You've been ad...an almighty row over bus posters
Does God really exist? It is a question that has a definite answer for some but, for others, no sure conclusion.
Faith, I believe, is a deeply personal matter and a current advertising campaign by the British Humanist Association (BHA) is causing a rumpus by running a poster campaign on more than 800 buses across the UK, as well as on the London Underground, carrying the following statement: 'There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.'
It now looks like the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) might have the final say on whether or not God actually exists, as it follows up a complaint from the Christian Voice organisation.
The background to the campaign is fascinating. Originally the BHA set up an online appeal to raise 5,500 for a mini-campaign destined for London's bendy buses. Within a week more than 136,000 was donated, providing funds to expand the promotion.
I pity the poor soul at the ASA who will investigate the complaint. Christian Voice believes the campaign breaks rules on substantiation and truthfulness.
A quick search regarding the ASA's code reveals the following: 'Marketers must hold documentary evidence to prove all claims'. The ASA has stated it will assess the complaint and decide whether or not to contact advertiser.
But whatever is decided will have significant implications. If the regulator chooses not to contact the BHA and investigate or refuses to uphold the complaint, rest assured we will see newspapers and commentators declare our country is no longer a Christian state.
If it does deem the complaint is justified and takes action against the BHA, it can be argued as a severe blow for freedom of speech.
Christian Voice says there is plenty of evidence of God's existence, citing people's personal experience and including the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The BHA says they find the complaint laughable.
If you take the ASA's code literally, then it looks like it will be up to the BHA to prove God does not exist – a feat I would be fascinated to witness.
I think the key to this whole saga is the word 'probably'. It seems it nicely covers the humanist viewpoint, while still giving a 'get out of jail free' card should the big man upstairs actually exist and some quick talking needs to be done on judgment day.
Whatever the upshot, I'm just glad we live in a country where an organisation that doesn't believe in God is permitted to say so publicly.
In many countries, such an assertion would result in execution (after which, presumably, you would NOT be meeting your maker?) or being flung into some prison hellhole.
Does God exist? Until the ASA makes its ruling, the answer remains a matter of personal opinion.
What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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