Atheists in Minnesota are celebrating that their lack of belief now merits an official bookstore category. While most major bookstores have had special sections for books on Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and even the Occult for years, “endcaps” (as these displays are known in the biz) for atheism have only recently started appearing in local Borders Books stores. In addition to Minnesota, readers of the popular Pharyngula science blog have reported spotting atheism displays in Borders stores in Kentucky, Kansas, Houston, and Chicago. Some readers are also planning to petition Barnes & Noble to add similar displays.
With the recent popularity of books by Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens, and Richard Dawkins, all of whom have spent time on bestseller lists this year, displays like this are no doubt a good marketing gimmick for Borders. But for atheists, it’s nothing short of a “miracle,” as Pharyngula described it on his blog–tongue firmly planted in cheek, no doubt.
Check out Pharyngula, for more gushing and a larger photo of the display.
Beliefnet
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posted August 3, 2007 at 2:26 pm
This reminds me of something I noticed at Borders during the Harry Potter party in July. One small display area (a group of shelves) featured a sign that read “from the marvelous mind of Stan Lee” (or something along those lines), with some comic-inspired movies or similar products below. I thought it was funny that the Borders company itself produced such signs. Still, it’s logical to promote the trends of the moment.
posted August 5, 2007 at 11:18 pm
What has always been a condition within mankind (non-belief in a god), is only rising to popularity because people need to be excused from their guilty conscience. It’s not enough that psycholgy and those that peddle its snake oil does this.
Atheism is as original as a typical conman. Which of course is the second oldest profession.
The numbers of egotists and hedonists, have always existed in abundance within the populace. The only thing that is happening now, is that there are more people willing to waste their time and money reading books written by people that are willing to make a lot of money giving them what they want.
And it looks like atheists are as gullible as the typical religionist.
posted September 24, 2007 at 4:16 pm
Donny,Donny,Donny….. why not recall what would Jesus do? He sure wouldnt be putting down those who chose not to believe the same way you do, THINK ABOUT IT!!! And by the way I DO believe in God, and I happen to know & love some aithiest’s as well,(and aithiest being conmen’?????) That is as ridiculous as your comments!!! does THAT give me a one way ticket to hell? I think not, infact, there will be ALOT of ‘so-called christians’ surprised when they get to the gates, YA THINK??????