#797 Dealing with Atheistic Rhetoric
August 21, 2022Dear Reasonable Faith
I feel disheartened by the rhetoric that is used by the Atheists. I know this is purely emotional and not substantive, but I nonetheless feel disheartened. I type this question to ask you how you think past this language and past the doubt that occurs.
When I see the vitriolic and condescending comments made by Atheists I automatically have sent into my mind the terrible prospect that maybe I just believe in a mythology and that I’m irrational and that I’m indoctrinated to believe.
I’d like to know how you get past the doubts and language and stay true to your convictions so that I can hope to be inspired to do the same, in other words, how you deal with the worlds disdain?
Sincerely,
Phil
United States
Dr. craig’s response
A
It really can be discouraging hearing the atheistic diatribes against Christianity. One of the best ways of dealing with it is simply to ignore it. Since I do not browse the Internet, I tend to be blissfully ignorant of “the vitriolic and condescending comments” you mention. I’m surprised at the degree to which Christians read and listen to such junk. Since it is not edifying, it is often better ignored. I wonder if you are spending too much time visiting atheistic websites.
Now insofar as such rhetoric causes you to doubt your faith, it is a good thing to review the reasons for which you are a Christian. These include two factors:
1. The inner witness of the Holy Spirit. The primary basis upon which we believe the great truths of the Gospel is the witness of God’s Spirit to our spirits (Romans 8.15-17). This factor serves to underline the importance of maintaining our spiritual walk with the Lord, engaging in such spiritual disciplines as confession of sin, meaningful worship, prayer, Bible study, and service to others.
2. The arguments of natural theology and Christian evidences. Are you well-educated with respect to several arguments for God’s existence, including the defense of their premisses and answers to the most important objections? Are you able to give a solid case for the historicity of the radical personal claims of Jesus and of his resurrection from the dead? When you see how strong the case for Christian faith is compared to the shallow atheistic rhetoric, this can greatly strengthen your convictions.
Finally, how do I deal with the world’s disdain? Simple: I don’t care. That’s the best antidote. Just don’t care (John 12.43).
- William Lane Craig