Difference between revisions of "Denials that atheists exist"
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| − | [[File:Cornelius Van Til.jpg|thumb|175px|right|Dr. Cornelius Van Til]] | + | [[File:Cornelius Van Til.jpg|thumb|175px|right|Dr. [[Cornelius Van Til]] ]] |
It has been asserted by various theists that atheists do not exist. Sir [[Francis Bacon]] wrote in his essay ''Of [[Atheism]]'': | It has been asserted by various theists that atheists do not exist. Sir [[Francis Bacon]] wrote in his essay ''Of [[Atheism]]'': | ||
{{cquote|The [[Bible|Scripture]] saith, The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God; it is not said, The fool hath thought in his heart; so as he rather saith it, by rote to himself, as that he would have, than that he can thoroughly believe it, or be persuaded of it....It appeareth in nothing more, that atheism is rather in the lip, than in the heart of man.<ref>http://www.bartleby.com/3/1/16.html</ref>}} | {{cquote|The [[Bible|Scripture]] saith, The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God; it is not said, The fool hath thought in his heart; so as he rather saith it, by rote to himself, as that he would have, than that he can thoroughly believe it, or be persuaded of it....It appeareth in nothing more, that atheism is rather in the lip, than in the heart of man.<ref>http://www.bartleby.com/3/1/16.html</ref>}} | ||
| − | In addition, Christian [[philosophy|philosophers]] and [[Christian apologetics|apologists]] Dr. [[Cornelius Van Til]] and Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] argued there are no atheists and that atheists are actively suppressing their belief and knowledge of God and enigmatically engage in self-deception.<ref>[http://www.cmfnow.com/articles/PA191.htm Van Til and Self-deception] by Dr. Greg Bahnsen</ref> The [[England|English]] poet Edward Young wrote in his famous work ''Night Thoughts'' that "By night, an atheist half-believes a God."<ref>http://www.bartleby.com/100/224.html</ref> | + | In addition, Christian [[philosophy|philosophers]] and [[Christian apologetics|apologists]] Dr. [[Cornelius Van Til]] and Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] argued there are no atheists and that atheists are actively suppressing their belief and knowledge of God and enigmatically engage in self-deception.<ref>[http://www.cmfnow.com/articles/PA191.htm Van Til and Self-deception] by Dr. Greg Bahnsen</ref> The [[England|English]] poet Edward Young wrote in his famous work ''Night Thoughts'' that "By night, an atheist half-believes a God."<ref>http://www.bartleby.com/100/224.html</ref> See also: [[Atheism and presuppositional apologetics]] |
The Christian Cyclopedia states regarding atheism the following: | The Christian Cyclopedia states regarding atheism the following: | ||
{{cquote|It is not possible for a man to be an atheist, in the commonly accepted sense, in his innermost conviction. No amount of reasoning will erase from the human heart the God-given conviction that there is a Supreme Being; those who theoretically deny God's existence replace Him with something else.<ref>http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/cyclopedia/02/display.asp?t1=A&t2=t</ref>}} | {{cquote|It is not possible for a man to be an atheist, in the commonly accepted sense, in his innermost conviction. No amount of reasoning will erase from the human heart the God-given conviction that there is a Supreme Being; those who theoretically deny God's existence replace Him with something else.<ref>http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/cyclopedia/02/display.asp?t1=A&t2=t</ref>}} | ||
| − | + | J.W. Wartick wrote in his article ''The Unbeliever Knows God: Presuppositional Apologetics and Atheism'': | |
| + | {{Cquote|"[A]ll men already know God–long before the apologist engages them in conversation–and cannot avoid having such knowledge… People lack neither information nor evidence… [A]ll men know that God exists… In a crucial sense, all men already are “believers”–even “unbelievers” who will not respond properly by openly professing and living obediently in accordance with the knowledge they have of God." (Greg Bahnsen, Van Til’s Apologetic, 179-180, emphasis his, cited below). | ||
