Christian bus driver refuses to drive bus because of slogan (From Daily Echo)
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Atheist bus slogan sparks driver protest
3:02pm Friday 16th January 2009 in News
Driver Ron Heather
A SOUTHAMPTON bus driver refused to drive his bus after spotting a slogan on the vehicle saying ‘There’s probably no God’.
Ron Heather, from Lordswood, left his shift early in protest at the atheist comment after being shocked by the message.
First Bus responded by saying that the it would do everything in its power to ensure that Mr Heather does not have to drive the buses.
The controversial messages started appearing on busses across the country earlier this month as part of an advertising campaign.
The campaign is backed by prominent atheist Professor Richard Dawkins, author of bestselling book The God Delusion and the British Humanist Association.
Pressure group Christian Voice has questioned the campaign but the Methodist Church said it was a ‘good thing’ to engage people in debating the deeper questions of life.
The adverts run on 200 bendy buses in London and 600 vehicles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Comments(64)
southy
says...
3:07pm Fri 16 Jan 09
good old methodist and they got it right its good to have an open debate, because there is no god or gods its all man made.
ex so'ton
says...
3:09pm Fri 16 Jan 09
It is totally irrelevant and cannot be proven one way or t'ther! Religions are hot on promises and hopes but are short on actual facts. The driver surely should be sacked for refusing to carry out his work in a proper manner.
D'Arcy Sarto
says...
3:11pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Another hypocrite whos greatest motivation in life is to ensure HIS entry to heaven...a very selfish act indeed.
Could Mr Heather please comment here and tell us when was the last time an athiest knocked on his door to ram his views down his throat?
Andy Locks Heath
says...
3:16pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Condor Man
says...
3:20pm Fri 16 Jan 09
OMG
says...
3:24pm Fri 16 Jan 09
this guy signed up to be a bus driver not an anti-christ supporter. respect to all religeons both minority and majority.
Bill Loney
says...
3:27pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Condor Man wrote:I think Richard Dawkin's would welcome debate, shows how much you know about the man.
people have the right to have beliefs and Mr Heather is intitled to his. Personally he's gone about it the wrong way but if bullies like Richard Dawkins want a debate (which they don't) then bring it on.
Re the story, just give this chap another bus to drive, fixed!
Dr Alimantado
says...
3:32pm Fri 16 Jan 09
southy
says...
3:37pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Condor Man wrote:dawkins do debate, that what made him write his book
people have the right to have beliefs and Mr Heather is intitled to his. Personally he's gone about it the wrong way but if bullies like Richard Dawkins want a debate (which they don't) then bring it on.
Paramjit Bahia
says...
3:56pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Perhaps because First Bus has not awarded him well deserved order of the boot for refusing to work he could claim that it is a 'Miracle'.
Standard problem with SOME of the 'God Brigade's' followers is that they are so much intoxicated on the 'Opium of working class' that they tend to get very closed minded and loose tolerance, which otherwise they tell us us is the core principle of Christianity.
Considering by posing with the advert, this Flat Earther has displayed the well thought advertisement to much larger target than if he had driven that bus, only proves that God could not have objected to this advert, otherwise IF it really exists it would have given Mr.Ron Heather bit better sense than getting photographed with that wonderful informative slogan.
D'Arcy Sarto
says...
3:56pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Amen to that! ;-)
Georgem
says...
4:06pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Why do they use the word 'probably'?
Because advertising standards require it. It can't actually be proven either way, so to make any claim in either direction violates those rules. Not entirely convinced the Christian contingent adheres to this, though
Paramjit Bahia
says...
4:10pm Fri 16 Jan 09
southy wrote:Southy you are spot on. Even in time of the serious recession caused by religious fanatic Bush and preacher's son Brown, religion remains one of the most profitable business.
Pressure group Christian Voice has questioned the campaign but the Methodist Church said it was a ‘good thing’ to engage people in debating the deeper questions of life. good old methodist and they got it right its good to have an open debate, because there is no god or gods its all man made.
Andy Locks Heath
says...
4:18pm Fri 16 Jan 09
southy
says...
4:21pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Andy Locks Heath wrote:hush young lad lol
Paramjit, Southy and myself all in total agreement? It's a miracle!
fatboy
says...
4:22pm Fri 16 Jan 09
All the Christians, Muslims,Roman Candles, Jews and all the rest argue about is who has the best imaginary friend! It causes more problems than it solves-so many wars are over their religous beliefs. So they kill each other in the name of this 'peace' loving 'God'???
I would like to thank the people that put this sensible non-agressive message out on the buses. Maybe some churches could learn from this.
JESUS IS COMING, LOOK BUSY!
owen_thesaints
says...
4:26pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Where does it all stop?
I thought all bus drivers were very religous, the way they drive thing they have a god-given right to do what they want on the road!
