05/09/26

Fourteen years ago, I posted this Point to Ponder: “If there really were no God, it would be impossible to be an atheist.”  Years later, I heard Charlie Kirk, of Turning Point USA, say in a college campus rally a similar thing about atheists. Most recently, however, I heard a female college student say that she was raised in a fundamental Christian home, that when she arrived in college, one of her professors told the class that he would tear down her God and Christianity. She did not reveal if anyone said anything back to the professor, but I imagined that if I had a back-in-time travel machine and could go back and be in that same class, I would have said to the professor, “I don’t understand? How can you destroy something that doesn’t exist?” But the whole idea of trying to prove that something that does not exist when it doesn’t exist in the first place is foolish. So today I decided to see what my follow psychologist had to say about this.

I discovered that both Psychologists and psychiatrists have several terms for a person who attempts to explain away, justify, or maintain a belief in something that does not exist or is contrary to reality. The term often depends on whether the behavior is unconscious (a defense mechanism) or conscious (a manipulation tactic). I found several primary terms across different psychological contexts: one is a mental or emotional process in which a person refuses to acknowledge reality because it is too painful or threatening to their mental balance. So, why do they do it? They are engaging in denialism.  They are using strategies such as conspiracy theories and cherry-picking data to explain away evidence they don’t like. 

Some try to rationalize it out of existence. This is a defense mechanism in which a person concocts logical but false reasons to justify behaviors, emotions, or beliefs that are actually irrational. How it works: It turns an emotional, non-existent “fact” into a seemingly rational one, protecting the ego from discomfort or anxiety. It occurs when a person creates false memories or justifications for their actions without the intent to deceive. It involves the tendency to perceive meaningful connections between unrelated things. This is often associated with superstitions, conspiracy theories, and the perception of images in accidental data (such as clouds). This involves deliberate manipulation of the facts. They end up deliberately denying reality and forcing someone else to doubt their own memories or perceptions.

But I wanted to know what the Bible had to say about such a person. The Bible generally views a person who explains away reality, spreads falsehoods, or creates “knowledge” from nothing as walking in foolishness, engaging in vanity, or actively lying. Such behavior is described as a “striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14) and is associated with a heart that lacks wisdom. First, we hear about the Proverbial Fool: Proverbs describes a fool as someone who “takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his own opinion” (Proverbs 18:2). Then, a “perverted mouth,” which includes the habit of reversing truth, such as calling small things big or vice-versa, is seen as acting in foolishness. Solomon tells us that “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15). They are often convinced of their own false explanations. And then, dangerous advice: Trying to explain away something that doesn’t exist is seen as a dangerous way to influence others, leading to strife (Proverbs 18:6). 

The Bible goes on to talk about empty words” and ” vanity.” Ecclesiastes frequently calls the pursuit of things that are not real or profitable “vanity” or “trying to catch wind.” It also warns against pursuing “empty things that cannot profit or deliver” (1 Samuel 12:21). And the Apostle Paul tells believers to avoid irreverent babble: 2 Timothy 2:16, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. It cannot be done without deception and lying, for it is a disgrace to God: Lying lips, including trying to create false narratives, are considered an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 12:22). Not only that, but beware of false teachers: The Bible warns against those who “speak boastfully” or use “great swelling words of vanity” to entice people (2 Peter 2:18). These are described as “waterless wells”—promising much but offering nothing, and Proverbs 10:18 connects lying with hatred, noting that “whoever utters slander is a fool.” 

So, how do we deal with such persons? To begin with, “Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words” (Proverbs 23:9). Also, Titus 3:9 instructs believers to “avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” Not only that, because “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise” (Proverbs 17:28). In summary, Proverbs 18:7: “A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.” Therefore, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:6:

So, if someone states “there is no truth” or “Christianity is false,” they are making a truth claim themselves. Ask gently, “If truth cannot be known, how do you know your statement is true?” Share how faith provides meaning, purpose, and peace in a broken world. Emphasize that Christians don’t believe they are inherently “good” but rather recipients of grace, contrary to the assumption that they are “good” followers. Then, acknowledge that faith is not based on scientific proof but on spiritual evidence and personal encounter with the Holy Spirit. Thus, rather than “word wars,” respond with a compassionate demeanor that reflects the character of the Christ, as spiritual blindness is often seen as a matter of the heart, not just intellect.

If the conversation becomes destructive, it is acceptable to separate from the discussion to maintain personal peace and avoid unnecessary conflict. You can tell them, I respect your view, but my experience has been that finding God has brought true purpose to my life, rather than being a harmful falsehood. I hear you saying that you believe all truth is relative. If so, then how do you decide which truth is right for you? I recognize why you might think it’s all made up, but for me, I have found a profound hope in God and Christianity that I couldn’t find anywhere else.