| − | === Quotes from science journals and science magazines | + | One crucial point of presuppositional apologetics is that even the unbelieving atheist really does know God. All people have knowledge of God. None can turn from it, none can escape it: everyone knows God. This knowledge is not saving knowledge. Instead, it is knowledge which is suppressed. The knowledge is ignored or even reviled. The quote above from the famed presuppositionalist Greg Bahnsen is just one example. C.L. Bolt, a popularizer of presuppositional apologetics, says similarly: |
| + | |||
| + | :It is in the things that have been created that God is clearly perceived. This perception is, again, so clear, that people have no excuse. Not only do all of us believe in God, but we know God. (C.L. Bolt, cited below) | ||
| + | |||
| + | What are we to make of this claim? What is the point from the presuppositionalist perspective? The claim is firmly rooted in Paul’s discussion of God’s wrath against evil in Romans 1-2 (see the text at the end of this post). Therefore, it behooves all Christians to reflect upon the notion that God is known to all people. Presuppositional Apologists have done much reflecting on these subjects, and here we shall reflect upon their insights. | ||
| + | |||
| + | It is important to outline what exactly it is that this knowledge is supposed to be. Greg Bahnsen notes in Van Til’s Apologetic that the claim is, in part, that “[all people/unbelievers] ‘have evidence’ that justifies the belief that [God] exists”.<ref>[https://jwwartick.com/2013/04/01/unbelievers-know-god/ ''The Unbeliever Knows God: Presuppositional Apologetics and Atheism''] by J.W. Wartick</ref>}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | A famous phrase, most often attributed to journalist Ernie Pyle, states, "[[There Are No Atheists In Foxholes|There are no atheists in foxholes]]."<ref>Malin, Don. "Military Chaplains and Religious Pluralism." ''Watchman Fellowship''. http://www.wfial.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=artGeneral.article_6</ref> Although this aphorism has a narrow context (military personnel serving in active duty) and is not always meant to be taken literally, there is at least some truth to it. It shows that it is human nature to look to some higher power for assistance, strength, comfort, or guidance in times of great need. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Quotes from science journals and science magazines about men being predisposed to faith == | ||
''See also:'' [[Atheism Quotes]] | ''See also:'' [[Atheism Quotes]] | ||
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“Atheism is psychologically impossible because of the way humans think. … They point to studies showing, for example, that even people who claim to be committed atheists tacitly hold religious beliefs, such as the existence of an immortal soul.” - Graham Lawton in the ''New Scientist'' science magazine <ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist Graham Lawton in the New Scientist]</ref> | “Atheism is psychologically impossible because of the way humans think. … They point to studies showing, for example, that even people who claim to be committed atheists tacitly hold religious beliefs, such as the existence of an immortal soul.” - Graham Lawton in the ''New Scientist'' science magazine <ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2014/07/science-writer-atheists-might-not-exist Graham Lawton in the New Scientist]</ref> | ||
| − | == | + | == Atheism, hatred of God and denials that God exists == |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | [[File: | + | ''See also:'' [[Atheism and hatred of God]] and [[Atheism and its retention rate in individuals]] |
| + | [[File:Ray Comfort Promo Picture.jpg|left|thumbnail|200px|The Christian evangelist [[Ray Comfort]] contends that atheists hate God because they know that He does exist.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2009/02/87777/ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong]</ref> | ||
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<br /> | <br /> | ||
| − | + | Comfort declared in 2009: "Atheists don't hate fairies, leprauchans or unicorns because they don't exist. It is impossible to hate something that doesn't exist. And that makes the point."<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2009/02/87777/ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong]</ref>]] | |
