I am intending to paint an atheists version of the world famous Sistine Chapel ceiling. The original was painted by Michaelangelo and took him 4 years. Our ceiling is only around a third of the size and so will not take quite so long, my very limited talent is hardly going to challenge the maestro but its the idea that is important here. Rather than depicting biblical figures and creationist myths the new ceiling is to celebrate those 50 individuals who have made the most significant contribution to civilization (this has nothing to do with whether the individuals are atheists or not, the criteria is about their impact not their faith). Its a contentious proposition so we need all the help we can get to decide on the chosen few.
Below is a list of the contenders so far nominated for a place on the "Atheists Ceiling"
In the right hand side column is a list of those who are (almost) definitely up there already.
If you disagree and think any of these individuals should be taken off the list or, better still, you have a new nomination, then let me know. Send your nomination with a paragraph explaining why they deserve a place on the ceiling along with the other greats and I will add them for consideration. We are very aware that the list is currently predominately male and western and are keen to redress the balance, and are looking for heroes from all over the world, from all eras and of all sexes!
We currently have over 90 possibles and 22 probables so will at some stage have to devise a set of criteria to whittle these down. Again any ideas please send a post.
To make your nomination or leave a message, sipmly click on the "nominations" button below.
If you would like to email me direct my email is in the "My Profile" section
30.12.07
Who deserves a place on the ceiling?
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2 comments:
I nominate ; The Virgin Mary - because she has and continues to "inspire millions",arguably more than any other woman in history. As far as I can ascertain she did/does nobody harm whilst giving hope and comfort to those who find it in her. I hope she will go some way to providing the gender balance you are looking for on your list .
I think all philosophers and social commentators should not get on the list as for every one that postulates a position there is another one who postulates the opposite so cancelling each other out [and they don't actually "do" anything useful].
A Rupertine Chapel Ceiling without a depiction of the atheistic creation myth would be rather a poor counterpoint to the Sistine Chapel biblical version. I would like to make bold and suggest that Richard Dawkin take the place of God as he uniquely among us is able to unconditionally state that life began as a "chemical incident" and that our human qualities of conscience are an "evolutionary mistake". His depiction would give those who do not share the atheists' certainty of conviction that there is no God a parallel and satisfying opportunity to pretend that Dawkins doesn't exist either.
Elvis - speaking for teenagers everywhere i would like to nominate Elvis because he is the king! He was the first real rock star and teen idol. Rather than teenagers having to conform to their parents taste in music they where given their own voice. Elvis alowed teens everywhere to have their own opinions and it gave the music world more freedom .There is still this freedom today and we still Liston to the music we like. I mean imagen if you where forced to listen to your parents favorite music all the time! We would all go mad and end up becoming Stepford children ahhh!!!!!
Elvis also oped the door for thousands of up and coming musicians who would have not stood a chance with out this freedom to create music for the younger generations .This includes such musicians as Buddy holly, the Beachboys, Jimmy Hendrix, the clash, Queen, ABBA, The sex pistols and The killers! So i ask you how could you have live without all this music?
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