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Radio interviews are almost always enjoyable, especially when the host permits call-ins. I love the raw nature of a live q&a; it's energizing. But one call-in this year caught me off-guard. Frankly, I was stunned and couldn't fill the space fast enough for air time, so the comment went unanswered except by the host who thanked the caller for taking the time... The interview was on my book, Finding an Unseen God: Reflections of a Former Atheist. Many have commented on how I treat Atheists and their belief system with respect throughout the book. I thought the reasons were obvious--but that is my error. In response to the interview, the sincere, non-belligerent, concerned caller said, "You should not honor the Atheist, because the Bible says that, "the fool says in his heart that there is no God.'" Then he went on to make another point...which I honestly don't remember because I was a bit dazed.
 So for my own soul, I'd like to offer the response that I should have offered then. And I'd like to ask any Atheists who are reading for forgiveness for not being quicker on my feet and faster with my words. Why do I honor/respect the Atheist? Because denying God's existence does not in the least affect God's existence. Because denying God's existence does not alter the reality that we are all the fruit of God's existence. Whether we know it or not, acknowledge it or not, have experienced it or not...we were all ultimately created by God "in his image" whatever that mysteriously and magnificently means. Why do I respect the Atheist? Because they bear the fingerprints of God.
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Comments
I recall the bible saying also that anyone who calls another a fool is in danger of hellfire. Seems like those words might have been in red.
Everyone, (so-called) Christians especially, need to learn how to respectfully disagree. I find it strange how 'preachers' can stand on street corners with signs and bullhorns condemning people in the name of God, assured that they are preaching the gospel, when Jesus himself said that he did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.
The only people Jesus ever said a disparaging word to were religious people. And if he were here on earth today, those with the same attitude of the bullhorn preachers would be the ones on the receiving end of his reprimands.
It is also written that the kindness of God is what leads people to repent. Respect is a kindness that should be extended to everyone, regardless of how they believe, and if it were, we might see a few more come to belief in God.
Yes--The respect Jesus shows for the broken, the sinner, those small in their own eyes...it is healing. And the rebuke he issues to the hypocrite, the self-righteous, those big in their own eyes...it is startling.
God, keep us small.
Very well said!
thanks for taking the time to read and respond, Tami!
Although the psalmist calls those who deny the existence of God "fools," I would like to ask how are we as Christians told to treat "fools"? Paul tells us in Romans 12:18 that we are to live peaceably with all men. There are many fools in our society, some of them deny the existence of God, but in my opinion, many of them are believers in the existence of God. I have been included in the number of fools that populate our planet on numerous occasions, and I am glad of the respect that I receive from others despite of it. This is why I respect the Atheist.
Joseph, thank you for your thoughtful response.