atheist billboard taken down in East Tennessee
Yeah, who is being persecuted, again? Christians? This sign is not offensive in the least, at least in my opinion.
saw this on Alan Colmes site:
If a Christian billboard were removed there’d be a big outcry and all kinds of commentary about how Christians are being persecuted. Not so much when it happens to atheists.
Indeed, Alan.
which leads to here:
Atheist Billboard In Tennessee Taken Down After Just 5 Days Up
An atheist billboard in Knoxville, Tennessee was taken down after the billboard’s property owner criticized its contents, just five days into its 30-day lease in April.
The billboard, which read “Don’t Believe in God? You’re Not Alone,” was paid for by the Rationalists of East Tennessee (R.E.T.), an atheist organization. It cost $1,800.
Larry Rhoades, president of the R.E.T, said the billboard was chosen for that particular spot because of vehicle traffic, not because of its proximity to the church.
“Well it’s a recruitment tool, we’re trying to get more members,” Rhoades said to WATE.
“Try putting a billboard in Knoxville or East Tennessee anywhere without getting close to a church,” he said to The Daily Beacon.
Lamar Advertising plans on moving the billboard to a new location, according to the Friendly Atheist.
Original.
= new reply since forum marked as read
who think that billboard is just as bad as a street preacher screaming on the corner. 
Last edited Fri Jul 10, 2015, 04:30 AM - Edit history (1)
You can't spit without hitting some church.
A few yrs ago a study was done that put Knoxville at the top of the 10 most "Bible-minded" cities.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_Belt
So, such a billboard in such a conservative area is seen by the majority as very offensive. Folks there cannot conceive of anyone not being religious.
Btw, I've seen my friend Larry reject an outstretched preacher's hand at a wedding. (They're not call ministers in parts of the South.) Yep, but I think he's soften some since then. He's a very brave man who has to be "careful."
This billboard controversy has been brewing for months now:
http://www.local8now.com/home/headlines/A-billboard-that-drew-criticism-is-back-up-in-a-new-location-in-Knoxville--299638251.html
Larry Rhodes (not Rhoades), who is a personal friend of mine, founded ASK (Atheist Society of Knoxville) in the early 2000's. http://www.knoxvilleatheists.org/index2.html
I'm an ASK member and also a R.E.T. member by default.
Larry also has a local television program dedicated to rational thought. The call-ins are laughable in a sad sort of way.
Btw, I've not lived in Tenn. for the last 37yrs but keep up with friends and family there. When Lar formed ASK (atheists society of knoxville) in the early 2000's, I joined to get updates and emails. Hubs is retiring in a couple of yrs and we're moving back to be smack-dab in the mountains near Knoxville, so I'll probably be more active in the groups then.
to moving back to the Knoxville, TN area, but hubby LOVES those beautiful Smoky Mtn.-- claims them to be his "old stomping grounds." Back in our college days we hiked hundreds of miles on the trails. So, it's been a romantic dream of his to live "in" them and so we shall -- 5 acres at ~1800' level in the foothills. We'll essentially be isolated hermits, except for a few atheist, democratic friends. What I hate the most are those giant crosses that dot the landscape here and there.
Mountain Grammy, I'd love to live in gorgeous Oregon, the most atheist state in the country. Have the sweetest young friend in Portland now. And if not for the hubs, I would.
Bible says..
