SlideShare una empresa de Scribd logo
1 de 10
Descargar para leer sin conexión
I don't believe in god, so am I an atheist?
Will I go to hell?
The short answer is Yes, according to Biblical context you will go to
Hell, but thats the easy answer..I would be remiss if I did not take a
moment to share the following.
If you consider yourself an atheist with a sincere interest in truth, there
are several things about Christianity that's critical to understand. This
article will solely deal with the biblical Christian faith which I
subscribe to personally, and since this question is a biblical one I
submit the following.
Tony Mariot Atheist 1
Truth matters, regardless of beliefs.
Integrity is a most important point. Every individual should be able to
explain why they accept or reject any particular view of the world.
And that explanation should reflect the actual beliefs in question. This
requirement applies universally, even if you prefer to define atheism
as merely “a lack of belief.” Distortions of religious belief tend to
drown out the real thing. It’s common to hear descriptions of
Christianity that are profoundly divergent from what Christians
actually believe.
Tony Mariot Atheist 2
In other words, you can’t honestly say you’ve considered the message
of Christianity unless you actually know what that message is.
Dismissing the existence of George Washington on the basis that
stories about him throwing a silver dollar across the Potomac are
myths isn’t good reasoning. We cannot allow a caricature to crowd out
actual facts and then make a judgment based on the caricature.
This is not suggesting that all atheists are uninformed. On the
contrary, many atheists can articulate the Christian position
accurately. However, many more self-professed atheists, when asked
to give an explanation of Christianity, present a cartoonish view.
Misrepresentations of Christianity are often a key component of
atheists’ arguments.
Tony Mariot Atheist 3
Christianity rejects “blind faith.”
Many atheists struggle with the idea of “blind faith,” but the claim
that Christians are called to “blind faith” is simply untrue. There is no
place in the Bible where human beings are told, “Believe this, just
because.” This misunderstanding is due to a mistaken definition of
faith. The Bible’s view of faith is best described as “trust.” This is
certainly different from “proof,” but faith is never presented as belief
without evidence or against all evidence. In fact, the Bible consistently
points to historical events as the basis for faith (Numbers 14:11; John
14:11).
Consider that “absolute proof” is actually rare in the human
experience. There are virtually no circumstances where anyone has the
ability to prove—mathematically, logically, infallibly—anything before
he acts. This means we are constantly acting when we have good
reasons but not absolute proof. That, in a nutshell, is the “faith” that the
Bible calls for.
Tony Mariot Atheist 4
Rather than calling us to place faith—trust—in the world or other
people, Christianity calls on us to place faith—reasonable trust—in
God and His words to us.
Atheist, exhibit “faith” of this kind every day. The difference is in the
object of that faith, not in the substance. You exhibit faith—reasoned
trust—every time you sit on a chair without first checking it for
stability. You exhibit faith every time you ride in a car without
performing an exhaustive inspection. You act on faith whenever you
eat food cooked by other people or take medicines provided by a
doctor or work a job believing you'll get paid after you've performed
the task. You cannot have absolute proof that any of these things are
reliable, each and every time. But you can have good reasons to trust
in them.
Ultimately, you place the same “faith” in your view of the world,
atheism. Consider the fact that no matter what you believe—or do not
believe—you cannot claim to have “proof.” Not in an absolute sense.
The reality of human experience is that we cannot know everything.
We have no choice but to act in trust—faith—based on what we have
good reason to believe, even if we can’t prove it. Christianity is not an
escape from reason or a freefall into blind faith. In fact, it’s exactly the
opposite: a truth that draws even unwilling converts on the strength
of evidence.
Tony Mariot Atheist 5
Christianity is uniquely tied to reason and evidence.
The Bible is unique in its approach to reason and evidence. Jesus
appealed to evidence when He was challenged. In John 5, Jesus
acknowledges that others won’t—or can’t—believe what He says on
blind faith. So He offers three lines of evidence as reasons to trust
Him: human testimony, observations, and written records (John 5:30–
47). The earliest believers constantly referred to facts and evidence as
