First Bus vehicles across Oxfordshire, London and Hampshire are displaying the message "There's probably no god, now stop worrying and enjoy your life."
Bus driver Ron Heather is a Christian and refused to drive his bus because it was displaying the poster.
Ron Heather
"I turned up for my bus only to be confronted with this advert. I was quite shocked and horrified to see it.
I immediately went to my inspector and said: "Look, I can't take that bus out, I'm a Christian." They found someone else to drive it pretty quickly."
Ron Heather
The British Humanist Association says the poster is a response to what it calls hellfire-and-brimstone adverts by Christian groups.
It added that the slogan is an affirmation for people that it's OK not to be religious.
Area Dean for Southampton, Rev Gary Philbrick told South Today that he doesn't regard the advert as a big threat to Christianity.
Rev Gary Philbrick
"It's not the end of the world. It's not going to be terribly destructive of the Christian faith. Our faith is on a much firmer foundation than that.
Often Christians are seen as killjoys or anti-everything and we're not. We're in favour of life and life in all its forms. That's what Jesus said."
Rev Gary Philbrick
What do you think? Is it unreasonable for a committed Christian to be asked to drive a bus which advertises the fact there may not be a god?
Should a bus company have to seek permission before displaying an advert?
What if the drivers objected to the advertising for a disturbing film, or felt an advert was sexist? Use the form below to get in touch.
"The Bus Driver's wife says: "I understand why the lady who started the campaign may have found offence. But I understand it was a website. A website you choose to visit. This advert is 'in your face', whether you like it or not."
Actually, that's not the case. The christian 'hellfire and brimstone' adverts which prompted this campaign were... on buses - and decidedly more 'in your face' and downright offensive than this very mild, light hearted statement."
Ian Lowe, Airdrie
"I'm not worried about gods, but am about superstitious zealots."
David Monkman, Caillavet, France
"As an agnostic American, I was admittedly heartened to hear of the campaign. Constant religious advertising may create a strong revulsion in some of us, but if we combat with equally annoying ads, are we any better?
This is a matter of the heart, yet somehow it still invades our commercial and social spheres... let us each hold sacred what we want and not feel indignant against each other."
Valerie Warda, Ukiah, CA, US
"I am happy with my religious beliefs. I admit to chuckling at ther advert. If they choose to believe there is no God - well it is up to them. When the last trump blows one of us will be right!"
Simon Newman, Winchester
"I dont think that the driver should be allowed to not drive. I dont have any beleif in a god myself and yet I cant tell the churches I pass everyday to remove their pro god messages that I have to see nor the quotes from the bible that are on bus shelters and on the tube amongst other places. If a pro god advert was on the side of a bus (I drive for First as well) then I wouldnt have any problems. People can make there own minds up."
F Oldfield, Portsmouth
"Oh come on folks, this advert is not a damning slogan against chriatianity - just read the words. it say 'there's probably no God' it doesn't deride, insult God or christianity in any way, and its definitely not sick. calm down!"
Nick A, Chalfont
"People use religion to much these days as an excuse to do certain things and act in certains ways. If your religious be religious, if your not religious don't be religious. Just don't use it as an excuse."
Miss C. Kelly, Wigan
"I think this is absolulty sick. As a christian person myself i just cannot believe this is actually allowed.
I am sick at the fact of the way that people seem to think its ok to insult christians but if any bad word is used against any other religion that is not acceptable."
Dave Morgan, Basingstoke
"Atheism is not another faith, it's the rejection of faith in a God. So atheist adverts will promote rejection of God, rather than something good about atheism. What is unique about atheism anyway? I think Christians and Muslims should not be offended but I think atheists can't promote their ideas without hitting a nerve somewhere since they are a movement against peoples belief."
Hussain, Winchester
"Would Mr.Heather refuse to take on board his bus non-Christians? I mean, he might overhear them talking about atheism or Islam. This could lead to him being distracted and being a danger on the road."
Gary Robson, Middlesbrough
"The use of the word, 'probably' shows a rational, educated approach to a very complicated and potentially sensative issue.
