A common criticism which atheists and skeptics make about religion and theism is that it amounts to little more than "wishful thinking." Belief in things like the existence of a god, the existence of an afterlife, and absolute and objective grounding for morality, and the certainty that everything will turn out all right in the end might be attractive in some ways, but being attractive isn't the same as having a solid basis in reality. Ultimately, these beliefs represent what people wish to be true rather than what can reasonably be concluded from the evidence around us.

Religious believers don't appreciate or agree with such criticisms, naturally, but if that's so then why would some go out of their way to bring it up? Here is a larger version of the image which appears to the right:

We saw this billboard the other day and simply had to take a photograph of it: If you can wish, you can believe. Shouldn't it perhaps be: If you believe, you're already wishing? Having open minds is definitely a good thing, but it's not so good when one's mind is so open that things just tumble out, leaving behind little more than fluffy wishes and dandelions.

Have you seen billboards, signs, or advertisements for churches, religious organizations, or other houses of worship which convey unintentional humor? They exist out there, we've all seen photos of them at one point or another... but if you see any, take a photo and send it along to me. I'll post it here and we'll create a collection of them for everyone to see.

If you email me a picture, certain formalities need to be observed. I'll need your full name, the name you'd like to be credited with, and the statement "I certify that I am the author or sole owner of the material I am submitting to About.com. About.com and its licensees may reproduce, distribute, publish, display, edit, modify, create derivative works and otherwise use the material for any purpose in any form and on any media. I agree to indemnify About.com for all damages and expenses that may be incurred in connection with the material."

I know, annoying legal glurge — but I need the explicit permission to upload (publish, distribute), crop & resize (edit, modify), and put it on a page (create derivative works). You also have to promise not to sue me if you mother finds out you sent a picture here to be posted (indemnify... for all damages and expenses). It's annoying, but About insists upon it so please don't let it dissuade you from emailing me funny pictures to share with others...