support for their message (1 Corinthians 15:13–14; 2 Peter 1:16; Luke
1:1–4).
God doesn’t ask us to follow Him blindly (1 Thessalonians 5:21) or
ignorantly (Acts 17:11) or without doubts (Jude 1:22). Rather,
Christianity offers reasons to believe: evidence in nature (Psalm 19:1),
in science (Genesis 1:1), in logic (Isaiah 1:18), in history (Luke 1:1–4),
and in human experience (Romans 1:20–21; 1 Peter 5:1).
Modern atheists frequently point to “Science” as a catch-all counter to
religion.
Tony Mariot Atheist 6
It should be noted that, without a Christian worldview, what we call
“modern science” would be impossible. It wasn’t until a culture
approached the universe from a Christian perspective that the modern
scientific method was born. Science as we know it assumes that the
universe is rule-bound, repeatable, knowable, and subject to human
manipulation—all of which are uniquely theistic (particularly Judeo-
Christian) concepts. Atheism, like modern science, can co-opt those
tenets, but they all flow from a theistic worldview.
Also, it bears mentioning that interpretation is not always the same as
fact. This is as true in religion as in science. Rejecting or disproving
one particular facet of a belief system doesn’t necessarily mean the
entire idea is wrong. It might only be that particular idea that is in
error. Non-fundamental doctrines, such as the age of the earth, are
ultimately secondary to the core message of Christianity. The so-called
war between science and religion is a myth.
Tony Mariot Atheist 7
Christianity has the support of experience.
It’s important to consider what happens when people actually apply a
particular philosophy in the real world. No two people have exactly
the same understanding of how to live out a specific idea. And people
often do things completely contradictory to their stated beliefs. Yet it’s
possible to look at world history and see which ideas work and which
do not.
Beliefs have consequences. Atheism, like most worldviews, has no
particular reason to consider human beings valuable, equal, or
meaningful. Just as modern science owes its existence to theism, so too
do the concepts of morality, democracy, and human rights. The
positive impact of Christianity is seen in history and in current events.
The ideas of equality, self-governance, social welfare, and so forth are
all rooted in Christian heritage.
Tony Mariot Atheist 8
Even today, cultures with a Christian background are overwhelmingly
ahead of non-Christian cultures in the various moral issues most
atheists find meaningful.
Popular culture frequently takes the position that Christianity is a
philosophy of abuse. Religious motivations only factor into about 6 or
7 percent of all the wars in human history. Remove Islam from
consideration, and that number drops by more than half. In truth,
Christianity’s emphasis on compassion and peace has done far more
to prevent and soften violence than it has to inspire it.
Atheism means Christianity is worth consideration.
If the practical effects of a belief system matter in a culture, then they
also matter in one’s personal life. Atheists of all stripes throughout
history have pointed out a major problem with atheistic thinking:
nihilism. Belief in pure naturalism or the complete lack of any deity
has logical implications.
Force of logic leads atheists to reject objective morality, meaning,
purpose, and so forth. This is a dominant struggle in atheistic
philosophy: how to stave off nihilism or cope with its implications.
This is the reason atheism, more than any other worldview, has lent
itself as justification of the atrocities of dictators.
The best possible option—the one that leads to the best results—is
Christianity.
Tony Mariot Atheist 9
Not that this makes Christianity true by default or that anyone can
convince himself against his own will. But it’s at least a reason to take
the claims of the Bible seriously.
Christianity offers hope and meaning.
Every person has his own reasons for his beliefs or lack thereof. Often,
these reasons are more emotionally driven than we’d like to admit.
The message of the gospel is not one that human beings instinctively
prefer. But, once a person truly understands the biblical Christian
worldview, the caricatures and myths fall away, and what’s left is
compelling and powerful.
No single article, answer, or conversation can completely cover every
possible detail. There are thousands of legitimate questions and
concerns related to the Christian faith. Even if you don’t think that
Christianity is true, you should learn more about it.
At the worst, you’ll have a more accurate understanding of it. At best,
you’ll come to realize what so many other skeptics have: that Jesus is,
in fact, the truth.
Tony Mariot Atheist 10