I accept that individuals have their own faiths, but Mr Heather should have been immediately disciplined for his actions; it is unacceptable to refuse to work due to this advert. NO atheists refused to work over the recent christian or islamic messages on buses. Grow up!"
Henry Collier, London
"If they want to take the risk on a probably and miss out on heaven rather than explore the truth of God then that's a choice they have made, after all, God gave us freewill."
Joanne Dear, Seaford
"What people are missing is that it's a very "tongue in cheek" advert but at the same time has revealed the extreme double standards religion gets away with in the UK.
How come it's ok for religious people to tell non-belivers they are going to spend eternity in hell but its not ok to come back saying "well actually I don't think I will". Very well done to all who organised the adverts and shame on the bus driver for objecting to other people having a differnt view on the world."
Adam Sharp, Reading
"For goodness sake, Its an opinion, NO he shouldnt be MADE to drive the bus or anything silly like that, but he should be able to ignore the little things in his life that he desnt agree with. I'm sure it wasn't put there on purpose, now can we all please proceed with day to day life and worry about things we should ACTUALLY worry about, like war or the fact that the whole country is slowly going bust??"
Stefan Orchard, Swanage
"Excellent advert, it promotes discussion and raises the profile of Atheists. To mock the word 'probably' is a bit silly. Atheists are normally sensible and open minded people who don't believe anything blindly. It is a healthy to question questionable things such as gods. There are hundreds of gods and most people don't believe in all of them. In fact most will quite happily declare there is no god of thunder or that zeus exists. We are all Atheists to some degree."
Mick Leigh, Marchwood
"Agnostics and atheists - look out and stand up for your believes! We don't have a mentor to tell us on Sundays when/how to protest, but we do have the same RIGHT TO BELIEVE in whatever we choose as the church-goers! Spirituality should be a private matter, and public life should be purged from any form of believe system. Human rights will do much better than any religious set of principals (which by definition offers exclusive protection and comfort ONLY to its followers) - the tricky part is that WE, PEOPLE, should take care of them, not "put our worries on God", as some weak - or lazy?! - soul is suggesting..."
Thea Highbury, Oxford
"Mr Heather must be remarkably easily shocked and horrified. I am quite surprised that he had not realised that there were a lot of people who thought that there was quite a strong possibility that God did not exist."
Phil Moore, Seaford
"Talking of England being a "Christian country" is rubbish; whatever happened to this being a pagan country before that?"
People get laughed at for believing in UFOs and yet it's OK to believe in god and that Jesus is still alive? The atheist bus is being criticised for airing non-believer views but it's OK to stand in a town centre and preach the word of god?
There's a distinct hypocrisy here that Christians seem to think that the moral high ground is exclusive to them, can the rest of us not have just have a few days of exposure when they've had hundreds of years?"
Paul Mackenzie Ross, Farnborough
"Another lame excuse for the workshy. Are athiests drivers allowed to go home because of scripture on a bus; a vegetarian get a day off because of a McDonalds ad?"
P Curtis, Kingston
"The message on the bus is reasonable and could only possibly be deemed offensive by people seeking to be offended."
Liam, Southampton
"I am a committed Christian and am not offended my this advertising at all. God gave us the freedom to choose, and because He is ominiscient and knows every man's heart, he knows who will choose Him and who will reject Him. No advertising compaign, however unsure of itself, can change that. Believe me, we are the happiest people on earth and already know how to enjoy life."
Janet Shaw, Romford
"I do not understand why there is so much anger caused by the advert though - those that it offends shouldn't really have to worry about it, as they don't believe what it says. Are they worried that someone else will change their faith because of it? The faith of someone who was affected by the advert mush surely have already been wavering."
Ben, Edinburgh
"Our minister chose this advert as the subject for his address this Sunday. He was slightly amused, because the atheists seem unsure whether or not there is a God, using the word 'probably'. Saying there is PROBABLY no God shows how doubtful they are about their own philosophy!
Of course God exists. It is only those arrogant enough to declare that if they can't believe something then it can't be true who show they have closed minds. They are missing out on so much."
Barbara Southwell, Haddenham
"I am a British born Muslim who enjoys life, even though I believe in the Almighty. In response to Pastor Isabel who raised the question if a Muslim would refuse to drive a bus that questions his God - Well I can't speak for all Muslims, but Muslims believe in one God and it's the same God as Christians - is there an outcry?
