Even Worse Bus Ads: Britain Secularist Society

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by David E

One example from my own life: My friend from high school had a child named Gabriel, who was born with health problems. In fact, he never left the hospital and died when he was only 6 months old. He cried a lot and probably never laughed. So my question is: do you think my friend can stop worrying and enjoy her life more if there is NO God, or if there is a God?

Disclaimer: I'm going to treat this as a theoretical, not an actual person, so please do not forward my answer here to your friend.

Your friend can stop worrying and enjoy her life more if she comes to terms with the fact that her baby died. A religious person would do so by telling themselves, "God has a plan, everything happens for a reason, my baby is in a happy place now." An atheist would do so by telling themselves, "People die every day, this is no reflection on me, at least my baby isn't suffering anymore." Both paths lead to the same result - coming to terms with a real fact, that the baby is dead.

The lesson I garner from this example is that in most situations, facing facts and then moving on is what is needed. How you get there is your own business.



I would say that this example has nothing to do with the intent of the ads. The ads are trying to say that you should not worry about God's plan, or God's vengeance, or God's requirements. That these things can and will impede upon your ability to enjoy your life.

Through my life experience I have found this to be true. Sure, you can be happy in the concept that someone will eventually iron out all the annoying unfairness in life, but it's a double-sided Sword of Judgement that can be swung your way at any time.