I started to write this poem in August 2015 as I had been hearing quite a few very heated opinions coming from some well known and outspoken Atheists who are in the British public eye. What I found interesting was that they often like to voice their displeasure and their judgement on the actions of other human beings and often in a rather aggressive and vitriolic way.
I found myself thinking that some of the views expressed seemed to contradict each other and that their opinions on the character of God were so far from the truth. I soon found myself inspired to write a poem and compose it in the form of a letter as I really felt in my heart that I would love to chat about the views expressed. Ultimately though I would just love to share the Gospel with them just as others once shared the Gospel with me!
I hope you're keeping well for winter's swiftly on it's way.
We've had a lovely summer though, a welcome change indeed!
A warm and pretty autumn now I'd say is what we need.
Enough about the weather though and on to other news!
I see you here and there and I've been listening to your views.
You have me quite perplexed by an inconsistency.
I wonder, would you spend some time and reason through with me?
I know that in the public eye the pressure must be great
But still, you seem quite confident in voicing what you hate.
You're very clear and open with your disbelief in God
And seem to think Theistic views are dim and rather odd.
Of course, we disagree on this but I will not insist.
You've every right to have your faith that God does not exist.
Oh yes dear Mr Atheist, a faith it is for sure!
It's just your chosen system in which you feel secure.
I'm sure you'll have your reasons and use them as defence
But sometimes preconceptions are displayed as "evidence."
Perhaps you say it's "logical" and firmly based on "fact"
But history and science would declare this inexact.
Don't you think it's possible that often people choose
To only see the "evidence" that fits in with their views?
The point though Mr Atheist, as I have discussed,
You say there is no God and this is where you place your trust.
So going on this premise, as far as I can see
You hold to "evolution" as how we came to be.
The thought of a Creator is a tale to bid farewell;
We're all the random product of a solitary cell.
We're just a bag of chemicals that slowly over time
Has sprouted fins then legs and arms, evolving from the slime.
Implying life is meaningless we logically conclude
The Universe has no design, no evil and no good.
For if there's "good and evil" then there must be moral law
But if there's no Law Giver then there is no moral law!
This means that life's a "free for all." It's "each man for himself!"
The rules of "right and wrong" must now be left upon the shelf.
We do what makes us "happy," it's our basic right and liberty
To do what's pleasing in our eyes with no accountability.
"Truth" is what we make it and there is no "absolute."
Though if we're absolute on this then that's an absolute.
But looking from your viewpoint and seeing life your way
I really am surprised by what you said the other day.
I see you get upset at those who hunt and kill for fun;
With hounds and horns a'blaring it's a thrilling sport for some.
This cruelty makes you livid though and fills you with such fire.
You speak against their actions with a passion to admire.
You fight to change the laws and bring in fairer protocol
Which leads me to conclude you do seek justice after all.
I'll state just for the record that I actually agree
For wickedness and cruelty are unbiblical you see.
I too despise injustice and I don't condone their choice
To brutalise the weaker or those without a voice.
But the problem Mr Atheist, if what you say is true
That "truth" is only relative, it's only true for you!
This cancels your authority or instinct to condemn;
Although it may be vile to you it's simply sport to them!
You cannot get upset at this, your message after all
Is "live our lives as we see fit, our preference makes the call."
Although your moral compass says these acts are deeply cruel
You have no grounds to say that this must be the standard rule.
You don't have the position to rebuke those you despise.
Like you, they're simply doing what is pleasing in their eyes!
If behaviour is determined by mindless molecules
Then altruistic notions would break evolution's rules.
To show another kindness, we can go to any length
But "natural selection" only favours those with strength.
Our DNA knows nothing about caring for the weak.
"Survival of the fittest" means to dominate the meek.
So listening to your message which you preach with such conviction,
To claim our acts are "good or bad" is quite the contradiction.
For either we "evolved" and we live life for ourself
Or God exists and "right and wrong" must come down from the shelf.
But if you base your lifestyle on the laws of evolution
"You have no right to judge" must be the logical conclusion.
And yet you say it's terrible so why do you dismay?
Is it wrong because it's cruel or is it just because you say?
Why would your opinion have dominion over others?
You're just one "bag of chemicals" dictating to another!
I'm sorry Mr Atheist, it doesn't work that way.
I ask you to invest a bit more thought in what you say.
You've taken it upon yourself to tell us right from wrong
But moral absolutes and evolution don't belong.
It's God who gives us boundaries and shows us what is right.
With wisdom He conveys to us what's pleasing in His sight.
Ignoring our Designer you admire His design.
You preach that we should love while blocking out the source Divine.
It seems though Mr Atheist, despite your godless case,
Your confidence in self suggests you'd like to take His place.
You value rather highly your opinions and your stance.
If offered God's position then I think you'd seize the chance!
You seem to have no issue telling others what to do,
You just don't like authority when ruling over you.
You love to tell us how to think with views that never budge
But why are you the one in charge and who made you our judge?
I'd like to make it clear my point is not to make you cross
But please appreciate that this is how you come across.
You say the realm of animals includes the human race
But when it comes to people you show very little grace.
