The Atheist's Impossible Task

Have you ever thought how hard it must be for an atheist to win converts? Let's imagine an ordinary person asking questions of both. Below is the way a conversation might go between a Christian (C), and atheist (A), and someone trying to find answers (Q).

Q: "Where does man come from?"

C: Man was created by God (Gen. 1:26-28).

A: Man evolved over millions of years.

Q: From what did man come?

C: From an intelligent God Who designed this universe.

A: From matter that is random without purpose.

Q: Why is mankind here on earth?

C: To worship and serve God.

A: Man is not here for any particular reason.

Q: What happens when a person dies?

C: Man will face His Maker in the judgment. Those who have loved and served God will be rewarded with heaven. Those who chose not to love God or serve Him will dwell forever without Him (2 Thess. 1:7-10).

A: Nothing. He just ceases to exist. He receives no reward, but he also receives no punishment

Q: So, if a man is born into slavery and is treated brutally all his life, what happens to those who abused him?

C: They will be judged for the evil they have done.

A: Nothing. A random universe is, admittedly, not fair.

Q: What happens to those who steal other people's money? Or who murder them? What happens to child molesters and rapists?

C: Unless they repent, they shall all likewise be punished for living a life of wickedness.

A: Unless they are caught and prosecuted in this life, nothing will happen to them.

Q: Then, if I'm clever enough to bilk thousands of people out of their money without getting caught, I may as well do so.

A: I wouldn't recommend doing that.

Q: Why not?

C: He's afraid you'll steal his money.

Q: Does morality have an objective or subjective basis?

C: Objective. It comes from God, as revealed in the Scriptures, and not from man's reasoning about it.

A: Subjective. There is no God; morality is just what we make it.

Q: What if I don't agree with the majority of what people say is moral? I still receive no penalty if I can keep from getting caught.

A: Well, uh, yes.

Q: Suppose I find a way to kill you, and in the process of comforting your widow, I eventually take her for my wife. Do I get away with that, too?

A: Look, these are just hypotheticals. You can't decide important moral issues that way.

Q: Who says I can't? Besides, everything I have mentioned as a possibility has already been done. We know because they all got caught. However, if I'm clever enough to get away with it, I never have to give account of my actions to anyone, isn't that right?

A: That's right.

Q: Under atheism, do I have a reason to be benevolent toward others?

A: Listen, many atheists are very philanthropic.

Q: Agreed, but that wasn't the question. Is there a reason why I should help others?

C: He cannot answer in the affirmative because loving one's neighbor is what Jesus called the second greatest commandment.

A: The Bible states some truths.

C: Yes, but this one is based on the existence of God.

A: Being kind to others has its own reward.

C: True. But is it objectively required for us to love our neighbors and be kind to them?

A: No. There is no objective morality.

C: So, all people can be like 2 Live Crew—As Nasty as they Wanna Be?

A: There won't be any Day of Judgment.

Q: So, we are free to ignore the existence of God, create our own morality (so long as no one gets in the way), and never be forced to give an account for anything we do.

C: No, that's wrong. According to his own admission, people can be as selfish as they want to be. They can behave like surly brutes to all and never face punishment. Neither will they be rewarded for doing anything good. How do they ever win converts?