There are three common areas of unbelief ...
'Atheism' is the total denial of God's existence. It is defiant by nature: an unintelligible religion unto itself ... a 'belief in unbelief'.
'Agnosticism' argues that God's existence is impossible to know because it cannot be empirically proven or disproven.
'Apatheism' is more of an attitude than a set belief ... a complete disinterest in anything spiritual. 'Apathy' toward the very existence of God is common in people today. They think that faith in a supreme being is irrelevant to anything that matters in life.
By the way ... anyone who says 'I’m a Christian' yet lives outside biblical standards, doesn't pray, and gives no thought to God's sovereignty is also considered an 'apatheist'.
And, according to Scripture, we must accept God's existence by faith .... Without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Most people are not actively opposed to God; they are simply numb to the idea of an omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, deity.
So how do we reach 'apatheists' for Christ?
Don't be put off by the words 'I don't care' ... open a conversation, patiently listen as they justify their position, find their spiritual 'sore spot', and lovingly apply the salve of God's Word.
Give them a chance to respond to the only truth that can satisfy the hidden longing in a lethargic heart.
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