“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” (Romans 1:18-22).
For all its boasting of intellectual honesty and fervent impartiality, atheism actually has little, if any, of either one at its foundation. In Paul’s inspired analysis of this inexcusable foolishness, he identifies the two fundamental pillars of atheism. These are:
Intellectual dishonesty (vv. 18-20). Truth is not vigorously pursued and embraced when discovered; rather, it is suppressed. “Scientific” “facts” today like macro-evolution and manmade climate change are riddled with the holes of intellectual dishonesty.
Stubbornness (v. 21). Many refuse to acknowledge God’s existence because they do not want to have to yield their wills and desires to a higher authoritative Person. They want humanism (man is the measure of all things), not theism (God is the measure of all things) to be true. Rather than give God the praise, adoration, and obedience due Him, an atheist stubbornly refuses to yield an inch of His will. Not only will he not recognize and glorify God, he won’t even express gratitude for all God’s blessings upon him.
These two fundamental pillars of atheism have sad and sobering consequences: they give birth to futile thoughts, moral and intellectual darkness, arrogance, and utter spiritual folly. Like all ungodliness and unrighteousness, atheism follows sin’s inevitable course—idolatry, uncleanness, vile passions, and debased thinking (Romans 1:23-32).
