#78: “I Choose Not to Believe”

Defending Christianity on college campuses is no easy task. I respect apologists who take on this challenge, particularly in university environments often perceived as centers of skepticism or hostility toward faith.

According to the Pew Research Center, 11% of U.S. adults identify as atheist or agnostic. [1] At colleges that number rises significantly—for example, 38% of incoming Harvard freshmen identify as such. [2] Additionally, 23% of college professors nationwide—and 37% at elite universities like Harvard—are reportedly atheist or agnostic. [3]

Dr. Frank Turek, a Christian apologist (www.crossexamined.org), frequently engages university audiences across the country. He is perhaps best known for co-authoring I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist with Dr. Norman Geisler. Many of his campus Q&A sessions, which often feature bold and honest student questions, can be found on YouTube.

This month, I’d like to share a short (4-minute) video featuring a student named Mark. After hearing Dr. Turek’s compelling presentation, Mark—a fellow Christian—shares his personal struggle in reaching nonbelievers.

People reject belief in God for a variety of reasons, but four broad categories often emerge: intellectual, emotional, volitional, and—less commonly addressed—apathy.

Intellectual Objections
Intellectual reasons for disbelief are perhaps the most straightforward to address. When a person’s rejection of Christianity stems from issues involving logic, theology, biblical reliability, or the relationship between science and faith, we can often respond with thoughtful, evidence-based answers. While we may not always convince someone through reason alone, the Christian worldview is supported by evidence that is at least arguably plausible.

Emotional Objections
Emotional reasons for disbelief are more challenging. Often, the person has suffered a deep loss or personal tragedy—such as a serious illness or the death of a loved one—and cannot reconcile such pain with the idea of a good and loving God. While Christian theology offers a reasoned response to the problem of evil and suffering, individuals in emotional pain usually need empathy, not argument. Compassion and presence must come before apologetics.

Volitional Objections
Volitional rejection of faith, like that cited by Frank, is not rooted in the intellect but in the will. Some people, despite receiving reasonable responses to their questions, persist in unbelief because they simply do not want God to be part of their lives. As Frank suggests, it’s often a matter of control and autonomy—a refusal to surrender to their Creator. In such cases, we must pray that the Holy Spirit softens their hearts and that other Christians enter their lives to model the hope and love of Christ.

Apathy
Apathy, the fourth reason, is particularly common among teenagers—but not limited to them. Some adults also profess indifference. Yet I believe that life experience, whether through hardship or confrontation with mortality, often awakens deeper questions of meaning, purpose, and eternity. These are not easily dismissed, because they are embedded in us as image-bearers of God.

I was impressed by Mark—his sincerity, courage, and desire to grow in how he shares his faith. I prayed for him and others like him. If only more Christian students displayed such thoughtfulness and conviction on college campuses.

In Christ, Doug

Director, AoM-Military & Secretary, Board of Directors

     “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect . . .” 1 Peter 3:15

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[1] “Religious Landscape Study”, Pew Research Center, 2023-24. https://www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/. This 11% figure varies considerably depending on the age group.
[2] Religion Survey, The Harvard Crimson, 2019.
https://features.thecrimson.com/2015/freshman-survey/lifestyle/
[3] How Religious Are America’s Professors?”, Biblical Archaeology Society, 2016.
https://library.biblicalarchaeology.org/sidebar/how-religious-are-americas-professors/. The data contained therein is based on a survey conducted by Harvard and George Mason professors.