Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8700 Threats to the life of faith  »  8710 atheism

The denial of God's existence and thus also the denial of his word, truth and authority. It is seen in the worship of created things, in human boasting and in the decision to live a life without God which results in godlessness and brings God's judgment.

Characteristics of atheism

Denying God's existence

Psalm 14:1 pp Psalm 53:1

Worshipping created things

Romans 1:25 See also Daniel 5:23; Revelation 9:20

Denying God's truth

Isaiah 32:6; Romans 1:18 See also Jeremiah 5:12,31; Jeremiah 11:21; Jeremiah 14:14; Jeremiah 27:15

Denying God's ability to fulfil his word

Jeremiah 17:15 See also Isaiah 5:19; Acts 17:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; 2 Peter 3:3-4; Revelation 11:7-10

Showing contempt for God's name

Leviticus 19:12; Jeremiah 5:2; Ezekiel 36:20; Ezekiel 43:8

Boasting against God

Psalm 10:3-5 See also Job 15:25; Psalm 12:3-4; Psalm 36:1-2; Psalm 73:11; Proverbs 30:9; Ezekiel 35:13; Revelation 13:6

Not turning to God in trouble

Job 35:10 See also Job 36:13; Jeremiah 2:8; Jeremiah 17:5

Living in ignorance of God

Jeremiah 5:4 See also Ephesians 2:12

Denying Jesus Christ

Jude 4 See also 1 John 2:22; John 4:3; 2Jn 7

Atheism results in godless living

Romans 1:28-31 See also Genesis 6:5; 1 Samuel 2:12; Proverbs 11:9; Isaiah 9:17; Isaiah 26:10; Jeremiah 5:5; Jeremiah 23:11; Malachi 3:14,18; 1 Timothy 1:9-10; Jude 18

Atheism brings condemnation

It cannot be excused

Job 12:7-8; Acts 14:17; Romans 1:19-20

It results in lack of hope

Job 8:13; Job 15:34; Job 20:5; Job 27:8; Psalm 9:17

It results in God's judgment

Isaiah 10:6; Isaiah 33:14; Jeremiah 5:5-6,9-11,29; Romans 1:18; 1 Peter 4:17; 2 Peter 3:7; Jude 14-15

God desires to save the atheist

Acts 17:27 See also Isaiah 55:7; Jeremiah 3:12; Ezekiel 18:23; Ezekiel 33:11; Romans 5:6-8

See also

2545  Christ, opposition to
6121  boasting
6169  godlessness
6231  rejection of God
6732  repentance
8622  worship
8712  denial of Christ
8778  materialism
8802  pride
8834  unbelief
9115  antichrist, the