An Open Letter to Atheists This Christmas Season

It seems not a day goes by when the Freedom From Religion Foundation or some other atheist group isn’t attacking one of our Christian prayer meetings, trying to take down a nativity scene or attacking some other form of Christian expression.

I have one question for you: What’s it to you?

American Christians aren’t looking to trample your rights to believe whatever you want to believe or to celebrate those beliefs within the boundaries of common law. Why are some atheists so driven to go head to head in a battle each and every Christmas season over the same issues? And why does that battle have to continue throughout the year at football games and other public events where Christians simply want to display a Bible verse on a sign?

Again, I ask: What’s it to you?

If you are American atheist, you should count your blessings.

According to a study from the International Humanist and Ethical Union, atheists and other religious skeptics suffer persecution or discrimination in many parts of the world. In fact, while religions in the U.S. debate and dialogue with you, your atheist brethren in other nations sometimes face brutal treatment from religious groups. I was shocked to learn about it and I pray it stops. But it’s a stark reality at the moment.

“There are laws that deny atheists’ right to exist, curtail their freedom of belief and expression, revoke their right to citizenship, restrict their right to marry,” the Freedom of Thought 2012 report states. Other laws, “obstruct their access to public education, prohibit them from holding public office, prevent them from working for the state, criminalize their criticism of religion, and execute them for leaving the religion of their parents.”

I am against humanism, atheism, secularism and all the other “isms” that are coming against the gospel of Christ. But I’m not against you or your God-given right to believe what you want to believe. And I am imploring you to stop spending your time trying to chip away at the foundations on which America was built, which include freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Think about it for a minute, if America becomes more like other nations in the world, you may very well face more persecution here—and lose the rights you so freely exercise in attacking displays of Christianity. America is a free country. Why do you work so hard to make it less free for Christians, who would be among the first to defend your right to believe whatever you choose, even if it means losing your eternal life?

Atheists, you are welcome to shun Jesus Christ if you choose. Although He died for you, He will not force His will on you. He loves you and He’s given you freedom of religion—or freedom from religion if that’s what you want. Likewise, you should not force your will on Christians. There are many wonderful things atheist organizations could do with the energy spent coming against Jesus and His Word. I pray this Christmas season that Jesus will open the eyes of your heart and that you can get on the right side of the battle. Amen.

Jennifer LeClaire is news editor at Charisma. She is also the author of several books, including Did the Spirit of God Say That? You can email Jennifer at [email protected] or visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.