It’s almost hidden behind a traffic light, a construction fence and tree leaves. But on the northbound side of LaSalle Street at Grand Avenue, you can see it—a billboard asking passers-by, “Are you good without God”? “Millions are,” it proclaims.

The advertisement was put up Tuesday by the Coalition for Reason, a Chicago-based group that connects atheist organizations. The goal is to tell fellow atheists that they are not alone, says the coalition’s coordinator, Hemant Mehta.

“It is a way,” he said, "to let other people, especially other atheists that are out there know we’re here and there is nothing wrong with thinking that way.”

Of a dozen people surveyed Tuesday, few took offense at the billboard. But some said they didn’t get the message.

“I’ve never seen that one before,” said Joanne Marcasufski, looking up at the sign. “There are people that don’t believe in God, that are afraid to say something,” she said, “because there are people that are so very vocal [about their beliefs].”

Ruthie Carter, an Ohio resident in Chicago for a business conference, disagreed. “We all need God,” she said. “I don’t really know what they’re trying to say.”

“I just don’t see the point,” said Meghan Listen, who was walking by on LaSalle Street. “Why do you have to promote not believing in god?”

Lynn Heller said she was surprised to see the sign. “I agree with it,” she said, “but I’m used to not having that said anywhere.”

Atheist organizations in the Coalition for Reason have seen an increase in membership over the last years, Mehta said. Fifteen percent of Illinois residents considered themselves unaffiliated, according to a 2007 study by the Pew Forum on Religious and Public Life. Nationwide, 4 percent considered themselves agnostic or atheist, and 12 percent say they aren’t affiliated with any particular religious group.

Most of those passing the billboard, however, said they were apathetic.

“To each their own,” said Magali Martinez, who was waiting for the bus across the street. “I have my beliefs and my opinions about things, and everybody else does, too.”