An Amusing Exchange With An Atheist
Atheists find themselves in a conundrum: (1) They must admit to objective morality (which ultimately means that a moral lawgiver, i.e., God, who is above and beyond the provincial and the transient, exists); or, (2) They must contend that everything is relative—that no action on Earth could ever be objectively good or evil.
According to atheism individuals who commit evil are merely doing what their DNA led them to do. They are simply following through with their raw impulses and instincts, which allegedly evolved from our animal ancestors. If atheism is true, individuals could never be punished for such immoral actions, since “no inherent moral or ethical laws exist.
According to Paul, Gentiles — those without the written law — are still accountable for their sin for two distinct reasons. First, God has implanted his moral law within them. And second, God has given everyone a conscience by which they can discern if they are living in accordance with that moral law (cf. Rom. 2:14-15). We have a moral code, a natural law built into us. As a result, we are able to observe our surroundings and define what is good and evil.
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. - Rom. 1:28
Those who don't acknowledge God will always live with the self-contradictory, unreasonable, and inhumane lies of atheistic evolution.
The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” - Ps. 14:1a
Some time ago, I had an interesting exchange with an atheist in a Christian Facebook Group. I would like to share that discussion with you. For the sake of confidentiality, let us call the atheist, Joe Bloggs.
Joe Bloggs:
Hi guys I'm new here and an atheist. Practice your apologetics on me by asking me anything and I promise to answer honestly.
Do you believe when you do evil you are dancing to your DNA?
Joe Bloggs:
DNA plus environment, yes.
How do you know what is evil?
I believe evil is just a label we attach to behaviour we strongly disagree with.
In some communities, honour killing is acceptable behaviour. It is not considered evil. So who defines what is acceptable behaviour or not?
We each define it individually.
Then we don't need law and order. We don't need to uphold the law. After all what is evil to you is not to me. We each define it individually.
I don't understand your point. 99% think stealing is wrong so we agree to put people in jail who steal.
I don’t understand your reasoning. What makes you think 99% who think that way are right? Where do you get your moral standard to even define what is right or wrong? If you have no moral standard, then there is no right or wrong in the atheistic world.
I have a moral standard. We all do. I consider behaviour wrong that I disagree with. So do you.
But you already said that the evil you do is merely dancing to your DNA, so what standard are you talking about?
My standard. I don't believe in objective morality.
Is that an objective statement?
No
So then it is subjective and not universal truth and so you could be wrong. Good and evil are defined in the Bible based on God's moral standard. Since you are an atheist, good and evil do not exist. When you talk about evil, you are borrowing from the Bible to defend your stand. That is ironic.
Joe Bloggs:
No I'm not. I just explained to you how I label evil.
Andrew:
How can there be personal good and evil in an impersonal universe of mere matter and energy? If the universe doesn’t care, then why do you? "DNA neither cares nor knows. DNA just is. And we dance to its music." - Dawkins.
Because we evolved to pass on our genes.
how do you know?
The mountains of evidence.
Andrew:
Just like the mountains of evidence of the existence of God.
Joe Bloggs:
I am unaware of that mountain.
Andrew:
too bad for you then.
Joe Bloggs:
Ok
Andrew:
Final question: What would be written on your tombstone when you finally become plant manure?
Joe Bloggs:
"I'm going to haunt you"
Thank you for the exchange. Stay safe and healthy.
Conclusion: The lack of a basis for good and evil in an atheistic worldview doesn't mean atheists don't care about right and wrong. They do. But what they refuse to admit is that their culture is influenced by a historical belief in God and the morality of Scripture. As a result, they believe moral concepts are important, even though their own worldview doesn't.
Let us pray.
Holy Father,
You who are all-knowing and wise, teach me your ways. I seek knowledge, understanding and wisdom, so that I can be prepared, in season and out of season to reprove, rebuke, and exhort others with complete patience and teaching.
In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.