It’s tough being a Londoner these days. It’s trying enough having to wait for a bus that never comes, in this inclement January weather. But then when it does come, it expects you to make your mind up about God. 200 of London’s buses are carrying the slogan of an atheist advertising campaign that was launched last week: “There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”
A further 600 UK buses are to be thus anointed at a cost of £140,000, raised by the British Humanist Association. The campaign, endorsed by such luminaries as Richard Dawkins and Stephen Fry, aims to give people permission to be openly atheist and to celebrate freedom of speech. We are assured that between 30 and 40% of the British population have “non-religious beliefs” and apparently, these people need to be given a voice.
It’s hard to believe this when atheism seems to be considered the only respectable position among the British chattering classes, particularly at The Guardian and the BBC. After hearing writers, presenters and interviewees out-do each other in chalking up their atheist credentials, I find it amusing that anyone can still imagine they belong to a beleaguered and voiceless minority.
Even more amusing is that little loophole, the word “probably”. It conjures up a vision of them all arriving at the Pearly Gates and saying to St Peter: “We did say probably, please let us in, please…”.
At least the Christian response has been in like style. According to The Guardian, the think-tank Theos sees the slogan as “a great discussion starter”, presumably for disgruntled bus passengers. The Methodist Church has even thanked Dawkins for encouraging “a continued interest in God”, as though it were afraid he might fall by the wayside if the atheists didn’t keep an eye on him.
Meanwhile, I can’t help thinking of better uses for £140,000. More buses perhaps?
