Bashing atheists is deeply un-Christian

Service at Edgewater Presbyterian Church. Photo: Gerald Farinas.

Hating or looking down on atheists is wrong. It’s ugly. It comes from an old, harsh way of thinking—one that had no room for mercy, no space for love, and no real understanding of what it means to be Christian.

And yet, even today, in churches and politics and everyday life, we still hear people speak about atheists like they’re dangerous, cold, or without morals.

But that kind of thinking isn’t just outdated—it’s deeply un-Christian.

Jesus never told us to only love the people who believe the same way we do. In fact, he spent most of his time with people others looked down on.

He ate with tax collectors, welcomed outcasts, and showed kindness to those who were pushed aside by religious leaders.

He didn’t say, “Believe first, and then I’ll love you.”

He just loved.

So when Christians treat atheists like enemies, or say they can’t be good people, we’re turning our backs on the message of Jesus.

We’re forgetting that love and grace are supposed to come first—not judgment.

Some of the most kind, loving, and honest people I know aren’t Christian at all. Some are atheists.

They don’t believe in God, but they care for their neighbors.

They fight for justice.

They give to the poor.

They show kindness without expecting a reward.

That’s more Christian than a lot of churchgoers I know.

Even the late Pope Francis reminded us in 2013 that what matters to God is doing good—not just believing the right things.

He said, “The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone… even the atheists. Everyone!”

He went on to say that people who do good, even if they don’t believe, are still doing what is right in God’s eyes.

That’s not a new idea.

It’s just one we’ve forgotten.

Treating atheists like they don’t belong, like they’re broken or bad, is a form of spiritual pride.

And pride is not holy—it’s poison.

It builds walls.

It closes hearts.

And it pushes people away from the very love we’re supposed to share.

If we claim to follow Christ, we have to remember what he taught. Love is greater than fear, grace is greater than judgment, and every human being is a child of God—even the ones who don’t believe in God.

So let’s leave behind the cruelty of old ways.

Let’s stop treating atheists like enemies.

Let’s start acting like the people we’re called to be—people of compassion, of kindness, of mercy.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just what we believe that matters. It’s how we love.