A new controversial billboard in town has a lot of people talking. It’s located near 72nd and Pacific Streets and for drivers headed southbound it may just grab their attention.
It reads: “Don’t Believe in God? Join the Club”
It was put up by the Omaha Coalition of Reason, a group that promotes atheist, humanist, and secularist thinking.
Director William Newman says the billboard is part of a campaign to attract nonbelievers in the area.
“Our billboard was designed not to denigrate anybody's religion or come out and try to convince people there is no God,” says Newman.
“It’s a beacon to let other non theists in the area know they're not alone.”
The sign is also a way to bring attention to the Midwest Freethought Conference which will be at the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus August 3rd-5th.
“Traditionally religious people have been open about sharing their views in public and so we feel like we have the same right to share our views,” says Newman.
Pastor Jeremy Fuerst of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church doesn't have a problem with the sign, but says he understands why some may disagree.
“It’s a natural reaction to have fear to a group that may oppose your core values, but as people of love we are to respond with love and that means fear is a non factor, “ says Fuerst.
Stephanie Hardesty was once an atheist, but now believes in God. She says the billboard is a good way to get people talking.
“I that's good because it gives nonbelievers in Omaha a chance to engage with each other and the culture at large.”
The billboard will be up through July and then it will be switched to face south, where it will be seen by northbound traffic thru the month of August.