| − | + | In [[Atheism and debate|debates with atheists]], the popular [[Christianity|Christian]] YouTube video maker [[Shockofgod]] often asks [[Atheism|atheists]] the [[loaded question]], "Is [[God]] evil?". Invariably, so-called atheists quickly say yes. Then Shockofgod informs the "atheist" that they admitted that God exists.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9dKeacA3vs Atheist loses debate to theist & admits God exists]</ref> Shockofgod also declares that Christians never accuse leprechauns of being evil because they know they don't exist.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9dKeacA3vs Atheist loses debate to theist & admits God exists]</ref> | |
| − | + | Don Batten of [[Creation Ministries International]] wrote: | |
| + | {{cquote|Recently, I have had a lot of conversations with atheists. Many express a strong hatred of God. I have been at a loss to explain this. How can you hate someone you don’t believe in? Why the hostility? If God does not exist, shouldn’t atheists just relax and seek a good time before they become plant food? Why should it matter if people believe in God? Nothing matters if atheism is true<ref>[http://creation.com/atheist-god-hate Atheists hate God]</ref>}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Christian evangelist [[Ray Comfort]] contends that atheists hate God because they know that He does exist.<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2009/02/87777/ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong]</ref> Comfort declared in 2009: "Atheists don't hate fairies, leprauchans or unicorns because they don't exist. It is impossible to hate something that doesn't exist. And that makes the point."<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/2009/02/87777/ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong]</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Jennifer LeClaire, a news editor at ''Charisma News'' wrote: | ||
| + | {{cquote|Atheists don’t believe God exists, so why do they get so angry when Christians call them out for it?... | ||
| + | |||
| + | Atheism is rooted in an antichrist spirit that has made man his own God. Atheists have separated themselves from God in this life, yet He still blesses them with an opportunity to repent every day. In the next life—eternal life—atheists won’t be so brazen about insisting God doesn’t exist because they will bow their knee to Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:10; Rom. 14:11) before spending forever apart from His presence in the lake of fire. Calling Christians nasty names and insulting God isn’t going to change that or stop Christians from sharing their faith. | ||
| + | |||
| + | I would challenge every atheist who is reading this article to truly seek God with an open mind. I guarantee if you open your heart, ask Him to reveal Himself to you, and seek Him sincerely, you will find Him.<ref>[Why Do Atheists Get So Angry When Christians Talk About Their Unbelief?] by Jennifer LeClaire, Charisma News, 12:30PM EST 11/22/2013</ref>}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Creation vs. evolution issue == | ||
| + | |||
| + | ''See also:'' [[Atheism and purpose]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | Also, in the 1970s atheists/agnostics/evolutionists suffered hundreds of losses in [[creation]] vs. [[evolution]] debates on college and university campuses and other public venues. As a result, prominent evolutionists are reluctant to debate scientists who are creationists (see: [[Creation vs. evolution debates]]).<ref>[http://www.icr.org/article/811/ Reason or Rhetoric] by [[Henry Morris]], PhD</ref><ref>[http://www.icr.org/article/811/ Reason or Rhetoric] by [[Henry Morris]], PhD</ref><ref>Ankerberg, John, and Weldon, John, [http://www.ankerberg.com/Articles/science/SC0104W1E.htm Truth in Advertising: Damaging the Cause of Science]</ref> Also, less prominent evolutionists are reluctant to debate Darwinism skeptics who are very knowledgeable on creation vs. evolution issue.<ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/10/evolutionist-posers-naive-evolutionists.html Naive evolutionists, evolutionist poseurs and the headlights of the Question Evolution! Campaign]</ref> Consequently, creationists have asserted that various atheists/agnostics are merely haters of God and atheist/agnostic/evolutionist poseurs.<ref>[http://creation.com/is-richard-dawkins-an-atheist Is Richard Dawkins an atheist]</ref><ref>[http://questionevolution.blogspot.com/2012/10/evolutionist-posers-naive-evolutionists.html Naive evolutionists, evolutionist poseurs and the headlights of the Question Evolution! Campaign]</ref> | ||
