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A few weeks ago it was reported that bendy buses in London may soon be plastered with the slogan “There’s probably no God”.  The idea comes from the British Humanist Association and is backed by well-known atheist Richard Dawkins (who wrote the “God Delusion”)

The complete slogan reads: “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”

I have to say that I am intrigued by the sentence, and rather amused. To hear atheist, who have been so adamant that we Christians are “deluded”, have “PROBABLY”, as part of their slogan. If they are so sure that God does not exist, then why have they not just written – “There is no God…”

Of course Prof Richard Dawkins has a response to this kind of comment. He says: “This campaign to put alternative slogans on London buses will make people think – and thinking is anathema to religion”

I wonder if he has realised that perhaps having such a slogan will make people think MORE about God, than if the slogans were not there in the first place! 

He also states that “thinking is anathema to religion” (Anathema being something that someone vehemently dislikes). This too is rather amusing, and shows a somewhat ignorant idea of religion, and faith. Certainly in terms of my personal faith I spend rather a lot of time thinking, studying, reading, pondering…and enjoy it too. As have many a significant Christian figure in the past – just take a look at the writings of the early church fathers. Thinking is not anathema to religion, and especially not faith. Jesus Christ encouraged people to think when he spoke in parables, gave sermons and challenged the authorities. Paul in his letters shows himself to be a learned man, who thought things through and presented concepts in logical formats.

Well, I believe there is a God and I am happy that such slogans may actually put God back in the picture of everyday life, while making people think more about God, rather than ignore him. So Prof Dawkins, I personally thank you for such words, for creating debate, for making us think once more about God in everyday life!

Related posts:

1. >Prof. Dawkins & Heaven!!
2. Hopping on board the atheist bus
3. What is faith? (Cont'd)
4. Holy Leisure