Definition and Overview:
Atheism, derived from the Greek word "atheos," meaning "without god," refers to the belief that there is no deity or divine being. It is characterized by a rejection of theism, which is the belief in one or more gods. Atheism can be seen as a worldview that denies the existence of God as revealed in the Bible and is often associated with secular humanism, naturalism, and materialism.

Biblical Perspective:
The Bible addresses the concept of disbelief in God, often associating it with folly and moral corruption. In Psalm 14:1 , it is written, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good." This verse suggests that denying God's existence is linked to a lack of moral integrity and wisdom.

Romans 1:18-20 further elaborates on the consequences of rejecting God: "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse." This passage indicates that God's existence and attributes are evident in creation, leaving humanity without excuse for disbelief.

Historical Context:
Throughout history, atheism has often been in opposition to the predominant religious beliefs of societies. In biblical times, atheism as a formalized belief system was not as prevalent as it is today. However, the Bible records instances of idolatry and the worship of false gods, which can be seen as a form of practical atheism, where people live as though the true God does not exist.

Theological Implications:
From a biblical standpoint, atheism is seen as a rejection of the truth of God's existence and His revelation to humanity. It is considered a spiritual blindness that prevents individuals from recognizing the evidence of God in the world around them. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith in God is foundational to a relationship with Him, and atheism is viewed as a barrier to this relationship.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
The Bible suggests that belief in God is intrinsically linked to moral behavior. Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Without acknowledging God, individuals may lack the moral compass provided by divine wisdom and guidance. Atheism, therefore, is often associated with moral relativism, where ethical standards are subjective and not grounded in the absolute truth of God's Word.

Engagement with Atheism:
Christians are encouraged to engage with atheists with love, respect, and a readiness to provide a reasoned defense of their faith. 1 Peter 3:15 advises, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect." This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the questions and concerns of atheists while demonstrating the love and truth of the Gospel.

Conclusion:
While atheism presents a worldview that denies the existence of God, the Bible provides a framework for understanding and responding to this belief. Through Scripture, Christians are called to uphold the truth of God's existence and to engage with those who hold atheistic views with compassion and conviction.Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 14:1
The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.
Topicalbible.org

Romans 1:19
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has showed it to them.
Topicalbible.org

1. (n.) The disbelief or denial of the existence of a God, or supreme intelligent Being.

2. (n.) Godlessness.

ATHEISM

a'-the-iz'-m (atheos, "without God" (Ephesians 2:12)): Ordinarily this word is interpreted to mean a denial of the existence of God, a disbelief in God, the opposite of theism. But it seems better that we should consider it under four heads, in order to obtain a clear idea of the different meanings in which it has been used.

(1) The classical.

In this sense it does not mean a denial of the existence of a Divine Being, but the denial of the existence or reality of the god of a particular nation. Thus the Christians were repeatedly charged with atheism, because of their disbelief in the gods of heathenism. It was not charged that they did not believe in any god, but that they denied the existence and reality of the gods worshipped, and before whom the nation hitherto had bowed. This was considered so great a crime, so dangerous a thing to the nation, that it was felt to be a just cause for most cruel and determined persecutions. Socrates' teaching cast a shadow on the reality of the existence of the gods, and this charge was brought against him by his contemporaries. Cicero also uses the word in this sense in his charge against Diagoras of Athens. Indeed, such use of it is common in all classical literature.

(2) Philosophic.

It is not meant that the various philosophic systems to which this term is applied actually deny the existence of a Divine Being or of a First Cause, but that they are atheistic in their teaching, and tend to unsettle the faith of mankind in the existence of God. There is indeed a belief in a first cause, in force, in motion, in a certain aggregation of materials producing life, but the Divine Being as taught by theism is absolutely denied. This is true of the Idealism of Fichte, of the Ideal Pantheism of Spinoza, the Natural Pantheism of Schelling, and similar forms of thought. In applying the word atheism to the teaching here given, theism does not intend to assail them as wholly without a belief in a Divine Being; but it affirms that God is a person, a self-conscious Being, not merely a first cause or force. To deny this fundamental affirmation of theism is to make the teaching atheistic, a denial of that which is essential to theism (Hebrews 11:3).

(3) Dogmatic.

It absolutely denies the existence of God. It has often been held that this is, in fact, impossible. Cousin has said, "It is impossible, because the existence of God is implied in every assertion." It is true, however, that in all ages there have been persons who declared themselves absolute atheists. Especially is this true of the 18th century a period of widespread skepticism-when not a few, particularly in France, professed themselves atheists. In many cases, however, it resulted from a loose use of the word, careless definition, and sometimes from the spirit of boastfulness.

(4) Practical atheism.

It has nothing at all to do with belief. Indeed it accepts the affirmations of theism. It has reference wholly to the mode of life. It is to live as though there was no God.

It takes the form often of complete indifference to the claims of the Divine Being or again of outbroken and defiant wickedness (Psalm 14:1). That this form of atheism is widely prevalent is well known. It is accompanied in many cases with some form of unbelief or prejudice or false opinion of the church or Christianity. Dogmatic atheism is no longer a menace or even a hindrance to the progress of Christianity, but practical atheism is widespread in its influence and a dangerous element in our modern life (compare Isaiah 31:1 Jeremiah 2:13, 17, 18; Jeremiah 18:13-15). Whatever the form, whether it be that of religious agnosticism, denying that we can know that God exists, or critical atheism, denying that the evidence to prove His existence is sufficient, or dogmatic, or practical atheism, it is always a system of negation and as such tears down and destroys. It destroys the faith upon which all human relations are built. Since there is no God, there is no right nor wrong, and human action is neither good nor bad, but convenient or inconvenient. It leaves human society without a basis for order and human government without foundation (Romans 1:10-32). All is hopeless, all is wretchedness, all is tending to the grave and the grave ends all.

