So-called atheists

Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!" And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them… Acts 14:11-15

People are innately religious. Created by God, in God’s image, for the purpose of worshiping God, humans either worship the Creator (God) or the creation (things God has created).

There is a third category that is growing rather rapidly in our generation. So-called: atheists. I say “so-called” atheists, because most who claim that title are not atheists at all. Here is why:

Romans 1:18-25 clearly informs us that everyone knows that God exists because God has revealed Himself in nature. Many, however, reject this universal revelation of God. They do all they can to shut their ears and harden their hearts toward God. Most do this by worshiping the creation instead of the Creator. A tiny percentage of people go a step further “suppressing the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18) by insisting that there is no God and claiming the title “atheist.” But these do not really disbelieve in God. Instead these dislike and even detest God. Why? Because knowing there is a Creator God, they know they are accountable to and will one day be judged by God. They don’t like that, so they insist God that God does not exist. Insistence that God does not exist, no matter how vehement, will help no one when they stand before Him on Judgment Day.

A footnote regarding atheism: Because everyone is privy to the revelation of God, no one is naturally atheistic. Atheists must be trained to disbelieve in God—either by their own rebellious hearts, or by others who seek to convince them. The entire public education system (and especially higher education is based on the [false] premise that there is no God. Why would any Christian seek to be educated [indoctrinated] in such a false educational system? Remember: “The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7