Atheist billboard in Central Florida
ArchaeoBob printable version print page     Bookmark and Share
Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 04:11:11 PM EST
The organization "Atheists of Florida" sponsored a billboard promoting atheism in Lakeland, Florida.  I, however, have some concerns.
I rather appreciated the wording of the sign- it's not attacking any religion- something that some atheists do and which offends not just the dominionists, but also the people that the atheists should at least try to get along with - the progressives who support separation of church and state and who are in a sense "on their side".  The people in question have every right to put up a sign like this, and I support that right.

However, they're putting up this sign in the middle of an area that is so heavily dominionist that it makes me wonder if they're trying to start trouble.  Did this group do a study and try to locate the signs where it would attract the attention of atheists, or did they put the sign specifically where it would irritate the most dominionists?  That is a reasonable question that they should think about and one that I'm asking.  Angering the dominionists will affect more than atheists, that I am sure of.

The pentecostals/dominionists/fundamentalists/"religious right" here DO need to learn to respect other beliefs (and those who don't believe), that is certain.  However, I'm not sure if pushing them in the center of their stronghold is the way to go about it.  There ARE dominionism-based hate groups in the Lakeland area (Christian Identity) and I'm afraid that they will retaliate.  Some of the local dominionists, even though they may not belong to Christian Identity groups are VERY militant, and I'm not too sure if they would take this in any way but as an attack.  This area is so heavily steeplejacked that this may be rather like the proverbial red flag in a bull's face.

I don't want to get caught in the middle of a religious war or pogrom, and I think that is very possible considering the attitudes I've heard from "Christians" in this area.  

I guess we'll have to see how this plays out.  I rather expect that some dominionist will destroy that sign.  It may get worse.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/02/atheist-group-takes-messa ge-lakeland-billboard/news-metro/




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Perhaps it's a publicity stunt. Who knows ? But it sounds as if the billboard won't be up long.

by Bruce Wilson on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 08:36:17 PM EST
I understand that the billboard was up for only a short while.  Now there is one calling atheists fools in the same general area- I think on the same frame!

Funny- the one by the atheists reached out to other atheists and was positive, but the one by local "Christians" was OFFENSIVE AND INSULTING to atheists.

Of course, the sponsor will always say "I'm just quoting the Bible"!

by ArchaeoBob on Wed Mar 03, 2010 at 07:09:17 AM EST
Parent



Atheists of Florida is bringing a panel of atheists to hear from the public on Monday, November 23, in the Community Room of the Lakeland Public Library at 100 Morton Lake Drive. This is an opportunity for anyone in the community to take their concerns directly to those who are responsible for placing a billboard where Atheists of Florida opened its most recent chapter. We feel that any and all concerns (no matter who voices them) deserve direct, thoughtful responses. A brief, five minute introduction starts at 6:00 p.m., then the floor opens to questions and comments. All are welcome, though seating is limited.

by robcurry on Sat Nov 21, 2009 at 08:35:41 PM EST
According to the Atheists of Florida website, the library meeting was "sometimes a lively, though informative exchange." Audio/podcast here.

by Pierce R Butler on Thu Nov 26, 2009 at 06:41:00 PM EST
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