Más contenido relacionado

La actualidad más candente

Hume’s four Arguments for Miracles AQA AS
Hume’s four Arguments for Miracles AQA AS Hume’s four Arguments for Miracles AQA AS
Hume’s four Arguments for Miracles AQA AS
acdefg
 
Isn't Christianity Just A Psychological Crutch?
Isn't Christianity Just A Psychological Crutch?Isn't Christianity Just A Psychological Crutch?
Isn't Christianity Just A Psychological Crutch?
KenBoa.org
 
Desensitization of faith revised
Desensitization of faith revisedDesensitization of faith revised
Desensitization of faith revised
borgjie distura
 

La actualidad más candente (20)

Atheism revisited
Atheism revisitedAtheism revisited
Atheism revisited
 
Dull question of the existence of god
Dull question of the existence of godDull question of the existence of god
Dull question of the existence of god
 
What is Atheism?
What is Atheism?What is Atheism?
What is Atheism?
 
Atheism - By Suhit Kulkarni
Atheism - By Suhit KulkarniAtheism - By Suhit Kulkarni
Atheism - By Suhit Kulkarni
 
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST and the Initiatic Visionary Experience
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST and the Initiatic Visionary ExperienceTHE BIRTH OF CHRIST and the Initiatic Visionary Experience
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST and the Initiatic Visionary Experience
 
Religion sin dios dwokin ingles
Religion sin dios dwokin inglesReligion sin dios dwokin ingles
Religion sin dios dwokin ingles
 
Atheism
AtheismAtheism
Atheism
 
Family CROSSroads, Lesson 1: "The Attack on Truth"
Family CROSSroads, Lesson 1: "The Attack on Truth"Family CROSSroads, Lesson 1: "The Attack on Truth"
Family CROSSroads, Lesson 1: "The Attack on Truth"
 
Atheism
AtheismAtheism
Atheism
 
Does Absolute Truth Exist? Class # 1 intro
Does Absolute Truth Exist? Class # 1 introDoes Absolute Truth Exist? Class # 1 intro
Does Absolute Truth Exist? Class # 1 intro
 
Hume’s four Arguments for Miracles AQA AS
Hume’s four Arguments for Miracles AQA AS Hume’s four Arguments for Miracles AQA AS
Hume’s four Arguments for Miracles AQA AS
 
Isn't Christianity Just A Psychological Crutch?
Isn't Christianity Just A Psychological Crutch?Isn't Christianity Just A Psychological Crutch?
Isn't Christianity Just A Psychological Crutch?
 
Atheism
AtheismAtheism
Atheism
 
Liberty university
Liberty universityLiberty university
Liberty university
 
Secular humanism
Secular humanismSecular humanism
Secular humanism
 
Contra billmaher
Contra billmaherContra billmaher
Contra billmaher
 
Desensitization of faith revised
Desensitization of faith revisedDesensitization of faith revised
Desensitization of faith revised
 
As Miracles
As MiraclesAs Miracles
As Miracles
 
Chapter 7
Chapter 7Chapter 7
Chapter 7
 
Apologetics, Kreeft chapter 10: The Bible, myth or history?
Apologetics, Kreeft chapter 10: The Bible, myth or history?Apologetics, Kreeft chapter 10: The Bible, myth or history?
Apologetics, Kreeft chapter 10: The Bible, myth or history?
 

Similar a Atheist

Module 7 AVPPHI 110RS Module 7The Pluralist Hypothesis Hick’s.docx
Module 7 AVPPHI 110RS Module 7The Pluralist Hypothesis Hick’s.docxModule 7 AVPPHI 110RS Module 7The Pluralist Hypothesis Hick’s.docx
Module 7 AVPPHI 110RS Module 7The Pluralist Hypothesis Hick’s.docx
moirarandell
 
The End of Christianity ( PDFDrive ).pdf
The End of Christianity ( PDFDrive ).pdfThe End of Christianity ( PDFDrive ).pdf
The End of Christianity ( PDFDrive ).pdf
Oliver Ramos
 
