Dial-An-Atheist

Thousands of Americans each day call Dial-A-Prayer in cities across the country for messages of spiritual uplift. Now, in Chicago, the other side is having its say. By dialing (312) 597-2433, hundreds of people every day last week heard this statement: "Atheism is a life philosophy which accepts the fact that there are no supernatural forces or entities. There are no gods, devils, angels, souls, heavens or hells."

The words were recorded and made available as public service and propaganda by Troy Soos, 22, who heads a group of aggressive unbelievers affiliated with Atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair. Like so many missionaries, Soos is not into soft sell or subtlety. He informs callers that the Bible is the "Christians' fictitious novel." But many of the people who accept his offer to reply, on a recording device, are equally blunt. Several have expressed regrets that atheists are no longer burned at the stake. One shouted: "Kill! Kill! Kill!"

But in the first six weeks of Dial-An-Atheist, Soos claims that his 25-member chapter has added 70 supporters' names to its mailing list. God willing, he hopes to add many more.

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