Arguments against atheism may be summarized as follows:

(1) It is contrary to reason. History has shown again and again how impossible it is to bring the mind to rest in this doctrine. Although Buddhism is atheistic in its teaching, idolatry is widespread in the lands where it prevails. While the Positive Philosophy of Auguste Comte was based on a denial of the existence of God, his attempt to found the new religion of humanity with rites and ceremonies of worship reveals how the longing for worship cannot be suppressed. It is a revelation of the fact so often seen in the history of human thought, that the mind cannot rest in the tenets of atheism.

(2) It is contrary to human experience. All history testifies that there are deep religious instincts within the human breast. To regard these as deceptive and unreasonable would itself be utterly unreasonable and unscientific. But the fact of such spiritual longing implies also that there is a Being who is responsive to and can satisfy the cry of the heart (Hebrews 11:6). In his Bampton Lectures Reville has said on this subject: "It would be irrational in the last degree to lay down the existence of such a need and such a tendency, and yet believe that the need corresponds to nothing, that the tendency has no goal."

(3) It fails to account for the evidence of design in the universe.

See COSMOLOGY.

(4) It fails to account for the existence of man and the world in general. Here is the universe: how did it come to be? Here is man: how is he to be accounted for? To these and like questions, atheism and atheistic philosophy have no adequate answer to give. See also COSMOLOGY; CREATION; GOD.

Jacob W. Kapp

Atheism Among the People
Atheism Among the People. <. Atheism Among the People Alphonse
de Lamartine. Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Sam ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lamartine/atheism among the people/

Against Atheism and Infidelity.
... ADDITIONAL DISCOURSES. SECT. VIII. AGAINST ATHEISM AND INFIDELITY. ... In short, the
zeal of spreading Atheism is, if possible, more absurd than Atheism itself. ...
/.../sect viii against atheism and.htm

Secret Atheism. March 15.
... Secret Atheism. March 15. There is little hope that we shall learn the
lessons God is for ever teaching us in the events of life ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /secret atheism march 15.htm

Christians Charged with Atheism.
... Chapter V."Christians charged with atheism. Why, then, should this be?
In our case, who pledge ourselves to do no wickedness, nor ...
/.../the first apology of justin/chapter v christians charged with atheism.htm

Charge of Atheism Refuted.
... Chapter VI."Charge of atheism refuted. Hence are we called atheists. And
we confess that we are atheists, so far as gods of this ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter vi charge of atheism refuted.htm

Psalm 36 Practical Atheism Exposed; Or, the Being and Attributes ...
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 36 Practical atheism exposed; or, The being and
attributes of God asserted. v.1,2,5-7,9. CM. Practical ...
/.../the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 36 practical atheism exposed.htm

Sometimes the Masses have Been Driven to Atheism by Science. ...
Atheism Among the People. <. ... VIII. Sometimes the masses have been
driven to Atheism by science.? Sometimes the masses ...
/.../lamartine/atheism among the people/viii sometimes the masses have.htm

Atheism Among the People
Atheism Among the People. <. ... Title Page. LAMARTINE ON ATHEISM. ATHEISM
AMONG THE PEOPLE. BY. ALPHONSE DE LAMARTINE. BOSTON ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lamartine/atheism among the people/title page.htm

Psalm 36 the Wickedness of Man, and the Majesty of God; Or ...
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 36 The wickedness of man, and the majesty of God;
or, Practical atheism exposed. v.1-7 SM. The wickedness ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 36 the wickedness of.htm

Psalm 10 Prayer Heard, Saints Saved; Or, Pride, Atheism, and ...
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 10 Prayer heard, saints saved; or, Pride, atheism,
and oppressors punished. CM Prayer heard, saints saved ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 10 prayer heard saints.htm

Atheism
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ATHEISM. ... Thus the Christians were repeatedly charged
with atheism, because of their disbelief in the gods of heathenism. ...
/a/atheism.htm - 13k

Epicureans (1 Occurrence)
... 17:18). This philosophy was a system of atheism, and taught men to seek
as their highest aim a pleasant and smooth life. They have ...
/e/epicureans.htm - 20k

Atharim (1 Occurrence)

/a/atharim.htm - 7k

Athenians (2 Occurrences)

/a/athenians.htm - 7k

Sub-apostolic
... Some conjecture the writer to be the consul, Flavius Clemens, whom Domitian (his
cousin) put to death in 95 AD for alleged "atheism," ie probably, profession ...
/s/sub-apostolic.htm - 38k

Subapostolic
... Some conjecture the writer to be the consul, Flavius Clemens, whom Domitian (his
cousin) put to death in 95 AD for alleged "atheism," ie probably, profession ...
/s/subapostolic.htm - 38k

Caesar's (10 Occurrences)
... The charges brought against all three were atheism and inclination to Jewish customs:
surely such charges were sufficiently vague and even self-contradictory. ...
/c/caesar's.htm - 18k

Household (222 Occurrences)
... The charges brought against all three were atheism and inclination to Jewish customs:
surely such charges were sufficiently vague and even self-contradictory. ...
/h/household.htm - 47k

Literature (2 Occurrences)
... Some conjecture the writer to be the consul, Flavius Clemens, whom Domitian (his
cousin) put to death in 95 AD for alleged "atheism," ie probably, profession ...
/l/literature.htm - 82k

Empire (8 Occurrences)
... And as religion was a political concern for the welfare of the state, atheism was
likely to call down the wrath of divinity to the subversion of the state. ...
/e/empire.htm - 80k

What is Christian atheism? | GotQuestions.org

Is atheism a religion? | GotQuestions.org

What is atheism? | GotQuestions.org

Atheism: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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