Claiming to Be Wise

Romans 1:21
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”

"Belief in the supernatural is still alive and kicking, even among people who don't believe in a god." I did not write this sentence. It is the opening sentence of an article in New Scientist, entitled "Most atheists believe in the supernatural, despite trusting science". Research conducted among atheists in the UK found the following.

  • 12% believe in reincarnation
  • 20% believe in life after death
  • 20% - 30% believe there are underlying forces of good and evil

The article's author claims that "almost nobody can claim to completely reject irrational beliefs such as life after death, astrology, and the existence of a universal life-force."

Christians should not be surprised by such findings. Indeed, we would suggest that there is really no such thing as an atheist – someone who does not believe in God – or an agnostic – someone who does not know whether or not God exists. Romans 1:20 states that "[God's] invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."

Some of the supernatural phenomena quoted in the article are dangerous or wrong, such as astrology or reincarnation. Others, such as belief in universal good and evil, make no sense in a godless worldview but are completely logical, when starting from the Bible. Hence, Romans 1:22 makes this judgment on unbelievers: "Claiming to be wise, they became fools."

Prayer: Help us, Lord, in our conversations with unbelievers, lovingly to explain to them the way of truth, and grant that we may see souls saved. Amen.

Author: Paul F. Taylor

Ref: Most atheists believe in the supernatural, despite trusting science, < https://www.newscientist.com/article/2204958-most-atheists-believe-in-the- supernatural-despite-trusting-science/ >, accessed 5/31/2019.

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