Georgem
says...
4:35pm Fri 16 Jan 09
owen_thesaints wrote:Plus, they all seem so cross.....
Will he also refuse to carry me with my antichrist superstar t-shirt?
Where does it all stop?
I thought all bus drivers were very religous, the way they drive thing they have a god-given right to do what they want on the road!
Millbrook Dave
says...
4:47pm Fri 16 Jan 09
owen_thesaints
says...
4:54pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Millbrook Dave wrote:If he's so offended by an advert, then how does he ever leave his house in the morning.
But he doesn't mind having all the usual adverts on his bus,selling all sorts of crap to the public.How does that fit in with his'christian' beliefs?
Old Man of the Sea
says...
4:56pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Lib Lob
says...
5:03pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Andy Locks Heath wrote:Leave the Guardian out of it, I never met a lefty on the god-squad.
There's no point in sacking him although I wish it were possible to do so as it might wipe that smug smirk off his self righteous face. But he will only go to an employment tribunal and win,citing some non existent "Human right" as invariably happens when tribunals consist of superannuanted Guardian reading lovies who have never tried to run a business themselves. And of course there's always the European Court of Human Rights as a catchall........
Your stereotypical christian is a middle-class conservative e.g. Daily Mail or "Tory-graph".
Millbrook Dave
says...
5:08pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Andy Locks Heath wrote: There's no point in sacking him although I wish it were possible to do so as it might wipe that smug smirk off his self righteous face. But he will only go to an employment tribunal and win,citing some non existent The Guardian supports New Labour so that makes it a centre right paper!
allotment-grower
says...
5:39pm Fri 16 Jan 09
there is no god,,,he has never been seen , i dont belive in god,,,God and religon is the cause of too many troubles theses days...
He looks like a the type of person that enjoys a good moan,i bet the rip him about it at work//
good luck to driver ron,
Prairie Dog
says...
5:59pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Old Man of the Sea wrote:Of course not, that might have offended a minority group...
Would the bus have carried the advert if it said "ALLAH probably doesn't exist"?
southy
says...
6:01pm Fri 16 Jan 09
julie southampton
says...
6:05pm Fri 16 Jan 09
southy
says...
6:11pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Wise men, psychologists, philosophers and theologians have surmised and conjectured about the human over the centuries, and still do, but the truth about the human may be found only through factual knowledge. That factual knowledge lies in a process called evolution. The human is what evolution made him." unquote
i bet the mono god belivers are reeling after the news that came out of nassa last night, there a very good chance that there is life on mars (single cell). there go's there arguement on it must be true science have not found life on any other planet.
Miles Sway
says...
6:30pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Ironclad
says...
6:57pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Why is this any different? Why is religion the Universal Trump Card for special treatment?
Advertisment pays this guys wage, he should grow-up and get back to work.
This man knew exactly what he was doing, imho. This is an attempt to overthrow the Athiest voice that is so rarely heard, and his action is totally out of order and the bus company will have my full support if they amke this guy return to fulfill his contract.
Trumped by a hallucinating old man!
fuzzyfelt
says...
7:16pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Night Mare
says...
7:20pm Fri 16 Jan 09
D'Arcy Sarto
says...
8:21pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Ironclad wrote:Have you ever thought about standing for office?
Do veggie drivers refuse a sausage advertised bus? Do Muslim drivers refuse womens hair care product advertised buses (naked hair!)? NO! Why is this any different? Why is religion the Universal Trump Card for special treatment? Advertisment pays this guys wage, he should grow-up and get back to work. This man knew exactly what he was doing, imho. This is an attempt to overthrow the Athiest voice that is so rarely heard, and his action is totally out of order and the bus company will have my full support if they amke this guy return to fulfill his contract. Trumped by a hallucinating old man!
Security word- fast-vote
I kid you not!
D'Arcy Sarto
says...
8:25pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Night Mare wrote:Calling ALL dullards...why didn't we notice that?
For Christ's sake Echo at least spell atheist properly!
Maybe it is God testing us/ Maybe it's the work of the devil. As if there's a devil...tut...
urban moth
says...
8:29pm Fri 16 Jan 09
So is OMG, southampton when they say...
"i think he has every right to refuse to drive the bus. as a christian he finds it offensive, as is his right. In a society that goes out of its way to respect and protect believers of other relegions, it seems very unfair that they are willing to offend christians with this message."
OMG - you need to take another look at the advert and then ask yourself where it specifies a Christian god...
obelisker
says...
8:34pm Fri 16 Jan 09
! The God Delusion should be on every teenagers must read list then maybe in the next generation we can do away with the destructive forces of all religions.
urban moth
says...
8:36pm Fri 16 Jan 09
D'Arcy Sarto
says...
