First it was atheist bus ads, now it’s humanist subway posters.
Subway riders in Toronto are getting another dose of philosophy to chew on with Humanist Canada unveiling a new poster at the Queen’s Park subway station.
The poster states “You can be good without God,” and directs people to the organization’s website.
“Our slogan does not support or oppose any religion or theology,” said Humanist Canada president Pat O’Brien. “Humanism is neither a religion nor a theology and the fact that a person can live a moral life, without deferring to any deity, has been recognized and accepted by religious and secular communities.”
Since it was put up last week, the poster has drawn both positive and negative reaction, he said.
“We’re all about free speech and I think all the ideas out there should be available for people to look at so they can make an informed decision,” O’Brien said. He said the same posters were rejected in Halifax and Vancouver last month.
Though his critics charge the ads are made to get rejected to generate publicity, O’Brien said he’s just trying to advertise an organization that’s been around since 1968.
“We have a product to sell, which is Humanist Canada,” O’Brien said. “We just felt it was time we got more national prominence and started increasing our membership base.”
Earlier this year the Freethought Association of Canada launched ads proclaiming, “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”
In response, the United Church of Canada launched its own ad campaign encouraging open discussion about the validity of God.
