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One thing I find funny is that atheists I talk to often like to vigorously deny that atheism is a religion. They usually say that atheism is not a religion, and that they get annoyed when us “idiot” (brilliant) Christians call atheism a religion. They insist they are not religious at all, and atheism should not be classified as a religion.

But is this the truth, or once again are atheists just trying to avoid the truth? What is the truth? Is atheism a religion? Let us look and see….

Is Atheism a Religion? Are Atheists Religious and Do They Fit the Definition of Religion?

To answer this, let us first look at the popular definitions for the word “religion.” Here are a few definitions of religion on the web:

1. An organized set of beliefs about a deity or deities.
2.  the service and worship of God or the supernatural
3. commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
4. a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
5. archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness
6. a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
7. A particular system of faith and worship.
8. Devotion to some principle; a strict fidelity or faithfulness; conscientiousness; pious affection or attachment.
9. strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one’s vow

These are the most popular and common uses of the word “religion” in the English language. Those are pretty clear-cut. So let us now compare common atheists beliefs and practices (as we can easily gather from their websites, public speeches, books, etc.), and decide on whether atheists are religious or not.

As I think you will quickly realize, most atheists are indeed VERY religious. In fact, atheists are some of the most religious people I know.

Atheist Religious Comparison: Are They Religious or Not?

First, do atheists share a set belief about God or a deity (or deities)? The answer, of course, is YES. They do have a belief about god/gods. They belief God is a myth, and that gods don’t exist. So they in fact have a set belief about gods. Therefore, they are religious in this sense of the word.

Second, do atheists worship of God or supernatural? Do they worship anything? That depends on how you define worship. If you mean having a “strong devotion to,” then yes, atheists worship their beliefs in naturalism. They worship evolutionary theory strongly. They worship their belief in naturalism. In fact, let us really show how much atheism parallels almost any major world religion with the below comparison:

• Atheists have a belief about God or Gods (They believe they don’t exist). So do other religions.
• Atheists have a creation story that they all generally believe (it is called abiogenesis, the big bang, and evolution). Every religion has a creation account.
• Atheists have faith in their beliefs (they don’t know if we evolved from non-life, they just believe this and have faith this is how it happened). Faith is a component of every religion. We can’t know everything in life, so faith is required to fill those gaps in knowledge.
• Atheists have organizations and groups. They meet on websites, message boards, speaking events, and so forth. Same as other religions.
• Atheists raise and donate money collectively, and do so often with intent of spreading their belief system. Sound familiar?
• Atheists have a bible (called the Origin of Species). So do other religions.
• Atheists have famous spiritual leaders, writers, and preachers (Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, etc. etc.). Every religion has these people.
• Atheists have thousands of evangelists (they run blogs and websites, they get on forums, they write books, they do speaking events, debates, etc.). So do other famous religions.
• Atheists have modified their behavior to match their world-view. Just as a new Christian may modify their lifestyle once they come to Christ (aka being born again), an atheist may  modify their lifestyle once they reject God or become firm in their beliefs that God doesn’t exist. (example: an atheist may start preaching atheism, or they may stop observing Christian holidays, etc.).
• Atheists have a belief of what happens after death. Of course, no one knows what happens after death. Atheists generally believe you die, your atoms are recycled and your knowledge and personality cease to exist, and that’s that. All religions have some belief about what happens after death (since death is one of the big questions religion attempts to answer).
• Atheists try to change laws. I always find it funny how atheists bark at Christians for trying to change laws or get religiously favored laws passed. While atheists do the same thing without realizing it. Atheists try to influence politics with their world views just as much, if not more, than Christians. So religious people try to change and influence laws….enough said.
• Atheists reject prayer in school, but yet want to make sure your kids get dowsed with the unprovable atheistic theory of macro evolution. How hypocritical, huh? So once again we see atheists wanting to collectively spread their beliefs in the school systems.

Isn’t it abundantly clear at this point that atheism is absolutely a religion in almost every sense of the word?? This matches up perfectly to everything we know about religion and religious practices. So when an atheist approaches you to try and “convert” you, just remember that they are no different than any other false religlion trying to get more converts.

Can Religion Be Escaped? Every Person That Can Reason is Religious

I guarantee you that every single human being alive right now that has the ability to think and reason has a religion. When I say “religion,” I am speaking about the common use of the term. Because every person will develop a belief about God (what God is like, if god or gods exist, etc.).

Every single person will develop a set of principles to live by based on their beliefs. Example, a Christian will try to follow the bible, an atheist may have their own moral code (and may try to follow societies moral code), etc.

Unfortunately, religion is inescapable. It is a fact of life, and something we all will have. Even the poor agnostic who isn’t sure about religion or god is religious. Because they have decided that it isn’t important to make a decision, thus, they are making a decision in doing that by default. Therefore, their religious belief is simply: it isn’t important, and I will arrange my own beliefs based on experience and preference.