8:39pm Fri 16 Jan 09
obelisker wrote:Oh to have you in opposition to Ironclad,Plymouth for votes..what a dream. The Well Balanced Logic Party or The Other Well Balanced Logic Party? Decisions, decisions...
This silly man is just trying to make a point in a country where upsetting minority faiths in never out of the headlines. Everyday our freedom of speech is being stamped upon. Nobody connects the advert on the side of a bus with the driver, it's just pathetic. Slightly off the subject I was amazed to learn recently that any pharmacist has the right to refuse to dispense the morning after pill if it offends their religious beliefs...incredible ! The God Delusion should be on every teenagers must read list then maybe in the next generation we can do away with the destructive forces of all religions.
Vix1
says...
9:15pm Fri 16 Jan 09
D'Arcy Sarto
says...
9:45pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Vix1 wrote:No, we are not a christian country. Most people do not attend a regular religious service.Get over it.
I am incredibly pleased that for once a Christian is being treated with rights. I am sick and tired of this country making allowances for every other faith, minority and abomination but standing against Christianity. We are supposed to be a Christian country. Well done to the driver of the bus, we are with you 100%!
Anyway... if we are ALL gods children then what makes jesus so special? You bang on about god sacrificing his own son...if god knew his son was immortal then it was hardly a sacrifice was it? Get a grip man!
obelisker
says...
10:23pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Northamboy
says...
10:34pm Fri 16 Jan 09
moron control
says...
11:05pm Fri 16 Jan 09
As for Mr Heather, I would question why he is so fearful of debate on the subject. Perhaps he is worried about the effect of too many people being given encouragement to think for themselves?
southy
says...
11:11pm Fri 16 Jan 09
Vix1
says...
11:17pm Fri 16 Jan 09
anomalon
says...
12:22am Sat 17 Jan 09
OMG wrote:I can't find any part of the advert that's specifically against christians. It's a very fair advert with a positive message. It's against all mumbo-jumbo, not just christianity.
i think he has every right to refuse to drive the bus. as a christian he finds it offensive, as is his right. In a society that goes out of its way to respect and protect believers of other relegions, it seems very unfair that they are willing to offend christians with this message.
this guy signed up to be a bus driver not an anti-christ supporter. respect to all religeons both minority and majority.
I'm sure if the god bothers posted an advert - it would probably say something like "there is a god, so fear for your salvation and obey" - no Atheist bus driver would be taken seriously for wanting to avoid it. It seems us Atheists, despite being the majority, are treated as a minority.
gamesmaster
says...
12:28am Sat 17 Jan 09
I can assume that other drivers at First bus will be given similar treatment, and can refuse to drive buses (without worrying about their jobs) based on any idiotic, delusional and unprovable belief that they happen to have?
moron control
says...
12:40am Sat 17 Jan 09
Vix1 wrote:Well said. You have your choice, I have mine. Your people promote 'belief', my people promote knowledge. Your people advertise on buses that god exists, my people promote on buses the he doesn't. I'm not offended by your beliefs, I just disagree with them. They certainly don't offend me, and neither should mine yours. Welcome to democracy!
D'Arcy, I have nothing to get over, I am a Christian and proud of it. Nothing you or anyone else can say will change that fact. You make your choice, I make mine. Don't be so personal!
ukvillafan
says...
3:29am Sat 17 Jan 09
ukvillafan
says...
3:32am Sat 17 Jan 09
Northamboy
says...
8:56am Sat 17 Jan 09
southy wrote:I have noticed that as well and one of those that can't be 'quoted' is a particular nasty type poster.
funny how some names cant be quoted using the quote under there post, ummm i wonder why that is multi name user maybe, or working all to gether in the same office, or even the echo personal.
Perhaps the Echo can sort out the problem please
MSK
says...
9:12am Sat 17 Jan 09
I once hammered on the door of a Jehovah's Witness Centre, whilst they had a sign on the door saying "Meeting in Progress - Do not disturb". I asked them if they were interested in joining my club of atheists. Payback!
saintjak
says...
10:05am Sat 17 Jan 09
He should be given a formal warning.
complete moron in my eyes
Veronique
says...
10:50am Sat 17 Jan 09
To date, atheists and agnostic workers have not whined and howled their displeasure at having to work those buses with the dreadful Alpha and other religious adverts on them. It is a matter of indifference in the workplace, even more especially when jobs are scarce. Besides, I can't imagine an atheist behaving in such a silly and precious fashion. Ridicule perhaps but not frivolous idiocy.
No one has the right not to be offended. Mr Heather and his ilk would do well to remember that.
bitbutter
says...
2:07pm Sat 17 Jan 09
Would First Bus be as accommodating to other employees who cited offense related to sincerely held beliefs as reason to refuse doing the job they have been hired for?
