Atheism (Psalm 14)

Why do predators claim to be wise but avoid searching for God? Do we find refuge from them in the Lord? Let’s begin in Psalm 14.

Would we describe atheists as morally reckless, corrupt, and acting abominably?

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt. They have done abominable deeds. There is no one who does good. (Ps 14:1 WEB)

Is the truth about God’s existence frequently silenced in our world? What are some motives for this? Is the conclusion the same, that they are morally corrupt fools?

God’s wrath is being 'revealed from heaven against all the ungodly behavior and the injustice of human beings who silence the truth with injustice. This is because what is known about God should be plain to them because God made it plain to them. Ever since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—God’s eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through the things God has made. So humans are without excuse. Although they knew God, they didn’t honor God as God or thank him. Instead, their reasoning became pointless, and their foolish hearts were darkened. While they were claiming to be wise, they made fools of themselves. (Rom 1:18-22 CEB)

Is the desire to avoid seeking God fairly common in our corrupt society?

From heaven the Lord looks down to see if anyone is wise enough to search for him. But all of them are corrupt; no one does right. (Ps 14:2-3 CEV)

Without knowledge of right and wrong, without calling upon God, do evil predators consume the lives of their victims?

Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the Lord? (Ps 14:4 ESV)

Will God’s justice eventually terrorize the predators of our world? Is God the refuge of the righteous?

Then they will be filled with terror, for God is with those who are righteous. You sinners frustrate the plans of the afflicted, but the Lord is his refuge. (Ps 14:5-6 HCSB)

Could this prophecy of Israel’s deliverance be both literal and symbolic of the church?

May Israel’s deliverance come from Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will rejoice, and Israel will be glad. (Ps 14:7 ISV)

Does Paul say that both Jew and Gentile, the whole world is unrighteous?

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Rom 3:10-12 KJV)

Why do predators claim to be wise but avoid searching for God? Do we find refuge from them in the Lord? You decide!