The following letter, titled A Letter to an Atheist: An Invitation to Faith, was inspired by members of my parish who feel deeply saddened that many of their friends, spouses, and family members do not believe in God. Despite their heartfelt efforts to share their faith, they are often met with rejection or admonishment, which sometimes leads them to give up entirely.
The intent of this letter is to offer Catholics a thoughtful and respectful way to invite atheists to consider faith. It is meant to be shared in a gentle, non-confrontational manner, perhaps accompanied by a personal note, such as: "This letter is being shared at church. I hope you will consider reading it." By sending a letter, the discomfort of an in-person conversation can often be avoided.
I believe this letter could serve as a meaningful resource for Catholics seeking to share their faith. While it is somewhat lengthy, I felt it was necessary to include everything I considered important, given the likelihood that there may not be an opportunity for follow-up discussion.
For simplicity and clarity, I have used the term "atheist" throughout this letter, acknowledging that terms like "agnostic," "anti-theist," and "nones" are also often used to describe those who do not believe.
Above all, my hope is that this letter inspires someone to consider faith and opens their heart to the possibility of a relationship with God. At the very least, it may bring peace of mind to the sender, knowing they have made a sincere and respectful effort to encourage a loved one to explore Christianity. If you feel this letter could resonate with someone you know, I invite you to share it.
I also encourage you leave a comment regarding your thoughts on this post.
A letter to an Atheist: An invitation to faith
Dear Friend,
I hope this letter finds you well. Although it’s a bit longer than most letters, I encourage you to read it to the end. It was written as a message for Christians to share with those who may not believe in God, and it comes from a place of love and concern, not judgment. I ask for your understanding, and trust that you won’t be upset with the person who shared it with you.
As a Catholic, I understand that discussing God can be deeply personal and challenging, especially when it involves different beliefs and perspectives. I approach this topic with respect for your decisions regarding faith. I do not intend to debate atheism or prove God’s existence, but rather to share my perspective on faith in the hope that it may be meaningful to you. I invite you to read this with an open mind, perhaps in a quiet moment where you can reflect on its message.
Every morning when I wake up, I feel an indescribable peace and joy as I begin my day in prayer to God. I thank Him for a new day, His endless love, and the gift of life. Yet, after giving thanks, a sadness and sorrow often set in as I contemplate all the people who do not believe in God and will not feel His presence in their day. This sorrow weighs heavily on me, which is why I’m reaching out to you today.
While I understand you may not view the Bible as I do or accept it as an authoritative source, I reference it because its verses reflect the core teachings of Christianity. It’s not my intention to overwhelm you with scripture, but I believe these words are meaningful and help convey the message I wish to share.
God created humanity to know, love, and serve Him, with the purpose of being united with Him in eternal happiness. God's love is unconditional, extending to all of humanity, including those who do not believe in Him. Jesus beautifully illustrated this love when He said:
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost” (Matthew 18:12-14).
Imagine a shepherd with 100 sheep. If one wanders off, he doesn’t simply think, ‘Oh well, I still have 99.’ Instead, he sets out to find the lost one, and when he does, he celebrates more over it than over the 99 that stayed. This is how God sees each of us. No matter how far we stray from Him spiritually, even to the point of unbelief, He continues to call us. And when we are united with him, He is overjoyed.
Although God's love for us is unconditional, He grants us the freedom to decide whether or not to love Him in return. This freedom allows us to choose between right and wrong, to follow His teachings or turn away, to accept Him or reject Him. As 2 Timothy 2:12 states, “If we persevere, we will also reign with Him; if we disown Him, He will also disown us.” This verse underscores the consequences of our choices: remaining steadfast in faith and loving God leads to eternal life, but if we reject Him, He will respect our choice, allowing us to be separated from Him and salvation.
Despite the consequences, many choose not to believe in God. Having once struggled with belief in His existence myself, I understand why people might reject religion and adopt atheistic views. For many, this decision stems from a desire for autonomy, free from religious constraints. Others are influenced by the belief that there is a lack of scientific proof. Some struggle to believe in a benevolent God due to the presence of suffering in the world. Others may have been raised in atheist households, where faith might seem unfamiliar or unnecessary. Additionally, the hypocritical actions of individuals claiming to be devout Christians often lead to disillusionment and doubt. Social conformity, peer pressure, misinformation, and fear of ridicule can also shape one’s beliefs, while secular education, social media, and cultural influences —such as the focus on personal pleasure, material wealth, and a worldview centered on individual success and self-reliance—often challenge traditional religious values.
Some atheists may be deterred from exploring Christianity due to feelings of unworthiness or guilt. They may believe their past actions, lifestyle choices, addictions, or doubts place them beyond the reach of God's love and forgiveness. Others may fear not living up to religious expectations or mistakenly believe they must be 'perfect' to be accepted by God. These feelings are contrary to Christian teaching, which says that God's love is unconditional, regardless of our past. He desires to forgive us and free us from the burden of guilt and regret. Through genuine repentance and faith in Jesus, God offers everyone a fresh start.
As I mentioned earlier, my intention is not to debate atheism or prove the existence of God. Instead, I invite you to reflect on why you chose atheism and whether it still feels like the right path for you. If you're having doubts about your decision, experiencing uncertainty, struggling to find happiness, experiencing feelings of emptiness, lack of purpose, or sensing that something is missing in your life, then I respectfully encourage you to consider exploring Christianity.
