What is atheism?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Atheism is the belief that God does not exist. The Bible recognizes this viewpoint, with Psalm 14:1 saying, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" However, Scripture teaches that God revealed Himself through creation (Romans 1:20), conscience (Romans 2:15), and His Word. The Bible emphasizes the importance of faith in God (Hebrews 11:6) and the benefits that come with it (John 20:29). While atheism requires belief in the absence of any deity, Christianity encourages faith in a personal, knowable God who desires a relationship with humanity (2 Peter 3:9).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Psalm 14:1: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" This verse acknowledges the existence of atheistic beliefs, even in ancient times, demonstrating that rejection of God is not a new phenomenon.
• Psalm 19:1–4: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork..." This passage contends that God's existence is visible in the natural world, challenging the atheistic worldview.
• Ecclesiastes 3:11: "He has put eternity into man's heart..." This verse implies that humans have an innate sense of the eternal, which indicates the existence of the God who instilled this in each person.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Romans 1:20: "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." Paul contends that God's existence is evident in creation, leaving people with no reason not to believe.
• Romans 2:15: "They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness..." This verse implies that moral consciousness points to a divine lawgiver, which contradicts atheistic explanations of morality.
• Hebrews 11:6: “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in approaching God, recognizing that belief in God's existence is an option.
• John 20:29: "Jesus asked him, 'Have you believed because you saw me? Blessed are those who haven't seen but have believed.'" This statement from Jesus points out the importance of faith that transcends physical evidence.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The existence of the atheistic worldview challenges believers to examine our faith and be prepared to explain why we have hope in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Both atheism and theism require faith. It’s what causes us to believe in these things, responding to the truth we see in the world. Recognizing that both atheism and theism rely on faith can lead to more respectful discussions because it points out that it takes faith to trust that there is a God we cannot see, but who can be seen in the ways He has revealed Himself, and that it takes faith to believe that there is not a God. Christians are called to engage with atheists in a loving manner, remembering that God desires that all come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This desire for people to know God and to recognize the love He has for them encourages believers to live their faith authentically and to be a presence in atheists’ lives, allowing their lives to bear witness to God's existence and love. It also encourages Christians to gain a better understanding of why they believe in God, resulting in a more robust and tested faith that can withstand scrutiny and doubt.

UNDERSTAND

• Atheism is the belief that God does not exist.
• The Bible calls a person who does not believe in God a fool.
• The Bible recognizes atheism and argues against it, emphasizing that God's existence is evident through creation and conscience.

REFLECT

• How have you experienced or observed the evidence of God’s existence in creation or conscience in your own life?
• How do you understand the severity of the implications of not believing in God?
• How can the idea that both atheism and theism require faith impact the way you approach conversations with those who hold different beliefs?

ENGAGE

• How can understanding the Bible’s perspective on atheism help Christians address the challenge of faith in a secular society?
• How can Christians use the evidence of God’s existence in creation and conscience to build bridges with atheists, rather than creating division?
• There is a connection between atheism and a lack of morality. If there is no moral lawgiver, morality is questionable, and the effects are disastrous. For example, in China under Mao Zedong and other atheistic regimes, the absence of a divine moral framework contributed to widespread human rights abuses, leading to millions of people being enslaved or killed. How can addressing the connection between atheism and its implications, especially in terms of morality and human rights, stir conversations with atheists?
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