Session # 2. Does Absolute Truth Exist? A Basic Guide to Christian Apologetics
Session # 2. Does Absolute Truth Exist? A Basic Guide to Christian ApologeticsSession # 2. Does Absolute Truth Exist? A Basic Guide to Christian Apologetics
Session # 2. Does Absolute Truth Exist? A Basic Guide to Christian Apologetics
rogerskirk
 

Similar a Atheist (8)

These are part of my articles in linked in before i faced their censorship
These are part of my articles in linked in before i faced their censorshipThese are part of my articles in linked in before i faced their censorship
These are part of my articles in linked in before i faced their censorship
 
Module 7 AVPPHI 110RS Module 7The Pluralist Hypothesis Hick’s.docx
Module 7 AVPPHI 110RS Module 7The Pluralist Hypothesis Hick’s.docxModule 7 AVPPHI 110RS Module 7The Pluralist Hypothesis Hick’s.docx
Module 7 AVPPHI 110RS Module 7The Pluralist Hypothesis Hick’s.docx
 
Atheism Essay
Atheism EssayAtheism Essay
Atheism Essay
 
The trinity review, a the trinity manifest
The trinity review, a the trinity manifestThe trinity review, a the trinity manifest
The trinity review, a the trinity manifest
 
Lesson 2: Objective and subjective
Lesson 2: Objective and subjectiveLesson 2: Objective and subjective
Lesson 2: Objective and subjective
 
Lesson 2: Objective and subjective
Lesson 2: Objective and subjectiveLesson 2: Objective and subjective
Lesson 2: Objective and subjective
 
The End of Christianity ( PDFDrive ).pdf
The End of Christianity ( PDFDrive ).pdfThe End of Christianity ( PDFDrive ).pdf
The End of Christianity ( PDFDrive ).pdf
 
Session # 2. Does Absolute Truth Exist? A Basic Guide to Christian Apologetics
Session # 2. Does Absolute Truth Exist? A Basic Guide to Christian ApologeticsSession # 2. Does Absolute Truth Exist? A Basic Guide to Christian Apologetics
Session # 2. Does Absolute Truth Exist? A Basic Guide to Christian Apologetics
 

Más de University of Oxford Research

Más de University of Oxford Research (20)

Qualities of a Pastor
Qualities of a PastorQualities of a Pastor
Qualities of a Pastor
 
Glory of the Lord
Glory of the LordGlory of the Lord
Glory of the Lord
 
Predestination
Predestination Predestination
Predestination
 
Deliberate Sin
Deliberate SinDeliberate Sin
Deliberate Sin
 
Negative Theology
Negative TheologyNegative Theology
Negative Theology
 
Palm Sunday vs Palm Wednesday
Palm Sunday vs Palm WednesdayPalm Sunday vs Palm Wednesday
Palm Sunday vs Palm Wednesday
 
Why Catholics are Roman Catholics
Why Catholics are Roman Catholics Why Catholics are Roman Catholics
Why Catholics are Roman Catholics
 
Baptism and the Holy Spirit
Baptism and the Holy SpiritBaptism and the Holy Spirit
Baptism and the Holy Spirit
 
Ark of the Covenant
Ark of the CovenantArk of the Covenant
Ark of the Covenant
 
Blasphemy
BlasphemyBlasphemy
Blasphemy
 
Book of Genesis
Book of Genesis Book of Genesis
Book of Genesis
 
Mark of The Beast
Mark of The BeastMark of The Beast
Mark of The Beast
 
Guardian Angels
Guardian AngelsGuardian Angels
Guardian Angels
 
Biblical Accuracy
Biblical AccuracyBiblical Accuracy
Biblical Accuracy
 
Simon of Cyrene
Simon of CyreneSimon of Cyrene
Simon of Cyrene
 
Did Moses have Two Horns?
Did Moses have Two Horns?Did Moses have Two Horns?
Did Moses have Two Horns?
 
Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in TonguesSpeaking in Tongues
Speaking in Tongues
 
Forbidden Fruit
Forbidden FruitForbidden Fruit
Forbidden Fruit
 
Year the Bible was Writen
Year the Bible was WritenYear the Bible was Writen
Year the Bible was Writen
 
Names of God
Names of GodNames of God
Names of God
 

Último

Top Kala Jadu, Black magic expert in Faisalabad and Kala ilam specialist in S...
Top Kala Jadu, Black magic expert in Faisalabad and Kala ilam specialist in S...Top Kala Jadu, Black magic expert in Faisalabad and Kala ilam specialist in S...
Top Kala Jadu, Black magic expert in Faisalabad and Kala ilam specialist in S...
baharayali
 
Real Kala Jadu, Black magic specialist in Lahore and Kala ilam expert in kara...
Real Kala Jadu, Black magic specialist in Lahore and Kala ilam expert in kara...Real Kala Jadu, Black magic specialist in Lahore and Kala ilam expert in kara...
Real Kala Jadu, Black magic specialist in Lahore and Kala ilam expert in kara...
baharayali
 
-Developing-the-10-Paramis-in-a-Vipassana-Meditation.ppt
-Developing-the-10-Paramis-in-a-Vipassana-Meditation.ppt-Developing-the-10-Paramis-in-a-Vipassana-Meditation.ppt
-Developing-the-10-Paramis-in-a-Vipassana-Meditation.ppt
BonnieDuran1
 
Amil baba, Kala ilam expert in Multan and Black magic specialist in Sindh and...
Amil baba, Kala ilam expert in Multan and Black magic specialist in Sindh and...Amil baba, Kala ilam expert in Multan and Black magic specialist in Sindh and...
Amil baba, Kala ilam expert in Multan and Black magic specialist in Sindh and...
baharayali
 
Top 10 Amil baba list Famous Amil baba In Pakistan Amil baba Kala jadu in Raw...
Top 10 Amil baba list Famous Amil baba In Pakistan Amil baba Kala jadu in Raw...Top 10 Amil baba list Famous Amil baba In Pakistan Amil baba Kala jadu in Raw...
Top 10 Amil baba list Famous Amil baba In Pakistan Amil baba Kala jadu in Raw...
Amil Baba Naveed Bangali
 
Authentic Black magic, Kala ilam expert in UAE and Kala ilam specialist in S...
Authentic Black magic, Kala ilam expert in UAE  and Kala ilam specialist in S...Authentic Black magic, Kala ilam expert in UAE  and Kala ilam specialist in S...
Authentic Black magic, Kala ilam expert in UAE and Kala ilam specialist in S...
baharayali
 
Top Kala Jadu, Bangali Amil baba in Lahore and Kala jadu specialist in Lahore...
Top Kala Jadu, Bangali Amil baba in Lahore and Kala jadu specialist in Lahore...Top Kala Jadu, Bangali Amil baba in Lahore and Kala jadu specialist in Lahore...
Top Kala Jadu, Bangali Amil baba in Lahore and Kala jadu specialist in Lahore...
baharayali
 

Último (20)

Top Kala Jadu, Black magic expert in Faisalabad and Kala ilam specialist in S...
Top Kala Jadu, Black magic expert in Faisalabad and Kala ilam specialist in S...Top Kala Jadu, Black magic expert in Faisalabad and Kala ilam specialist in S...
Top Kala Jadu, Black magic expert in Faisalabad and Kala ilam specialist in S...
 
Legends of the Light v2.pdf xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Legends of the Light v2.pdf xxxxxxxxxxxxxLegends of the Light v2.pdf xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Legends of the Light v2.pdf xxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
From The Heart v8.pdf xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From The Heart v8.pdf xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxFrom The Heart v8.pdf xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From The Heart v8.pdf xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
No 1 Amil baba in Karachi Amil baba in Pakistan Asli Amil baba in Hyderabad
No 1 Amil baba in Karachi Amil baba in Pakistan Asli Amil baba in HyderabadNo 1 Amil baba in Karachi Amil baba in Pakistan Asli Amil baba in Hyderabad
No 1 Amil baba in Karachi Amil baba in Pakistan Asli Amil baba in Hyderabad
 
