The Impossibility of Atheism: A Journey from Islamic Extremism to Christian Faith
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
Atheism, in its core essence, is the belief in the absence of a creator. It dismisses the possibility of a higher power governing or guiding the universe and its moral framework. As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim, I grew up with a worldview heavily shaped by religious dogma and political extremism. From the rigid doctrines of Islam to the all-consuming ideals of socialism and veganism, my life was once dominated by ideologies that sought to explain everything. Yet, I found that the atheistic rejection of God and the absence of a moral lawgiver could not hold water under the scrutiny of reason, accountability, and logic. Through my personal transformation, which led me to Christianity and to embrace conservative values, I came to understand why atheism is, in fact, nonsensical.
The Logical Necessity of a Creator
Reason and logic are fundamental principles that underpin human society and scientific inquiry. They are tools we use to comprehend the world around us. For example, when we observe the cosmos, we see an extraordinary order and complexity in the universe. From the fine-tuning of physical constants that allow for life to the intricate balance of ecosystems on Earth, everything seems to fit together in a way that defies random chance.
The famous physicist Albert Einstein remarked, “The more I study science, the more I believe in God.” Einstein’s statement highlights a profound truth: the more we explore the universe, the more we see the necessity of a creator. It is not merely the appearance of order, but the fundamental laws that govern it, that point us toward an intelligent designer. Laws of physics, mathematics, and biology all operate within precise parameters that suggest design, not randomness.
Atheists, however, argue that these processes can be explained by chance or the natural laws of physics, excluding the need for a creator. Yet, this argument fails on the most basic level. For example, how can the universe and its laws come into existence without an initial cause? The Kalam Cosmological Argument, formulated by philosopher William Lane Craig, presents this dilemma clearly: “Whatever begins to exist has a cause. The universe began to exist. Therefore, the universe has a cause.” This simple syllogism forces one to confront the reality that something must have initiated the existence of the universe—an intelligent cause, not a mere cosmic accident.
The Accountability of Creation
One of the strongest arguments against atheism lies in the issue of morality and accountability. If there is no creator, then morality becomes subjective, and there is no true basis for distinguishing right from wrong. Without a lawgiver, any moral code would merely be an arbitrary set of rules dictated by human preferences or societal norms. In an atheistic worldview, who then holds the ultimate accountability for actions? Are we simply the result of biological impulses, or do we have a higher calling and responsibility?
In contrast, Christianity, like many other theistic worldviews, offers a clear framework of objective morality rooted in the belief in God. The Bible asserts that humanity was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), and that His moral laws are not merely human constructs but divine imperatives. These laws are universal, transcendent, and not subject to individual whims or social changes. In embracing the reality of a creator, one also accepts a higher responsibility—a responsibility to live according to divine principles, as accountability to God exists beyond mere human judgment.
The consequences of ignoring this accountability are evident in the societal breakdowns we see in secular communities. The moral decay of modern society, driven by the rejection of religious principles and objective morality, leads to a void of meaning and direction. When people live as if there are no consequences beyond this life, they often make choices that are harmful to themselves and to others. Atheism, while promising freedom from moral restraint, ironically removes the foundation for true moral guidance and accountability.
The Inconsistency of Atheism
Beyond the issues of logic and morality, atheism also fails to account for the deep human longing for purpose and meaning. As an ex-Muslim, I was once part of a religion that offered clear answers to questions of existence and the afterlife. It gave me a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose. But when I left Islam and delved into atheism, I found the answers lacking.
Atheism’s attempt to provide a purely materialist explanation for everything—where the human experience is nothing more than a random sequence of chemical reactions—leaves no room for the transcendent. The human spirit longs for more than just survival and replication. Atheism offers no adequate explanation for the innate human drive for justice, beauty, and love. These qualities are not easily explained by materialism; they point toward something greater than the physical world.
Moreover, atheism’s insistence on the finality of death denies any hope of an afterlife or divine purpose. This is deeply unsatisfying for many, especially those who have experienced loss or suffering. The Christian worldview, in contrast, offers hope beyond the grave and a reason for suffering that is rooted in God’s ultimate plan for redemption and eternal life.
Conclusion: Embracing Faith, Reason, and Accountability
In my journey from a devout Muslim to a disillusioned atheist and finally to a Christian conservative, I came to see that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, complementary. Atheism’s rejection of a creator fails to hold up under scrutiny, both intellectually and morally. The universe’s complexity, the necessity for a moral lawgiver, and the human longing for purpose all point to a creator who designed everything with intention. It is through the lens of faith that we find answers to the most profound questions of life.
As I now embrace my Christian faith, I see the world through a different lens—one that acknowledges a divine creator who holds us accountable and guides us toward a higher purpose. Atheism, with its rejection of God, ultimately leaves us adrift in a meaningless world. In contrast, Christianity provides a foundation for reason, morality, and ultimate hope.
Citations
- Craig, William Lane. "The Kalam Cosmological Argument." Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2000.
- Einstein, Albert. "The World As I See It." Philosophical Library, 1949.
- Genesis 1:26, The Holy Bible, King James Version.
- C.S. Lewis. Mere Christianity. HarperCollins, 1952.
- Dawkins, Richard. The God Delusion. Bantam Press, 2006.
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