Atheists are clearly VERY religious, and follow a religion. Many atheists are very strong in their beliefs, so much so, that they are closed minded to even the hint of a god existing.

If We All Have a Religion, Shouldn’t We Make Sure We Are In the Correct Religion?

It is quite clear that we will all form a religious belief in our lives. So if we are going to pick a religion (atheists included), shouldn’t we choose the right one? And shouldn’t our religions offer us something?

So if we have to be religious, we have to have faith, and so forth, why not put your faith in the most believable God in history (the God of the bible)? Why not have faith in a religion that is scientifically compatible, with historical evidence, eyewitness accounts, is logically sound, and reasonably true?

Why not choose a religion that offers to make you a better moral person by following it, that offers forgiveness for your moral flaws (and we all have them), that offers you eternity of life of happiness, peace, and prosperity (and we all know something out there is eternal)? Why not choose a religion that can change the world, change you, and all of this? Why not choose a religion that not only teaches those things, but actually exists in reality, and will all come to pass as truth?

Christianity is the ONLY religion that fits this bill. I certainly would have never changed from a former atheist to a current Christian if there was any truth to atheists claims. God is the Truth. God is the light in this dark world.

Christianity has made me a better person. Even though I still sometimes fall short of the glory of God, I know in my  heart that I am a changed man. That I have improved my bad habits for the better, and as a result, God’s word has helped change my life in an amazing way. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

So if you have to choose a religion, choose one that makes sense. Choose Christianity. You won’t be sorry. I promise. You can’t escape religion, and you HAVE to decide on one to follow throughout your life. If you don’t choose, you choose by default. So choose God. Follow Christ.

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Sometimes people can develop very serious mental conditions where they may develop a phobia or extreme fear of a certain thing or person. For example, Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape.

Anthropophobia is a pathological fear of people or human company. And yes, there is even a fear of God: Theophobia, which is a fear of Gods, goddesses, or deities.

I had a question concerning this, and here it is:

What happens to someone who loves Jesus but has the most horrific almost traumatizing fear of God to the point when they go into a church or even the mere thought at times causes severe anxiety and panic at the thought of God  and unhealthy tremble and feel sick to there stomach , yet at the same time is a believer and does love Jesus. Will God understand?

—Wendy

How to Deal with Theophobia with Panic/Anxiety of God and Jesus Christ

Hello Wendy, and thank you so very much for your question. This is a great question, and I am glad you asked. I think just about every person has some kind of fear. Most of these fears are normal and common. In fact, fear can be a great thing. God has placed a built in “fear” mechanism to ensure we will stay out of harms way.

The reason is because if we didn’t have this fear, we would go up and pet a bear, or handle a poisonous snake or spider. We would then quickly die, because we didn’t have a certain level of fear in our minds alerting us to potential danger of these creatures.

However, occasionally we can dwell on a fear so much, that it can get to a level where it is mentally or physically unsafe. We can make the object or person so scary in our minds, that it becomes unrealistic, and it begins to interfere with our life.

When I was a teenager, I myself developed a very irrational fear of tornadoes. This stems from the fact that when I was a younger boy, I would sit and read this encyclopedia I had on tornadoes. It would stress how destructive they are, and it showed some terribly frightening pictures of them. So my imagination went wild, and in my teens I would be terrified of them. In fact, I was sure that I would die in a tornado!

Literally every time it stormed, I would rush to turn on the weather channel. In fact, I would watch the weather channel daily to ensure it was going to be good weather. I still have most of the weather channel anchor’s names memorized (my wife often laughs at this).

When we would get a tornado watch or have a forecast of severe storms, I would be terrified thinking I was going to die. I would literally be shaking during bad storms. I could just visualize a large tornado swirling outside and slowing forming in the clouds, ready to drop down any second and destroy my house.

But as I got older I came to understand how a tornado works. I began to see that while tornadoes are dangerous, you can easily survive one by taking the proper precautions and seeking shelter that is specially made to protect against twisters (such as a saferoom or a storm cellar). Not only that, but most tornadoes are not as deadly as you might think. Many are so weak that they only push over a few trees or tear the roofs off of buildings, and people easily survive. Furthermore, the chances of actually being in a tornado are lower than getting struck by lightning.

So now I have no irrational fear of them. That doesn’t mean that I want to be in a tornado (I certainly don’t). But I no longer let this fear rule my life. I have beaten the fear, and now I have a better understanding and appreciation for tornadoes. I even find them beautiful in their own way.

So we can all have fears, but we can all also overcome these fears.

What is An Appropriate Way to Fear God? Doesn’t the Bible Tell Us to Fear God?

The bible certainly tells us to fear God, but it is important to understand what the bible means in that context. Here are some bible verses that talk about fearing God:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, Deuteronomy 10:12 (NIV)But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Luke 12:5 (NIV)

Does God want us to be scared to death of Him, and shaking every time His name is brought up? Of course not. God doesn’t want you to have that kind of fear at all. God loves you and wants fellowship with you. God loves you so much, that even when you did sin He loved you. He even sent His only-Begotten Son (Jesus Christ), so that through Christ you might be saved.

