Explaining the Divine: A Christian's Perspective to Atheists

Discussing the existence and nature of God with atheists can be a delicate and complex endeavor, especially when the dialogue is characterized by misunderstanding and misinterpretation. This article aims to bridge this gap by providing a thoughtful Christian perspective on explaining God to atheists, demystifying the concept of a distant and indifferent deity, and emphasizing the importance of compassion and action.

Understanding the Criticism

The statement you mentioned, "an entity that gives children cancer watches as children are being abused and killed watches children starve to death in concentration camps just watches," paints a somber picture of a seemingly indifferent and malevolent deity. Many atheists and non-believers argue that such a characterization is not only harsh but also a reflection of a flawed theological framework. These individuals often point out that a loving and just God should not allow such terrible acts to occur, questioning the moral implications of such a deity.

Common Explanations and Concerns

Over the centuries, Christians have provided numerous explanations for the existence and actions of God, addressing various epistemological and moral queries. These explanations often include the 'Problem of Evil,' which deals with the coexistence of good and evil in a universe supposedly created by a divine being.

Some Christians argue that this suffering is a result of human free will and the fall of humanity, while others believe that God permits suffering to test and strengthen the faith of believers. Still, others propose that suffering is a necessary evil that paves the way for greater good, leading to redemption and transformation.

A Call to Action

Far from being a passive observer, Christians believe in an active God who engages with the world and its inhabitants. This concept of an active and involved God is what sets Christianity apart from a mere narrative in a book. According to Christian teachings, God is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient, and His actions in the world can be observed through the lives of believers and the interaction of faith communities with society.

As Christians, we are called to emulate the love and compassion of God. This love is not just a feeling but a concrete action, as illustrated in the Sermon on the Mount: "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28).

By following the principles of the gospel—such as Do not judge, do not discriminate, support and help the poor, observe the separation of “God and Cesar” (religion and state), and be kind and open—we embody the presence of God in the world and bring His love to those who need it most. This active stance can be seen as a form of social and ethical engagement that reflects the core values of Christianity.

Analogy with Fantasy

Another way to explain the concept of God is through an analogy, much like a fictional character in a fantasy book. Consider a favourite fantasy book where powerful magical beings control the world they inhabit. These beings are not bound by the rules of the real world but can make choices that directly impact the lives of the characters and the world around them. Now imagine if these beings were real, and they used their magic to create and influence events in the real world.

This analogy can help atheists visualize the role of God in Christian theology. Just as the magical beings in a book can create and influence a fantastical world, God in Christian theology is understood as the creator of the universe who continues to influence the world through spiritual and moral means.

Live-Action Role-Playing (LARPing)

Live-Action Role-Playing (LARPing) is a parallel that can illustrate the nature of religion. In LARPing, participants pretend that the characters from a book or a game are real and act accordingly. Similarly, in religion, believers pretend that the gods and deities from their sacred texts are real and act as if they were. The act of believing and engaging in religious practices can be seen as a form of LARPing, where believers immerse themselves in the narrative and engage with the divine through their actions.

However, unlike LARPing, where any harm is unintentional, the actions of believers in the Christian faith are intended to bring about positive change. Christians are called to emulate God's love and compassion in the real world, which means helping the poor, supporting justice, and fostering a community of love and forgiveness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, explaining the concept of God to atheists requires a nuanced and compassionate approach. By understanding and addressing the concerns and criticisms raised by atheists, Christians can provide a clear and compelling explanation of the nature of God as a loving and active force in the world. Furthermore, by emphasizing the call to action and the principles of the gospel, Christians can bridge the gap between belief and non-belief, fostering a more tolerant and understanding society.