The professor did not allow students to heckle or be rude, but he did set aside time for questions at the end. My pastor told the class that the Bible is God’s Word, and it is truth. He explained that there is ample evidence to support the truth and authority of Scripture. Some of the students became visibly upset as he talked. A few asked questions at the end, but no one was particularly combative while he was there.

All of that changed, however, when he left. Since no one knew Amy was his daughter, they felt free to vent. She said some of the students were outraged, especially the two atheists in the class. “I could never believe in a god who lets bad things happen,” one said. “I think Christians are dangerous and irrational,” said the other. And both agreed that highly intelligent people do not believe in God, the supernatural, or anything miraculous. Even two weeks later the students were still talking about “that pastor and his Bible,” especially the atheists.

A movement called “the New Atheism” is hostile to all religion, particularly Christianity. But the psalmist says: “The fool says in his heart, ‘God does not exist’” (Ps. 14:1). Atheism is not new; there have always been people who don’t want to believe in God and feel no need for a Savior. If you know an atheist, or if you just want to know how to respond to one, seek out some of the great resources available, and be bold in declaring the truth . . . in love.