Study of the Psalms Chapter 1 verse 3 - wanderean
Study of the Psalms Chapter 1 verse 3 - wandereanStudy of the Psalms Chapter 1 verse 3 - wanderean
Study of the Psalms Chapter 1 verse 3 - wanderean
 
Real Kala Jadu, Black magic specialist in Lahore and Kala ilam expert in kara...
Real Kala Jadu, Black magic specialist in Lahore and Kala ilam expert in kara...Real Kala Jadu, Black magic specialist in Lahore and Kala ilam expert in kara...
Real Kala Jadu, Black magic specialist in Lahore and Kala ilam expert in kara...
 
-Developing-the-10-Paramis-in-a-Vipassana-Meditation.ppt
-Developing-the-10-Paramis-in-a-Vipassana-Meditation.ppt-Developing-the-10-Paramis-in-a-Vipassana-Meditation.ppt
-Developing-the-10-Paramis-in-a-Vipassana-Meditation.ppt
 
Amil baba, Kala ilam expert in Multan and Black magic specialist in Sindh and...
Amil baba, Kala ilam expert in Multan and Black magic specialist in Sindh and...Amil baba, Kala ilam expert in Multan and Black magic specialist in Sindh and...
Amil baba, Kala ilam expert in Multan and Black magic specialist in Sindh and...
 
St. Louise de Marillac and Abandoned Children
St. Louise de Marillac and Abandoned ChildrenSt. Louise de Marillac and Abandoned Children
St. Louise de Marillac and Abandoned Children
 
English - The Forgotten Books of Eden.pdf
English - The Forgotten Books of Eden.pdfEnglish - The Forgotten Books of Eden.pdf
English - The Forgotten Books of Eden.pdf
 
Genesis 1:7 || Meditate the Scripture daily verse by verse
Genesis 1:7  ||  Meditate the Scripture daily verse by verseGenesis 1:7  ||  Meditate the Scripture daily verse by verse
Genesis 1:7 || Meditate the Scripture daily verse by verse
 
Top 10 Amil baba list Famous Amil baba In Pakistan Amil baba Kala jadu in Raw...
Top 10 Amil baba list Famous Amil baba In Pakistan Amil baba Kala jadu in Raw...Top 10 Amil baba list Famous Amil baba In Pakistan Amil baba Kala jadu in Raw...
Top 10 Amil baba list Famous Amil baba In Pakistan Amil baba Kala jadu in Raw...
 
Jude: The Acts of the Apostates (Jude vv.1-4).pptx
Jude: The Acts of the Apostates (Jude vv.1-4).pptxJude: The Acts of the Apostates (Jude vv.1-4).pptx
Jude: The Acts of the Apostates (Jude vv.1-4).pptx
 
St John's Church Parish Diary for May 2024
St John's Church Parish Diary for May 2024St John's Church Parish Diary for May 2024
St John's Church Parish Diary for May 2024
 
Flores de Mayo-history and origin we need to understand
Flores de Mayo-history and origin we need to understandFlores de Mayo-history and origin we need to understand
Flores de Mayo-history and origin we need to understand
 
Hire Best Next Js Developer For Your Project
Hire Best Next Js Developer For Your ProjectHire Best Next Js Developer For Your Project
Hire Best Next Js Developer For Your Project
 
Authentic Black magic, Kala ilam expert in UAE and Kala ilam specialist in S...
Authentic Black magic, Kala ilam expert in UAE  and Kala ilam specialist in S...Authentic Black magic, Kala ilam expert in UAE  and Kala ilam specialist in S...
Authentic Black magic, Kala ilam expert in UAE and Kala ilam specialist in S...
 
The Revelation Chapter 4 Working Copy.docx
The Revelation Chapter 4 Working Copy.docxThe Revelation Chapter 4 Working Copy.docx
The Revelation Chapter 4 Working Copy.docx
 
Top Kala Jadu, Bangali Amil baba in Lahore and Kala jadu specialist in Lahore...
Top Kala Jadu, Bangali Amil baba in Lahore and Kala jadu specialist in Lahore...Top Kala Jadu, Bangali Amil baba in Lahore and Kala jadu specialist in Lahore...
Top Kala Jadu, Bangali Amil baba in Lahore and Kala jadu specialist in Lahore...
 
