Atheism is the lack of belief in any god or gods. Atheists do not believe that any deities exist. The word “atheism” comes from the Greek word “atheos” which means “without god”. Atheism should not be confused with anti-theism, which is an active opposition to belief in God. Atheists simply find insufficient evidence to warrant belief in a divine being.
The Bible does not use the term “atheism”, as it originated later in history. However, the Bible is clear that belief in God is expected and that denial of God is foolish. Psalm 14:1 states “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” This verse clearly indicates that denying God’s existence is a foolish position.
Psalm 53:1 reiterates this view: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.” These Psalms powerfully state that professing atheism indicates foolishness and corruption.
Romans 1:18-23 also condemns the refusal to acknowledge the true God: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.”
This passage indicates that evidence for God is available in creation. Atheism is inexcusable because God has made himself plainly evident. Those who reject this evidence are denounced as fools who have corrupted thinking and darkened hearts. Their claimed wisdom is foolishness.
Atheists have not always been plentiful, but atheism has seen resurgence and growth in modern times. The Enlightenment period in 18th century Europe gave rise to skepticism about traditional religion. Scientific discoveries led some influential thinkers to conclude that the universe could be explained without reference to a Creator. Over time, the view that the natural world could be explained without God led to denial of God’s very existence.
Several prominent modern philosophers and scientists have identified as atheists, including Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, Sigmund Freud, and Richard Dawkins. Their writings have contributed to growth in popularity of atheist worldviews. However, this recent trend ignores mankind’s long history of belief in deities and the supernatural.
Atheism takes a variety of forms. Some atheists simply lack belief in a god but do not assert definitively that no gods exist. This is sometimes called “weak atheism”. Others confidently assert the non-existence of any and all gods. This position is often called “strong atheism”. An atheist’s beliefs may or may not include belief in the supernatural. Not all atheists endorse naturalism, the view that only natural laws and forces operate in the world.
There are a few common arguments or reasons atheists give against believing in God:
- Lack of evidence – Atheists argue there is insufficient evidence for rational belief in any god’s existence. The sheer diversity of religions is cited as proof people simply invent deities.
- Problem of evil – A good all-powerful God would not allow so much evil and suffering, so he must not exist.
- Incoherence of religious texts – Contradictions or absurdities in religions’ sacred texts invalidate their claims about deity/deities.
- Impact of science – Scientific explanations for origins and phenomena leave no room for supernatural gods.
These arguments may seem persuasive to some. But the Bible provides compelling responses. First, lack of definitive scientific evidence for God’s existence does not disprove him. Absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence. And there are good philosophical arguments for God’s existence, like the cosmological, teleological, and moral arguments.
The problem of evil mistakenly assumes an all-good God would prevent evil. But Scripture says God has morally sufficient reasons for permitting evil and suffering temporarily. And God will one day judge all evil.
Alleging Bible contradictions ignores contextual study and thoughtful interpretation that resolves many supposed discrepancies. Difficult texts do not discredit divine authorship. Apparent inconsistencies often have plausible explanations when carefully studied.
While science explains much, it cannot answer questions outside its purview, like ultimate origins, morality, meaning, and purpose. Scientific knowledge in no way precludes belief in supernatural realities. Science and faith are not mutually exclusive.
Atheists demand material evidence for God but discount immediate personal experience of deity as delusional. This is unjustified. Billions worldwide testify God tangibly impacts their lives. He engages humanity as a loving Father. Should not eyewitness reports count as evidence?
Some atheists claimtheir unbelief is purely rational and scientific. But Scripture suggests that willful sinful rebellion actually motivates denial of God. Unrighteousness suppresses truth and hinders clear thinking about the Creator. Suppressing conscience makes acknowledging moral duty to a righteous God uncomfortable.
Atheism’s perceived moral implications also trouble many. If no God exists, is morality purely subjective? Are there no objective ethical norms without divine lawgiver? This unsettles people and seems dangerous. However, atheists argue that ethical principles can still be rationally justified and agreed upon without theism.
Most importantly, the Bible declares atheism unequivocally false. God’s reality and nature are clearly evident in creation. General revelation provides sufficient knowledge of the Creator. Therefore, denying God’s existence is inexcusable. Salvation depends on acknowledging the one true God, not rejecting him.
Christian witness to atheist friends should balance grace and truth. Their skepticism should not be dismissed or condemned, but genuinely engaged. Questions and doubts merit thoughtful responses, not knee-jerk judgment. Yet God’s truth must not be compromised either. Pray for openness and speak God’s truth in love.
Point skeptics to God’s world as clues to his nature. Marvels of design suggest a Designer. Innate moral awareness hints at an objective morality only a universal Lawgiver could establish. Our profound longing for purpose and meaning implies a higher intended purpose we were made for.
The conscience inside each person intimates we will answer to divine judgement one day. Even atheists betray awareness of ultimate justice when they protest true evil in the world. This reflexive moral outrage betrays knowledge of objective rights and wrongs that require a divine Legislator.
Christians can thoughtfully ask atheist friends why they expect justice or purpose in an accidental impersonal universe. We can highlight that atheism’s cold materialistic worldview does not satisfy our deepest longings or correspond to our moral intuitions. Our hearts know this world means more.
When possible, graciously point out biblical texts atheists may find intriguing. Passages about God’s hiddenness due to human rebelliousness could strike a chord (Isaiah 45:15). Verses that highlight doubt and longing for greater revelation may resonate and open conversation (Luke 24:25, John 20:24-29).
Praising scientific discovery need not imply rejecting God. Many early scientists saw investigation of nature as exploring God’s marvelous creation. Science and biblical faith can coexist when neither overreaches its role. Caution atheist friends against scientism that excludes non-material realities.
Ask thoughtful questions to get at why faith is so objectionable to some atheists. Often distressing misconceptions about God need correcting. For example, Ptolemaic church overreach contributing to historical skepticism of faith. Or notions of an angry God contrasting the biblical portrait of loving Father.
Atheists may express valid critiques of flawed human religious institutions. Admit where corruption has distorted Christianity, but clarify that Christ’s teaching and example show God’s ideal. Corrupted human expression does not negate divine truth.
Offer to study Scripture together to see firsthand if its message aligns with their conceptions. Meeting real biblical Christianity can replace caricatures some atheists attack. Demonstrate God’s reasonableness and respond to accusations of Scripture’s irrationality.
Ask atheists why transcendent morality, remarkable design in nature, and the universe’s beginning suggest to you a Creator God. See if they have reasoned alternative explanations. Does their worldview satisfy mankind’s innate longing for purpose?
Above all, emphasize that your faith is based on personal relationship with Jesus, not just conceptual arguments. God engages believers now in intimate fellowship by his Spirit. Doubters are invited to connect with him directly rather than just debate about him.
Atheists deserve relationship, not just rebuttal. Love for neighbors should compel gracious engagement. Respectfully invite atheists to reconsider their conclusions with open mind. But ultimately only God’s Spirit can overcome willful unbelief and reveal himself to open hearts seeking truth.