What is an atheist?
Maybe you are an atheist, or you’re starting to doubt. Maybe someone close to you stopped believing. Either way, it helps to understand clearly what atheism is and how it compares to faith in Jesus.
An atheist is someone who does not believe God exists. An agnostic believes we can’t know whether God exists. Christianity teaches that God not only exists but has made Himself known: through creation (Romans 1:20), through our conscience, and most fully in Jesus, who lived, died and rose in history. The difference is not just about one belief; it shapes everything: where we came from, why we’re here, what’s right and wrong, and what happens when we die.
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A man who couldn’t explain it away
Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth, and the religious leaders interrogated him, trying to get him to deny it. He didn’t have theological answers. He simply said, “One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!” (John 9:25). Arguments matter, but so does what God does in a life.
Where atheism and Christianity differ
Origins: atheism sees the universe as unguided; Christianity sees a Creator (Genesis 1:1). Meaning: atheism says we make our own meaning; Christianity says we were made on purpose, by love. Morality: atheism has to ground right and wrong in people; Christianity grounds them in God’s character. Death: atheism sees death as the end; Christianity sees resurrection and eternity.
Talking with atheist friends
Listen first. Many people became atheists because of pain or hypocrisy they saw in religious people. Answer honestly, admit what you don’t know, and live a life that makes them curious (1 Peter 3:15).
What the Bible says
- 01
Seen in what He made.
“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.”
Romans 1:20 - 02
The heavens declare.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
Psalm 19:1 - 03
Not far from any of us.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’”
Acts 17:24–28 - 04
Those who seek Him.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6 - 05
Written so you may believe.
“But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
John 20:31 - 06
Gentleness and respect.
“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,”
1 Peter 3:15
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
If you are questioning, read the Gospel of Mark this week, the shortest Gospel, and ask: what do I do with Jesus?
Common questions
Can you be good without God?
Atheists can certainly do good things. The question is what makes anything truly good. Christianity says goodness comes from God’s own character, written on every human heart (Romans 2:14–15).
Why do people become atheists?
For many reasons: intellectual questions, suffering, hurt from religious people, or never having seen faith lived out. Each deserves an honest, caring conversation.
Is doubting the same as being an atheist?
No. Doubt is asking questions; many believers wrestle with doubt and come through it with deeper faith.
Bring your real question.
Talk is a place on Become to ask anything, in your own words and your own language, any hour. No question is too honest.