Instead, what these passages about fearing God are saying is that you need to have a fear of God’s authority if you disobey Him. I fear the police or government. That doesn’t mean I “literally fear them.” In other words, when I see a cop I don’t tremble or have a panic attack.

Instead what that means is, I fear the punishment I may receive if I disobey their laws. But I am certainly not afraid of a police officer if I haven’t done wrong. In fact, I may need a police officer badly if I am ever in need of help. I even feel more comfortable in a dark alley if there is a cop nearby. So cops are your friends as long as you obey the law.

In that same way, the bible suggest we fear God in that way. Fearing God in the bible means to believe in Him, keep His commandments, and love Him. If we don’t do those things, then yes, we can fear the consequences of disobeying God as well (just like we must fear the consequences of disobeying a police officer).

But if you follow God, and love God in your heart, you have no need to fear His judgment. In fact, you should be filled with joy and excitement of the coming judgment of God.

This is when you will get your reward, and you will inherit the Kingdom of God. So you will no longer ever have to fear, or be sad, or anything. What a great day this will be! I can’t wait for God’s coming judgment and Kingdom.

How to Overcome Theophobia, and Fear God in a Healthy Way

If you continue to fear God to the point of sickness or other health problems (either physical or psychological), then that is an indicator that you may need some help. I would like to give some suggestions on how I think you can fully overcome this fear:

• Read God’s Word–It is important to study the scriptures, and learn as much about God as you can. This will help you learn in your mind that God only needs to be feared if you disobey Him and do evil. If you are a Believer and follow God and Christ already, then you have no need to fear. Just hold tight to the scriptures and use them as a tool to ensure you are doing God’s will. Talk to a local pastor or Christian mentor if necessary.
• Join a Community–There are both local churches and online communities that you can participate in. If you have a local church, try to get more involved with them. Over time, you may find that your fear gradually goes away. Also, you can join various forums online to help you communicate and get help from other Christians. This is a great way to not only understand that God isn’t something to be feared, but you can talk to others about your fears and problems.
• Pray–Try to pray to God as much as possible, and communicate your feelings and your fears. Ask God to help you overcome this struggle and fear, and pray as much as you can.
• Analyze Your Fear–When did this fear start? Why do you feel this way? What sorts of thoughts go through your mind? By analyzing this fear on paper, you may be able to discover that it is based on something that isn’t true. Also, try to start projecting positive and happy feelings and emotions towards God. Visualize in your mind God Almighty, and think of all the positive things you can. This may be a way you can “exercise” mentally to help get this fear under control.
• Get Professional Help–If you are not able to overcome this fear using the above tips, please get professional help. There are a great number of licensed Christian counselors who can help you to overcome your extreme fear of God. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek the help of a professional. We all need a hand up sometimes! You should be able to find one in your local phone book, but if not, you can locate one through one of the website directories below:

• http://www.ncfliving.org/
  http://www.aacc.net/
  http://counseling4christians.com/

God Does Understand Your Problems and Pain

It is important for you to remember Wendy that, yes, God does indeed understand our feelings and emotions. God does understand why you feel the things you do.

However, hundreds or thousands of people overcome phobias and fears every single day. I know I have overcame one, and countless others are able to beat their fears and phobias. So I urge you, please do not just “settle” for a phobia. Take it head on and do what you need to battle it and overcome this.

If I told you I had a severe phobia to eating and drinking, you may think that it was silly since there isn’t anything to fear about food or water. In fact, we can’t live without food and water.

In that same way, there is no need to have an irrational fear about God. Mankind cannot live on bread alone, but out of every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

God is far more important than the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the water you drink. God is the source of life. God loves you, and don’t forget that Wendy.

Conclusion: God Loves You, and You Can Overcome and Endure Any Obstacles with God

Phobias and fears are very real. People sometimes struggle with fears that have become irrational and blown out of proportion. But we all have fears. Fear is a natural emotion we all experience. They are like weeds growing in our lawn. We all have them, but we must keep them under control. As long as we do that, the weeds never become a serious problem.

Sometimes, however, a weed can get out of control, and it begins to grow larger and larger, until it chokes out the other plants. When it does this, you cannot appreciate your lawn any more, for you will have an ugly weed that overshadows all of the nice grass, plants, and flowers.

God is great. He is the most loving, joyful, being that could ever exist. There are no others greater than God. Even the person you love most in life, you should love God even far more because He gave them to you! You couldn’t even enjoy that person if God didn’t exist.

However, a weed has been able to grow within the framework of your mind, choking out and distorting your view of God. This has given you an irrational fear of God.

Remove the weed mentally, and you can see God for what He really is: Great! So please do everything you can to address this problem. If you can’t overcome this on your own, and the fear persists, please consult a professional (such as a good Christian psychologist) to help so you can overcome this fear.

Thanks again for your question Wendy. I will pray for you. God bless!

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Posted under Ask a Question, general questions