A mormon driver who's conscience prevented him from driving a bus displaying an advert for coffee.
A deeply offended atheist driver refusing to drive a bus advertising a Christian charity.
If First Bus want to clear themselves of the suspicion of religious discrimination in Mr Heather's favour, they'd need to confirm that in these hypothetical cases (and all similar ones) they would be just as accommodating to the driver as they have been here.
Of course they'd quickly be out of business if they did. Which leaves little doubt that they are, in fact, guilty of religious discrimination.
Ironclad
says...
4:55pm Sat 17 Jan 09
8:21pm Fri 16 Jan 09
" Ironclad wrote:
Do veggie drivers refuse a sausage advertised bus? Do Muslim drivers refuse womens hair care product advertised buses (naked hair!)? NO! Why is this any different? Why is religion the Universal Trump Card for special treatment? Advertisment pays this guys wage, he should grow-up and get back to work. This man knew exactly what he was doing, imho. This is an attempt to overthrow the Athiest voice that is so rarely heard, and his action is totally out of order and the bus company will have my full support if they amke this guy return to fulfill his contract. Trumped by a hallucinating old man! "
"" Have you ever thought about standing for office?
Security word- fast-vote
I kid you not! ""
D'Arcy sarto, that's very kind of you hehe. Maybe maybe
Couple of Qs for you.. 1, seriously? 2, why have you quoted a security word?
I may need a minister for common sense.. fancy it?!
sandjswift
says...
7:14pm Sat 17 Jan 09
rh
says...
8:02pm Sat 17 Jan 09
King Mush
says...
6:16pm Sun 18 Jan 09
He replied "Yeah - tough. I've got an advert for Beechams Powders on the back but I don't stop at every toilet!!"
jammyswine
says...
1:29pm Mon 19 Jan 09
Vix1 wrote:Err, since when were we a Christian country? What rights have been violated? How do we stand against Christianity? Why is it not possible to have a debate with presented facts?
I am incredibly pleased that for once a Christian is being treated with rights. I am sick and tired of this country making allowances for every other faith, minority and abomination but standing against Christianity. We are supposed to be a Christian country. Well done to the driver of the bus, we are with you 100%!
southy
says...
5:26pm Mon 19 Jan 09
jammyswine wrote:well jammyswine you may or may not knows this but, we was pagan first then switch to orthodox then to roman catholic and finaly luthian aka church of england, and its only since 1950 have we come more none belivers than belivers and in the last 20 years even some muslims have been turning there backs on there religion and putting more faith in the sciences in this country.
Vix1 wrote:Err, since when were we a Christian country? What rights have been violated? How do we stand against Christianity? Why is it not possible to have a debate with presented facts?
I am incredibly pleased that for once a Christian is being treated with rights. I am sick and tired of this country making allowances for every other faith, minority and abomination but standing against Christianity. We are supposed to be a Christian country. Well done to the driver of the bus, we are with you 100%!
GFA
says...
6:43pm Mon 19 Jan 09
That way I won't have to see nauseating religious ads, and Mr Heather won't have to see nauseating atheist ads.
jammyswine
says...
8:42am Tue 20 Jan 09
southy wrote:I've just noticed this little nugget of wisdom in Vix1's argument..."I am sick and tired of this country making allowances for every other faith, minority and abomination.." Abomination? that's love for your fellow man, thank god for religion eh!
jammyswine wrote:well jammyswine you may or may not knows this but, we was pagan first then switch to orthodox then to roman catholic and finaly luthian aka church of england, and its only since 1950 have we come more none belivers than belivers and in the last 20 years even some muslims have been turning there backs on there religion and putting more faith in the sciences in this country.Vix1 wrote: I am incredibly pleased that for once a Christian is being treated with rights. I am sick and tired of this country making allowances for every other faith, minority and abomination but standing against Christianity. We are supposed to be a Christian country. Well done to the driver of the bus, we are with you 100%!Err, since when were we a Christian country? What rights have been violated? How do we stand against Christianity? Why is it not possible to have a debate with presented facts?
nikolai
says...
1:01pm Wed 21 Jan 09
The ad shouts: look at me, I'm anti-religious, I can do what I like.
Christians like this bus driver (and that BA employee) get uppity because they either resent the fact that the trend in Britain in recent years has been to force religion out of the public sphere and into the private sphere. These people probably hanker after the Britain of the 1950s.
As for the argument that 'they'd never target and ad at Muslims', two points: 1) Muslims worship the same God as the Christians, 'Allah' is merely the word for God in Arabic so therefore the ad still attacks them; 2) using the word Allah would attack Muslims specifically whereas the point of the ad was to attack all relgious belief, not any particular religion.
This is about being anti-religious rather than just anti-Christian.
As for this bus drivers argument, he should resign. If your conscience makes you rebel you should be prepared to resign.
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