Research and historical data indicate that atheists/agnostics often see the world and their lives as being the product of purposeful design (see: [[Atheism and purpose]]).<ref> | Research and historical data indicate that atheists/agnostics often see the world and their lives as being the product of purposeful design (see: [[Atheism and purpose]]).<ref> | ||
| Line 50: | Line 76: | ||
*[[Atheism and hatred of God]] | *[[Atheism and hatred of God]] | ||
*[[Atheism and obsession with God]] | *[[Atheism and obsession with God]] | ||
| − | *[[ | + | *[[Atheists and church attendance]] |
== External articles == | == External articles == | ||
| − | *[http://www.science20.com/writer_on_the_edge/blog/scientists_discover_that_atheists_might_not_exist_and_thats_not_a_joke-139982 Scientists discover that atheists might not exist, and that’s not a joke] By Nury Vittachi, Science 2.0, July | + | *[http://www.letusreason.org/apolo7.htm There are no atheists] by Let Us Reason Ministries |
| + | |||
| + | *[http://www.science20.com/writer_on_the_edge/blog/scientists_discover_that_atheists_might_not_exist_and_thats_not_a_joke-139982 Scientists discover that atheists might not exist, and that’s not a joke] By Nury Vittachi, Science 2.0, July 6, 2014 | ||
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg1MQM5eDCg The atheist Howard Stern admits he dropped to his knees and prayed to God when living in poverty as a beginning radio announcer] | *[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg1MQM5eDCg The atheist Howard Stern admits he dropped to his knees and prayed to God when living in poverty as a beginning radio announcer] | ||
| + | |||
| + | *[http://www.cmfnow.com/articles/PA207.htm The Crucial Concept of Self-Deception in Presuppositional Apologetics] By Dr. Greg Bahnsen | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 02:15, January 7, 2018
It has been asserted by various theists that atheists do not exist. Sir Francis Bacon wrote in his essay Of Atheism:
| “ | The Scripture saith, The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God; it is not said, The fool hath thought in his heart; so as he rather saith it, by rote to himself, as that he would have, than that he can thoroughly believe it, or be persuaded of it....It appeareth in nothing more, that atheism is rather in the lip, than in the heart of man.[1] | ” |
In addition, Christian philosophers and apologists Dr. Cornelius Van Til and Dr. Greg Bahnsen argued there are no atheists and that atheists are actively suppressing their belief and knowledge of God and enigmatically engage in self-deception.[2] The English poet Edward Young wrote in his famous work Night Thoughts that "By night, an atheist half-believes a God."[3] See also: Atheism and presuppositional apologetics
The Christian Cyclopedia states regarding atheism the following:
| “ | It is not possible for a man to be an atheist, in the commonly accepted sense, in his innermost conviction. No amount of reasoning will erase from the human heart the God-given conviction that there is a Supreme Being; those who theoretically deny God's existence replace Him with something else.[4] | ” |
J.W. Wartick wrote in his article The Unbeliever Knows God: Presuppositional Apologetics and Atheism:
| “ | "[A]ll men already know God–long before the apologist engages them in conversation–and cannot avoid having such knowledge… People lack neither information nor evidence… [A]ll men know that God exists… In a crucial sense, all men already are “believers”–even “unbelievers” who will not respond properly by openly professing and living obediently in accordance with the knowledge they have of God." (Greg Bahnsen, Van Til’s Apologetic, 179-180, emphasis his, cited below).
