A man’s decision to pay for a billboard asking Seattle residents to “imagine no religion” has sparked interest in a Wisconsin nonprofit group that promotes the separation of church and state, reports The Seattle Times.

Mike Christensen, a 28-year-old software engineer from Redmond, Wash., who identifies himself as an atheist, joined the Freedom From Religion Foundation, in Madison, Wis., several years ago because he disagreed with the Bush administration’s policies on religious issues. “I like the phrase ‘Imagine No Religion’ because it doesn’t make a judgment,” said Mr. Christensen. “It provokes thought.”

The 14-foot-by-48-foot billboard has helped bring in five new members and about 20 prospective ones, according to the charity. The organization began a campaign to spread its message via billboards in cities around the country 30 years ago; billboards urging viewers to “Keep Religion Out of Politics” were posted in Denver this week and will be posted in St. Paul next week, to coincide with conventions by the two major political parties.