We asked
CityNews viewers their thoughts on the atheist ads soon to be posted on TTC subway trains and buses. You responded in droves, and offered some thought-provoking arguments on both sides of the debate.
Here's a sample of your comments to us (some have been edited for space and content):
In regards to the atheist ads story you ran this morning, I must say I'm not offended by the ads, however, I ask myself why the free thinking group that is promoting the ads wouldn't use the money for something more productive, like feeding people, sick kids or cancer research. I imagine that like most things in life the publicity doesn't come cheap.
Shawn
There definitely is a God! and those who know him needn't worry either!
Rachel R.
I think these are brilliant. It would be hypocritical to allow religions to advertise without allowing opposing viewpoints. Goodness, it's almost like they think their views are sacred...
R.
I am disgusted by these ads and more disgusted that TTC approved them!!!!!!
Judy
I find all ads about beliefs or non-beliefs offensive. Can you imagine if every religion and the different sects of each religion started bombarding us with ads?
BUT I do agree that if you can say Jesus Saves you must be able to say No He Doesn't!
Nancy K.
Everyone has a right to voice their opinion. While I don't agree with the ad, I also feel that everyone has a right in this world to live and voice their opinion. Leave the ad. I have seen what science can do, I have never seen God as of yet, nor has anyone else in the past 6000 years.
Victor
I don't find the ads offensive in the least. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.....wouldn't God agree?
Judy H.
This is absolutely ridiculous. It offends me, yes it does..........because you believe it or not GOD DOES EXIST, and you know what GOD will prove himself.
It's sad, Canada once was founded on Christian values, and now some take the courage to go against God publicly, and the TTC would approve it???
The ad is really offensive. My heart is broken just seeing where this generation is headed.
Piri D.
God believers have always been offended by the truth. There is no difference this time.
Al
This makes me sick to my stomach, it makes me not want to ride a bus or subway any more. Congratulations TTC.
Frank D.
Attack ad? Hardly! Offensive, only if you are overly worried that there is an alternate point of view.
John
It is a point of view and one that gets people talking. I do not think a religious group like the Canada Family Action Coalition should have the right to have the ads banned.
The way I see it is churches all have signs outside now that have religious sayings on them that people may or may not agree with - this is just another sign with a point of view.
Have the religious groups that are against this ad campaign ever thought that maybe their signs outside their churches offend people who are not religious???
Kathy V.
This is the most offensive advertisement I ever seen, yes I believe in GOD and I don't really want my kids to see that ad - TTC should focus more in their lousy service instead of making money from stupid ads.
Roger
Of course the ads are offensive - that is their intent! Stating that Jews, Muslims and Christians are "worrying" and need to "relax" is offensive and not conducive to a rational discussion. If they wanted to have a true dialogue (as the atheists claim they do) they wouldn't lead with an insult.
The Freethought Association campaign is thoughtless.
Ken C.
This is my thought. No wonder there is so much anger, violence and for the most part, just so much darkness. What happened to teaching true values in schools to young children so that they grow up with at least some knowledge on how to treat your fellow human beings.
When they stopped teaching how to be tolerant of your fellow human beings, how to be sensitive to others' needs, how to go out of your way to be nice to someone, then you get those who want to now run ads saying there is "No God".
How about running ads that show people how to be tolerant of one another, get along, actually do something for someone else instead of yourself?...Maybe this world would begin to experience "the light" as opposed to all the darkness and gloom.
Kaye D.
How far can we go to ridicule our Creator! We will be held accountable for every single thing we do and say in the eyes of The Almighty God. How many curses are we going to bring upon us in this country? God can never be mocked, people! We think that we have become toooooo smart, don't we! The judgment day is upon us believe it or not. We are about to find out.
Madeleine M.
No - this is not offensive. We live in a pluralist society. Whether one agrees with it or not, people have a right to express the sentiment.
Anusia G.
No, I do not find these ads offensive. We hear about God all the time. Not everyone does believe in a God, so why not advertise to those who do not believe, you don't hear them complaining about all the God/Catholic/Church advertising going on. It is what they believe, that there is no God and then there are the believers. To each their own.
Kellie Y.