Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyPHOENIX -- A new billboard on 44th Street north of Sky Harbor Airport reads: “Don’t believe in God? You are not alone.”
Phoenix resident Irving Faulkner says his first thought when he saw the billboard is that it’s in your face offensive.
Ophelia Ortiz had a similar reaction.
“I think it’s wrong, because why not believe in God? Everybody has their own beliefs,” said Ortiz.
But others say we’re all entitled to those beliefs.
“I don’t really think there’s anything wrong with the billboard," said ASU student Syreeta Tyrell. "It doesn’t really embody my personal beliefs, but as far as the country we live in, we are all free to have our own ideas and opinions."
The billboard creating all the conversation was placed there by
The Arizona Coalition of Reason.
Group organizers say it’s a way to raise awareness about people who don’t believe in God.
They say many humanists, atheists and agnostics don’t realize there is a community available for them.
“I think it’s awesome,” said Lee Sprabary, who is Christian, but has friends who don’t believe in God.
“I have a lot of friends who don’t and that’s their decision," said Sprabary. "I have Buddhist friends, Hindu, Muslim, atheist (friends)."
The billboard is one of many that have gone up across the country. The coalition says it hopes to get several messages across through the billboard.
“We want people to know they can be good without a belief in God," said Jim Lippard, spokesperson for the Arizona Coalition of Reason. "There is a lot of misinformation out there about us. But we humanists, agnostics and atheists are as normal as anyone else. We’re your friends, neighbors and family members.”
One thing Valley residents can agree on, whether you believe or you don’t, it’s giving a lot of people an excuse to voice their opinion.
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