Atheists Have Never Experienced God

Seven Things Many Christians Believe About Atheists and Why They're Not Necessarily True

2. Atheists have never experienced God the way that I have, or they would believe.

Lots of atheists were Christians at some point. Depending on which study you use, 75-80% of US households consider themselves to be Christian, so it is reasonable to assume that a good many, if not most, of today’s American atheists grew up in Christian homes. How immersed they were in that belief system varies. But there is a curious thing about the atheists I’ve been in contact with. They are usually better educated about the Bible and other world religions that many of the followers of those religions. Just as they take their lack of belief seriously, many of them took their former faith seriously too. They prayed and worshiped and had those same kinds of feelings that Christians say they have. They’ve seen loved ones heal when all seemed lost. They’ve felt the peace that comes from “letting go and letting God.” But they didn’t stop there. They questioned. Rather than shutting the “eye of reason,” as Ben Franklin suggested was necessary in order to have faith, atheists continued to think, and think hard.

I’m not suggesting that Christians don’t think, but I am suggesting that they don’t take the process as far. Religion rewards faith without evidence. Blessed are those who do not see but still believe. (John 20: 29) If you want to believe in God, rational thought is not necessarily your best friend. Atheists tend to value honest inquiry above all else. We would rather know the truth, even if that truth isn’t as comforting as the idea of a happy afterlife with loved ones.

Plenty of atheists have experienced Christianity and the feelings that come with it.

Part 3 - Atheists Want To Destroy Christianity