If the CFI raises enough funds, it plans to launch the Extraordinary Claims campaign in 2011, featuring two main spots on TTC buses: they would each read “Extraordinary claims requires extraordinary evidence” and then list a variety of things the CFI says are not backed by science, including UFOs, homeopathy, Zeus, Allah, Christ and God.
The campaign’s website says: “Why is belief in Bigfoot dismissed as delusional while belief in Allah and Christ is respected and revered? All of these claims are equally extraordinary and demand critical examination.”
Justin Trottier, executive director of the CFI, says it would be wrong to simply call it an “atheist campaign,” since they also call out alternative medicine such as homeopathy. “While Toronto doesn’t hold the same beliefs of literal conservative-style religion that are stifling in the U.S.,” he tells DigitalJournal.com in a phone interview, “Toronto is home to many purveyors of extraordinary claims, such as homeopaths and psychics. These claims are not trivial, and their practitioners are peddling unproven practices which parents often use on their children.”
Trottier says donations will have to reach $6,000 minimum to being rolling out their latest campaign.
The Centre was involved with the atheist bus campaign last year, featuring the bus ad stating “There’s probably no God so stop worrying and enjoy your life.” The campaign also ran across the world, including in India, Spain, and the UK. The Free Thought Association of Canada officially ran the campaign and the CFI hosted public events related to the ad.
Responding to criticism that these ads may be seen as aggressive as its counterparts, Trottier dismisses the notion of a radical atheist. “It doesn’t make sense,” he notes. “We are just asking for evidence, asking people to think critically.”
The Extraordinary Claims ads aren’t any more provocative than what is currently shown on TTC buses and subways, Trottier says. He adds the TTC brass won’t oppose these ads, despite their controversial nature, because the Atheist Bus Campaign spots ran without any hitches.
A Wisconsin organization is also hoping to launch its own atheist advertising campaign: the Freedom From Religion Foundation will roll out billboard campaigns and TV ads promoting atheism.
A 2005 survey from Adherent said 1.1 billion people worldwide consider themselves to be “secular/non-religious/agnostic/atheist.”
