Almost all atheists claim that there is no God. They contend that their worldview is not religious but built on evolutionary science and common sense. Many argue that they embrace a “non-belief,” but according to the definition of religion, atheism is a religion.
The definition of “religion” from dictionary.com:
1. A set of beliefs concerning the universe’s cause, nature, and purpose, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2. A specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by several persons or sects.
3. The body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.
4. The practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
5. Something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience, is a religion.
Can anyone honestly claim that there is no God? Absolutely not! Does an atheist know all things that have happened in this universe since the beginning of time? Are they basing their godless worldview on presuppositions and experiences and not on the truth that comes from the heart of God? Truth is reality. Truth is God. Our creator God placed a knowledge of Himself within our minds, hearts, and souls when He created us. God made all of us in His image, which gives all humans the desire to know God and a conscience, giving all a sense of right and wrong.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image os God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27).
Romans 1:18,19: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Therefore, all people, believers and unbelievers alike, know inherently there is a God. For what can be known about God is plain to [unbelievers], because God has shown it to them”.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
God designed human beings to worship, love, and trust Him with all their heart, strength, and mind. He desires that all would choose to follow Him and experience eternal life in Heaven with God. When people choose not to worship God, they will worship anything or anyone or any idea but the God of the scriptures. They create and worship their own gods.
Psalm 14:1 states, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘No, God'” It is not only that the “fool” denies the existence of God, but rather rejects the one true God’s authority over his life. He replaces God with himself and becomes his own god that satisfies the inner knowledge that there is a God and the inner necessity to worship that God. He alone chooses what is true for him. He will worship himself by saying, “No God but me will I worship.” In the end, these people live miserable lives and will live in torment without God for eternity.
“‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand” Deuteronomy 32:39.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Yes, atheism is a religion. We cannot stop it, but we can live with humility and love as we encounter the atheists in our lives. We must remember that God loves them and wants them to become His children. This is why Jesus sends all of us into the world with the good news of the gospel of Jesus that many would repent and believe.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).