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 5 5 24
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 5 5 24Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 5 5 24
Deerfoot Church of Christ Bulletin 5 5 24
 

Atheist

  • 1. I don't believe in god, so am I an atheist? Will I go to hell? The short answer is Yes, according to Biblical context you will go to Hell, but thats the easy answer..I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to share the following. If you consider yourself an atheist with a sincere interest in truth, there are several things about Christianity that's critical to understand. This article will solely deal with the biblical Christian faith which I subscribe to personally, and since this question is a biblical one I submit the following. Tony Mariot Atheist 1
  • 2. Truth matters, regardless of beliefs. Integrity is a most important point. Every individual should be able to explain why they accept or reject any particular view of the world. And that explanation should reflect the actual beliefs in question. This requirement applies universally, even if you prefer to define atheism as merely “a lack of belief.” Distortions of religious belief tend to drown out the real thing. It’s common to hear descriptions of Christianity that are profoundly divergent from what Christians actually believe. Tony Mariot Atheist 2
  • 3. In other words, you can’t honestly say you’ve considered the message of Christianity unless you actually know what that message is. Dismissing the existence of George Washington on the basis that stories about him throwing a silver dollar across the Potomac are myths isn’t good reasoning. We cannot allow a caricature to crowd out actual facts and then make a judgment based on the caricature. This is not suggesting that all atheists are uninformed. On the contrary, many atheists can articulate the Christian position accurately. However, many more self-professed atheists, when asked to give an explanation of Christianity, present a cartoonish view. Misrepresentations of Christianity are often a key component of atheists’ arguments. Tony Mariot Atheist 3
  • 4. Christianity rejects “blind faith.” Many atheists struggle with the idea of “blind faith,” but the claim that Christians are called to “blind faith” is simply untrue. There is no place in the Bible where human beings are told, “Believe this, just because.” This misunderstanding is due to a mistaken definition of faith. The Bible’s view of faith is best described as “trust.” This is certainly different from “proof,” but faith is never presented as belief without evidence or against all evidence. In fact, the Bible consistently points to historical events as the basis for faith (Numbers 14:11; John 14:11). Consider that “absolute proof” is actually rare in the human experience. There are virtually no circumstances where anyone has the ability to prove—mathematically, logically, infallibly—anything before he acts. This means we are constantly acting when we have good reasons but not absolute proof. That, in a nutshell, is the “faith” that the Bible calls for. Tony Mariot Atheist 4
  • 5. Rather than calling us to place faith—trust—in the world or other people, Christianity calls on us to place faith—reasonable trust—in God and His words to us. Atheist, exhibit “faith” of this kind every day. The difference is in the object of that faith, not in the substance. You exhibit faith—reasoned trust—every time you sit on a chair without first checking it for stability. You exhibit faith every time you ride in a car without performing an exhaustive inspection. You act on faith whenever you eat food cooked by other people or take medicines provided by a doctor or work a job believing you'll get paid after you've performed the task. You cannot have absolute proof that any of these things are reliable, each and every time. But you can have good reasons to trust in them. Ultimately, you place the same “faith” in your view of the world, atheism. Consider the fact that no matter what you believe—or do not believe—you cannot claim to have “proof.” Not in an absolute sense. The reality of human experience is that we cannot know everything. We have no choice but to act in trust—faith—based on what we have good reason to believe, even if we can’t prove it. Christianity is not an escape from reason or a freefall into blind faith. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite: a truth that draws even unwilling converts on the strength of evidence. Tony Mariot Atheist 5
