How to Help an Atheist

"If there is no God, nothing matters. If there is a God, nothing else matters." —H. G. Wells

Two atheists married and had a son. One night as they tucked him into bed, their little boy looked at them and asked, "Mom and Dad, do you think God knows we don't believe in him?"

Children have an instinctive awareness of God. In fact, according to the Bible God's existence is self-evident. "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 men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20).

And yet, like me, you may know some individuals who refuse to believe in God. Some embrace atheism for philosophical reasons; they think faith in God is unreasonable. Others reject God for moral reasons; they don't want to be accountable to a higher being. (Someone has said, "The reason an atheist can't find God is the same reason a burglar can't find a policeman.")

Still others could be categorized as "angry atheists." They reject God because they are angry with him. They say, "If God really exists, then why doesn't he answer my prayers? Why does he let innocent people suffer?" When you think about it, though, anger toward God actually serves as evidence God is there. It makes no sense to be angry with someone who doesn't exist.

Do you know someone who doesn't believe in God? If so, how can you help him?

Remember that God loves him. When someone rejects our heavenly Father, it's tempting to react with hostility; but atheists need compassion, not contempt. Amazingly, God loves even the person who denies his very existence. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Ask him to describe the God in whom he does not believe. Those who reject God often have a distorted view of the God we love and serve. Challenge your friend's inaccurate views and show him how the Bible describes the true God.

Recognize that some who claim to be atheists are really just doubters. There's a big difference between a struggling faith and a settled unbelief. I've met individuals who say, "I'm an atheist," simply to shock me and see how I would react. Others claim to be atheists, but further discussion reveals they simply have a lot of questions and need us to show them solid reasons to believe.

Point out the strong evidence that God exists. The universe requires a Creator. Life requires a Designer. Morality requires a Law-Giver and a Judge. The Bible requires a Revealer.

Point out the consequences of denying God. The book of Ecclesiastes says it well. Without God, life is meaningless and we are left with hopelessness and despair.

Talk about Christ. The strongest argument for the existence of God is what I call "the Jesus argument." God is not merely a philosophical concept. Two thousand years ago he visited planet earth where he was seen, heard, and touched! The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and he made God known in a clear and compelling way (John 1:14, 18). Jesus not only shows us that God exists; he shows us what God is like.

Most of all, we who believe in God should make sure our lifestyles match our words. It's not enough simply to believe in the existence of God. Even the demons believe God exists (James 2:19). But when our actions demonstrate to a watching world that our heavenly Father is real, relevant, and relational, his grace and truth can penetrate even the hardest heart.