Pro-Atheism Group Covers New York Subways in Ads

A group called The Big Apple Coalition of Reason has started a monthlong ad camaign on the New York City subway system. The group aims to convince people that there are many atheists in New York, and that they are still moral without religion.

"These ads inform New Yorkers that a million or more of their neighbors are good without God," said Michael De Dora Jr., the executive director for the New York branch of the Center for Inquiry. "That is, a million of us have found or created natural morality, and lead good, productive, and meaningful lives without appeal to religious dogma or God. The ads also invite interested New Yorkers to learn more about who we are and what we're doing, and to get involved in the growing secular community and secular movement."

The group's website  states that they are attempting to spread a more "rational" world view in New York.

All Big Apple COR organizations share common ground -- promoting wider acceptance of a more rational and realistic view of the universe -- but each has its own particular emphasis. Some advocate for scientific knowledge, reason, and skeptical inquiry. Some focus on the promotion of dogma-free humanist ethics, and an appreciation for life and the lives of other persons. Others focus more on providing a social aspect to the secular community.

The ad campaign, costing a total of over $25,000, was paid for by an anonymous donor.