So Many Atheists

As I reflect on the landscape of belief in our world today, I cannot help but acknowledge a heavy truth that weighs on my heart: the rising tide of atheism. Many are turning away from the faith, seeking answers in science, philosophy, or the fleeting comforts of this world. This is not merely an abstract concept, dear one; it represents real souls grappling with doubt and uncertainty. The death of faith, for many, feels like a loss that echoes throughout our communities, leaving a void that is hard to fill. The disconnection from God that so many are experiencing is a profound sadness, one that requires our attention and compassionate understanding.

In my sixty years of walking with Jesus, I have encountered individuals who have struggled with these very questions — friends, neighbors, family members. I’ve heard their stories, the agonizing questions they wrestle with, and the conclusions they often draw. For those who once held tightly to faith, the desire to let go is both liberating and terrifying; it is the death of one’s former self. This is a sincere admission, one that brings forth the need for deeper reflection as we address this significant concern in our lives.

As we face this reality, we are called to consider what must die in the hearts of those who have turned away from the truth of Christ. It is not just about losing faith, but about relinquishing old identities tied to misunderstandings about God, His character, and the church. It is the death of trust in false securities that cannot sustain true hope. The very essence of one’s belief system can wither away when nurtured with doubt instead of faith. This moment of reckoning is essential, as we must confront these changes in our society and within ourselves.

Naming What Must Die

The first step in this process recognizes the loss of identity among many who identify as atheists. These individuals have often shed the labels of belief, community, and hope; it is as if a part of their very being has died. The old identity, once wrapped in the warmth of faith, is replaced by an emptiness that longs for meaning. As they grapple with their place in the world, it is essential to name what specifically must die in this context: the reliance on self-sufficiency and the quest for answers that do not ultimately satisfy.

Another aspect that must die is the destructive patterns of thought that lead to despair. This includes the notion that faith is outdated or irrelevant in the face of modern challenges and scientific advancements. Many have adopted a worldview that dismisses the divine, believing that life can be navigated without a spiritual anchor. It is a heartbreaking reality that must be acknowledged, for it breeds isolation and a lack of purpose. Without the gentle guiding hand of God, life can become a tumultuous sea, leaving many adrift in confusion.

Furthermore, we must address the false securities that so many cling to, believing they can find solace in the material world or human relationships. It is a sobering truth that many believe they can create their own meaning without God. This delusion cannot sustain them; it inevitably leads to disappointment and emptiness. By naming these realities, we can begin to see the true weight of the situation and respond with love, grace, and understanding.

The Descent into Death

Then comes the dying: the painful journey of letting go. Just as Jesus experienced His own moment of surrender in Gethsemane, those who have turned away from faith are often confronted with their own moments of doubt and fear. The stripping away of layers of belief involves a deep wrestling within their souls. It can feel like standing on the edge of a cliff, peering into the unknown depths below. The fear of loss can be paralyzing, and the resistance to change becomes a heavy burden that weighs on the heart.

As I think back to my years in the classroom, I remember a student who once fervently believed in God. Over time, however, he began to question everything he had been taught. He felt the pressure of society’s conflicting messages and struggled with the fear of being judged for his beliefs. In his descent into doubt, I witnessed a battle within him as he began to strip away the layers of faith he had once held onto so tightly. The pain of this process was palpable, and the resistance to fully let go of his former understanding of God left him feeling lost and alone.

For many, the letting go is not a one-time event but a prolonged process. It can feel like an ego death, where one’s identity is challenged at its core. The very foundation of belief is shaken, leading to a cascade of emotions ranging from anger to sorrow to confusion. Navigating this descent into death is crucial, as it can set the stage for eventual renewal. It is in this place of vulnerability where the potential for new life begins to take root, even if