I personally feel sad that the advert suggests people who believe a God can't enjoy life. That's what gets to me, the rest of the advert raises a healthy debate and makes people aware of the Almighty. As a religious person, I understand the Christian bus drivers action and its about how strong your faith is. Life is a test, and this is a small test of faith. I would refuse to drive the bus myself, because it's like I'm promoting doubt of my creator and that I can't enjoy life because of my faith - not true. But having said that, atheists can express their views, I have no problem. There are far more offensive things to religious people on billboards."
Muhammad, Southampton
"True Christians need not fear the advert, as it at least poses the question. How many atheists have been brave enough and willing to consider they may be wrong, to ask God, "If you by some chance might exist, please reveal yourself - just in case it may be too late?" And, perhaps to read the New Testament to consider the life of Jesus with an unbiased, seriously open mind?"
M Hollingsworth, Hayling
"Hurray! For all the multitude of people who don't expect "another life" and want to make the most of the life they know about\; hurray again."
Ann Brookes, Southampton
"I don't think its just Christians who are affected but what ever happend to England being a Christian country???"
Stephen, Winchester
"Ephesians 6:10. "Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armour that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks."
As a First Bus passenger I was shocked the first time I saw the ad, but as the words were absorbed I became amused. There's 'Probably' no God - do atheists doubt their own beliefs as well? Now stop worrying - all believers know that worry should be given to God and, as WE know, God IS, so, there is nothing to worry about. So, yes, we do 'enjoy life' and rejoice."
Purplelily, Southampton
"Mr Heather's stand reminds me of Mr Eric Liddel who fully refused to run an olympic qualifying race being held on a Sunday because the day is set apart as a special day. Well done Mr Heather - one of those strong Christian men who are not afraid to stand up and be counted! God bless you for honouring Him."
Sue Ball, Chichester
"I'm surprised that some religious people have got so upset about this, given that the message is so benign.
What started it was Ariane Sherine seeing some Christian adverts on buses that included the address of a Christian website that told non-Christians they would spend "all eternity in torment in hell", burning in "a lake of fire". She decided to try to raise some money for a modest campaign of posters on 30 London buses that would counter this.
In the event, the response to the fund-raising campaign was far larger than expected, and it raised more than 20 times the target. So it seems there are a lot of people out here who want to see a few atheist adverts to counter all the religious ones. What's wrong with that?"
Annette Gill, London
"As the wife of the bus driver concerned I am proud that he stood up for his convictions. I am fully aware of the wide range of views on this subject for and against the advert by those with and without faith.
I do accept that some religious advertising may be blatant and dogmatic. I understand why the lady who started the campaign may have found offence. But I understand it was a website. A website you choose to visit. This advert is 'in your face', whether you like it or not. I have not personally seen anything equivalent on public transport.
Atheists are all for promoting freedom of speech and there is freedom of action too and that is exactly what my Husband did. He acted on his convictions. Thank God for freedom and I really mean that!
Is God offended? - using the words of the advert 'probably'! but then He knows what humans are like and He does not have a self-image problem! "
Frances Heather, Southampton
"I agree with the statement on the bus, however i think that religious statements of any kind dont have a place in advertising. You cant advertise religion, you believe what you believe, full stop."
Charlotte Webb, Newport, IOW
"So if I were an athiest bus driver I could refuse to drive a bus advertising the bible or any other relegious event?"
Bob, Brighton
"I fully support him and would do the same myself. It just never happened when I drove first buses."
David Brown, Bracknell
"God equiped us with necks, we should occasionally stick them out, good on the bus driver,Ron Heather peace and joy be with you."
Margeret Ford, Southampton
"Well done, Ron Heather, for making a stand. Christianity, especially in its pure biblical form, is very much under attack today in Britain and this latest incident is part of that trend.
The bus company have behaved foolishly in accepting these adverts which they should have known would cause offence to Christians and those of other faiths. The British Humanist Association is clearly bent on creating mischief and would appear to be past praying for.
