NATIONAL ATHEIST'S DAY

Driving around town I often slow down so I can read church signs. Some of them are just plain, just giving schedule of services and name of the preacher. But some of them having wise and witty sayings. On one in town is this sentence, "April 1st -National Atheists Day."

I think that all of us are aware of what April 1st is in our country. It is called "April Fools Day." It is where people "fool you" about something and then yell, "April Fools." How many of us have not been tricked this way with a "your shoes are untied" or other such funny tricks? Most of it is done in good humor.

The Bible tells us that we should be careful about calling another person a fool (Matthew 5:22). While the text in Matthew seems to deal with being angry with a brother and not a harmless joke like April Fools Day it is true that we should be careful about attributing to another the descriptive term fool.

But what better day could one pick for National Atheists Day than April 1st, April Fools Day? The Bible makes this clear. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good" (Psalm 14:1). The Bible says that anyone who denies God is a fool!

Why is the person who denies God a fool? The Bible clearly tells us. In Romans 1:18-22.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,"

While this refers specifically to the Gentiles of Paul's day who had departed from God and had worshiped idols instead of the living God, it clearly fits our present day atheists as well. Paul says that there is no excuse for not believing in a personal God who created the universe. God has simply left too many "hand prints" all over His creation for man to not be able to see Him. One need only look at the world and everything in it to see that there must be a God. Paul says that there is simply no excuse for a person denying the existence of an intelligent creator. He concludes by stating the obvious concerning all the great thinkers who deny the existence of God, "professing to be wise, they became fools"

Come to think of it, April 1st might be the perfect day to celebrate "National Atheists Day." Nothing in life is more foolish than denying the existence of God, since He has left indisputable proof!



Copyright 2000 by Grady Scott may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.

Top of Page