Why Are There Atheists?

“The main problem with those who deny the existence of God is not intellectual. It is not because of insufficient information, or that God’s manifestation of himself in nature has been obscured. The atheists’ problem is not that they cannot know God, rather it is they do not want to know him…Man’s problem with the existence of God is not an intellectual problem; it is a moral problem. ‘For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…’ (Rom. 1:18). Strikingly, the God of the apostle reveals his wrath. This makes God even more repulsive to the atheist. Even many theists, unfortunately, refuse to acknowledge that the Scriptures reveal that God is a God of wrath. But Paul does not mince his words: the God of the universe is furious at those ‘who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth’ (Rom. 1:18b). God’s anger boils over when those he has created in his image intentionally stifle the clear revelation of God in nature. The apostle’s radical declaration is that every human being who has ever lived knows that God exists because God has shown himself in the created order. His wrath is kindled against those who hold that clear manifestation down. . .

There is a psychology to atheism. What we fear more than nature, or more than a meaningless existence, is coming face-to-face with an almighty God who will hold us accountable for everything we have ever done (cf. Job 19:29; Eccles. 12:14; Matt.12:36; Rom. 2:16; 14:10,12; 1 Cor. 4:5). We know that our unrighteousness will become radically exposed when we step into the light….We cannot bear the exposure of this nakedness…We prefer the darkness because it conceals our wickedness.

– R.C. Sproul
Defending Your Faith: An Introduction to Apologetics