I thought the view of Nigel Murray [below] was spot on."
Tony Widdows, Milford on Sea
"Claiming that atheists are fools simply because of what someone wrote thousands of years ago at a time considered relatively ignorant by the standards of our time shows that you think the following people are 'fools' -
Isaac Asimov, Noam Chomsky, Francis Crick (co-discovered the structure of DNA), Marie Curie (1903 Nobel Prize for Physics, 1911 Nobel Prize for Chemistry), Daniel Dennett, Thomas Edison (invented the incandescent light bulb), Stephen Gould, Massimo Pigliucci, Steven Pinker, Karl Popper, Carl Sagan, Michael Shermer, James Watson (co-discovered the structure of DNA), E.O. Wilson, etc.
John Andrews, Bournemouth
"First Bus management are as foolish for accepting the adverts as the Humanist group are for issuing them. "The fool has said in his heart, no God" (Psalm 14v1)."
Nigel Murray, Southampton
"I certainly support him in the stand that he is making. I am a disabled bus passenger myself so I certainly know how vunerable the elderly and disabled can be, who might be suffering with all sorts of worrying illnesses and complaints. Jesus always defended the weak, vunerable and opressed ,so the bus driver is only following the example of Our Lord and Saviour. I wish him the best in his stance, good luck to him and tell the bus company to take this advert off their buses! They should think more of those who could be severely affected by this advert."
Alison Spencer, Littlehampton
"People of faith cannot have it both ways; if it's ok to advertise religious views on a bus, then it must be ok to advertise alternative views. The atheist advert is fairly benign, has a broadly positive message and simply promotes a different point of view. It's not an all-out attack on people's religious convictions.
If the bus driver feels uncomfortable then I'm all for the company trying to accommodate him. But it is not his right to demand special treatment. In this country there is a right of free speech, not a right to be protected from legitimate views you personally find offensive.
Freedom of religion protects both unbelievers as well as believers. A christian or muslim's freedom to say there is a god is exactly the same as an atheist's freedom to say there isn't. We can debate who's right, but we can't silence or suppress one side of the discussion."
Richard Keatley, Pulborough
"I do not see how the message on the bus cannot be deemed offensive to anyone, it is just an expression of free speech. Although technically I feel it should be an 'agnostic' bus because it says 'probably no God'. It should read 'There is no God'."
Gillian Wickham, Eastleigh
"Firstly, providing Bus companies can also carry scripture passages it would seem reasonable that these folk can also advertise!!
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly is the question: are the adverts true?! - the word "probably" - no doubt used to keep within the law! - makes them very doubtful! - it cannot be proved there is no God!! - further more to thousands including myself "faith" and "believe" make an enormous difference to life! So should they be on buses if there is a large element of doubt that they are truthful??
Finally, and most importantly is the false suggestion, by inferrence, that if there is a God! - then you have to live an unhappy life! - note the wording - "there is probably no God -- therefore enjoy life" etc. this is the real suttle and dangerous message being conveyed!!"
David Peach, Weymouth
"I believe it's perfectly Ok to display any sort of advertisement (as long as it is not rude or offensive) on buses or any other means of transportation.
If a person has strong beliefs and has no doubts about their religious ideas, what others think should not interfere with their convictions. Everyone has the right to voice their opinions and to be respected for them, even when they are contrary to someone else's viewpoints."
Carlos
"I don't really have any sympathy with Ron Heather. For years, Christian organisations in the UK have paid for billboard and bus advertising. The message of these campaigns seems to be either telling non-believers that they face eternal damnation if they don't convert now or ridiculing years of proven scientific discovery (eg: evolution).
As an atheist and someone who strives to treat others with consideration, I find this type of message hostile and very offensive. Why should Christians be the only group allowed to spread the message of what they believe?"
Alison Drury, Bicester
"It is wrong for christian groups to feel that their's is the only message worth hearing, if they don't want athiest or other groups to advertise their messages on buses then don't antagonise them in the first place."
Darryl Lane
"Today with an overall global depression seeing something like 'God promises to provide all your needs with more left over for others' 2 Corinthians 9v8. Is something we would all prefer to see and is true for those with faith in Jesus."
