Using Scripture to Respond to Atheist Folly and Foolishness

The Bible frequently characterizes those who deny God as "fools," highlighting a fundamental disconnect from wisdom and truth ^{[4, 11]}. Psalm 14:1 states, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God,'" a sentiment echoed in Psalm 53:1 ^[4]. This "foolishness" is not merely a lack of intelligence but a moral and spiritual rebellion against divine order ^{[7, 11]}.

Scripture portrays this folly as deeply rooted in human nature apart from God's knowledge, leading to corrupt and abominable actions ^[4]. The prophet Isaiah describes the fool as one who "will speak folly, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice profanity, and to utter error against Yahweh" ^[3]. Such individuals are depicted as despising instruction and hating knowledge, finding no delight in understanding ^[4]. Their actions are often self-deceiving and self-sufficient ^[4].

The concept of foolishness extends to a rejection of God's law and counsel, which the Bible equates with rebellion ^[2]. For instance, Psalm 107:17 notes that "Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, and because of their iniquities" ^[1]. This rebellion is seen as provoking God and vexing the Holy Spirit ^[2].

Christian theologians have historically emphasized the role of Scripture in addressing such folly. John Calvin, in his Institutes of the Christian Religion, argues that the dignity and majesty of the Scriptures can be vindicated against "cavils of slanderers," though he notes that true faith ultimately requires the testimony of the Spirit ^{[6, 9, 13]}. The Scriptures are considered "given by inspiration of God" and are the "Word of God," providing the criterion by which truth and heresy are distinguished ^{[5, 12]}.

The wisdom of the world, which often underpins atheistic thought, is contrasted sharply with divine wisdom. The apostle Paul, as interpreted by John Gill, asserts that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" ^[8]. Charles Hodge further explains that when human reason attempts to speculate about divine things, it becomes foolish, aligning with Paul's statements in Romans 1:22 and 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 ^[10]. This perspective suggests that human reason, apart from divine revelation, is inherently limited and prone to error concerning spiritual truths ^[10].

