How to Reach an Atheist

From Ray Comfort’s book, World Religions in a Nutshell.

To shine the light of the gospel in the hearts of atheists, there are two approaches we could use. We could address their intellect or we could address their conscience.

First, let’s look at speaking to the intellect. It’s a simple thing to prove the existence of God. To do so, let me quote from The Evidence Bible (Bridge-Logos):

When I look at a building, how do I know that there was a builder? I can’t see him, hear him, touch, taste, or smell him. Of course, the building is proof that there was a builder. In fact, I couldn’t want better evidence that there was a builder than to have the building in front of me. I don’t need “faith” to know that there was a builder. All I need is eyes that can see and a brain that works.

Likewise, when I look at a painting, how can I know that there was a painter? Again, the painting is proof positive that there was a painter. I don’t need “faith” to believe in a painter because I can see the clear evidence.

The same principle applies with the existence of God. When I look at creation, how can I know that there was a Creator? I can’t see Him, hear Him, touch Him, taste Him, or smell Him. How can I know that He exists? Why, creation shows me that there is a Creator. I couldn’t want better proof that a Creator exists than to have the creation in front of me. I don’t need faith to believe in a Creator; all I need is eyes that can see and a brain that works: “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, emphasis added). If, however, I want the builder to do something for me, then I need to have faith in him. The same applies to God: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for He that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

As you can see, atheists use numerous arguments to defend their belief systems. So, if you are going to address the intellect (the place of argument), you will find yourself running down a mass of rabbit trails. Instead, do what Jesus did—address the conscience. Consider this analogy.

I’m not big on fishing. I far prefer catching. However, there can be no catching without fishing, so I have made a point of studying the skills that make a difference as to whether I catch or fish.

“Atheists use numerous arguments to defend their belief systems. So, if you are going to address the intellect (the place of argument), you will find yourself running down a mass of rabbit trails. Instead, do what Jesus did—address the conscience.”

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For example, there are right and wrong ways to bait a hook. Bait should be used to attract fish and at the same time disguise the hook. Fish are not stupid. They aren’t going to bite onto a hook that they can see. So, a wise fisherman baits the hook to hide its deadly barbs. Then, when he sees that a fish is nibbling at the bait, he quickly jerks the line and pulls the hook into the jaw, and reels him in.

Apologetics are wonderful bait. I love even the smell of a good apologetical argument. It can’t help but attract the fish. He doesn’t see anything threatening in an argument about the Bible. He knows he can win any dispute about that book of myths. It has an aroma that attracts him.

God’s Law is the hook; and it’s that from which he instinctively keeps his distance. It threatens him. That’s because it brings the knowledge of sin (see Romans 3:19,20), so his mind is naturally hostile toward the Law. The Scriptures tells us that his carnal mind is at “enmity” with God, and it’s “not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be” (see Romans 8:7). He isn’t stupid. If he can see the Law, he’s not going to bite. So a wise fisher of men will carefully hide the hook under some good bait.

Jesus did this with the woman at the well. He first spoke of natural water. Nothing threatening here. Then He quickly pulled the hook of the Law into her jaw, by alluding to the Seventh Commandment to bring the knowledge of sin (see John 4:16).

Paul did a similar thing in Athens. His heart was stirred because the whole city was given over to idolatry (see Acts 17:16). So he baited them by giving an interesting line about their poets, then he quickly jerked the Law into the jaw by preaching against their idolatry (see verses 29,30). They had sinned against God by transgressing the First and Second Commandments; they had “other gods” before Him and therefore needed to repent. The Law brought the Athenians the knowledge of sin.

This testimony can be found in the book World Religions in a Nutshell.