One time I heard a story about a proposed debate between an atheist and a believer. After the religious man had finished his lecture on a Christian topic, the atheist stood up and challenged the speaker to a debate on the question of God’s existence. The believer accepted the proposal on one condition: If the atheist could bring even one person to the debate hall who had become a good man by turning against God, then the believer would bring 100 people whose lives had been transformed by turning toward God. The debate never took place.

      Some Christians, particularly the weak and immature, may miss the full import of this fascinating story. They sometimes chafe at the restraints imposed by the Gospel, wondering why God withholds from them the pleasure of indulging the flesh, why he demands purity and holiness. The answer is evident in the words of Moses, who asked the people of Israel: “What does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I command you this day for your good?” (Deut. 10:12-13).

      The phrase “for your good” points to the grace in God’s heart. The Creator knows everything about us—what we need, how we think and feel, what empowers us or tears us down. Therefore, his commandments and prohibitions are always designed to give us light and life, to protect us from harm.

      The voice of atheism in the United States is increasing in volume and hostility. But a shouted argument is no more weighty than one expressed calmly and respectfully. The clamor of militant atheism can never mask the reality that turning away from God is embracing meaninglessness, degradation, and despair.