Reasonable Foghorns

[Opsa]

I  read in the paper this morning that an Atheist group was allowed to put up signs at a local courthouse, along with the usual religious holiday displays. I thought this was rather progressive. Here's what the sign said: (as far as I could read from the photograph):

"At this season of the Winter Solstice, LET REASON PREVAIL. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.
Freedom From Religion Foundation FFRF.ORG"

This sign was done in very tasteful lettering and subtle colors and I agree with it for the most part, but something about it bothers me. Just as the threat of hell or the guilt trip of suffering in some religious messages turns me completely off, the last sentence used in this sign sounds like a put-down and will only offend those it could have reached.

Could they have done this better?

A long time ago I had to tell my highly opinionated brother that whenever anyone yells "Hey Stupid" I close my ears to the rest of the message. In this case the "Hey Stupid" comes at the end and seems to make what seems like a reasonable message go harsh.

Nobody wants to think their heart is hard and their mind enslaved just because they have a certain belief. Maybe they have that belief because it is a family tradition. Can we figure out a way to open minds without insulting them?

[Sibling DavidH]

I agree with every word of it, but you are quite right that the last sentence is too strident, especially for a christmas message.  That's the sort of thing I really want to put over in discussion with bright people, not at the general public.

I've been trying to think what should replace it, and it seems to me they could just drop it and end with '...world'.

Also - seriously - FFRF.ORG looks so much like 'frog' that it could detract from the message by being the main impression that people take away.

[Opsa]

I think that the general public has the capacity to be bright people if we can just speak to each other in compassionately compatible ways.

"Your mind is enslaved" and "You're going to hell" have exactly the same effect on me. They shut my mind to the rest of the message.

I agree with you, DH, that the message could have ended more peacefully after the word "world". Even so, if you turn it around and plug in the other people's message, it becomes muddled again. As in "There is a god, devil, angels, heaven and hell". If I don't believe that, why would I listen any further to the good points they may have to convey?

I like the first sentence, but it leaves too general a message. I wonder if there's anything else that might have worked after that? I'm trying to think of positive statements.

How about something like:
"Let us find joy in the reality of our natural world."

[Sibling Zono (anon1mat0)]

I guess it makes sense, if a Xtian message is "let there be peace on earth to good will men" then something like "marvel and respect the natural world" can be as good without being confrontational.

Now if the Xtiam message has something like: "...for only those who believe in Christ..." then a more pointed message may be warranted.

Personally I'm of two minds regarding atheist/agnostic messages/voices, on one hand the confrontational approach may indeed shut the ears of some people but on the other, I have to wonder if those ears weren't completely shut already and a more forceful message is necessary for those who are questioning themselves.

Scripture may say that the meek will inherit the earth but those quoting scripture are anything but meek on their message, and perhaps there are times in which the opposite side must use a more energetic approach.

[Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith]

From the original poster: "At this season of the Winter Solstice, LET REASON PREVAIL. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.
Freedom From Religion Foundation FFRF.ORG"

I agree, for a general sign placed up at a (more or less) random location, it's too confrontational.

Now, there is a time for confrontational messages-- sometimes that's the only way you can get past the concrete barriers.   But not as an icebreaker, not as a conversational opener:  "by the way?  I think you are just a mind-slave to your beliefs.  Want to be friends, now?"....  riiiight.  As if that won't get you a drink in your face...

I would've edited the poster down to it's bare essentials:

"At this season of the Winter Solstice, LET REASON PREVAIL.  Let us celebrate the wonder and beauty of our natural world."

I'd have left out the the origins (unless it was in very, very tiny print), and then only FFRF.ORG.   Even the name 'Freedom From Religion Foundation' is confrontational.  Let the curious discover that, if they go to the website.

I'd have put up a background scene behind the letters in harmony with the natural world-- say a winter vista of the Grand Canyon or a waterfall with snowy borders.

[Opsa]

I like your version, B-in-a-Q. Very simple and refreshingly non-combative. The natural scene is a nice touch. I would look at it and think: "I'd like to hang out with those people."

[Griffin NoName]

Christmas is a funny time of year. My family celebrate with turkey and presents, yet we are Jewish and to me it always feels a bit odd. It's always good to have alternate views and a shame that people get strident about it.