Considering your message is that love is what we lack
You seem to just reserve your love for those who don't talk back.
This harsh, berating attitude will close the ears of some
For those who dare to differ feel the sharp edge of your tongue.
But insults only weaken and devalue your position;
Perhaps a more respectful tone for those in opposition?
We don't do well to dictate that "all must think like me!"
I'm sure you can concur it's not a crime to disagree.
But let's return a moment to the views that you express
For here, there lies a query that perhaps we could address.
We know that evolution says survival shows no care,
So morals and a conscience have to find their roots elsewhere.
Perhaps my next suggestion might make you feel a traitor
But could it be that "inner voice" has come from your Creator?
Inherently we know that love and justice are correct;
It's why we feel enraged when someone shows us disrespect.
God's given us a conscience and awareness right from birth;
Created in His image we possess intrinsic worth!
But recognising God exists you claim is just naive.
You say that He's a "fairytale," a "myth" or "make believe"
And though you mock His followers this act is nothing new,
You simply join the many who have mocked before you too.
The thing is Mr Atheist, we must address forthwith,
Me thinks thou dost protest too much if God is just a "myth!"
Indifference seems more logical than hate and vitriol.
This does suggest dear friend you're not an atheist at all.
For if you truly don't believe then you won't waste your time
And yet you dedicate your life to scoffing the Divine.
No one argues endlessly on matters non existent
But when it comes to Jesus Christ you're really quite persistent!
The way you go on tirades it's as if your soul's afflicted.
For one who says they "don't believe" you're really quite convicted!
You cannot stand the thought that we're accountable for sin.
It's not that you're an atheist but rather you hate Him!
You hate to think that God exists or say the Bible's true.
Your problem isn't disbelief but what this means for you.
And so you dig your heels in to make sure you advance;
In order to defend your life you must sustain your stance.
But this is such a tragedy, if only you would see
The God you curse and hate so deeply, died to set you free!
The animosity you show is really undeserved.
Despite the Saviour's love for you He makes you feel unnerved.
What's interesting to note is when it comes to other "gods"
It seems it's only Jesus Christ with whom you are at odds.
May I suggest a reason as to why this is the case?
I think deep down you know that He's the One you'll have to face.
The others do not challenge you, they do not pose a threat.
You say "same goes for Jesus" with your public views and yet
It's His name that you curse so much, it's clear He bothers you.
Could it be dear friend that it's because His words are true?
When Jesus said "I Am the Way, I Am the Truth and the Life"
His words cut through the hardest hearts and pierced souls like a knife!
When Jesus said "I came to call all sinners to repentance"
He spoke the truth regardless of the levels of acceptance.
You're not the first to hear His words and strongly disagree;
The opposition of His time nailed Him to a tree!
When Jesus hung upon that Cross, the weight of sin to bear,
There was nothing "make-believe" about the reason He was there.
Christ died to save the human race, He died for me and you!
I'll share this message even if you don't believe it's true.
His sacrifice is where God's love and justice were displayed
And so there is no other name by which we must be saved!
No one else defeated death, no one paid for sin.
Every other "god" falls short, we have to look to Him!
The Man who walked through history and proved He was Divine.
Whose birth fulfilled the prophesies, from which we measure time!
You see dear Mr Atheist, I too speak with conviction;
I know that Jesus loves you, this is fact and never fiction!
Look again dear friend to the God you have denied,
Does your disbelief or hatred still seem justified?
His mercy He extends to you with kindness and persistence;
Please don't mistake God's patience for "proof" of non existence.
He calls to every heart but should we choose to be obtuse,
When comes the day of judgement we will be without excuse.
I ask you Mr Atheist, please open up your mind.
Use the brilliant brain He gave you, truth is there to find!
I pray you'll come to know your God, your Saviour sacrificed.
God loves you Mr Atheist. Sincerely, yours in Christ.
Deuteronomy 4:39
"Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other."
Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
Psalm 14:1
"The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God.""
Proverbs 12:16
"A fool's wrath is known at once…"
Judges 17:6
"In those days there was no king of Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
Romans 9:20
"But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?""
Romans 11:33-34
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out! "For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counsellor?""
Job 40:1-14
"Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said: “Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it.” Then Job answered the Lord and said: “Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth. Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.” Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: “Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me: “Would you indeed annul My judgment? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified? Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His? Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendour, And array yourself with glory and beauty. Disperse the rage of your wrath; Look on everyone who is proud, and humble him. Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low; Tread down the wicked in their place. Hide them in the dust together, Bind their faces in hidden darkness. Then I will also confess to you that your own right hand can save you."
Psalm 5:4
"For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You."
Isaiah 61:8
"For I, the Lord, love justice."
Proverbs 16:11
"Honest weights and scales are the Lord's; all the weights in the bag are His work."
Proverbs 20:10
"Diverse weights and diverse measures, they are both alike, an abomination to the Lord."
Ecclesiastes 8:11
"Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil."
Psalm 103:8
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy."
2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
Romans 1:20-25
"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonour their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen."
Psalm 8:3-9
"When I consider Your Heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honour. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen- even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!"
Proverbs 12:10
"The godly care for their animals."
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil."
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