BENEFITS OF ATHEISM

by John T. Lewis


The sole purpose of the American Atheist Association (originally founded by Madyln Murray O'hair) is to make more Atheists. Their ultimate quest in life is to turn our great nation into a godless, humanistic society.

All world systems, whether it be Atheism, Christianity, Buddhism, etc., must have something attractive to offer. Without appeal no cause will succeed. Christianity offers salvation from sin (Ac. 4:12), peace (Jn. 14:27), fulfilled life (Jn. 10:10), and eternity in heaven (Jn. 14:1-3). What does Atheism have to offer? It may surprise some, but Atheism has plenty to offer. It is not a system without benefits. Stay with me for a moment while we ponder a few benefits of Atheism.

First, Atheism offers freedom. Do you want to have an extra-marital affair? "Go for it," says Atheism. Are you tired of hearing "thou shalt not" from out-of-date, old fashioned preachers? No problem. Just be as you would like to be. Do you grow sick and tired of hearing mom and dad say "Do this," or "Don't do that"? Forget mom and dad. Do as you would like to do.

Unfortunately, Atheism fails to understand that their definition of "freedom" is not really freedom at all. It is slavery. Well did Jesus say, "He that commits sin is a slave of sin" (Jn. 8:34). Paul was right when he told us that sin leads to death (both spiritual and physical destruction). Ask anyone if adultery builds or destroys relationships. Can you really say that adultery is freedom if it does not do anything except destroy families and shipwreck marriages? Has your "freedom to commit adultery" done anything good when the children are crushed that mom and dad got divorced?

You may believe you are free to drink alcohol or consume illegal drugs. But will that "freedom" be worth it when you experience a multitude of health problems and give yourself a shortened life? You be the judge. Atheism brings a sort of "freedom." But there's a catch. With this freedom also comes heartache, death, and destruction.

Atheism also offers life without restrictions. Are you sick and tired of preachers telling you that you're going to go to Hell if you don't straighten up? If so, the other alternative is Atheism. Atheists will never tell you that you're cruising down the Highway to Hell since Atheism affirms that there is no god and certainly no Hell.

Yet Atheism fails to inform us that life without restriction equals a life without meaning. If in my life of no consequence I choose to murder an innocent human, what ultimate difference does it make? According to Atheism, when I die I cease to exist and don't remember anything. And since I won't remember that I murdered someone, it ultimately makes no difference. Therefore, Atheism must admit that it makes no real difference if I live like Jesus Christ or Adolph Hitler. When I am dead and gone, it makes no difference (eternally) if I fed and clothed millions or tortured and killed billions. Christianity is the other alternative. It offers life (Jn. 14:6) yet it also has restrictions (Jn. 14:15). Under Christianity it does make a difference how I lived. This way, everyone must admit, produces a society of peace whereas Atheism, if taken to its logical end, produces anarchy.

Finally, atheism offers no comfort at death. You won't have to mention "no more tears" or the "Mansion Over the Hilltop" at an Atheistic funeral. No need to mention that "God will never leave us nor forsake us" (Josh. 1:5). It is useless to sing "Amazing Grace" or "There's a Mansion Now Empty." There is no mansion......at least according to Atheism. The only one to turn to when death strikes your Atheistic family is yourself. Doesn't that sound wonderful? Yea, right.

Atheism purports to be a system of intellectuals who pride themselves on the Scientific Method and human reasoning as the source of all truth. But if they are so smart, then why can't they figure it out? Atheism brings turmoil, heartache, and destruction. Christianity brings tranquility, happiness, and restoration. Which system is the logical one to choose?