I’m not suggesting a quick or superficial look at it. Instead, I’m encouraging you to take a personal and spiritual journey to explore it more deeply and meaningfully. This involves taking the time to understand its teachings, history, and core beliefs. It’s a journey of both the heart and mind, one that challenges you to question long-held beliefs and overcome skepticism. It requires patience, courage, persistence, and a sincere desire to seek the truth.
Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). Throughout history, many atheists have discovered compelling reasons to believe in God. Notable examples include C.S. Lewis, the author of Mere Christianity; Alister McGrath, a former atheist biochemist turned Christian theologian; and Lee Strobel, a former investigative journalist and author of The Case for Christ. Their conversion to Christianity demonstrates that through research, reason, and careful examination of the evidence, they were able to come to faith.
In contrast, those who do not seek often base their decisions on personal experiences, societal influences, and intuition alone. The Bible teaches that all are subject to the judgment of God, even those who do not know or believe in Him, because His moral law is inscribed on every human heart and made evident through the voice of conscience.
The books mentioned above provide valuable insights for anyone exploring faith. Another notable title in Christian apologetics is I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek. This book presents a compelling case for Christianity, carefully examining the evidence both for and against atheism.
As you explore Christianity, you may eventually consider a specific Christian denomination (e.g., Methodist, Baptist, Orthodox). Among them, the Catholic Church stands apart, as it was founded by Jesus Christ and has preserved an unbroken lineage of successors through the Popes, beginning with St. Peter, whom Christ appointed as the first Pope. Throughout history, other Christian denominations have separated from the Catholic Church, whether through the Great Schism in 1054 AD, the Protestant Reformation in 1517, or other divisions. These separations represent not only a departure from the Catholic Church but also a divergence from aspects of Christ’s teaching.
Additionally, the global presence of the Catholic Church offers a universal sense of belonging. With a large worldwide membership, Catholicism goes beyond cultural and national boundaries, providing a diverse yet unified community. This worldwide reach ensures that wherever one goes, there is a Catholic community with shared beliefs and practices. The Church is also deeply committed to charity and social justice, actively working to support local communities. This combination of historical depth, spiritual richness, global community, and active charity presents a comprehensive and fulfilling path to faith.
One should approach this journey with a spirit of curiosity and a willingness to learn rather than feeling an immediate need to believe. Start by reading the Bible, particularly the Gospel readings in the New Testament, as they provide an account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Complement your Bible reading with works by Christian authors, like C.S. Lewis, to gain a broader perspective on faith. Try incorporating prayer into your daily routine. Prayer is simply a conversation with God. It’s how we share our thoughts, hopes, and struggles with Him.
Consider attending church services, as this will give you the opportunity to experience worship firsthand and learn more about the prayers, rituals, and beliefs central to Christianity. Joining a church community can provide support and fellowship, while also giving you the chance to learn from others’ experiences. As you grow in knowledge and understanding, you might find yourself naturally drawn to God. You may realize you have a spiritual nature that has been quietly present all along. Over time, your understanding will lead to a deeper, more meaningful relationship.
As you explore faith, it’s essential to recognize that Christianity acknowledges both good and evil, including the existence of the devil as a real and influential force. The devil despises God and will go to great lengths to keep you from developing a relationship with Him. He knows how easily a person can slip back into old habits when faced with temptation, doubt, or discouragement. As a master of deceit, lies, and manipulation, he exploits these moments of weakness to divert you from your spiritual path.
Although the devil’s power is limited, it should not be underestimated. He can plant thoughts and present situations that entice you to act against God, but he cannot take away your free will, so ultimately, it is your choice to accept or resist temptation. Despite the devil’s efforts, he is no match for God’s infinite power. Through prayer, God provides us with the strength needed to overcome temptation. As your prayer life deepens and your faith grows, you will become more aware of the devil’s influence and be better equipped to resist it.
Remember, we are all human, and we all stumble through life at times. Even if you feel like you're not making progress or find yourself slipping back into old habits, don’t despair or give up; be persistent. God is patient, and every step forward matters. Take comfort in the words of Scripture: “The valiant one whose steps are guided by the Lord, who will delight in his way, may stumble, but he will never fall, for the Lord holds his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).
Trying to describe a relationship with God is like explaining colors to someone who has never seen them. Words can’t capture it because it is a spiritual experience that touches the deepest part of the soul. Imagine knowing the God who not only created the universe but created you, who knows you intimately, loves you more than you can comprehend, and is always present with you. This is a God who knows your thoughts, your struggles, and your joys. He longs to be with you, not just now but for eternity. His love is unwavering, and you can trust Him completely to guide and support you through every challenge.
My friend, I sincerely hope you choose to take this journey. While I can’t predict how it will unfold or change your life, I pray that it brings you the same joy, peace, and happiness it has brought to me and countless others.
If you take this journey and decide that atheism is still the best path for you, at least you will have made an informed decision.
However, if you decide not to take it now, remember that God will always love you, just as a father loves his child. He will patiently wait for you with open arms, ready to offer a fresh start and a new path forward.
Whatever you choose, know that I will continue to pray each morning when I wake up, that you, too, will feel the presence of God in your day.