BGEA: My cousin says he's an atheist and that only a fool would believe in God. What can I say to him to convince him that he's wrong?

My cousin says he's an atheist and that only a fool would believe in God. What can I say to him to convince him that he's wrong? I am a Christian, but whenever we discuss religion I never know how to answer his arguments because he's very persuasive. — J.Y.

Don't let his arguments shake your faith or make you wonder if he might be right after all—for he isn't. Remember: The Bible tells us that "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God' " (Psalm 14:1).

You see, the problem for most atheists isn't a lack of evidence for God's existence. In fact, the evidence is so overwhelming that anyone who honestly looks at it with an open mind will conclude that God must exist. As the Bible says, "Since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20).

What, then, is the problem for most atheists? In my experience the problem is their will—that is, they don't want to believe in God. They know that if they admit God exists, then they can't go on living any way they want to but must humble themselves before Him. And that is something they refuse to do.

Pray for your cousin; only God can change his heart and show him his need of God. In addition, submit your own life more fully to Christ, and ask Him to help you be an example to your cousin. No one can argue with a changed life! Also, ask your local Christian bookstore to recommend books that answer the questions he is raising.

5 Comments

Jane says 8.30.2011, 04:41 a.m.

I pray that all people can come to believe in the Lord and get saved. Find a church to attend, read the Bible and learn to Pray for the Lord to walk with them each day of their life. Help them to walk the right path and seek help when needed. Amen

Diana says 7.2.2011, 1:36 p.m.

Before we became true believers we did so many things just as people from this world do. Let's pray for those who do not have God in their lives and Jesus in their hearts; even for believers whose life is not showing they are Christians. Let's pray for opportunities for them to get to know God, and for God to soften their hearts. Let them see how Christians should behave, and reflect our happiness. Let's never act with pride and say how good we are becoming, but show how good is God that gave us a chance. The opportunity to change is available to everyone. Let's talk about our testimony in a humble way.

Kimberly says 4.12.2011, 10:19 a.m.

Debbie, Your quiet soft spoken spirit will witness to the brassy loud young woman. Example is our best tool. Bless you. Friends in Christ.

Debbie says 1.22.2011, 8:52 p.m.

There is a young, very intelligent woman I work with who says she is an athiest and that God is just a tool that we believers use to lean on - that we are co-dependant. She is also living with her significant other and says she and "Huck" will never get married. She also drinks and smokes. She is 30 something and loud, I am 65 and a quiet soft spoken woman. I am a fairly new believer and our boss is the one who led me to belief in Christ as my Lord and Savior. How do I approach this young woman? It almost scares me!

Robin says 1.20.2011, 10:43 a.m.

My brother is the same way and has been for over 40 years. Recently though God got his attention. Unfortunately his girlfriend was in a terrible accident where she spent two months in the hospital. I believe God was trying to get his attention. I haven't stopped praying for him, and I never will! I love God, and I love my brother!