Jeff Jones
"Those of us who do believe in our God don't have to worry about anything, and do get on with life and enjoy it to the full. It seems it is only the atheist, with nothing to believe who seem to be worrying - I would suggest they are the ones who need to get a life!
Before they try and convince a Christian based society of their stupid ideas perhaps they could try and tell us the laughable way they think the world was created .........- something about a big bang !! Poor things."
Malcolm Mayes, Hayling Island
"The Big Bang is the cosmological model of the universe that is best supported by all lines of scientific evidence and observation. As used by cosmologists, the term Big Bang generally refers to the idea that the universe has expanded from a primordial hot and dense initial condition at some finite time in the past, and continues to expand to this day."
John Andrews, Bournemouth
"As usual is seems there is one rule for one and another rule for everyone else.
Non-believers and those of other religious denominations have to contend with Christian "messages" on advertising hoardings and billboards but nobody seems to object to these as it is accepted and respected that we live in a Christian society but when the shoe is on the other foot there is protest.
As a vegetarian, I find plenty of advertisements not to my liking, but that is my choice and I wouldn't be so narrow minded as to make a fuss about it.
Each to their own."
Lori Hampson
"Having turned atheist in the middle of my Catholic convent education I have felt bombarded by Christian messages and 3D images of a man being slowly tortured (the crucifix) which I find rather distateful to display to children.
It is a breath of fresh air to find that there are others like me who are happy to be nice and enjoy life without having to believe some rather far fetched stories.
I've had to sing hymns and recite the Lord's prayer - its part of being tolerant to others. Christians are well able to show tolerance."
Marie, Romsey
"If Christian groups are allowed to advertise on buses, atheists and other groups should also be allowed to as well. However, if it turns out that there is a God, those who promote his non-existence should not be surprised if they end up missing out on the good things he is offering them."
Doug Holt, Dorchester
"This Driver may have stronge beliefs in his faith, but what he has done, I truely think he has taken this situation a bit too far.
If the bus company themselves have NOT had complaints, why is HE making such a fuss over it, and not only that, the advert could appear in High Streets Everywhere, so what is he going to do boycot all those roads because of his beliefs?"
Paul Waits, Portsmouth
"I find it a breath of fresh air, i'm not religious and to be honest i'm sick to death of religion being shoved in my face on a daily basis! Why are 'we' the non religious people not allowed a say? Why is our free speech taken away?
As the saying goes 'each to their own' and adverts that support all atheists should be allowed. It was bad enough hearing that christmas has to be called the winter festival because it offends people... christmas like valentines day is just a huge money maker i didn't realise that it was offensive?, much like i didn't realise my own non beliefs and other alike seems to be! People really need to take a step back and just let everyone get on with their OWN lives!"
Laura Mansell
"If we are going to advertise faiths on buses we must be prepared for people to refuse to drive them. I don't think it is fair to ask a Christian to drive a bus denying his faith. Would a Muslim drive a bus saying that his god doesn't exist. There would be a real out cry if anyone suggested that Mohammed or Allah didn't exist. Why should atheists push there beliefs on everyone. I am very glad to see a man stand up for what he believes. Jesus is alive. God Bless"
Pastor Isabel Walton, Deddington
"I am against banning any advert on the grounds of freedom of speech. As a life long atheist, if I were a bus driver would I object to driving a bus with a religious slogan on it? No, everyone is entitled to their view. The problem is that, particularly christians, are always trying to tell the rest of us how good it is, and the people who have put this advert on a bus are reducing atheism to the level of a religion. It isn't."
Martin Pook, Dorchester
I don't believe in any gods, or fairies, and my imaginary friend isn't necessarily any better than anyone elses.
"The bus advertisement in question is a very reasonable statement. If this is to be restricted, any advertisement for any religious group should also be disallowed."
A Bruce, Brighton
"To say is there 'a' God is to imply (wrongly) that God is a definite article, but to say is there God? is perfectly correct.
When asked by people if they can see God, I say: " Go and look in a mirror", because God is within all of us. God doesn't reside on a cloud or in a building of stone, but in the hearts of every man, woman and child."
Ms Gillian Tracy, Chichester