One crucial point of presuppositional apologetics is that even the unbelieving atheist really does know God. All people have knowledge of God. None can turn from it, none can escape it: everyone knows God. This knowledge is not saving knowledge. Instead, it is knowledge which is suppressed. The knowledge is ignored or even reviled. The quote above from the famed presuppositionalist Greg Bahnsen is just one example. C.L. Bolt, a popularizer of presuppositional apologetics, says similarly:
What are we to make of this claim? What is the point from the presuppositionalist perspective? The claim is firmly rooted in Paul’s discussion of God’s wrath against evil in Romans 1-2 (see the text at the end of this post). Therefore, it behooves all Christians to reflect upon the notion that God is known to all people. Presuppositional Apologists have done much reflecting on these subjects, and here we shall reflect upon their insights. It is important to outline what exactly it is that this knowledge is supposed to be. Greg Bahnsen notes in Van Til’s Apologetic that the claim is, in part, that “[all people/unbelievers] ‘have evidence’ that justifies the belief that [God] exists”.[5] |
” |
A famous phrase, most often attributed to journalist Ernie Pyle, states, "There are no atheists in foxholes."[6] Although this aphorism has a narrow context (military personnel serving in active duty) and is not always meant to be taken literally, there is at least some truth to it. It shows that it is human nature to look to some higher power for assistance, strength, comfort, or guidance in times of great need.
Contents
Quotes from science journals and science magazines about men being predisposed to faith
See also: Atheism Quotes
" “A slew of cognitive traits predisposes us to faith.” - Pascal Boyer, in the British science journal Nature [7]
“Atheism is psychologically impossible because of the way humans think. … They point to studies showing, for example, that even people who claim to be committed atheists tacitly hold religious beliefs, such as the existence of an immortal soul.” - Graham Lawton in the New Scientist science magazine [8]
Atheism, hatred of God and denials that God exists
See also: Atheism and hatred of God and Atheism and its retention rate in individuals
The Christian evangelist Ray Comfort contends that atheists hate God because they know that He does exist.[9]
Comfort declared in 2009: "Atheists don't hate fairies, leprauchans or unicorns because they don't exist. It is impossible to hate something that doesn't exist. And that makes the point."[10]
Comfort declared in 2009: "Atheists don't hate fairies, leprauchans or unicorns because they don't exist. It is impossible to hate something that doesn't exist. And that makes the point."[10]
In debates with atheists, the popular Christian YouTube video maker Shockofgod often asks atheists the loaded question, "Is God evil?". Invariably, so-called atheists quickly say yes. Then Shockofgod informs the "atheist" that they admitted that God exists.[11] Shockofgod also declares that Christians never accuse leprechauns of being evil because they know they don't exist.[12]
Don Batten of Creation Ministries International wrote:
| “ | Recently, I have had a lot of conversations with atheists. Many express a strong hatred of God. I have been at a loss to explain this. How can you hate someone you don’t believe in? Why the hostility? If God does not exist, shouldn’t atheists just relax and seek a good time before they become plant food? Why should it matter if people believe in God? Nothing matters if atheism is true[13] | ” |
The Christian evangelist Ray Comfort contends that atheists hate God because they know that He does exist.[14] Comfort declared in 2009: "Atheists don't hate fairies, leprauchans or unicorns because they don't exist. It is impossible to hate something that doesn't exist. And that makes the point."[15]
Jennifer LeClaire, a news editor at Charisma News wrote:
| “ | Atheists don’t believe God exists, so why do they get so angry when Christians call them out for it?...
