Why I Love Sincere Atheists
I’ve been reading two books that have me thinking about atheism, Sam Harris’, “The End of Faith,” and a book called “The Reason for God,” by Timothy Keller. Both have been on the NYT Bestsellers list over the last few years. Keller is probably worth your time, Harris is probably not - in my opinion Harris is dishonest (and NOT in the category of a ’sincere’ atheist.)
The people to whom Keller writes, and whom I’ve met, fall into the category of sincere. I truly appreciate them.
A sincere atheist is someone who cannot reconcile the lack of compassion, power, or holiness within various faiths (including Christianity) and is left with the conclusion: If these people define what God looks like, He must not exist. I’m sure none of us have ever had that thought. 
The reason I apppreciate the questions of atheists is because they test the depth and sincerity of my faith and my compassion. Unfortunately, I’ve met many Christians who are intimidated or angered by atheists. I believe an atheist is more likely to find the truths of the Gospel than a ‘lazy agnostic,’ however, at least the atheist is asking questions that Jesus answers. The agnostic is usually only asking, “What’s on TV tonight?” The atheist in one sense chooses not to isolate themselves from the difficult circumstances of existance. The agnostic says, “I don’t care.”
I look for the day when Christians are equipped to answer the atheists’ valid questions. I’m not referring here to that nebulous category of discourse called ‘apologetics’. I’m referring to servants of God who pray and unselfishly listen to those that are struggling to survive on a darkened planet, with no light to guide them. I know that ‘most people’ will reject the truth in the end. I understand human depravity, after all, I am human. My point is we should be quick to listen and slow to speak, even when an atheist is doing the speaking.
We have more to gain from a love that is patient and kind and a wisdom that is full of mercy - and we have much to lose from a habit of making rote pronouncements about God assuming we understand the struggles of an atheist, without having listened to them. Presumption is a far cry from evangelism. If we make an assumption about an atheist, perhaps it should be this: let us assume they need to see love in action with a passion that is inspired by Jesus. As a matter of fact, I think there’s a Bible verse somewhere on that…
Hey Kyle,
I couldn’t agree more…I’ve always been annoyed by the questions for the sake of questions guy…the guy who really doesn’t want answers…they simply want to question…it’s a weird thing to me.
The atheist or the agnostic who is actually questions to seek Truth or has even arrived at the place of deeply believing that there is no Truth because of failed questioning thus far is so different than the question for questions sake fellow…
One is trying to look smart…the other is really trying to look…
That’s awesome! I loved this post. True atheists actually make pretty good friends at times. This is something I’ve been crying out for. I want to learn how to love those that struggle with the existence of God. I want to be better equipped to understand them and minister to their hearts. This is the one community that I have a heartfelt affection towards. Thanks for recommending a good author that allows us to substantially peer into the minds of these people.
Its kind of like when a person assumes to know who I am basied on their perception of my title “Christian.” I find myself introducing my Christianity to the conversation a little furthur down the line instead of right out in front, to avoid the “Oh, your one of those” syndrome. So, best not to do it to someone else I guess.
I’ve been investing some time into this as well. It is very interesting.
I agree with the Harris thought (that he is just emoting, and not adding anything new to the conversation), and would also put Dennet, Onfray and Dawkins in the same category. They have never filled out the philosophy of the atheist, they only seem to flame about the inconsistencies—oh, the humanity—of religion. The only full-blown atheist I know of in the last century (or two) to have filled out the philosophy of atheism is Antony Flew (schooled under C.S. Lewis). The funny thing is that he now believes in God. His recent book, There Is A God, documents his transformation, along with the reasoning against and for belief in God. Very good read.
David Ramsay Steele has a great book (in argument–rebuttal–repeat format) called Atheism Explained: From Folly to Philosophy. It is a solid overview of the atheist’s position and the reasoning behind it. At many points, though, he paints more of a caricature of Christianity than I would agree with or be comfortable defending (due to the left-field laughability of his caricatures).