Beware of Practical Atheism
Throughout the ages, countless individuals around the globe have lived each moment with the full awareness of being in the presence of God, of being accompanied by God wherever they might go or be. The Latin expression “Coram Deo” denotes this very thought - before the face of God! Wherever one turns, rays of His majesty are found!
Christians, especially, know themselves as worshipers of only one God, in contrast to followers of many other religions where a multiplicity of deities is invoked. The God of Christians even took an additional step for the sake of the human race, when He revealed Himself so tangibly and lovingly in the person of Jesus Christ, Who became incarnate to show humanity the real deity.
This God left guidelines on how humans may relate to Him, how to place Him first in everything, how to look at reality through the lenses which He Himself provides.
Nevertheless, humans so easily forget their Source - their God - and are prone to give attention to other competing voices, and offer their allegiance to other individuals, causes, or personal choices which literally become their god. That’s what is classified as “practical atheism.” One may give verbal allegiance to the true and living God while, in reality, paying homage to other gods, even if unknowingly.
A contemporary preacher wisely remarked that “in the heart of every human incense burns to something.” And the great 16th century Reformer, John Calvin, also indicated that the human mind is an idol factory.
St. John, the apostle, was fully cognizant of this when, at the conclusion of his first epistle, he forewarned his readers, saying: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (I John 5:21).
Christians, of all citizens of the world, must acknowledge God’s superintendence over all human affairs and the world He fashioned. He continues to rule over all creation, while maintaining His right to occupy a special place in the human heart.
May it never be said of God’s true children anywhere: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me…” (Isaiah 29:13).
A safe way to counteract practical atheism, is to remember what God has done and continues to do for the world and for individual human creatures. Contemplate His creation and the beauty of all He put in place, and realize that He remains worthy of our worship and adoration. The praises He deserves are not limited to one location, or one day of the week, nor to a physical posture. As an old hymn proclaims, “God Himself is with us, let us now adore Him.” And that “now” is to be a continuous doxology throughout a person’s trajectory on earth, unto the Almighty, eternal God!