Atheism is rooted in an antichrist spirit that has made man his own God. Atheists have separated themselves from God in this life, yet He still blesses them with an opportunity to repent every day. In the next life—eternal life—atheists won’t be so brazen about insisting God doesn’t exist because they will bow their knee to Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:10; Rom. 14:11) before spending forever apart from His presence in the lake of fire. Calling Christians nasty names and insulting God isn’t going to change that or stop Christians from sharing their faith. I would challenge every atheist who is reading this article to truly seek God with an open mind. I guarantee if you open your heart, ask Him to reveal Himself to you, and seek Him sincerely, you will find Him.[16] |
” |
Creation vs. evolution issue
See also: Atheism and purpose
Also, in the 1970s atheists/agnostics/evolutionists suffered hundreds of losses in creation vs. evolution debates on college and university campuses and other public venues. As a result, prominent evolutionists are reluctant to debate scientists who are creationists (see: Creation vs. evolution debates).[17][18][19] Also, less prominent evolutionists are reluctant to debate Darwinism skeptics who are very knowledgeable on creation vs. evolution issue.[20] Consequently, creationists have asserted that various atheists/agnostics are merely haters of God and atheist/agnostic/evolutionist poseurs.[21][22]
Research and historical data indicate that atheists/agnostics often see the world and their lives as being the product of purposeful design (see: Atheism and purpose).[23]
For more information please see:
See also
- Atheists doubting the validity of atheism
- Atheism and death
- Atheism and hatred of God
- Atheism and obsession with God
- Atheists and church attendance
External articles
- There are no atheists by Let Us Reason Ministries
- Scientists discover that atheists might not exist, and that’s not a joke By Nury Vittachi, Science 2.0, July 6, 2014
- The Crucial Concept of Self-Deception in Presuppositional Apologetics By Dr. Greg Bahnsen
References
- ↑ http://www.bartleby.com/3/1/16.html
- ↑ Van Til and Self-deception by Dr. Greg Bahnsen
- ↑ http://www.bartleby.com/100/224.html
- ↑ http://www.lcms.org/ca/www/cyclopedia/02/display.asp?t1=A&t2=t
- ↑ The Unbeliever Knows God: Presuppositional Apologetics and Atheism by J.W. Wartick
- ↑ Malin, Don. "Military Chaplains and Religious Pluralism." Watchman Fellowship. http://www.wfial.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=artGeneral.article_6
- ↑ Graham Lawton in the New Scientist
- ↑ Graham Lawton in the New Scientist
- ↑ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong
- ↑ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong
- ↑ Atheist loses debate to theist & admits God exists
- ↑ Atheist loses debate to theist & admits God exists
- ↑ Atheists hate God
- ↑ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong
- ↑ Evangelist: Atheists know they are wrong
- ↑ [Why Do Atheists Get So Angry When Christians Talk About Their Unbelief?] by Jennifer LeClaire, Charisma News, 12:30PM EST 11/22/2013
- ↑ Reason or Rhetoric by Henry Morris, PhD
- ↑ Reason or Rhetoric by Henry Morris, PhD
- ↑ Ankerberg, John, and Weldon, John, Truth in Advertising: Damaging the Cause of Science
- ↑ Naive evolutionists, evolutionist poseurs and the headlights of the Question Evolution! Campaign
- ↑ Is Richard Dawkins an atheist
- ↑ Naive evolutionists, evolutionist poseurs and the headlights of the Question Evolution! Campaign
- ↑
- Does everything happen for a reason?, New York Times, October 17, 2014
- Children see the world as designed by David Catchpoole, Creation Ministries International, Published: 16 July 2009
- Atheist Jean-Paul Sartre made the candid confession: "As for me, I don’t see myself as so much dust that has appeared in the world but as a being that was expected, prefigured, called forth. In short, as a being that could, it seems, come only from a creator; and this idea of a creating hand that created me refers me back to God. Naturally this is not a clear, exact idea that I set in motion every time I think of myself. It contradicts many of my other ideas; but it is there, floating vaguely. And when I think of myself I often think rather in this way, for wont of being able to think otherwise." Source: Escape from God: The Use of Religion and Philosophy to Evade Responsibility By Dean Turner, page 109
- The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy declares: "In 1885, the Duke of Argyll recounted a conversation he had had with Charles Darwin the year before Darwin's death: In the course of that conversation I said to Mr. Darwin, with reference to some of his own remarkable works on the Fertilization of Orchids, and upon The Earthworms, and various other observations he made of the wonderful contrivances for certain purposes in nature — I said it was impossible to look at these without seeing that they were the effect and the expression of Mind. I shall never forget Mr. Darwin's answer. He looked at me very hard and said, 'Well, that often comes over me with overwhelming force; but at other times,' and he shook his head vaguely, adding, 'it seems to go away.'(Argyll 1885, 244)Notes to Teleological Arguments for God's Existence
