Christians Are Really Atheists—Kinda, Sorta, Not Really

It has become increasingly common—especially on the Internet—to hear atheists say, “Christians are atheists too. They’re just atheists of one less god than me.” The “one less god” he’s referring to is, of course, Yahweh. In other words, the Christian is an atheist who believes in one God.

If that sounds weird, it should. First, it just makes no sense to call a Christian an atheist of any kind. That’s a misuse of the word. It's akin to calling a married man, like me, a bachelor with one wife.

Second, pointing out that Christians and atheists both reject a pantheon of gods is a clever move, but tells us nothing about the existence of the Christian God. Christians reject the pantheon for the same reason atheists do: no evidence. And they accept the God of Christianity because there is good evidence. It’s that simple!

Third, the next time you hear some say “You’re an atheist of one less god than me” move towards the objection, not away from it. That is, just agree with them, then point out its irrelevance. Say something like, “You’re right, I am an atheist regarding every other god. Now what?” This neutralizes their rhetorical move, and directs the discussion where it belongs: on the evidence for the Christian God.

Class dismissed.

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Follow Stand to Reason:

[Grinthex]

I mean, my God did have a grave, there is just a good reason of why it is empty.

[jacksonhall]

I read this once and thought it might be a compelling argument. Then I turned 12

[flatgroundaniel]

Atheist: “I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do.”

Theist: “I contend that we are both theists. I just believe in one more God than you do.”

[silviyapancheva]

This is like if a killer say to you: You are a murderer too...you just killed one less person than me. 😂

[bds]

I'm an atheist and I love God with all my heart, mind, and strength, and I confess Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead! 🥰

[BBassistChrist]

So in short, the Atheist Buddhist doesn't know Jack.

[josephthomasmusic]

Atheists: "we're all atheists, some of us just go one God further."

Me: "We're all theists. I believe God exists in reality, and you believe God exists in the imagination. So we're all theists, some of us just go one realm further. 😉"

Atheists:

[Norbingel]

This "challenge" to theism is one of the most on-its-face ridiculous, cant-believe-you're-serious atheist "challenge". I'm astounded how many popular, big names in atheism use it.

[exgarage]

I’ve just been saying, “actually you’re an orthodox Christian regarding all other gods”

[btm]

Dude, keep making these! Your channel will grow like crazy. Absolutely love your style. God bless you!

[gandalfthegrey]

Well... Actually...

I will say, as a Christian historian, that when the Church first started (Roman Empire, 1st century A.D.) Christians WERE accused of being atheists!! Because the Empire grew with synchretism- basically as the empire expanded, more gods were added, everyone was allowed to worship their gods, so long as they also worshipped the Roman gods and eventually the emperor. When Christians didn't do this (they wouldn't light incense to the emperor or worship other deities) they were called Atheists. The Jews were understood to be an exception since they had a long history of being monotheistic but the Christians were often recent converts and didn't have this history or tradition.

I hope that was interesting for some people!

[jimbojackson]

As Dr. William Lane Craig also points out, this little rhetorical quip is designed to make atheism sound far less extreme than it is. In reality, monotheism and atheism are very different.

[justincase]

This goes along with the stupid argument " they can't all be right " to which i respond, " they aren't, only One is "
I love your vids, by the way .

[jenniferwales]

Oh. My goodness. I absolutely love this channel. Just found you maybe 20 minutes ago and I am a huge fan. Can't wait to watch the rest of yiur videos!!

[abhishekbattula]

I'm glad that I stumbled across this channel. Great video! I will be waiting for more great content. Expect RAPID growth of your channel.

[catherinemackolil]

After I found your channel, I have been so hooked on your videos.

[keridavis]

I gotta give your editing crew big kudos. LOL

[rockandsandapologetics]

Did you know that during Polycarp's trial, he was asked if he was an atheist because the Proconsul couldn't see the Christian God. Polycarp's response, "I am a Christian, if you would like to know more about our doctrine, make an appointment. I would be glad to explain them to you." (I guess if it'd been you you would've said, "Class dismissed." ;--)

[Tooinsecuretousemyrealname]

You’re “the jack delusion” inspired me to make a video about atheist arguments but with God replaced with “brain”. I’m now a abrainist. Thanks for the inspiration.

[aletheiaquest]

Awesome stuff!! I was cracking up throughout this! :-)