On The Matter Of Patrick Greene
It seems that a lot of talk has been going on about Patrick Greene, especially since Ray Comfort mocked him on his blog, and he started emailing (and phoned into) The Atheist Experience. In case any of you have not been following the story, Patrick is attempting to sue Ray’s evangelical company “Living Waters” for selling an offensive bumper sticker.
The sticker in question says “National Atheist’s Day” in large red letters, then “April 1″, and the quotes the Bible “The FOOL has said in his heart, There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). Here is a small thumbnail to help you visualize it:
Now, there are many reasons I believe people can get offended by certain beliefs. I’ve written how I am offended when people tell me I’m going to Hell, not because to them it is “fact” (as Patrick Greene argues), but because they believe that such a punishment is justified, and they are willing to compare me as equal to murderers and rapists. I am offended by the threat of Hell for the same reasons I am offended when someone calls me a bastard. It is a personal attack, aimed and directed quite thoroughly.
Patrick Greene though, is in an entirely different category. He reasons that because the bumper sticker is portrayed as fact, and believers will view it as a fact, it is not only insulting, but slanderous and libelous. His argument goes against freedom of speech, and I am convinced his lawsuit (if he ever follows through with it) will fail.
People are entitled to their opinions of groups, beliefs, etc. Such an act as calling all atheists “fools”, based on a obscure Bible verse, is not insulting. It’s laughable at best. Certainly it is not slander, nor is it libelous. If someone were to come up to me and call me a fool to my face for not believing in God, I would get slightly offended, as would most people, but even that isn’t slander.
Now this *might* be libelous (but I’m going to post it anyway):
I’m no law expert, but if that image constitutes as libel, I’ll have to take it down so enjoy it whilst you can. I can’t see how it can be libel, as I’m not directly implying anything but I’m probably wrong. Anyone care to investigate for me?
On that note, what does everyone else think of Patrick Greene? There is only one way to find out…
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Granted, threatening a lawsuit when one has no real, valid ground is silly. Still, you have to give props for confronting the sticker owner (who may feel differently now that they have met an atheist) and for calling Comfort on his BS.
The following isn’t defamation:
Ray Comfort and his followers are brain-damaged paste-eating snot-nosed ninnies.
Richard
29 Jul 08 at 5:00 pm (GMT)
Seeing how Ray Comfort is the owner, I very much doubt it.
Adrian Hayter
29 Jul 08 at 5:30 pm (GMT)
Not only is he bringing down the reputation of atheists, he is also enforcing the stereotype that Americans will sue anyone at the drop of a hat. Such behaviour should be discouraged.
About your parody. As funny as it is, as the joke is directly targeted at Pat it is libel.
Robert Heywood
29 Jul 08 at 6:19 pm (GMT)
I would like one of this bumper sticker and my atheist friend would like one to we would also like the one above.
And yes i so belive in a God
National Atheist’s Day
Brian
20 Oct 08 at 5:41 am (GMT)