As you all know (and are no doubt celebrating right now), 2012 has been declared “Year of the Bible” in Pennsylvania.

Now, one atheist group is fighting back in their own way. The PA Nonbelievers are working in conjunction with American Atheists to put up this billboard in Harrisburg:

The “HR 535 – Year of the Bible Resolution” declared by the PA House of Representatives asked us to “study and apply the teachings of the holy scriptures”. After considering the bill, we felt it necessary to highlight one of those teachings and share it with the public in the form of this billboard. It will be posted starting around March 5th for 28 days, and stay up throughout the month of March.

American Atheists adds:

The fastest way for a Christian to become an Atheist is to read the bible. We want them to recognize that they see the application of the verse and how awful the bible is and come out of the closet. We especially want the in-the-pew atheists to begin to question why they are continuing the charade of going to church and giving their money in coercion of the bible.

I can’t wait to see the next billboards in the series.

How can Christians possibly complain when it’s their own holy book? I know, I know, that won’t stop them, but still. It’ll be fun to watch.

***Update***: I spoke with a representative from American Atheists and he clarified a few points people are bringing up in the comments:

PA Nonbelievers had no input into the design or location of the billboard. They only paid for a portion of it.

Regarding the image and the message, he said, “Our members of American Atheists who are African American are overwhelmingly supportive of the billboard.”



