Practical Atheism

I am a practical atheist. I live my life as if God didn't actually exist. Doesn't that sound pretty bad? Why would I claim that God existed, write about it, read about it, speak up for it, but not live like it? Seems pretty silly...

This past week at SNG, Todd Daly from Urbana Theological Seminary came and gave us a sermon that truly met me in a fantastic place. He spoke on the topic of, "Does God Exist?" (I'll post a link when it gets put up on the website) which of course is super easy... Yea, anyway, he brought up specifically the idea of practical atheism. This concept sits in the realm of believers of the message of Jesus of Nazareth not living like his message is real or affecting their lives. Now, I think I can see myself 'living' like it matters. I lead a small group, I go to church, am involved with a Home Fellowship, and heck, I even read my Bible sometimes. But what does that matter? What about all the times my speech is unseasoned with Grace, or when I gossip, or belittle people? What about the times I ignore those in need because I've got such a busy agenda that includes going to play video games at home? Where are the times I need to rely on God?

Now this might seem kind of awkward, because I think it is. What is the critical mass that my life looks like one that trusts God, and anywhere below that, I look like it doesn't matter to me?
That quantification doesn't seem important. What does matter is how I live. It means living set apart. Unfortunately, there are so many walks of life and cultures that it is difficult to say what exactly that means. Is it evil for us to enjoy the culture of our world? I don't think so. I think it is a gift from God and many times the culture enriches my understanding of Him and His creation. However, there are some parts that we must distance ourselves from.

I also think this means social justice. I've really had that idea in my head for a long time, and I wish I could know how better to act on it. As a student, it seems like my top priority should be my classes so that I can get a job and start to serve when I've graduated. But that doesn't negate that I should be taking time aside and serving I think too many times we make excuses of our own busyness to get out there and love other people. That isn't set apart.

So, when we wake up, what is on our mind? How do we live our day? What follows us to our beds at night?



Micah 6:8 And this is what He requires of you: To do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.