Psalm 14:1-4
Introduction:
1. It seems pertinent to discuss the implications of life if there is no God after examining His nature and character.
2. In this lesson, we consider some bitter fruits of a world without God.
Discussion:
I. Human Life Is Devalued
A. Though most atheists value human life, such value is subjective.
B. Consider some statements from prominent atheists in this vein:
1. “We can no longer base our ethics on the idea that human beings are a special form of creation…If we compare a severely defective human infant with a nonhuman animal…we will often find the nonhuman to have superior capacities…Only the fact that the defective infant is a member of the species Homo sapiens leads it to be treated differently from the dog or pig…If we put aside the obsolete and erroneous notion of the sanctity of all human life, we may start to look at human life as it really is: at the quality of life that each human being has or can achieve.” (Peter Singer: Sanctity of Life or Quality of Life. Pediatrics Magazine: 1983, pp. 128-129.)
2. "Some unfortunate humans—perhaps because they have suffered brain damage—are not rational agents…The natural conclusion, according to the doctrine we are considering, would be that their status is that of mere animals. And perhaps we should go on to conclude that they may be used as non-human animals are used—perhaps as laboratory subjects, or as food.” (James Rachels: Created from Animals: The Moral Implications of Darwinism. pg. 186).
C. These arguments are true if there is no God (Genesis 1:26-28; 9:5-6).
II. Objective Morality Is Eliminated
A. Darwin was aware of this, and so are modern atheists.
B. In 1998, William Provine spoke at UT Knoxville on Darwin Day and highlighted some things Darwin knew inhered to his theory.
1. No gods worth having exist.
2. No life after death exists.
3. No ultimate foundation for ethics exists.
4. No ultimate meaning in life exists.
5. Human freewill is nonexistent.
C. Atheistic ethics are inherently subjective (Psalms 14:1-4).
D. As Darwin put it, “A man who has no assured and ever-present belief in the existence of a personal God or of a future existence with retribution and reward, can have for his rule of life, as far as I can see, only to follow those impulses and instincts which are the strongest or which seem to him the best ones.”
E. Such a philosophy means nothing we do can be rightly condemned as sinful: deceit, theft, violence, sexual perversion, corruption, etc.
F. This belief system drove several high-profile atrocities:
1. Hitler tried to help nature select a “perfect race” of humanity.
2. Jeffrey Dahmer stated Darwinism enabled him to release his guilt and pursue his heinous fantasies (Stone Phillips Interview).
3. The Columbine shooters were obsessed with natural selection and eliminating “unfit” humans from the world.
G. God eventually gives rebellious people over to their devices (Romans 1:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
III. Hope Beyond This Life Is A Farce
A. Numbers 1, 2 and 4 in Provine’s list apply especially here.
B. If there is no God and no life after death, then life means nothing.
C. Sure, it may have its high points along the way, but it all moves us towards an inescapable nothingness.
D. Also, there would be no justice for the evil done by godless men.
E. But we know there is a judgment coming and all will be put right (Romans 2:5-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 6:9-11; 16:5-7).
Conclusion:
1. This discussion could be a series of its own, but hopefully this lesson will promote greater zeal in us all to strengthen our faith in Him.
2. Thankfully, He has left evidence everywhere of His existence and nature.
3. It is our task to convince others to accept that evidence and avoid the bitter fruits of a life without God.