US Atheists group’s ‘Jesus is myth’ message sparks outrage

A New Jersey-based Atheists group has sparked outrage by spreading message on the Times Square billboard, saying 'Jesus is a myth'.

With a picture of Santa Claus above another image of Jesus Christ, the sign, sponsored by American Atheists, urges passersby to 'Keep the Merry!' and 'Dump the Myth!'.

David Silverman, president of American Atheists said that a private donor paid over 25,000 dollars to have the billboard posted above a nightclub in the crossroads of the world for one month, ending January 10, 2013.

"Most Christians are really atheists who feel trapped in their family's religion. They need not be Christian to enjoy the holiday season," Fox News quoted Silverman, as saying.

According to the report, the move has outraged many people across the city.

"It's a damn shame. It's an insult. Why did they have to put that up," said Anthony White, 41, a of Jersey City, N.J.

The Catholic League has battled it out with Silverman\'\'s group in the past, even posting opposing signs on each end of the Lincoln Tunnel in 2010.

But Catholic League spokesman Bill Donohue said Silverman went too far this year.

"This year it\'\'s different. This is vile. When you depict Jesus on the cross with a crown of thorns, this is exploitative," the report quoted Donohue, as saying.

"We as Christians never harass, intimidate or insult atheists. But they can\'\'t seem to say, \'\'We simply disagree with you.\'\' They have to insult us," he added.

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