Why are there so many atheists?

Answer

Before discussing atheism, it is essential to define it. According to an official atheism website, atheists describe themselves as follows: “Atheism is not a disbelief in gods or a denial of gods; it is a lack of belief in gods.” Those who identify as atheists prefer to highlight their lack of belief rather than a refusal to believe. They view atheism as intellectually superior to faith in God. However, this definition contradicts the biblical worldview, which declares, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1;Psalm 53:1). While atheists may agree with people of faith that every individual has the freedom to choose what they think or believe, here we define atheism as the decision to disbelieve in any Supreme Being to whom humanity is accountable.

Statistics indicate a growing trend of atheism in countries with a strong historical Christian influence. These statistics encompass individuals raised in godless households, but they also reveal a concerning increase among those who previously adhered to some form of religious faith. When we learn of a prominent figure in Christianity renouncing the faith they once professed, we are left pondering, “Why?” Why would numerous individuals cease to believe in God when His creation is evident everywhere (Psalm 19:1;Psalm 97:6;Romans 1:20)? Every culture worldwide acknowledges some form of deity, so why do many assert they do not believe in any god at all?

There are various reasons why individuals may identify as atheists. The first reason is ignorance. Due to a lack of accurate information, a person may conclude that nothing exists beyond this universe and humanity’s experience of it. Since there is still much unknown to us, ignorance often generates ideas to fill in the gaps.Fill in the blanks. This frequently leads to either false religions or atheism. Sketchy information about God is often tainted by mythology or religious superstition to the point that anything supernatural sounds like a fairy tale. Exposed to a mishmash of confusing claims, some individuals decide there is no truth to any of it and discard everything altogether.

Disillusionment is another reason some individuals become atheists. Due to negative experiences, such as an unanswered prayer or witnessing hypocritical behavior in others, a person may conclude that God does not exist. This reaction is often fueled by anger or hurt. These individuals reason that if God existed, He would behave in ways they could understand or agree with. Since He did not respond as they desired, they conclude that He must not exist at all. They may struggle with complex concepts such as hell, Old Testament genocide, or eternity and determine that the God of the Bible is too perplexing to be genuine. Disillusionment drives individuals to seek solace in what is visible and known, rather than in an unseen deity. To avoid the potential for further disappointment, they give up any effort at faith and find a degree of comfort in asserting that God simply does not exist.

Closely connected to the disillusioned are those who identify as “atheists” when, in reality, they are anti-God. Atheist is a term some use to conceal a deep hatred toward God. Often as a result of childhood trauma or abuse in the name of religion, these individuals are consumed by animosity toward all things religious. The only way they can retaliate against a God they view as cruel is to vehemently deny Him. Past events have inflicted wounds so deep that it is simpler to reject the existence of God than to admit that they despise Him. Genuine atheists would not include this group in their ranks, as they understand that being angry with God is an acknowledgment of His existence. However, many individuals do identify as atheists while simultaneously expressing indignation toward a God whose ex

Some individuals reject the concept of God because they desire Him to be more easily discoverable. When prominent atheist Richard Dawkins was questioned, “What would you say if you faced God after death?” he replied, “I would say to Him, ‘Why did you take such great pains to conceal yourself?’” Certain individuals disapprove of the fact that God is Spirit, unseen, and encountered solely through faith (Hebrews 11:6;Jeremiah 29:13). They embrace the mindset that the Creator of the universe owes them proof of His existence beyond what He has already generously provided (Psalm 19:1;Psalm 102:25;Romans 1:20). Jesus encountered this attitude during His earthly ministry. In Mark 8, Jesus had recently fed four thousand individuals with a small meal, yet the intellectual elite approached Him demanding a sign to “prove” He was the Messiah (verse 11). Jesus illustrated this hardened heart in His parable about the wealthy man in hell who wished to warn his siblings about the consequences that awaited them after death (Luke 16:19-31). From heaven, Abraham replied, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”

The primary reason for the ongoing increase in atheism has remained consistent since the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6;Romans 3:23). The core of all sin is self-rule. By rejecting the existence of a Creator, atheists can act as they please without worrying about future judgment or eternal repercussions (Matthew 12:36;Romans 14:12;1 Peter 4:5;Hebrews 4:13). In the twenty-first century, se

Self-worship has become culturally acceptable. Atheism appeals to a generation raised on evolutionary theory and moral relativism. John 3:19 says, “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” If human beings are self-created, self-determined, and self-centered, then there is no moral law or lawgiver to whom they must submit. There are no absolutes and no one to whom they are ultimately accountable. By adopting such a mindset, atheists can focus on seeking pleasure in this life alone.

As long as scientists, professors, and philosophers peddle their atheistic viewpoints as truth and wisdom, people will continue to buy it because the idea of self-determination appeals to our rebellious natures. The attitude is nothing new, but the changing cultural norms are making it more openly acceptable. Romans 1:18–31 details the results of this rejection of God’s authority. Verse 28 says, “God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.” Our world is seeing the results of that depravity. What atheists call “enlightenment,” God calls foolishness. Verses 22–23 say, “Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” Since the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10), then the denial of the Lord (atheism) is the beginning of foolishness.