In recent reports, Barna (and other researchers) have noted that Christianity is on a steady decline while Americans’ identification with atheism continues to increase. Barna tracking data show that in 2003, just a little over one in 10 Americans claimed to be atheist, agnostic or of no religion (“none”) (11%), while over eight in 10 identified as Christian (across Barna’s faith segments, this included 7% evangelicals, 33% non-evangelical born again and 41% nominal Christians) and less than one in 10 affiliated with other faiths (8%).
Percentage points for all religious segments saw little to no shift over a decade, from 2003 to 2012—but by 2018, Christianity in the United States had witnessed a significant loss of followers, from 81 percent in 2003 to 72 percent in 2018. Meanwhile, the atheist / agnostic / none segment has seen the greatest increase of all groups analyzed, nearly doubling in size from 11 percent in 2003 to 21 percent in 2018.
What accounts for such alarming statistics? A recent tweet may give insight to one possible reason:
“As a young girl I was expected to protect the reputation of the almighty creator – even though, he couldn’t be bothered with protecting my innocence. It’s a pain that will never go away, but! Finally understanding that God does not exist has eased it.” – JoHannah Greene February 11, 2021
The permission of evil and suffering is perhaps the most powerful argument against the existence of God. And not only child sexual abuse. History is filled with examples of disasters and atrocities that have led to the death and suffering of billions. Mankind has been crying out for relief for centuries. (Romans 8:22)
The earth, with its amazing variety of creatures in the air, on land and in its seas, the complexities of the human body and our brain. From microscopic to telescopic our universe appears to provide impressive evidence of a supreme designer. Yet all of this fails to answer the question of a child that asks if God loves me why didn’t he protect me from my abuser?
Many scientists are uncomfortable with the idea that the universe was created by an intelligent Creator. So they speculate that it somehow just came into existence by itself. But no one has been able to explain how that could happen.
Not only that but an equally important answer “why did it do so?” eludes them. Religionists on the other hand are faced with their own dilemma. The idea of a creator may make them feel comfortable, but they can only speculate as to why a loving God would permit wickedness and suffering.
Of course the fact that wickedness has gone on for centuries neither proves nor disproves the existence of God. But for Christians it would seem to provide a much more serious problem, raising issues about the character of the God they love, worship and give credit to for all of the beauty and complexity in nature. Believers in God may be quick to dismiss atheists as being inexcusable for ignoring all of the beauty in creation. (Romans 1:20,21)
Well if the marvelous design in the universe is proof of God’s love, why does he not prevent human suffering? Did he create all of this wonder and then abandon the human race? Is he dead? Does he care? It would seem to be imperative that, in order to stem the tide of increasing atheism, beyond offering examples of God’s power and ability Christians need to reconcile the existence of suffering with the existence of a God that is wise, just and loving.
The writers of the Bible make the claim of being inspired by God, so that the Bible is said to not be the word of men but the word of God. It would seem logical that, knowing humans would have such questions, he would use that revelation to provide the answer. Does the Bible specifically address the question why does God permit wickedness? If so, what answer does it provide? Let’s be clear at the outset. Reasoning that God is not responsible for wickedness does not address the question. The question is why does he permit it.
I would like to make an appeal to the Christian community for your help in addressing this issue. All indications are that this is a topic for which you will increasing have to provide a reason for your hope. (1 Peter 3:15)
Please send me your comments.