Sources

Psalms “Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, and because of their iniquities. -- Psalms 107:17”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Rebellion Against God — Forbidden -- Nu 14:9; Jos 22:19. Provokes God -- Nu 16:30; Ne 9:26. Provokes Christ -- Ex 23:20,21; 1Co 10:9. Vexes the Holy Spirit -- Isa 63:10. Exhibited in Unbelief. -- De 9:23; Ps 106:24,25. Rejecting his government. -- 1Sa 8:7; 15:23. Revolting from him. -- Isa 1:5; 31:6. Despising his law. -- Ne 9:26. Despising his counsels. -- Ps 107:11. Distrusting his power. -- Eze 17:15. Murmuring against him. -- Nu 20:3,10. Refusing to hearken to him. -- De 9:23; Eze 20:8; Zec 7:11. Departing from him. -- Isa 59:13. Rebellion against governors appoi”
Isaiah “For the fool will speak folly, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice profanity, and to utter error against Yahweh, To make empty the soul of the hungry, and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail. -- Isaiah 32:6”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Fools — All men are, without the knowledge of God -- Tit 3:3. Deny God -- Ps 14:1; 53:1. Blaspheme God -- Ps 74:18. Reproach God -- Ps 74:22. Make a mock at sin -- Pr 14:9. Despise instruction -- Pr 1:7; 15:5. Hate knowledge -- Pr 1:22. Delight not in understanding -- Pr 18:2. Sport themselves in mischief -- Pr 10:23. Walk in darkness -- Ec 2:14. Hate to depart from evil -- Pr 13:19. Worship of, hateful to God -- Ec 5:1. Are Corrupt and abominable. -- Ps 14:1. Self-sufficient. -- Pr 12:15; Ro 1:22. Self-confident. -- Pr 14:16. Self-deceivers. -- Pr 14:8. Mere profess”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 24: of so many witnesses, especially when it is considered that in bearing testimony to the faith, they met death not with fanatical enthusiasm (as erring spirits are sometimes wont to do), but with a firm and constant, yet sober godly zeal. There are other reasons, neither few nor feeble, by which the dignity and majesty of 83 the Scriptures may be not only proved to the pious, but also completely vindicated against the cavils of slanderers. These, however, cannot of themselves produce a firm faith in Scripture until our heavenly Fath”
Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 14:1: If we apply our hearts as Solomon did (Ecc 7:25) to search out the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness, these verses will assist us in the search and will show us that sin is exceedingly sinful. Sin is the disease of mankind, and it appears here to be malignant and epidemic. 1. See how malignant it is (Psa 14:1) in two things: - (1.) The contempt it puts upon the honour of God: for there is something of practical atheism at the bottom of all sin. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. We are sometimes tempted to think, "Surely there ne”
1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3:20: And again,.... Not in the same place, nor in the same book, but in the Psalms, in Psa 94:11. This form of citing Scriptures answers to and moreover, used by the Jewish doctors when the matter does not so clearly appear from the first proof, and therefore they produce another (q): and so here the apostle, for the further confirmation and illustration of this point, that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, to the testimony of Eliphaz, adds this of David, the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain; in the Psalms it is, "the Lord ”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 23: clear evidence of its being spoken by God, and, consequently, of its containing his heavenly doctrine. We shall see a little farther on, that the volume of sacred Scripture very far surpasses all other writings. Nay, if we look at it with clear eyes, and unblessed Judgment, it will forthwith present itself with a divine majesty which will subdue our presumptuous opposition, and force us to do it homage. Still, however, it is preposterous to attempt, by discussion, to rear up a full faith in Scripture. True, were I called to contend”
CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 12: explains or concludes is as certainly false and wrong as that God lives.” 108 108 Ibid. vol. xii. pp. 399, 400. In another place he says that reason, when she attempts to speculate about divine things, becomes a fool; which, indeed, is very much what Paul says. ( Rom. i. 22 , 1 Cor. i. 18-31 .) The Lutheran theologians made a distinction between reason in the abstract, or reason as it was in man before the fall, and reason as it now is. They admit that no truth of revelation can contradict reason as such; but it may contradict the reason ”
Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 14 (introduction): The practical atheism and total and universal depravity of the wicked, with their hatred to the good, are set forth. Yet, as they dread God's judgments when He vindicates His people, the Psalmist prays for His delivering power. (Psa 14:1-7) Sinners are termed "fools," because they think and act contrary to right reason (Gen 34:7; Jos 7:15; Psa 39:8; Psa 74:18, Psa 74:22). in his heart--to himself (Gen 6:12).”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 2: Hermas, Tatian, Theophilus, Athenagoras, Clement of Alexandria — CHAP. XVI.--SCRIPTURE THE CRITERION BY WHICH TRUTH AND HERESY ARE DISTINGUISHED.[3] (part 2): Scripture, in accordance with their lusts.[4] And the lover of truth, as I think, needs force of soul. For those who make the greatest attempts must fail in things of the highest importance; unless, receiving from the truth itself the rule of the truth, they cleave to the truth. But such people, in consequence of falling away from the right path, err in most individual points; as you might expect from not having the faculty fo”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 23: 68 CHAPTER 7. THE TESTIMONY OF THE SPIRIT NECESSARY TO GIVE FULL AUTHORITY TO SCRIPTURE. THE IMPIETY OF PRETENDING THAT THE CREDIBILITY OF SCRIPTURE DEPENDS ON THE JUDGMENT OF THE CHURCH. Section. 1. The authority of Scripture derived not from men, but from the Spirit of God. Objection, That Scripture depends on the decision of the Church. Refutation, I. The truth of God would thus be subjected to the will of man. II. It is insulting to the Holy Spirit. III. It establishes a tyranny in the Church. IV. It forms a mass of errors. V. ”

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