  • 6. Christianity is uniquely tied to reason and evidence. The Bible is unique in its approach to reason and evidence. Jesus appealed to evidence when He was challenged. In John 5, Jesus acknowledges that others won’t—or can’t—believe what He says on blind faith. So He offers three lines of evidence as reasons to trust Him: human testimony, observations, and written records (John 5:30– 47). The earliest believers constantly referred to facts and evidence as support for their message (1 Corinthians 15:13–14; 2 Peter 1:16; Luke 1:1–4). God doesn’t ask us to follow Him blindly (1 Thessalonians 5:21) or ignorantly (Acts 17:11) or without doubts (Jude 1:22). Rather, Christianity offers reasons to believe: evidence in nature (Psalm 19:1), in science (Genesis 1:1), in logic (Isaiah 1:18), in history (Luke 1:1–4), and in human experience (Romans 1:20–21; 1 Peter 5:1). Modern atheists frequently point to “Science” as a catch-all counter to religion. Tony Mariot Atheist 6
  • 7. It should be noted that, without a Christian worldview, what we call “modern science” would be impossible. It wasn’t until a culture approached the universe from a Christian perspective that the modern scientific method was born. Science as we know it assumes that the universe is rule-bound, repeatable, knowable, and subject to human manipulation—all of which are uniquely theistic (particularly Judeo- Christian) concepts. Atheism, like modern science, can co-opt those tenets, but they all flow from a theistic worldview. Also, it bears mentioning that interpretation is not always the same as fact. This is as true in religion as in science. Rejecting or disproving one particular facet of a belief system doesn’t necessarily mean the entire idea is wrong. It might only be that particular idea that is in error. Non-fundamental doctrines, such as the age of the earth, are ultimately secondary to the core message of Christianity. The so-called war between science and religion is a myth. Tony Mariot Atheist 7
  • 8. Christianity has the support of experience. It’s important to consider what happens when people actually apply a particular philosophy in the real world. No two people have exactly the same understanding of how to live out a specific idea. And people often do things completely contradictory to their stated beliefs. Yet it’s possible to look at world history and see which ideas work and which do not. Beliefs have consequences. Atheism, like most worldviews, has no particular reason to consider human beings valuable, equal, or meaningful. Just as modern science owes its existence to theism, so too do the concepts of morality, democracy, and human rights. The positive impact of Christianity is seen in history and in current events. The ideas of equality, self-governance, social welfare, and so forth are all rooted in Christian heritage. Tony Mariot Atheist 8
  • 9. Even today, cultures with a Christian background are overwhelmingly ahead of non-Christian cultures in the various moral issues most atheists find meaningful. Popular culture frequently takes the position that Christianity is a philosophy of abuse. Religious motivations only factor into about 6 or 7 percent of all the wars in human history. Remove Islam from consideration, and that number drops by more than half. In truth, Christianity’s emphasis on compassion and peace has done far more to prevent and soften violence than it has to inspire it. Atheism means Christianity is worth consideration. If the practical effects of a belief system matter in a culture, then they also matter in one’s personal life. Atheists of all stripes throughout history have pointed out a major problem with atheistic thinking: nihilism. Belief in pure naturalism or the complete lack of any deity has logical implications. Force of logic leads atheists to reject objective morality, meaning, purpose, and so forth. This is a dominant struggle in atheistic philosophy: how to stave off nihilism or cope with its implications. This is the reason atheism, more than any other worldview, has lent itself as justification of the atrocities of dictators. The best possible option—the one that leads to the best results—is Christianity. Tony Mariot Atheist 9
  • 10. Not that this makes Christianity true by default or that anyone can convince himself against his own will. But it’s at least a reason to take the claims of the Bible seriously. Christianity offers hope and meaning. Every person has his own reasons for his beliefs or lack thereof. Often, these reasons are more emotionally driven than we’d like to admit. The message of the gospel is not one that human beings instinctively prefer. But, once a person truly understands the biblical Christian worldview, the caricatures and myths fall away, and what’s left is compelling and powerful. No single article, answer, or conversation can completely cover every possible detail. There are thousands of legitimate questions and concerns related to the Christian faith. Even if you don’t think that Christianity is true, you should learn more about it. At the worst, you’ll have a more accurate understanding of it. At best, you’ll come to realize what so many other skeptics have: that Jesus is, in fact, the truth. Tony Mariot Atheist 10