Faith, Reason, and Atheism

David (a fellow volunteering with Jews for Jesus) and I were chatting with some atheists yesterday. As best I can paraphrase and remember, this was a portion of one discussion.

Us: As atheists, you believe that all our thoughts are simply atoms bouncing around, constrained by the laws of physics. Right?

Atheists: Yes. In psych I learned that our beliefs are the result of conditioning.

Us: Do you believe that because it is true or because the laws of physics give you no other choice?
....
Atheists: It's science.

Us: Do you believe in science because it is true or because you have no other choice?

What this episode helped illustrate is that a lot of our beliefs, everyone's beliefs, is grounded in theism.

The apostle Paul wrote about this when he said:

For what can be known about God is plain to them...

Faith is not opposed to reason. It is the foundation which gives rise to reason.

Recommended reading: C.S. Lewis's Dangerous Idea.