by Don Davidson

Created on: December 11, 2009

Many atheists make the same mistake that, unfortunately, far too many so-called Christians do.  They reject God, or get angry at Him, because they view Him through the narrow prism of this earthly life.  Thus, the fact that terrible things happen becomes proof that God either doesn’t care enough to prevent these wrongs, or that He is powerless to do anything about them.  In fact, He does care, and He could do plenty about them, but He has more something more important to worry about:  eternity.

 Now make no mistake about it, God wants us to have “abundant” life (John 10:10), filled with joy (John 15:11) and a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).  Yet that is not His primary focus, nor should we make it ours.  As Paul said, “If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19)  The apostle Paul suffered greatly in his lifetime.  He was unjustly imprisoned, beaten, and even stoned. (See 2 Corinthians 11:23-27)  Yet he could say, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” (Philippians 4:11) 

 Why was Paul content?  Because he had hope and faith that this life is not the end.  He knew that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)  Paul actually looked forward to death, for he longed to be with Christ. (Philippians 1:23) Paul knew that this life, no matter how difficult, lasts only a very short time in comparison with eternity.

 Another argument atheists use against religion (and Christianity in particular) is that it has caused a great deal of misery and suffering.  They point to the Inquisition, religious wars, the misuse of religion, etc.  And they are right, as far as they go.  But this is really no argument at all.  Anything can be misused:  money, power, sex, prescription drugs, etc.  None of these things is wrong in itself.  Only the misuse of them is wrong.  Similarly, the misuse of religion does not make it wrong, or untrue.  Furthermore, a lot of good has been done by people motivated by religion.  Many charities were started by Christians, such as the Salvation Army.  Christianity has brought peace and contentment to many besides Paul, including myself.

 But most importantly, atheism is a belief system without hope.  Atheism has no answer for death.  The atheist may say that he is not concerned about dying, but if so, he is part of a very small minority.  People facing cancer do not go through surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment because they welcome death.  Heart medications do not sell well because people look forward to dying.  Most people fear death and would love to avoid it, if it were possible.  Well, “ ‘with God all things are possible.’ ” (Matthew 19:26)

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