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God or Goodness? New Campaign Sparks Controversy
Just in time for the holidays, buses in Washinton, DC will be emblazoned with a statement unlikely to appear on greeting cards this year: "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake" The message is sponsored by the American Humanist Association and is central to their awareness campaign that will run through December. Of course you know iVillagers are weighing in on this:
"I'm not at all religious but even I viewed this as an almost 'attack' against people who have strong faith. It's not like Christians are doing ad campaigns saying 'Don't believe in God? Fine! Go to Hell!" Although now we might see some :)'" -- lilygirl06
"I think its a rather odd campaign, but I don't see the big deal. Christians reach out to people at this time of the year all the time, why can't atheists reach out to people too? All they are doing is trying to connect like minded people. And if you are strong in your faith then it really shouldn't matter to you what other people believe or what some ads on a bus say." -- ilythia2b
The reaction continues on the Conservative Parenting board, where I had to appreciate the Seinfeld reference by one member:
"What the heck is the American Humanist Association anyway? It reminds me of the fake charity to which George Costanza made contributions on behalf of his Christmas card recipients." -- layla75
What do you think? Are the holidays too isolating for those that don't celebrate? Do you think the American Humanist Association has the right idea or is this campaign sending the wrong message? Chime in here with your reaction!
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It seems a little aggressive. They could have said, "Don't believe in God? Then be good for goodness sake" to encourage people without religious motives to be nice to people during the season.
It's not like a bus slogan is going to change someone's core belief in the power of the universe anyway. Why waste the $ on advertising if the point is missed?
Humanists are simply saying that it isn't necessary to believe in a god in order to be good, that you can be good for goodness' sake.
Why do religious people always get so defensive if someone doesn't believe as they do? Is it maybe because they believe you can't be good unless you believe in a god (their god)?
Maybe that's the point of the ad. We all have our own beliefs about the universe and god and are all entitled to respect.
So why can't we stop arguing about what is unproven, and unprovable?, and focus on what we can change--what's on earth.
Why do I feel like they are attacking those that believe in both? Why does it have to question God, why not just promote goodness by those that don't believe. Why does anyone have to make an attack on people's spiritual or religious beliefs? Especially during the holiday season when it is supposed to be about peace and goodwill. If you truly believe it's about being good, then practice what you preach. Leave God and his followers alone!
Live and let live folks, that is the beauty of America. You celebrate the holiday your way and I'll celebrate in mine.
Peace and Blessings.
Now, I am all for freedom of speech, but this a bit much. I agree with Kristin T - it's an attack on both. I don't think "religious" people are being defensive, but sad to see that people don't believe. I am a Christian and I believe that Jesus give us eternal life through Him. That being said, I believe that goodness does come from God - whether or not the person believes in God is his or her own choice. And yes - we should all just be good to each other no matter what we believe! Tolerance and civility are not abundant enough in our society today.
I think they could have worded it differently (I like Jenna's suggestion), but I don't think it's an attack. I have to roll my eyes at that accusation. Religious people are just too sensitive. Anything that doesn't line up with what they think is considered an attack, and it's just not very pragmatic of them. What do they think is next, the coliseum? If you don't like it, then ignore it.
I think the message is actually important. People shouldn't just be good because they believe in some higher power- they should do what is ethical for the sake of being ethical only. If they are weak enough to need a higher power, then go for it! Do what it takes to find the strength to live life as an ethical person; but not everyone on this planet needs religion to do so.
Melanie - I agree not everyone needs a higher power to be good and I sure wish more people believed that! However, just because I believe in God & Jesus does not make me weak. In fact it takes strength to believe in something you cannot see - you have to have faith. Sure, I doubt, but God always finds a way to show me He's there.