Dave Silverman didn’t get to make this announcement on Mike Huckabee‘s show as he planned to, but it’s still exciting news:

“Tell your family you don’t believe in gods… they just might agree.”

That’s the new digital billboard American Atheists is putting up at the foot of the Lincoln Tunnel beginning on Monday.

The Final graphic for the Lincoln Tunnel this year is a direct call to action for the church-pew atheists — those who pretend to believe what they know is a scam for the benefit of fitting in. So often we hear of people who are afraid to come out of the closet to their loved ones, only to find out later that those very same loved ones are also atheists, closeted from the closeted! Closeted atheists often feel alone because of being closeted. Coming out will inspire the others in your life to do the same. It’s amazing how good it feels to be honest with your loved ones. That’s why American Atheists is inviting all atheists to give the gift of honesty this year. Tell those who love you that you’re an atheist. We bet you’ll find company in your very own family.

The new billboard replaces the prevone that was up for the past few weeks:

Last week, the New York Times teased us about the billboard that would be replacing it:

… On Monday, Mr. Silverman plans to replace this billboard with a more controversial image for the last two weeks before Christmas, and he is still hoping that the Catholics will respond. … “It will be a call to action,” he said. “And both Poseidon and Jesus will be on it.”

That’s exactly how it panned out — it’s a call to action. One that people may hesitate to follow through with, but one which may lead to very surprising results.

Whether or not people take the advice, this one is much more likely to get more press.

It specifically calls out closeted atheists. (Take that, anyone who said they’re mocking believers. This isn’t about you.)

It contains the word “gods.” (Lower case and plural. Checkmate!)

It juxtaposes Poseidon and Jesus. (Tell me why you don’t believe in one and I’ll tell you why I don’t believe in the other.)

It’s exactly the kind of campaign you want to see when you know people are visiting their families for the holidays. And it’s just edgy enough that even some atheists might be taken aback by it.



