Atheists are people who have not discovered God’s existence or have intentionally denied it.
The fundamental basis for atheism is a false belief that humans can control their own lives and do not need God.
Denying the existence of God is a sin that breaks the First Commandment.
Atheism has many forms and atheists give different practical and moral reasons for their lack of belief.
Sometimes, people who do believe in God can unwittingly contribute to atheism by not understanding their faith, sharing it poorly, or not living out their faith.
Catholics should be prepared for challenges to their faith and be able to respond in a way that resonates with people who do not share the same beliefs.
Atheists deny that there is evidence that God exists:
The arguments of atheists do not make sense:
Atheism masks the desire for God:
Atheism is often based on a false conception of human autonomy, exaggerated to the point of refusing any dependence on God. Yet, “to acknowledge God is in no way to oppose the dignity of man, since such dignity is grounded and brought to perfection in God. . . . ” “For the Church knows full well that her message is in harmony with the most secret desires of the human heart.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2126
The God that many atheists argue against does not exist:
God is more than what atheists think He is:
Today — as we know — faith, which is all too often not properly understood and contested or rejected, encounters no lack of difficulties and trials. St Peter said to his Christians: “Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence”. In the past, in the West, in a society deemed Christian, faith was the context in which people acted; the reference and adherence to God were part of daily life for the majority. Rather, it was the person who did not believe who had to justify his or her own incredulity. In our world the situation has changed and, increasingly, it is believers who must be able to account for their faith.
Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, November 14, 2012
What responsibility do Catholics have in response to atheism:
Pursue the truth when talking with atheists:
The question of God’s existence is an important one:
And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.”
Exodus 20: 1-3
Some of the greatest future saints are atheists now:
Beauty opens the heart to God:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
Consistently led by the Holy Spirit:
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