you so sure there IS a God...do you have proof? and please don't say the Bible, cause anyone can write a book.
Proof Angela? I would first suggest "you". You exemplify the handwork of God. What sustains you? Think about it. Do you have children? Look at them and declare "there is no God" I am their creator. Let me challenge you, go to your "little ones" and ask them right now. "If you were to die tonight, do you know where you spend eternity? The Bible says in Heaven or Hell. Think about it.

Kerry Brown
My problem with this is what about all the children, including my own who may read these ads and be confused and full of questions that they shouldn't be asking at such a young age. Who cares what adults think, we have the maturity and intelligence to ignore or accept such drivel, children have not matured enough to be exposed to such ideologies on public transit! This is totally irresponsible, what next "Have you thought about using meth?" Phrases like this should not be open to viewing by young children, has Calgary Transit lost its mind??

Jane
Would these transit ads be allowed if they mentioned and questioned gods of other faiths, such as Buddha, Mohammed, or Allah? There is no way they would be allowed. There would be potential violence, and many human rights complaints. But for some reason, our society seems to think it is okay to attack the Christian God, whether it is in curse words, or offensive manners such as these potential ads. We have become such an “open-minded” society that I am afraid our brains have started to fall out. It is incorrect to even think these ads are not offensive. These ads would be very offensive to myself and many others, and should not be permitted on our public transit system that my tax dollars pay for.

freespeechforeveryone
Fantastic! I would like to see these ads on other city owned vehicles such as firetrucks, ambulances, police cars, handi buses. Lets not just stop at buses.Are the cemetaries city owned? Let's have a big sign at the entrance and exit of the cemetaries too. Hey, what about putting up a sign on each of the higways leading into the cities, town and villages.

Liz
How is this more offensive than a Jehovah's Witness coming to your house on a Saturday morning, or pro-life groups telling you you're a murderer for choosing what to do with your own body? Simmer down people. Maybe there is a God, maybe there isn't. Spirituality should be a personal decision for each and every person. Why take offense to something as irrelevant as a bus ad?

Duane in Calgary
Hannah,

"Religion has been at the root of all evil. It is way beyond time the world starts to see this."

Please study history before making such an erroneous comment.

Keifer McCrae

"It's great to see that the world is moving towards a process of intellectual enlightenment and beginning to cast aside the shackles that religion places on thought and logical reasoning."

Please study philosophy before making such an ignorant comment.

The add makes a fallacious argument and is really just poor rhetoric. People will believe one way or the other regardless of these ads, so really it's just a waste of money. But, the group behind it all is certainly free to express their opinion and waste money.

Alberta Believer
"How can anyone in today's evidence based society be so ignorant to all the science which time and time again disproves stories from the bible and confirms evolution."

Well Kevin in Calgary, science doesn't disprove biblical stories because they are for the most part metaphors. Science is irrelevant to metahors. To that which is claimed to be true in the bible, any "evidence" of their having taken place even if it is real is long gone so you cannot confirm or deny the beliefs one way or another.

Further evolution is never confirmed fully and we always have missing links, missing stages of development for every creature plant and animal known to mankind. The biggest strike against the entire theory of evolution is the origin or matter and how the matter became what it became.

And as for "evidence"??? Sure there's no evidence that God exists but by that same token there is no evidence that He doesn't either, hence I challenge you to disprove that negative.

If by the way you do fall for that trick don't pursue law (criminal or civil litigation) as your career of choice. Because for all the times that "evidence" confirms or disproves a notion, it is simply inconclusive in other matters.

Now after this "wipedown", if you're still an atheist, then I suggest that your atheism is as much a religious belief as Catholicism, Judiasm, Islam or any other religious belief structure.

Brent
Hmmmm...an atheiest...someone who believes there is no god. Can you say with 100% certainty that you know for a fact there is no god? Have you travelled the annals of time? Were you present when the worlds came into existence? Can you see into the future?

Athiesm is arrogance, not unbelief.

Liz
A lot of people in this comment board seem to think being an atheist is being a hater or something negative. You have your beliefs, atheists have theirs, let it be. I'd be willing to bed if God heard the things you say he sure wouldn't be impressed with you.
Good for the makers of these ads for having the courage to speak up about other options.

Charlotte
I was born and raised Catholic and it's a big part of my life, and I don't see anything wrong with this.

Our churches are built so we have a place to worship. People see these churches. It's not like they're hidden. Witnesses leave Awake magazines all over the place.

It's time those who claim to be followers of God put into practice what He expects of us: love, tolerance and acceptance. So what if people don't believe in Him? That's their perogative. We can't judge them for it, nor can we judge them for talking about it.

logicalMind
Tono said:

"So the universe created itself, and all the living things in it, by accident then?
Let's see the atheists explain that one."

To paraphrase your argument...I don't understand something, therefore god must exist.

Still sound like a good argument?

atheist1
Its amazing just how hypocritical some religions are :). Belive in us and we'll love you, don't believe and we'll spite you.

MEG
Angela, how can you be so sure there isn't a God? Do YOU have proof?

Mike
It sounds to me like they're just trying to stir up trouble for its own sake. For that reason alone the city shouldn't allow the ads on city owned vehicles.

Pauly
Ok, so people are whining because the word 'probably' was used. You'd be whining if the word 'probably' WASN'T used because it'd be an atheist's opinion on a bus.

Let. It. Go.

Take a second to realize that the way you think isn't the ONLY way to think.
Some people like Hawaiian pizza. Some don't.

Madness is all around us!!
I am always surprised (and I can't figure out why) when such a large number of people collectively show such a short sighted point of view. I generally view most people as intelligent, and for the life of me I am not sure why....

Ohhhh the offense these signs will cause. Surely it will bring the end to society as we know it. What is next? Certainly the 4 horsemen will come riding across the Centre Street bridge ahead of the Apocalypse that will surely come next.....

Get a grip people. It is simply a statement, an opinion - not a proven nor in truth dis-proven fact.

It does not incite hate or fear. Everyone who posted here including myself have now expressed a public opinion.

The only difference is that this group has chosen to pay to make their viewpoint more visible.

If you really don't like it. Pay to have your opinion heard in the same way.

Put up or shut up... now is the time.

Scott Kirkwood - Calgary
The people that are posting this advertisment are not saying anything about their religion. They are not stating that there is a god,nor not one. Its only a statment. They are doing the same thing that Theater Calgary is doing when they put on little acts in the middle of a food court. They want to inspire discussion. Thats all this is. Im a strong believer, nad I'll have a debate with anyone who is willing to, and they are just doing the same thing. Why cant people understand that, rather than turning this into something that its not.

Sarah - Calgary
RE: Jane
First Buddha is not a god. He was simply the first human to try to reach the state of Nirvana (enlightenment). Buddhism is the path he claims may get you there.
Second Mohammed is not a god. He is a very important person in the islamic faith, seen as a prophet. Allah is the god the islamic faith believes in.
Third atheism isn't about Not believing in the Christian god. It is about Not believing in Any god regardless of the religion. That includes Allah, Ra, Zeus, Thoth, Nephthys, etc.
Do not view this as an attack on the Christian God/faith or on any one faith in particular.