Atheism

Pope Shenouda III answers a question about atheism and the existence of God.
He defines atheism as the denial of God’s existence and presents several arguments proving God’s reality.

1. Life itself:
Earth was once a burning mass; life could not have arisen by chance or from non-living matter. The existence of life points to a Creator.

2. Order and design:
The harmony of the universe, the precision of the human body, and the unique fingerprints and voices of people reveal intelligent design, not coincidence.

3. Miracles:
Miracles are not against reason but above it — such as the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Zeitoun (1968), verified by many witnesses and doctors.

4. Innate faith:
Faith is natural in every human being, evident even in children. The concept of divinity exists in all cultures and religions.

5. Causes of atheism:
Often psychological — desires conflicting with God’s commandments, or social injustice leading to rebellion against religion. Yet, faith revives when freedom returns, as in Russia and Romania.

6. Atheism as spiritual warfare:
Atheistic thoughts come from the devil’s temptation, not from human reason.
True believers see God’s hand in all creation — in life, order, beauty, and conscience.