A few weeks ago I invited Trevor, my atheist friend to attend our worship services and share his experiences. What he shared was mind-blowing, eye opening, & enlightening. His words rocked the very core of my essence and caused me many sleepless nights.

Here’s what Trevor shared:

“Clarence, many Christians (including many of your members) are my first cousins.  I’m currently an Atheist and most Christians are Practical Atheists (1st Cousin).”  Trevor had my undivided attention and I ask him to explain his statement.  He went on to elaborate and share how most Christians he knows, know enough about God to keep them out of hell and enough to get them into heaven. However, many are unwilling to change the way they live.  “Clarence, where I come from, that’s called practical atheism.

At this point, I’m dazed, intrigued, and curious.

So, I ask Trevor, “do you mind sharing your definition of a practical atheist?” “Of course, a practical atheist is someone who believes in God but lives as if He does not exist.”

So, do you know any practical atheists?

FYI: At the Atheist Alliance International Convention, members we were asked to pick an atheist symbol from a select list. They chose this symbol – the new symbol of Atheism.

The Preacher & The Atheist

Trevor (not his actual name) says that he is “currently” an atheist.  However, he says “he is open to the possibility that he may learn something that will change his mind.”  Trevor and I currently work out together and he calls me the only “Christian” he likes.  “Why,” I ask?  His reply: “You walk the walk, you’re down to earth, you’re funny,  a cool person, and your goal is not to convert me, but to be friends with me.  That’s what I like about you.” For the record, Atheism is the view that God does not exist and it is not a new development.  Psalm 14:1, written by David in around 1000 B.C., mentions atheism: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Recent statistics show an increasing number of people becoming atheists, with up to 10% of people worldwide declaring themselves to be adherents of atheism. Trevor is an associate professor at the University of Chicago (whose workload includes classes on comparative religion, anthropology, and philosophy), a husband, and the father of three children.  He is also a poet and an author.  Trevor’s father is a retired professor who is also an atheist.  His mother is a classically trained violinist and a lifelong seeker of truth. Last week I asked Trevor to attend one of our worship services and he did (I’ll post what he said about attending Mars Hill – EYE OPENING).  In turn, he asked that I attend a lecture with him at the University (I’ll share my experience – EYE OPENING).  Of course, I agreed.  Before we agreed to attend each other’s events, we made an agreement:

We will do this only if we remain open minded with each other.  We both agreed.

Here’s what’s on my mind:

“What would you say to Trevor since he’s “open” to the possibility that he may learn something to change his mind?”